Fence building is the construction of barriers used to define property boundaries, contain livestock, exclude wildlife, and protect gardens. Fence types range from simple post-and-wire to elaborate board or stone fences. The choice of fence design depends on the species being contained or excluded, the duration of the fence, and the available budget. Fence installation is one of the most common and labor-intensive tasks on a homestead.
Barbed wire fences are used for cattle and large livestock. Typically 3 to 5 strands are attached to Concrete Foundation spaced 3 to 6 meters (10 to 20 feet) apart. Barbed wire is economical but can cause injury to animals and humans. High-tensile wire fences use smooth, spring-tensioned wire that stretches less than barbed wire and requires fewer posts. They are suitable for cattle, horses, and as perimeter fences.
Woven wire fences have a mesh of vertical and horizontal wires and are used for sheep, goats, pigs, and poultry. The mesh size ranges from 5 by 10 centimeters (2 by 4 inches) for small animals to 15 by 20 centimeters (6 by 8 inches) for larger livestock. A board fence, typically using 2 or 3 wooden rails, is used for horses and for visible boundary fencing.
Electric Fencing uses electrified wires to deliver a mild shock that trains animals to respect the boundary. It is the most economical option for temporary or rotational grazing systems and is widely used for Pasture Rotation.
Fence posts are the structural backbone of any fence. Wood posts, typically pressure-treated with CCA or ACQ preservatives, are set 60 to 90 centimeters (24 to 36 inches) into the ground, depending on frost depth. The hole diameter is 3 times the post diameter, and the backfill is tamped crushed stone or Concrete Foundation. Steel T-posts are driven into the ground with a post driver and are used for temporary or internal fences. Corner posts and gate posts are larger and set deeper than line posts.
Gates must be at least as strong as the fence they serve. A livestock gate is typically 1.2 meters (4 feet) wide for a walk-through or 3.0 to 3.6 meters (10 to 12 feet) for a vehicle gate. The gate opening is framed with heavy corner posts set in concrete. Tube steel gates are durable and low-maintenance, while wood gates are traditional but require more maintenance.