Whether you're protecting a garden, containing livestock, or securing a property line, the right wire fence is a critical investment. But with so many materials and designs to choose from, even a straightforward project can quickly become overwhelming.
This guide cuts through the noise. We'll break down the 5 essential types of wire fencing, giving you the clear, practical knowledge to choose the perfect solution for your needs—and invest with confidence.
Quick Links:
For Maximum Strength: See Field Fence.
For Best Value & Budget: See Chain Link Fence & Barbed Wire.
For Garden & DIY Projects: See Welded Wire Fence.
3 Key Things to Know Before You Buy
Before diving into the specific types, understanding these three basic concepts will help you grasp the pros and cons of each fence.
Construction (Woven vs. Welded)
Think of it like a sweater versus a shirt:
Woven Wire: Strands of wire are woven together, much like a sweater. This makes the fence flexible, allowing it to absorb impact from animals without breaking. It's ideal for containing large livestock. Field fence and chain link are classic examples.
Welded Wire: Wires are laid in a grid pattern and welded at each intersection, creating a rigid, flat panel like a well-made shirt. It's perfect for garden fences or pet enclosures, but its weak point is the weld itself, which can break under sustained pressure
Finish (The Protective Coat)
This is the fence's armor against the elements and determines its lifespan.
Galvanized: This is the most common anti-rust treatment, where the steel wire is coated in a layer of zinc. It provides reliable protection for many years.
PVC-Coated: This offers double protection. The wire is first galvanized and then coated in a layer of plastic (PVC). This provides superior rust resistance and comes in various colors, like green or black, for a better aesthetic.
Wire Gauge
This is a frequently confusing term, but the rule is simple: the smaller the number, the thicker and stronger the wire.
For example, a 9-gauge wire is much thicker and stronger than a 16-gauge wire. When fencing large animals, always opt for a low-gauge (thicker) wire.
The 5 Main Types of Wire Fencing
Barbed Wire
Barbed wire is a time-tested and economical fencing solution, designed primarily for livestock containment and boundary marking. A staple on farms and ranches, it consists of two or more strands of galvanized steel wire twisted together, with sharp barbs interwoven at regular intervals. The barbs act as a physical and psychological deterrent, discouraging animals from pushing against the fence line.
Pros:
Highly Cost-Effective: Offers the lowest material cost per foot, making it ideal for fencing vast areas.
Effective Deterrent for Cattle: The sharp barbs effectively deter cattle and other tough livestock from testing the fence.
Simple Installation: Relatively easy and fast to install over long distances and uneven terrain.
Cons:
High Risk of Injury: Can cause serious cuts and injuries to animals.
Low Security: Provides minimal security against determined human intruders as it can be easily cut.
Not for All Animals: Unsuitable for horses, sheep, goats, or pets, as they can become dangerously entangled.
Best For:
Containing cattle on large ranches and pastures.
Establishing long, low-cost property boundaries in rural areas.
Adding a deterrent topper to other types of fencing.
Field Fence
Field fence is a top pick for farms. It has horizontal and vertical wires woven together in a grid pattern. This design makes the fence strong but also lets it bend on impact, which is safer for animals.
The real difference comes down to the knot that holds the wires together. It determines the fence's strength, flexibility, and best use.
A Quick Look at Knot Types
Knot Type | What It Is | Best For |
Fixed Knot | The strongest knot. It's very tough. | Containing strong animals like cattle or keeping wildlife out. |
S-Knot | A smooth knot that won't scrape an animal's skin. | Horses, goats, sheep, and other animals with sensitive skin. |
Hinge Joint | A flexible and budget-friendly knot. | General fencing, especially on hilly or uneven ground. |
Pros:
Strong and Safe: It’s strong enough for large animals but flexible enough to prevent injuries.
Works for Many Animals: You can get it in different heights and grid sizes to fit almost any animal.
Lasts a Long Time: It's usually coated with galvanized steel to stop rust.
Cons:
Costs More Upfront: It's more expensive to buy than something like barbed wire.
Harder to Install: Putting it up takes more time, skill, and the right tools.
Best For: Containing cattle, sheep, goats, and horses. It's a great all-around choice if you need one fence that is strong, safe, and built to last.
Welded Wire Fence
Welded wire is a simple and affordable grid fence. The wires are welded together at every intersection, creating a flat, rigid panel. It's a go-to choice for gardens and keeping small pets contained.
Pros:
Low Cost: One of the most budget-friendly fencing options available.
Easy to Install: It's lightweight and sold in rolls, making it a perfect DIY project.
Clear View: The clean, simple grid doesn't block your view of the yard or landscape.
Cons:
Breaks Under Pressure: It's rigid, not flexible. The welds can snap from an impact, like a falling branch or a pushing animal.
Can Unravel: If a single weld breaks, the grid around it can start to fall apart, creating a bigger problem.
Not for Large Animals: It's not strong enough to hold back livestock.
Best For: Protecting gardens from pests, building enclosures for chickens or rabbits, and creating runs for small dogs. It also works as a simple, light-duty divider for your property.
Chain Link Fence
Chain link fencing is a common choice for homes and businesses. It uses steel wires woven in a diamond shape. You see chain link fences everywhere—at playgrounds, sports fields, and surrounding commercial buildings.
Pros:
Durable and Low-Maintenance: It’s made of steel that resists rust and lasts for years with almost no upkeep.
Affordable Security: Gives you a strong, secure boundary for a lot less money than a wood or vinyl fence.
Versatile: It works for just about anything, from a backyard to a baseball field.
