Kumar IronUpdated
In this guide
Quick comparison
| Type | Best for | Strength | Cost direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barbed wire | Farms, large plots, cattle and animal control | Deters animals and trespass, but does not stop people determined to cross | Lowest |
| Chainlink | Plots, gardens, schools, playgrounds, factory edges | Flexible, hard to cut quickly, easy to fit | Medium |
| Weldmesh panels | Boundaries, compounds, security, poultry and dairy yards | Rigid, neat, strong against climbing and pushing | Highest of the three |
Wire gauge and mesh size basics
Barbed wire is usually galvanised, with two strands twisted and barbs placed at regular intervals. A thicker wire and closer barbs give more protection. Chainlink is described by wire gauge and the diamond opening, commonly 50 mm or 75 mm. Smaller openings are harder to climb or cut, and keep out smaller animals. Weldmesh is described by wire diameter and grid spacing. Fine grids suit poultry and tight security, wide grids suit general boundaries.
Always check the gauge and opening on the roll label or ask the store. Heavier gauge means a longer life and stronger fence.
Galvanised vs PVC coated
- Galvanised: zinc coating protects from rust. Good value and widely used. Heavier zinc lasts longer, especially near damp ground or heavy rain.
- PVC coated: plastic over the wire, usually on chainlink and weldmesh. Better rust protection and a neater look, often green or black. Costs more.
- Cut ends and scratches are where rust begins, so touch them up with zinc paint.
Post spacing and height
As a practical guide, space posts about 2.5 to 3 metres for chainlink and barbed wire, and match the panel width for weldmesh, commonly around 2 to 2.5 metres. Corner and end posts need extra support with struts or bracing, since they take the wire tension.
Height depends on purpose. Farm fences for cattle are usually about 4 to 5 feet, plot and boundary fences about 5 to 6 feet, and security fences are taller. Barbed wire is run in several strands, with the bottom close to the ground and the spacing of roughly 6 to 9 inches. Add a few extra strands on top of a mesh fence if you need a stronger deterrent.
Concrete posts vs angle iron
- Concrete posts: long life, no rusting, good for farms and large perimeters. Heavy to carry and set.
- Angle iron posts: lighter, easier to install and weld, and suit neat boundaries. Need paint or galvanising, and the base should sit in concrete.
- Whichever you pick, set posts in a concrete footing, deep enough to stay firm in wet soil, and let it cure before tensioning wire.
Life and what to expect
Barbed wire is the cheapest but is the least tidy and lasts until the zinc wears off, usually many years in dry areas and fewer where it is wet. Chainlink holds up well if galvanised and kept taut. Weldmesh costs more upfront and gives the strongest, neatest result, with PVC coating adding to its life. Call or WhatsApp the store with your plot length and height for a suitable option and current rate.
Frequently asked questions
- Which fencing is cheapest?
- Barbed wire, then chainlink, then weldmesh panels. Rates change, so ask the store.
- Which is best for a farm?
- Barbed wire on concrete posts is the usual economical choice. Chainlink works where you need small animals kept out.
- Is PVC coated worth it?
- Where the fence is exposed to damp or you want a neat look, yes. It protects the wire from rust.
- How far apart should fence posts be?
- About 2.5 to 3 metres for chainlink and barbed wire. Weldmesh follows the panel width.