16 Types Of Wire Fencing You Should Know

Wire fencing is a great way to keep the livestock in and predators out. There are many different types of wire fencing with their own unique characteristics, which can be used depending on what you need it for. Here is an overview of 16 common types of wire fencing so that you can choose the one best suited for your needs.

1. Ballasted Electric Netting

This type of fencing has many benefits including being relatively cheap, easy to install and requiring little maintenance. It is also highly effective at keeping predators out.  It usually consists of a single layer of mesh with steel wires running every few feet. The netting is attached to the ground either by metal spikes or weights.

Although this fencing works well for keeping pets and wildlife in, it can be easily breached by humans and larger livestock, which makes it inappropriate for fields that are exposed.

This kind of wire fencing does not exclude any animals and can become dangerous in wet weather or if vegetation starts growing into it as the animals can become entangled.

2. Chain Link Fence

This type of wire fencing is very strong and is great at keeping animals in, although it requires quite a lot of maintenance as the wires can loosen over time. It is often used around animal pens and to keep livestock contained on large farms.  

This type of wire fencing can be made with either 1" or 2" squares, and is attached to a wooden or metal frame. It is usually coated in plastic which makes it easy to clean and repair. The fencing is usually attached directly to the ground, but sometimes it can be supported by wooden posts.

3. Welded Wire Mesh Fencing

Welded wire mesh fences are very effective at keeping both animals and predators out, which makes them ideal for fields that have undesirable visitors such as livestock from neighboring farms or wild animals like foxes.  

The square mesh wires in this type of fencing are attached to a galvanized frame which is then welded shut. The size and spacing of the squares can vary depending on what you want to keep out.

Welded wire fences have many advantages including long lasting durability, strength, minimal maintenance and flexibility when it comes to design.

4. Barbed Wire Fencing

This fencing has the same benefits as electric netting in that it works well at keeping out predators, but is much cheaper and easier to install.

Contrary to popular belief, barbed wire can be more effective at excluding livestock than electric netting. The reason for this is that it often causes them physical discomfort, which discourages them from trying again. It also has a psychological effect as they associate it with being hurt.

This type of wire fencing is easy to install and it can be used on all types of terrain, but you need to make sure that the posts are securely fastened. Also, if livestock try to get through it they will often injure themselves on the sharp ends.

5. Coiled Wire Fencing

Coiled wire fences are strong and durable, but they are best suited to short term use. The wire is twisted around a wooden frame until it forms a sphere, which means that the coils push against each other rather than against the posts.

The only time they are not effective at keeping out animals is when wet, as the water swells them and weakens their grip on the posts. They are very cheap to install and can be bought already formed into a fence or as a coil with wooden stakes included.

This type of wire fence is not particularly strong but it does last for quite a few years, which makes it appropriate for fields that don't have many visitors.

6. Electric Netting

Electric netting is an effective way of keeping out unwanted visitors. It can be found in use on farms and around businesses to keep deer, foxes and other wild animals away.

The wire mesh is coated in a thin layer of plastic which makes it easy to clean if necessary. The plastic reduces the risk that the fence will start a fire as well. The fence will need to be kept dry to remain effective, which means that it can only be used in areas where it receives a lot of rain.

Electric netting is relatively cheap and easy to maintain, but there are some downsides such as the risk of injury or death for animals caught by the fence, and the fact that it is less effective in winter.

7. Plank Fence/Picket Fence

This type of wire fencing is very effective at keeping animals in, but it does not deter predators due to gaps between the planks which they can easily fit through. 

It can consist of either wood or plastic planks, and it is more commonly found on smaller farms. It is very easy to replace any planks that have been broken down by animals or fallen trees and it is also quick to install.

Picket fences are a good option for fields where there may be gaps in field boundaries due to fence posts being knocked down by trees. They are not durable enough to be used in large fields or on tougher terrain, but they are effective when installed alongside other types of fencing.

8. Trellis Wire Fencing

Trellis wire fences consist of a twisted metal rod with holes along the length that you can thread wires through.

This type of fence is a good option for areas that are frequented by domestic animals. It keeps them in and predators out, it is very cheap to install, and the wires can be replaced as they wear.

The only downside is that it does not offer much protection against bad weather, so you will need to consider other materials in areas that are exposed to rain and wind.

9. Hexagonal Mesh Fencing

Hexagonal mesh fencing is an effective barrier for keeping out animals but not against humans, as it has large openings and gaps between each hexagon that make it easy to climb over.

Hexagonal mesh can be made of either galvanized or stainless steel, and it is commonly used for electric fencing as it is much stronger and more durable. This means that you can use it for larger areas, like the perimeter of a farm, or even to fence off an area inside a building.

It may be beneficial to have two layers of wire fencing in some cases, with hexagonal mesh being used on top of planks. This will protect the planks from breaking and help to make sure that predators do not have an easy entry point.