Cons:
No Privacy: You can see right through it, so it won’t block the view. (To address this issue, we provide privacy slats which can be installed to block the view entirely)
Basic Look: Its functional, industrial appearance isn't for everyone and may not match every home's style.
Best For: Securing backyards, school playgrounds, dog parks, and business properties. Basically, anywhere you need a strong and affordable fence.
What to Know Before You Buy
When choosing a chain link fence, the two most important factors are the wire thickness (gauge) and the fence height.
Wire Gauge (Thickness)
The lower the gauge number, the thicker and stronger the wire.
Gauge | Wire Thickness | Best For |
9-gauge | Thickest & Strongest | High-security areas, commercial properties, containing large dogs. |
11.5-gauge | Standard Residential | Most homes. A great balance of strength and price. |
12.5-gauge | Thinnest & Lightest | Temporary fences or light-duty applications. |
Reality Check: The price difference between the standard 11.5 gauge and the thinner 12.5 gauge is usually small, but the 11.5 gauge is much stronger and more durable. For a permanent home fence, it is almost worth choosing 11.5 gauge.
Fence Height & Security Levels
Standard Security (4–8 ft): Defines basic boundaries for most commercial properties.
Enhanced Security (8–12 ft): For industrial facilities needing stronger protection, often with razor wire on top.
Maximum Security (12+ ft): For critical infrastructure and high-risk facilities.
Chicken Wire (Hexagonal Netting)
This is a lightweight, cheap wire mesh with a distinct hexagonal pattern. It's designed for all sorts of light-duty tasks, especially in the garden.
Pros:
Budget-Friendly: The most affordable option for simple mesh needs.
Flexible and Easy to Use: It's soft and easy to bend, cut, and shape with simple hand tools, making it great for DIY projects.
Cons:
Low Strength: It's easily bent and broken. It won't hold up to any real force.
Can't Stop Predators: It might keep chickens in, but it won't keep predators out. A determined raccoon or fox can tear right through it. It offers no real security.
Best For: Building chicken coops (as an inner layer), protecting seedlings and garden beds from birds, or for various craft and gardening projects.
Choosing the Right Wire Fence
To help you choose quickly, here is a side-by-side comparison of the most common wire fences.
Quick Comparison Table
Fence Type | Strength | Lifespan | DIY Friendliness | Cost | Primary Use |
Barbed Wire | High (Deterrent) | 10-15 years | Low (Requires safety gear & tools) | Low to Medium | Livestock containment, security topping |
Field Fence | High | 10-15 years | Low (Professional help often needed) | Medium to High | Livestock, farms, uneven terrain |
Welded Wire Fence | Good | 8-12 years | Moderate | Low to Medium | Cages, garden fences, general utility |
Chain Link Fence | High | 5-8 years | Low (Requires special tools & skills) | Medium | Security (residential & commercial) |
Chicken Wire | Low | 2-5 years | High (Very easy to work with) | Very Low | Light gardening, crafts, poultry |
Key Factors to Consider
To find the best fit, evaluate your project against these key areas. This will quickly point you to the right type of wire fence, whether it's for a backyard garden or a commercial facility.
Purpose
First, define the primary job of the fence. This is the most important factor.
Security: Protecting property requires strong options like chain link or barbed wire toppings.
Containment: Keeping livestock or pets in a specific area. Field fence and barbed wire are ideal for large animals.
Exclusion: Keeping small pests out of a garden. Your best options are chicken wire or welded wire fence.
Boundary: Marking a property line at a low cost. Use barbed wire for the cheapest option, or field fence for a more visible line.
Required Strength & Durability
Consider the physical stress the fence will face.
High-Impact Areas: For containing livestock or in high-traffic commercial zones, choose heavy-gauge chain link.
General Use: For most residential boundaries and gardens, welded wire mesh is sufficient.
Light Duty: For temporary needs or keeping out small birds, chicken wire is a viable option.
Installation Environment
The location dictates the best material and finish.
Terrain: Field fence excels on hilly or uneven ground. Welded wire and chain link are best for flat, level surfaces.
Corrosion Risk: In coastal (salt air), humid, or industrial areas, a protective finish like Galvanized After Welding (GAW) or a PVC coating is essential for a long lifespan.
Budget and Long-Term Value
Balance upfront cost with the fence's expected lifespan.
Upfront Cost: Chicken wire is the cheapest, while field fence and chain link represent a larger initial investment.
Long-Term Value: More durable, coated materials cost more initially but save significantly on future repairs and replacement. A stronger fence is a one-time purchase.
Still Unsure? Let Us Help.
If you're still not sure which fence is right for your project, our experts are here to help. We can provide a personalized recommendation based on your specific requirements.
FAQ
Field Fence vs. Welded Wire: Which is better?
For containing large animals, choose Field Fence for its strength. For gardens and small pets on flat ground, Welded Wire is ideal and easier to install.
How can I add privacy to a chain link fence?
Install privacy slats directly into the links, or plant climbing vines along the fence for a natural, green screen.
What is the most cost-effective fencing option? For light garden tasks, Chicken Wire is cheapest. For marking large boundaries, Barbed Wire is the most economical choice.
How do I choose the right wire gauge?
Simple rule: the smaller the gauge number, the stronger and thicker the wire.
Large Animals (Cattle): 12.5-gauge or lower.
Medium Animals (Goats): 14-gauge.
Light Duty (Gardens): 16-gauge or higher.
Does the weather affect my fence?
Yes. To prevent rust from rain and humidity, always choose a galvanized or PVC-coated fence for a much longer lifespan.
How do I make my fence last longer?
Keep it clear of plants, tighten sagging wires, and repair damage promptly. Regular checks are key to a long life.
