Selecting Wire Fencing Materials | MU Extension
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There is an old saying that "good fences make good neighbors," and this holds particularly true in today's suburban Missouri, where neighbors prefer to keep livestock away from their lawns and gardens. To achieve this, a wire fence that effectively contains animals is often the most economical choice.
This publication aims to help you select the appropriate materials for your fencing project.
Fence Posts
When it comes to supporting a fence, posts made of wood or steel are readily available in various sizes and shapes. The decision on which type of post to use should be based on:
- Availability and cost of the post
- Your expectations regarding the longevity of the fence
In Missouri, wooden posts are abundant and generally more affordable than their steel counterparts. For a permanent fence, it’s advisable to select decay-resistant types like Osage orange or pressure-treated posts. The life expectancy of wooden posts varies by tree species as shown in Table 1.
Table 1. Life Expectancy of Wooden Posts
| Variety | Life Expectancy (years) | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Osage Orange | 25 to 30 | Untreated/Pretreated |
| Red Cedar, Black Locust | 15 to 25 | Untreated |
| White Oak | 5 to 30 | Untreated |
| Southern Pine, Hickory, etc. | 2 to 7 | Untreated/Pretreated |
Wood preservatives can prolong the life of posts, with the common ones being pentachlorophenol and creosote. The retention of 6 to 9 pounds of preservative per cubic foot of wood is ideal. Surface application is ineffective, as the wood does not absorb enough to guard against decay.
Wooden posts come in various lengths from 5.5 to 8 feet, with larger diameters providing greater strength. For example, a 4-inch post boasts twice the strength of a 3-inch post, and a 5-inch post is four times as strong.
Steel posts, while generally more expensive, offer several benefits, including light weight, fireproof properties, and durability. They can be driven into the ground easily and effectively ground a fence against lightning when in contact with moist soil. Common types include "U" Bar, Studded "Y," and Studded "T" posts.
Wire and Protecting Coatings
There are various types of wire suitable for fencing, with barbed wire and woven wire being the most common for pasture use. Fences can be constructed with either or both types. Today, most wire is coated to prevent rust and corrosion, the most prevalent being galvanized coatings classified as Classes I, II, and III, with Class I having the shortest life expectancy.
Aluminum-coated wire is also gaining popularity, as it resists corrosion significantly better than galvanized wire. The design of woven wire is categorized by a numbering system indicating its specifications. For example, a style number might indicate the number of line wires and their spacing.
Barbed Wire
Barbed wire provides a cost-effective and simpler option compared to woven wire, and is available in numerous roll sizes and patterns, as listed in Table 3.
Table 3. Barbed Wire Sizes and Descriptions
| Line Wire Gauge | Points per Barb | Barb Spacing |
|---|---|---|
| 12-1/2 | 2 | 24 inches |
| 13-1/2 (high tensile) | 2 | 24 inches |
Your Materials Order
To begin ordering fencing materials, determine the fencing location and its overall length. A rough sketch is helpful for identifying the number of corner and brace posts required.
Remember, your material checklist may include: corner posts, woven wire, gloves, brace posts, smooth wire, post hole digger, line posts, staples, fencing pliers, barbed wire, and wire stretcher.
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