Wire Fencing: Compare Your Options
Learn how to pick the right fencing type for your budget, expertise and animals.
By Oscar H. Will III
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 |
|
High-Tensile Steel Woven Wire |
High | High | Difficult |
Good permanent barrier — best topped with |
| Electric Fence | Low | Variable | Easy |
Can be portable; charger can be |
|
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.
