How Much Does It Cost to Install a Wire Fence? [2025 Data]
The cost to install a wire fence ranges from $1,300 to $8,000, with an average of $2,300. You’ll pay more if you choose high-end materials or have a particularly complex project.
Wire fence installation costs between $1 and $10 per linear foot.
Steel and wood-and-wire fencing costs more but offers better durability and appearance.
Lower-gauge (thicker) wire costs more (upward of $3 per foot) than higher-gauge wire.
Containing large animals, like deer or hogs, requires bigger fences, increasing the cost.
Wire fences last 20 to 30 years.
The cost to install wire fencing can range from $1,300 for basic installations to $18,700 for fences with premium coatings and thick gauges. However, most homeowners spend around $2,300 to install a wire fence. Use this guide to learn how much it costs to install a wire fence based on factors like the fence’s type, material, and gauge.
While fence installation may seem like a weekend DIY project, it requires careful preparation and planning. We recommend contacting a pro to ensure the job is done to your specifications and with the best materials.
Wire Fence Cost by Size
Fencing is typically priced by the linear foot, so the longer and taller your fence, the more it’ll cost to install. Wire fencing can cost anywhere from $1 and $10 per linear foot depending on factors like the fence’s material, gauge, type, and coating.
| Linear Feet | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 25 | $25–$250 |
| 50 | $50–$500 |
| 75 | $75–$750 |
| 100 | $100–$1,000 |
| 150 | $150–$1,500 |
| 200 | $200–$2,000 |
| 250 | $250–$2,500 |
| 300 | $300–$3,000 |
| 350 | $350–$3,500 |
| 400 | $400–$4,000 |
Wire Fence Cost by Acre
If you have a large property that you want to fence in, it’s helpful to consider how much fencing costs per acre. One acre is around 835 linear feet, but if you don’t want to do the math, use the following table to help you figure out how much it’ll cost to fence your property.
| Acreage | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 1 | $835–$8,350 |
| 2 | $1,180–$11,800 |
| 3 | $1,445–$14,450 |
| 4 | $1,670–$16,700 |
| 5 | $1,870–$18,700 |
Wire Fence Cost by Material
Wire fences come in a variety of materials, including aluminum, steel, and vinyl. The material you choose can significantly affect how much you’ll pay.
| Material | Cost per Linear Foot | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | $1–$1.20 | Highly durable, conductive; ideal for electric fences; requires refinishing every few years |
| Polywire | $1.15–$1.25 | Rust-resistant synthetic plastic and metal material; shorter lifespan of 3–7 years |
| Steel | $2–$4 | Strong; durable against impact and weather; long-lasting to 30+ years |
| Wood and wire | $2–$7 | Combination material with wood posts and wire mesh or strands; ideal for containing small animals; lasts 10–15 years |
Wire Fence Cost by Gauge
The gauge of your fence wire, aka its thickness, affects both its cost and strength. Lower gauge numbers indicate thicker wire. For example, a 6-gauge wire is substantially thicker than an 18-gauge wire. Heavier gauges cost more up front, but they offer better durability and longer lifespans.
| Gauge | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 18 | $0.80–$1 |
| 14 | $1–$1.20 |
| 12.5 | $1.10–$1.25 |
| 11 | $1.15–$1.40 |
| 10 | $1.25–$1.50 |
| 9 | $1.50–$2 |
| 8 | $1.75–$2.25 |
| 6 | $2.50–$3 |
Wire Fence Cost by Coating
Many wire fences have coatings that can help to prolong their lifespan by resisting rust, corrosion, and weather damage better than bare wire alone. In many cases, opting for a coating can increase your fence’s lifespan by five to 10 years, so it’s often worthwhile to pay higher upfront costs for the coating to reduce your costs over the long run.
| Coating | Cost Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Powder coat | $1–$6 | Corrosion-resistant; applied via powdered paint and heat curing |
| Galvanized before weld | $2–$5.50 | Individual wires dipped into molten zinc |
| Galvanized after weld | $3–$6 | Assembled fence panel dipped into molten zinc for better coverage |
| Vinyl | $2.50–$6 | Plastic-based coating available in a wide range of colors |
| E-coating | $3–$6 | Corrosion-resistant; applied with electrical current |
Wire Fence Cost by Type
Beyond materials and coatings, there are also different types of wire fences, ranging from smooth and barbed wire to woven mesh and specialized livestock designs. Each type offers distinct advantages and costs.
