The chart below contains information about different types of wire fencing, including cost, strength and how difficult the installation process may be. Learn more about livestock fencing in Farm Fencing: Horse High, Chicken Tight and Bull Strong.
|
Type |
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.
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