The right fence depends on what you want to keep in or keep out. Here we compare the fences used most on farms and plots, and show how to estimate the material.
Diamond mesh
Woven, galvanised mesh, usually 1.2 to 1.8 m high on 30 m rolls. It is affordable and see-through, and keeps dogs, calves and small stock in or out. The mesh is tied to straining wires at the top, middle and bottom, with posts typically every 2.5 to 3 m.
Palisade
Steel bays with upright, spiked pales, usually 1.8 to 2.4 m high in 3 m bays. It is the strongest security boundary around a homestead, store or yard, and hard to climb or cut. Raw steel must be painted or galvanised; galvanised palisade costs more but lasts longer.
Barbed wire
The cheapest way to fence large cattle camps: four to five strands strained between posts. It keeps cattle in, but sheep and goats get through, and it is not a security fence.
Field fence
A knotted wire net with smaller openings at the bottom and larger ones at the top, made for small stock and game. It is the choice for sheep and goat camps, often with one or two strands of barbed wire on top.
Estimating: how much do I need?
- Measure the fence line with a measuring wheel or GPS and add 5 to 10% for corners, gates and tensioning.
- Rolls: divide the length by the roll length, for example 30 m for diamond mesh.
- Palisade: divide the length by 3 m for the number of bays; on a straight run you need one post more than bays.
- Set solid straining posts at every corner, gate and change of direction.
Extra security
For extra security, razor or concertina wire can be fitted on top of a palisade or mesh fence.
Where to start
See our mesh fencing, palisade fencing, barbed wire, field fence, concertina and razor wire, posts and stays and gates.