| Type | Cost (per Linear Foot) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Razor | $1–$3 | High-security wire with sharp edges |
| Smooth | $1.20–$1.50 | No sharp edges; ideal for livestock containment |
| Barbed | $1.25–$3.50 | Sharp barbs spaced across the wire |
| Woven | $1.50–$6 | Gridded wire fence for added durability without sharp edges |
| Deer | $1.75–$5.50 | Tall, high-tension wire to deter deer from jumping over |
| Chicken | $2–$4.50 | Hexagonal mesh wire for smaller animals or areas |
| Bull | $3–$7 | Heavy-duty fence for containing large livestock |
| Hog | $3–$10 | Strong, tightly-spaced mesh for containing animals |
Professional Fence Installer Costs
Hiring a fence installer typically costs between $40 and $60 per hour. Fence installation pros can handle the planning, installation, and finishing of your fencing project. They’ll measure your property, ensure the fence is level and secure, and make adjustments for uneven terrain or other challenges.
Additional Cost Factors
Additional cost factors to consider when planning a wire fence installation include the cost of permits, if needed, as well as the cost to demolish the old fence and prep your property for a new one.
Demolition and Prep
Installing wire fencing may require clearing the area of existing fencing, debris, or vegetation to prepare the site for your new wire fence. Fence removal costs range from $3 to $7 per linear foot, depending on the condition of the fence and the type of materials being removed. While some pros include demolition and prep in their estimate, make sure to confirm whether costs are separate to avoid any unexpected charges.
Permits
In some areas, installing a wire fence requires a permit, especially if the fence exceeds a certain height (often six feet) or involves specific zoning regulations. Permits to build a fence usually range from $20 to $60, but properties near utilities, wetlands, or boundaries may require extra approval or surveys, which can increase your costs. Make sure to verify permit costs with your local authority before building the fence.
DIY Wire Fence Installation vs. Hiring a Pro
Installing your own wire fence can cut costs by about 50% since you won’t have to pay for labor. However, in addition to the fencing material, you may need to purchase equipment, like post-hole diggers or wire stretchers, which can increase costs by about $100. For larger projects, you may want to rent a powered auger to speed up post-hole digging. These rentals usually cost between $75 and $150 per day.
While installing basic wire fencing is manageable for many handy homeowners, challenges like proper tensioning, post depth, and dealing with grade changes can lead to potentially costly mistakes. Fence installations are also time-consuming, so it may take you several days to build a fence that a local fence installer can finish with a team of people in just a few hours. So make sure to weigh the pros and cons of DIY fence installation before tackling this project yourself.
Wire Fence Replacement vs. Repair
Whether to repair your existing wire fence or replace it with a new one depends on the fence’s age and condition. Minor fence damage like loose wires or bent sections are relatively affordable to repair, making fixes worthwhile. However, extensive rust, multiple broken posts, or severe sagging often signals end-of-life issues that may call for a replacement.
A good rule of thumb is that if repair costs reach 50% of the cost of a new fence, it’s probably time to consider replacing it. Additionally, considering most wire fences last for 20 to 30 years, if your existing fence is approaching that range, replacement is likely your best bet.
How to Save Money on a Wire Fence Installation
Installing a wire fence doesn’t have to break the bank if you plan carefully and make smart choices. These tips can help you cut costs without sacrificing quality or durability.
Choose a cost-effective wire type instead of higher-end options.
Opt for the shortest fence height necessary.
Remove your old fence and clear and level the installation area yourself to reduce demolition and prep costs.
Reuse existing posts or fencing materials if they’re still in good condition.
Purchase materials in bulk to take advantage of discounts.
Get multiple quotes from local installers to find the best price.
Consider installing the fence yourself if you have the necessary tools and skills.
Install your fence during the off-season, like winter, when contractors may charge lower rates.
Does Wire Fencing Increase Home Value?
Installing a wire fence can potentially increase your home’s value. While the financial return may not be as high as it is for other fencing materials and more significant home upgrades, a well-installed wire fence can increase your property's value in the eyes of buyers by enhancing its curb appeal, providing security, and defining boundaries clearly.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
The lifespan of wire fencing heavily depends on factors like gauge, material, coating type, and environmental conditions. However, with proper maintenance, many wire fences last for 20 to 30 years. Coastal areas or regions with high rainfall may see reduced lifespans of 10 to 15 years due to increased corrosion risk.
Standard wire fence post spacing ranges from 8 to 12 feet, depending on the fence’s wire type and intended use. Livestock fencing generally requires closer spacing, while basic property boundary fencing can get away with wider spacing. Terrain changes or high-tension applications may also require closer spacing.
Regular maintenance for wire fencing includes annual inspections for rust or damage, tension adjustments every two to three years, and immediate repair of any breaks or loose sections. You should also regularly check the fence posts for stability, particularly after severe weather, and make sure to remove any vegetation growing along the fence line.
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