From simple options to tall and sturdy fortifications, there are different kinds of wire fences. Knowing the benefits and drawbacks of each will help you decide which one performs and looks the way you want.
Types of Wire Fencing
High Tensile Wire Fences
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Estimated cost: $1.10 to $2.50 per linear foot, but can cost more depending on strength, the number of strands of wire, and so forth
High tensile wire fences are commonly used for livestock containment. They consist of smooth wires stretched tightly between wooden or metal posts. High tensile wire fences are durable, cost-effective, and long-lasting. Plus, they provide a clear boundary. The wire can also be used to make another type of fence more secure and durable.
This fencing can accommodate various kinds of animals but especially horses and cattle. Additional barriers may be needed to contain small animals, however.
Welded Wire Fences
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Estimated cost: $3.80 to $10 per linear foot
Welded wire fencing is common farm fencing made by welding individual wires together to form a grid-like pattern. These fences are strong and durable. They’re suitable for various applications, such as gardens, pools, and public spaces.
Moreover, welded wire fences provide a secure barrier while still allowing visibility and airflow. They’re aesthetically pleasing fences that can be made of wire only or accompanied by wooden posts for a higher price (here’s how to install fence posts).
Woven Wire Fence
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Estimated cost: $1.50 to $4.45 per linear foot
Woven wire fences, such as chain link fences, are similar to welded wire fences. However, they’re constructed by weaving wires together instead of welding them. They work well for gardens and yards, as well as securing pets and livestock. Overall, woven wire fences are attractive and provide an efficient amount of safety.
Deer Wire Fence
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Estimated cost: $1.50 to $6 per linear foot
If you have a beautiful garden full of flowers and plants, you want to prevent deer from nibbling on them. Deer fences are an affordable way to keep these beautiful but pesky creatures off your property. They’re built high enough so deer can’t jump over them, but they’re not usually strong enough to contain livestock.
Hog Wire Fence
Estimated cost: $3 to $10 per linear foot
Hog wire fences are a type of welded wire fences but stronger and more durable. The spacing between the wires should become more narrow at the bottom. As the fence’s name suggests, its main purpose is to contain pigs, but it also works for other livestock.
The strength of hog wire fences is great for supporting plants or climbing vines. These fences are typically more expensive than other fences, but their price depends on their length. They usually have wooden or metal fence posts, which also affect the price.
Bull Wire Fence
Estimated cost: $2.50 to $7.50 per linear foot
Bull wire fences are thicker and more durable than other wires because they’re designed to withstand the strength of bulls. They’re normally woven into squares or rectangles. The increased strength and durability make bull wire fences more expensive than regular wire fences. However, they provide enhanced security and containment for these powerful animals.
Chicken Wire Fence
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Estimated cost: $2 to $4.60 per linear foot
Chicken wire fences are designed to keep small animals like chickens contained. They’re made of thin, flexible wire mesh that’s easy to work with and install. Its cost will be determined by its height. It’s relatively durable, although it rusts easily.
However, it’s important to note that chicken wire fences may not be effective at keeping out larger predators. Therefore, additional measures such as burying the wire or adding a secondary fence may be necessary to ensure the safety of the animals. Still, chicken wire fences work great for protecting your flower beds against small animals like bunnies.
Tip: You can also use chicken wire to dog-proof a fence.
Barbed Wire Fence
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Estimated cost: $1.20 to $4.25 per linear foot
Barbed wire fences are sometimes used on farms and ranches to keep livestock contained and deter predators. The sharp barbs on the wire make it difficult for animals (and people) to push through or climb over the fence. They’re used for cattle, but also suitable for some animals, like horses, who like to lean on fences. Sometimes, just one barbed wire is added to a fence to make it more secure.
However, barbed wire fences have sharp barbs that can be dangerous for humans, pets, and wildlife. If you already have a barbed wire fence, you can try taking steps to make it more wildlife-friendly.
Electric Wire Fence
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Estimated cost: $6.85 to $11.15 per linear foot
Electric wire fences are another option for securing livestock and deterring animals from leaning on fences. It’s not common for rural areas to have electric wire fences. Rather, they’re more often used when there’s a real threat of predator attacks. Moreover, they need electric power to run, incurring additional costs.
These fences use a low-voltage electric current to create a mild shock, teaching animals to avoid the fence. Professional installation and regular maintenance are necessary because the fences can pose a safety risk. It’s also important to know that not all electric wire fences are the same. For example, high-security areas often have electric fences with higher voltages that cause more severe shocks.
Furthermore, electrified fences may malfunction, especially if they’re not installed properly. They may become ineffective, or worse, they may pose a danger to humans, pets, and wildlife.
What Affects Fence Prices
Apart from the type of fence you choose, various other factors also affect fence prices. Some of those are:
- Wire thickness: Woven wire fences come in different gauges (thicknesses), so choose the gauge that best fits your needs. Livestock needs a thicker fence than a garden or yard. On the other hand, if you use woven wire for a garden fence, you may want to choose a lighter gauge and save some money.
- Strands of wire: The number of wire strands also plays a part in determining the price of a wire fence. If you want to contain large animals, you’ll probably need to use more strands of wire.
- Material: The material used for the wire fence can greatly impact its price. Options such as stainless steel, aluminum, and vinyl all have different costs associated with them.
- Height: The height of the wire fence is another factor to consider. A taller fence may, for instance, be necessary for larger animals or to provide added security, but it will also increase the overall cost of the fence. Additionally, local regulations or specific needs may dictate a minimum height requirement for certain types of fences.
- Length: The length of the wire fence is another important factor to consider. Longer fences require more materials and labor, thus increasing the costs.
FAQ
Rust and corrosion affect a variety of fencing, and wire fencing is no exception. Some materials, like aluminum wire, vinyl-coated wire, and stainless steel wire, are less susceptible to rust and corrosion. Additionally, Galvanized wire fences are also effective against rust and corrosion.
Note that even if you use a resistant material, rust and corrosion are extra hard to avoid if you live in a humid climate.
Stainless steel wire fences and vinyl-coated wire fences are both excellent and durable options. They can endure pressure and various weather conditions. Another option is galvanized steel, but beware of its potentially toxic effects (see below). If you’re looking for strength and durability, you can use steel wire mesh fencing.
Galvanization means that the wire has been coated with a protective coating of rust-protective metal, such as zinc. This process helps extend the lifespan of the wire fence. However, it can be a hazardous option for animals. That’s because animals can ingest the poisonous zinc coating if they chew on the fence, which some animals like to do. Over time, white rust may form, which is also poisonous. Both inhaling and ingesting zinc are dangerous.
When it comes to wire fences, a chicken wire fence is the best choice. Just note that it’s not efficient for containing or keeping out larger animals.
Welded or woven fences, such as chain link fences, are good fence options for dogs. To make your fence secure against escape attempts, check out our How to Dog-Proof Your Fence article.
Avoid fences that are too short or have too many gaps. Barbed wire fences and electric fences are also not suitable for dogs because they may lead to injuries and accidents (see above).
Get the Right Fencing
Installing a suitable fence is a necessity, but choosing the right one is a challenge. Which option is right for your yard? What are your reasons for adding a new fence?
There are many reasons why a wire fence may be right for you. And different types of wire fencing have various uses and benefits.
While some fence types are best left to the pros, others are realistic DIY projects for skilled homeowners. However, if you’d rather spare yourself the time and effort, why not get help with your new fence anyway?
Contact our pros today for a fence installation quote.
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