Different Types of Wire Fencing

wire fence north bayAlmost every farm and ranch supply store offers multiple types of wire fencing to meet basically any fencing need you may have, whether the fence is meant to keep livestock in, keep predators out, or simply to mark the perimeters of your property. If you’re in market for a wire fence, consider the many different types and sizes of wire fencing available, and also research and ask around to find out exactly what type of wire fence would benefit your specific needs.

Common wire fence types include galvanized wire mesh, PVC coated hex wire, fixed knot field wire, barbed and non-barbed wire, high tensile smooth wire and welded wire panels. There are also wire fencing options available that are specifically designed to keep birds, foxes, deer, rabbits and other pests out.

Galvanized Wire Mesh
Galvanized wire mesh comes in a variety of diameters, heights and gauges, including 14 gauge, 16 gauge, 19 gauge, 20 gauge, 22 gauge, 23 gauge, 24 gauge and so on.

This type of wire fencing typically comes in large rolls, ranging from 10 feet to 50 feet to 100 feet long.

PVC Coated Hex Wire
The PVC coating on this type of fencing is applied after galvanizing, and it protects the wire from rust and rot even after years of exposure to the sun and the elements, providing great durability and versatility.

PVC coated hex wire is ideal for containing livestock and poultry, as well as keeping out birds and other unwanted pests.

Fixed Knot Field Wire
Fixed knot field wire fences are considered to last roughly three to four times longer than ordinary farm and ranch fences because the fixed knots do not slip, move or lose grip when subjected to pressure by livestock.

The fixed knots increase the vertical strength of the fence by including a separate wire piece wrapped tightly around the line wire and the stay wire. This allows for more space between posts, which reduces the cost of materials and construction.

Another benefit to the strength, durability and elasticity of fixed knot field wire fences is its ability to resist stretching.

Welded Wire Panels
Welded wire panels are great for livestock because the heavy duty wire rods are welded at every intersection, and then the panels are heavily galvanized with a thick zinc coating.

This type of wire fencing is great for hay stack protection, loafing areas, corrals, runs and pens, and stall dividers.

High Tensile Smooth Wire
High tensile smooth wire fencing comes in strands and can easily be used with electricity if desired.

The wires are flexible and can be bent, wrapped, tied and/or clamped. Advantages include low maintenance, low cost, long life, neat appearance and ease of use.

Barbed Wire
Barbed wire consists of one wire or a strand of wires with small, sharp and tightly twisted wire pieces attached in regular intervals.

There are also non-barbed wire fencing products available on the market. Non-barbed wire is perfect for sections of fence where strength is required but barbs are not needed. Non-barbed wire also helps prevent damage to prized livestock.

Different Types of Fence Post

santa rosa fence postGood, sturdy fence posts are the heart and soul of a proper and useful fence. The posts that make up a line of fencing can be made from wood, steel, plastic, aluminum or another type of strong, solid material. Each type of fence post serves a unique function, and it is the sum of all of the parts that make for a fence that a rancher or farm owner can be proud of.

Different types of fence posts are outlined below, as well as a couple tools and accessories that come in handy when constructing and completing a fence.

End Posts: An end post is only punched on one side because it is a fence post that marks the end of a line of fencing. End posts are also used as terminal posts and as gate posts.

Corner Posts: A good fence requires a well-braced corner post. A corner post is usually larger than a line post because it must withstand a large, constant amount of pressure. Corner posts must be designed and installed with strength in mind.

Line Posts: Line posts are the intermediate fence posts placed every ten feet or less to support the top rail or tension/barb wire.

Gate Posts: The hinges and/or latches of a gate are attached to the gate post. A gate post may also be used as a terminal post.

Terminal Posts: A terminal post may also be an end post, gate post, corner post or pull post. It is the basic load-bearing post to or from which a line of fencing is stretched.

Pull Posts: Pull posts are used in the process of creating a fence along a steep grade. These fences are often referred to as “stair-steps” because the equal sections of fence at different levels create the appearance of stairs or steps along the grade. The terminal posts used to change the elevation along the line of fencing are known as pull posts.

Post Cap: A top that is tightly fit onto fence posts to keep out rain water.

Post Driver: A post driver is a tool that is used to drive fencing posts down into the ground.

There is a lot more to building a fence than just driving posts into the ground and repeatedly stretching wire or wood boards across them. If the fence posts are not sturdy enough to withstand the tremendous amounts of pressure exerted on them, then the fence will sag and eventually fail. This is especially true if the fence itself is meant to contain livestock, because horses are known to enjoy scratching their heads and necks on the top wires of a fence and cows continuously reach under the bottom wire or rail to get to the better grass on the other side. And sometimes it is even more important that a fence keep pests and predators out, rather than keeping the good animals in. Dogs and coyotes are notorious for being crafty when it comes to getting inside a fence that contains sheep or other tasty treats, so a strong and tight fence is essential for multiple reasons.