How much does a barbed wire fence cost?

How much does a barbed wire fence cost?

$3 – $6 average cost per linear foot installed

$2,000 – $2,200 average cost per acre installed

Barbed wire fence cost

A barbed wire fence costs $3 to $6 per linear feet installed on average, depending on the property size, wire quality, and number of strands. Adding security barbed wire to an existing fence costs $0.65 to $3.25 per linear foot. Barbed wire costs $2,000 to $2,200 per acre total installed.

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Cost of a barbed wire fence by type

The cost of installing barbed wire depends on the type and if you're installing a new fence or adding a security wire on top of an existing fence.

*Installed cost.

Livestock or cattle barbed fence

A standard livestock barbed wire fence costs $3 to $6 per linear foot installed. These cattle fences are typically 4 to 5 feet tall, have 4 to 6 strands of barbed wire, and use either wooden or metal posts. Discount pricing applies for miles of fencing across many acres.

• Farmers use barbed wire on ranches to contain livestock and prevent wild animals from entering.

• Barbed wire is common for perimeter and cross-fencing for cattle and large animals.

• While 4 to 5 strands of wire are good for containing cattle, use 6 to 8 strands for smaller animals.

Horses frequently cut themselves stretching their necks over a barbed wire fence, so consider other containment options on an equestrian property.

Security barbed wire

A barbed-wire arm extension costs $2.00 to $3.25 per linear foot installed and mounts on top of poles or posts for high-security fencing. This price includes add-on extender parts only, excluding the cost of building the fence supporting it. These extensions hold 3 to 6 strands of wire in V-shaped or half-V-shaped arms.

Concertina razor wire

Concertina razor wire costs $0.65 to $2.20 per linear feet installed. These easily expandable coils are typically installed at the top of an existing fence for high-security purposes and not for livestock.

Razor wire is typically not acceptable to use around residential housing, especially in many large cities. Check local building codes or ask the homeowners association before installation.

Barbed wire fence cost per acre

Barbed wire fencing costs $2,000 to $2,200 per acre on average, depending on the total job size, property conditions, and fence type. Cheaper prices per acre apply to bigger properties.

One rectangular-shaped acre has 850 to 900 linear feet of boundary lines, but the length can be much longer depending on the total shape.

*For 4- to 6-strand livestock barbed wire fencing.

Barbed wire fence installation cost factors

The labor cost alone to install a barbed wire fence is $0.50 to $1.75 per linear foot, depending on the total project size.

*For a standard 5- to 6-strand barbed wire fence.

Costs factors include:

• Site preparation:

  • Land clearing costs $1,500 to $3,000 per acre minimum.

  • Grading costs $0.40 to $2.00 per square foot.

  • Tree removal costs $300 to $2,000 per tree.

  • Tree stump removal costs $100 to $400 per stump.

  • Shrub and bush removal costs $25 to $150 each.

• Number of strands – Most fences need 3 to 5 strands. Each barbed-wire strand increases the total project cost.

• Removal of old barbed-wire fence – Barbed wire fencing replacements cost more due to the extra work of disposing of old materials. Excavation with bulldozers costs $100 to $300 hourly with an operator for quickly removing the old fencing.

• Coating – Higher-quality wire coatings to prevent rust will cost more but increase the longevity of the wire.

• Points per barb – Most wires have 2 to 4 barbs spaced out at 4 to 5 inches apart. Adding more barbs for extra security will increase the total material price.

• Thickness – Higher gauges are thinner and cheaper but may be weaker. Choosing between high- or low-tensile strength depends on the required wire tension.

• Number of posts & gates – The number of posts needed depends on the fence size and landscape type. Adding more gates increases the overall project cost.

• Property size – Larger spaces require more materials, and creating barriers between areas may increase costs.

• Terrain & slope – Accessibility in sloping areas with rocky clay soil and obstructions will increase fencing costs and installation time.

• Fence line survey – A property survey costs $200 to $1,200 to determine the exact location of the fence line.

• Permit – A permit costs $50 to $300 minimum.

Material prices of barbed wire

Barbed wire material prices are $0.05 to $0.15 per linear foot. A roll of standard barbed wire costs $60 to $200 on average for 1,320 feet of fencing wire.

• Prices vary depending on the gauge thickness and quality.

• Prices of razor barbed wire can be 5 to 10 times more expensive depending on the type.