It is a good option for areas with a lot of human activity, as it is easier to maintain than most other types, but it does not provide much protection against animals and can be destroyed easily by strong winds or heavy rain.

10. Sausage Fence

This type of fencing is made by using steel wire that has been expanded and rolled into a tube shape, forming a flexible metal barrier. It is commonly used for keeping out sheep because the twisted wire is harder to chew through than other types of fence wire .

However, it should not be used in areas that are frequented by large animals, as they can easily knock it over.

The only real disadvantage of using a sausage fence is that it is relatively expensive compared to other materials, and it is not that easy to repair in the field.  Sausage wire will last a long time if care is taken when installing it, and it can be a good choice for areas that are frequently challenged by bad weather.

11. Sharp Fence

Sharp wire fence is made by using a single vertical metal object, like a post or a wooden stake. It is then fitted with three horizontal wires to act as barbs and deter animals from trying to cross. Sharp wire fences are easy to put up, but they are not suitable for areas that are frequented by humans. 

They have a tendency to be dangerous for people who may accidentally touch the sharp wires, and animals will not try to go around them as they can easily become entangled in the barbs.

12. T-type Fence

T-type fences are made using a single post that is fixed into the ground and then fitted with two horizontal wires for lifting, holding the T shape in place.

They are also known as twin wire fences because they consist of two parallel wires running along the length of the fence. They offer some protection against humans as they are not as sharp as other types of wire fence, but animals may cut or injure themselves on them.

This type of fencing is good for use around farms, and in areas that are not exposed to rain or weather at all times. Unlike a lot of other types of fencing, T-type fences can be easily moved or replaced if necessary.

This type of fencing is commonly used as the outer layer in electrified fences. The twin wire forms an effective barrier, but it can still be easily seen through and does not obscure vision. This means that stock knows when they are approaching an area with electric wires, and they stop to avoid touching them - rather than just walking straight into them as they would with most types of fencing.

13. Concrete Fence

Concrete fences are made from a mixture of cement, sand, and gravel that is poured into a frame or formwork to create the wall.

They can be built in any shape or size, but concrete does not offer as much protection from predators as most other types of fencing, and they are quite expensive to make and install .

If you need an extremely solid fence in a particular location then this is the option for you. Concrete fences can be built to any height or length, but they should only be used where there is no risk of damage or vandalism.

14. Woven Wire

Woven wire is made from one or more strands of steel wire that are twisted together to make a thicker, tougher material. They can be used as part of an electrified fence system , but they also have many other uses - including guarding crops such as maize and sorghum .

The wire itself is quite flexible, which makes it easy to move and install. Woven wire fences are normally used for animals that are a bit smaller and weigh less than cows or horses . 

Woven wire fences are a good choice if you need something that is easier to put up, and they can also be used on their own for smaller animals such as sheep. However, they do not last very long and the wires have a tendency to break off over time. They are best suited for areas where the fence will not be in constant use.

15. Poultry netting

Poultry netting is made from a material that is similar to the weave found in woven wire fencing, but it is much lighter and thinner - which makes it easier to handle and install.

This type of fence will break down over time if used on its own , so it should only be used as part of an integrated structure that includes some other types of wire fencing, posts, and a wooden or metal frame.

Poultry netting is best for protecting poultry and small animals from predators such as foxes, coyotes , dogs, and raccoons . It can also be used to protect certain plants, but it is not very good at giving protection from the wind, rain, hail, or snow.

16. High Tensile Fence Wire

This fence is made by using multiple strands of galvanized wire, which are twisted around a single wooden pole to form a spiral. 

This type of fencing is normally used for small fields and animal pens as it is relatively short. However , when installed properly it can provide effective protection against a variety of animals, including bears.

It also has the advantage of lasting a long time if maintained and replaced regularly, which makes it good value for money compared to other types of fencing.

FAQs

- What is the purpose of wire fencing?

Wire fencing is designed to control the movement of domestic animals and to protect them from predators. The first types of wire fences were introduced in the 19th century, and they have been refined over time with new products being developed for specific purposes.

- What are some examples of common fence systems used on farms?

The most popular type of farm fence is made from woven wire, which is constructed with an interwoven pattern that allows the material to bend without breaking. The other very popular type of fence used on farms in America is high tensile fences , which are built using a single spiral of galvanized steel wire and between three and four wooden posts.

- What are some commonly used materials in wire fencing?

The most commonly used material for manufacturing fences is steel, which is usually coated with zinc or galvanized to prevent rusting. Another option that farms may choose to use is aluminium , which can be lighter and easier to handle than steel .

Conclusion

Wire Fence is one of the most common and useful materials to protect your livestock. Wire fences are used for many purposes, including keeping animals in their pasture or pen, preventing them from escaping over an obstacle such as a stream or hillside , and providing protection against predators .

Choosing a wire fencing material that meets all these requirements can be daunting at first glance, but our blog post has provided you with 16 types of wire fence products that will help make this decision easier.