Out of all the costs that go into running a successful farm filled with livestock, fencing costs tend to be one of the most expensive. Barbed wire is an affordable fencing choice for property owners who need to enclose a large area. Even though it is one of the least expensive options when it comes to material, the total price will increase based on the quality and amount needed. Many factors can affect the final price of installation.
The quality of the material you’re looking for in your barbed wire fence will hugely affect the price. The price varies based on the material and brand you choose. Barbed wire is made with galvanized wire, and you can choose from high-tension wire or soft wire. A high-tension wire is stronger and more durable, while a soft wire is weaker and less durable compared to high-tension.
When shopping for materials, you want to keep a few things in mind: the longevity you want and the elements you live in. Because the wire is made with steel, it can rust easily, so you want to find material with a zinc coating to prevent rust and corrosion. This will factor into the price, but it is ultimately worth it if you’re looking for longevity from your fence while reducing the need for and cost of barbed wire fence repair.
In most cases, two or four sharp barbs will be spaced out on the wire every 4 to 5 inches, approximately. The barbs account for more material, so if you choose to increase how many you want, the price will increase for the extra material.
The size of your land will greatly affect the price of the project. The larger the space of land you’re looking to fence in, the more material you’ll need for your fence. You may also look to fence the perimeter of your property and section off certain areas to create barriers between your land.
The terrain of your property and any sloping areas can cause the price of the project to increase. It’s much easier to install a fence on a flat area, so you may be required to flatten out designated areas for your fencing.
If there are accessibility issues in reaching certain areas or rocky terrain, this can increase the time to complete the installation. Sloped terrain can also affect the price as more material may need to be used to create a higher fence height. If there are obstructions on the terrain, such as vegetation, this could also impact the price.
The coating can affect quality and price. From lowest to highest in quality and cost, the following coatings are available:
Commercial Galvanized: Minimum requirement. Lasts three months to one year before rusting.
Class 1 Galvanized: Basic coating. Lasts two to 11 years in non-coastal climates.
Class 3 Galvanized: Industry standard. 2.5 times thicker than class 1. Lasts 13 to 30 years in non-coastal climates.
Proprietary Coatings: Manufacturer-specific coatings. Claim to outperform galvanized. Longevity varies by brand.
Choosing how many metal posts to support your wire fence varies based on how strong you need it to be. The cost per post can range between $25 to $60, on average. The number of posts you decide to use will cause the price to fluctuate.
Thickness ranges from 6-gauge to 18-gauge, with the price varying from $0.03 to $0.12 per linear foot, for materials only. The average cost range with installation included runs from $0.95 to $3 per linear foot. Higher gauges will be thinner, lighter, and less expensive than lower gauges but, in some cases, not as strong.
The wire is also available in either high or low tensile strengths. Which option you choose will depend on how much tension you want your wire to withstand as it stretches. High tensile is stronger due to its higher carbon content. Replacing a heavier-gauge, more expensive, low tensile wire with a lighter-gauge, less expensive, high tensile version can save you money on your project.