Get matched with top animal fencing pros in Kenai, AK

The most common hog wire gauge for a fence is 12.5. However, you can choose from a few gauges based on your needs. While 12.5 is a reliable gauge for penning in large, strong animals, 9 gauge is a better option of you have large animals that are easily spooked, such as horses. For smaller animals, like dogs or pigs, you can use a 16 gauge hog wire.

The cost to build a fence is about $3,100 on average, but you could pay anywhere from $400 to $13,700 or more. Your cost will depend on the length, height, and materials for the fence. If you hire a professional installer, labor costs typically represent about half of the total cost of the project. This means you potentially can save quite a bit of money doing the work yourself.

The best wood for a farm fence is pressure-treated wood that will stand up to various weather conditions, animal contact, and moisture. Farm fences need to resist rot and damage, so choose a species such as cedar or redwood. The natural oils in these woods give them decay resistance, which also makes them ideal for other fence types, such as a wooden snow fence.

Fences last between five and 30 years on average, depending on the material. Chain link fences are prone to rust, which can lower their lifespan. Vinyl and composite fences are more durable as they don’t rust and don’t need to be sealed like wooden fences do.