Wire Fencing: Compare Your Options

Relative Cost*

Relative Strength^

Installation⁺ 

Notes

Conventional Smooth Wire Low Low Easy Really only effective if electrified. High-Tensile Smooth Wire Low High Average Requires strong braces and can be electrified. Conventional Barbed Wire Medium Medium Average Proper hand and arm protection is a must. High-Tensile Barbed Wire Medium High Average Never electrify barbed wire. Conventional Woven Wire High Medium Difficult Most effective when topped with one strand
of barbed wire or electric. High-Tensile Steel Woven Wire High High Difficult Good permanent barrier — best topped with
barbed or electric wire. Electric Fence Low Variable Easy Can be portable; charger can be
solar-powered. Welded Wire Stock Panels High High Easy Good for areas with high animal contact.

*Relative costs are based on new posts and four runs of smooth or barbed wire, or a single run of woven or welded wire.
^Relative strengths are based on commonly available and comparable wire sizes.
⁺Ease of intallation is based on technical and physical aspects of post setting as well as wire stretching and hanging.