Different Types of Wire Fences

Wire fences are mostly utilitarian, but some styles can be made decorative enough for a privacy fence. Many styles are designed to be used on farms and ranches to control live stock. Wire fences are easy install, go up fast and are very durable. Since they are not fixed panels, they can be installed on hillsides and slopes easily.

Chain link fencing is made from galvanized aluminum woven so the aluminum wire forms diamond shapes. Chain link fences are used to divide properties and as barriers around pools and dog kennels. They are installed on wire posts with rails passed trough the top and bottom diamonds. Chain link fences can be made into privacy fences by weaving slats through the diamonds. These can be PVC slats, which are low maintenance, aluminum slats, which are treated to be rust free, hedge slats, which are made of vinyl and look like Christmas tree branches or privacy fabric, which is very strong and makes a good wind break. Some manufacturers offer chain link fences with the slats already installed.

Chicken wire is used to keep livestock in and small wild animals out of a garden. It is sold in rolls of wire mesh with different size holes. The material can be vinyl coated wire, galvanized wire, or hardware cloth. Chicken wire fencing is one of the most economical choices, but its uses are limited. It is installed by stretching the wire between iron posts that have hooks to secure the wire. The process is easy and very fast.

Woven wire fences are used for livestock control. Woven wire is made up of horizontal wires with vertical wires installed from 6 inches to 12 inches apart. The wider spaced versions are used for larger animals while the narrow spaced ones are for small animals. The fence should be constructed so that the animals can see it clearly. If they know it is there, most are smart enough not to try and go through it.

Mesh wire fences come in different thicknesses or gauges 11, 12 ½ , 14, and 16. Two patterns are available: diamond and square. Mesh wire fences are tall, any where from 50 to 72 inches in height. The wire comes on rolls, ready to install. It is one of the strongest, and at the same time one of the most expensive, of the wire fences used for animal control.