How to Frame and Install a Corrugated Metal Fence and Transform Your Yard

One of the first things you should do before digging into how to frame a corrugated metal fence, or any other project that could require digging into the ground, is call the 811 line for your state or reach out to your local utility companies. You’ll need to call this number or talk to a utility worker to have the utility lines on your property located and marked at least a few business days before you plan to start framing your fence.

Locating your utility lines is a crucial first step to prevent accidentally digging into them. This accident isn’t just an inconvenience; it is costly and extremely dangerous. 

Hitting a utility line will definitely impact the power, sewage system, or water for your neighborhood, but it could also lead to electrocution, which can be deadly. Do not skip this step.

Once the utility companies have helped you locate and mark buried utility lines, you can start outlining the future location of your corrugated metal fence. You’ll start with marking near where the corners of the fence will go.

• Using a rubber mallet, drive each stake a few inches into the ground.

• Position the stakes about 6 inches from where the corner of the fence will be to leave room to dig post holes.

• Use a flag or other marker to note exactly where you want the post to be.

To help guide installation, tie string around each stake until you have marked the entire outline of the fence. The old saying, “Measure twice, cut once,” comes into play here. You’ll want to measure the outlined fence again, as you did in the preparation steps, to make sure you have the correct amount of corrugated metal for your fence.

Choosing the right fence posts and installing them properly is key to a strong fence that will stand the test of time. The post holes will need to be deep enough to bury at least 1/3 of your fence post (for example, if your post is 6 feet tall, 2 feet of it should be in the ground). 

Each hole should also be wide enough to fill and set the post with materials like concrete or expanding foam, so plan to dig a hole with a diameter about three times the diameter of the post.

• Use a shovel or rent an auger (post hole drill) to dig the holes where the corners of the fence will go.

• Dig additional post holes spaced evenly apart (about 5 feet up to 30 feet, depending on the size of the fence) around the perimeter of the marked fence outline.

• Make the post hole 1/3 of the height of the post.

• With a shovel, widen the post hole to about three times the diameter of the post.

Now you’re ready to place the fence posts in the post holes. First, you’ll need to add 6 inches of gravel at the base of the hole. Adding gravel helps water drain away from the wood post, which is important because if water collects here, it can cause the post to rot and fail, leaving you with a sagging or fallen fence.

Next, it’s time to set the posts:

• At each post hole, place the post in the center. You may want to ask a friend or neighbor to help you steady the post.

• Use a level to ensure the post is perfectly vertical.

• Wait to mix your concrete or expandable foam until right before you are ready to set the posts.

• Pour the quick-set concrete or mixed expandable foam into the post holes. Follow the instructions on the product labels for specific application instructions and dry time.

• For smaller post holes, you can purchase sprayable expandable foam and spray it directly into the post holes for easy application.

• Let the concrete or expandable foam set for at least four hours before moving to the next step.

When working with concrete or expandable foam, always thoroughly read all instructions before beginning, and use safety equipment, like gloves and a mask, when handling the setting materials.

When it comes to learning how to frame a corrugated metal fence, you’ll find that you need more than just the fence posts to support these large, heavy sheets of metal. You also need to install horizontal beams to help the posts bear the weight.

• Ask a friend or two to hold a two-by-four pressure-treated wood board between two posts toward the bottom of the posts.

• Check that the board is level.

• Use a drill and exterior-rated structural screws to attach each end of the two-by-four to the posts.

• Repeat by adding a two-by-four in the middle and toward the top between the two posts.

• Continue the process, adding three horizontal support beams between each set of two posts.

This step is optional, but it can make your life a lot easier as you’re trying to hold the panels in place and attach them to the fence frame.

• Lay out the corrugated metal panels on a safe workspace.

• Put on protective equipment, including safety goggles and gloves.

• Predrill holes along each side of the corrugated metal panels where they’ll be attached to the fence posts about every 4 inches. These holes will guide you on where to drill the panels into the frame.

Depending on the size of your corrugated metal panels, you may opt to install them vertically or horizontally. Decide which option looks best for your property, then recruit a friend or neighbor to help you hold the metal panels in place while you drill through the predrilled holes with flat-head exterior screws to attach the panels to the posts.