If you've decided to start a dubbelstaafmat hekwerk plaatsen project, you're likely looking for that perfect balance between a modern look and serious durability. It's one of those DIY jobs that looks incredibly intimidating from the sidewalk, but once you break it down into steps, it's actually pretty manageable. You don't need a degree in engineering, but you do need a bit of patience and a very straight eye.
These fences—often called double wire mesh in English—are popular for a reason. They don't block the light, they're tough as nails, and they don't rot like the old wooden fences we're all used to replacing every decade. So, let's talk about how to actually get this thing in the ground without losing your mind.
Getting your gear and plan together
Before you even think about digging a hole, you need to map everything out. I know, it's the boring part, but skipping the planning phase is the fastest way to end up with a fence that looks like a zig-zag.
Start by measuring the total length of the area you want to cover. Most double wire mesh panels come in standard widths (usually around 2.5 meters), so you'll need to do some math. If your run isn't a perfect multiple of the panel width, you're going to have to cut a panel at the end. That's fine, but it's better to know that now than when you're halfway through the afternoon.
You're also going to need some specific tools. A good spade is a given, but a post-hole auger (manual or electric) will save your back a lot of grief. You'll also need a long spirit level—seriously, don't guess this—some string line, and plenty of quick-set concrete.
The importance of the string line
If there is one thing you shouldn't compromise on when you dubbelstaafmat hekwerk plaatsen, it's your string line. This is your "north star." Drive two stakes into the ground at the very beginning and end of your fence line and pull a string tight between them.
This string serves two purposes: it keeps your fence straight, and it helps you maintain a consistent height. If your ground is a bit uneven, the string line will reveal exactly where you need to dig a little deeper or where the fence might sit a bit higher off the grass. Trust me, if you just "eyeball it," you'll notice the wobble every time you pull into your driveway.
Digging and setting the first post
Everything hinges on the first post. If the first one is crooked, the whole line is doomed. Dig a hole about 50 to 60 centimeters deep. You want to get deep enough so the wind doesn't turn your fence into a sail and pull it over.
Once the hole is ready, pop the post in and use your level on two sides of the post to make sure it's perfectly vertical. Now, here's a tip: don't just dump all the concrete in and walk away. Put a little bit of gravel at the bottom for drainage first, then add your concrete. If you're using quick-set stuff (which I highly recommend), you'll only have a few minutes to make final adjustments before it stays there forever.
Attaching the panels
This is where the "double" in double wire mesh comes into play. These panels have two horizontal wires and one vertical wire sandwiched between them. They're heavy, so if you can convince a friend to help you for an hour, do it.
When you dubbelstaafmat hekwerk plaatsen, you usually attach the panels to the posts using special brackets or clips. Don't tighten them all the way down immediately. Give yourself a little bit of "wiggle room" so you can make sure the panel is level. Once the panel is hooked onto the first post, you can mark exactly where the second post needs to go. This "post-panel-post" method is much more accurate than digging all your holes at once and hoping the distance is right.
Dealing with corners
Corners can be a bit of a head-scratcher. You can get specific corner posts that have attachment points on two sides, or you can use two regular posts set close together at an angle. The key here is to make sure your corner is a true 90-degree angle (or whatever angle your garden requires). If the corner is off, the tension on the panels will be weird, and it might even cause the mesh to bend over time.
Handling slopes and gradients
Let's be real, very few gardens are perfectly flat. If you're working with a slope, you have two choices: the "stepping" method or the "sloping" method.
The stepping method is the most common for this type of fencing. You keep the panels level but drop each one down a few centimeters compared to the previous one, creating a staircase effect. It looks clean and professional. The sloping method involves tilting the panels to match the ground, but with rigid double wire mesh, that's almost impossible to do without it looking messy. Stick to the steps—it's much easier on the eyes.
Securing the bottom and top
Once all your panels are hanging and your posts are set in concrete, go back through and tighten all the bolts and clips. You want it to be "drum tight." If the panels can rattle, the wind will eventually make them noisy, and nobody wants a musical fence at 3 AM.
Also, check the bottom of the fence. You usually want a small gap (maybe 5 centimeters) between the mesh and the ground. This prevents the metal from sitting in constant moisture, and it lets small critters like hedgehogs pass through your garden without getting stuck. If the gap is too big, though, your neighbor's chihuahua might make an uninvited appearance.
Finishing touches and maintenance
One of the best things about a dubbelstaafmat hekwerk plaatsen project is that once it's done, you're basically finished with maintenance for the next twenty years. Most of these systems are galvanized and powder-coated, meaning they won't rust.
However, keep an eye out for any scratches you might have made during installation. If you hit the fence with a shovel or scuffed it while tightening a bolt, use a little bit of touch-up spray paint in the same color (usually Anthracite or Green). This seals the metal back up and keeps the rust away.
Also, don't forget the post caps! These might seem like small plastic accessories, but they stop rainwater from sitting inside the hollow posts. If water gets in there and freezes in the winter, it can actually split the metal. Pop those caps on, and you're good to go.
Why DIY might be the way to go
Sure, you could hire a crew to do this, but there's a certain pride in doing a dubbelstaafmat hekwerk plaatsen job yourself. It's a physical task, but it's logical. Plus, the money you save on labor can go toward higher-quality panels or maybe a nice gate to match.
Just remember: measure twice, dig once, and always trust your spirit level more than your eyes. Before you know it, you'll have a fence that looks like it was installed by a pro, and it'll stay standing long after the wooden ones nearby have started to lean.