Barbed wire vs. other fence types

Barbed wire fence installation alternatives include:

• A split rail fence costs $15 to $35 per linear foot.

• A chain-link fence costs $9 to $30 per linear foot.

• A wood fence costs $20 to $50 per linear foot.

• A vinyl fence costs $30 to $60 per linear foot.

• An aluminum fence costs $25 to $75 per linear foot.

• A metal fence costs $20 to $85 per linear foot.

• A wrought iron fence costs $50 to $85 per linear foot.

Barbed wire fence FAQs

What is barbed wire?

Barbed wire, also known as "barb wire", is a type of metal fencing wire with sharped edges or points at different intervals. Barbed wire prevents trespassers, contains livestock, and adds security when mounted on top of walls.

Different barbed wire types include plain galvanized steel, stainless steel, zinc-coated, and aluminum metal alloys. Coated barbed wire resists rust.

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Can I put barbed wire on my fence?

Whether you can put barbed wire on a fence depends on the local regulations. Residential areas typically have the most restrictions as barbed wire injures people in the fire department or emergency medical services trying to access your home.

How long does a barbed wire fence last?

A well-maintained barbed wire fence lasts 20 to 50 years, depending on the wire type, installation quality, and environmental conditions. Barbed wire with protective coatings typically lasts longest. Metal and concrete posts typically outlast wooden posts.

How tall should a barbed wire fence be?

Most barbed wire fences are 3 to 5 feet tall, depending on the purpose and local regulations. Fences for cattle are typically up to 5' tall while keeping out deer may require 6' to 7' tall fences.

How do you calculate barbed wire for a fence?

To calculate how much barbed wire you need for a fence, measure the fence's perimeter and multiply that by the number of strands needed. Most rolls come with 1,320 feet of wire that covers 1/4 of a mile per line.

Where do I buy barbed wire?

You can buy barbed wire at home improvement centers, hardware stores, agricultural suppliers, ranch equipment outlets, and online retailers.

Getting estimates from barbed wire fence installers

Before hiring a barbed wire fence installer near you, be sure you:

• Read their online reviews on Google and HomeGuide.

• Confirm they have licenses, insurance, and have been in business for 5+ years.

• Avoid choosing the cheapest bid that typically results in low-quality work.

• Ask for a list of references.

• Compare 3 to 5 in-person estimates.

• Ask for a written contract and workmanship warranty before the work starts.

• Don't make your last payment until after the job is complete.

Questions to ask

Evaluate potential fence installers by asking them:

• How many years have you been installing barbed wire fences?

• Can you show me photos of past projects with barbed wire fences?

• What is the expected timeframe for installation?

• How much maintenance will the fence require?

• What type of barbed wire fence is best for my needs?

• How many strands of barbed wire does my fence need?

• Do you offer any warranties or guarantees on your work?

• How many people will install the fence?

• Are there any potential challenges with my property?

• Can you handle necessary permits and inspections?

• Are all materials, labor, delivery, and the cleanup fee listed in this estimate?

• Do you have any references I can contact?

Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.

How Much Does a Barbed Wire Fence Cost?

Barbed wire fences are made of galvanized steel wire and punctuated with evenly spaced sharp metal barbs. This type of wire fence was invented in the ’s primarily as a method of keeping wild animals off private lands or domesticated animals in or on people's lands. In addition to livestock fencing and farm fences, barbed wire fences are also used in industrial settings or as an affordable way to provide security for an area. The national average cost for a barbed wire fence is about $3,600, with an average range of about $1,500 to $5,800. Of course, there is a wide range because of how barbed wire fences are typically used. If you are enclosing a large range area, installing a new barbed wire fence could be over $10,000. On the other hand, if you are simply enclosing a small yard, your fence project could easily be less than $1,000 to install a barbed wire fence.

Barbed Wire Fence Cost Calculator

With the average total cost of barbed wire fences varying so widely, how can you get an accurate estimate for your project? Luckily, Ergeon has a fence calculator that you can use to get a reliable estimate for your custom fence. Our fence calculator lets you customize your type of fence according to style of fence, fence height, fence material, gate options and more! Once you have designed your fence, Ergeon’s fence calculator builds a high quality 3D model so that you get an accurate vision of what your fence will look like. Finally, the fence calculator will calculate the estimated cost per linear foot of your fence design.

Barbed Wire Fence Cost per Linear Foot

The cost of barbed wire fencing is based on linear feet, as we discussed in the previous section. However, it is calculated a little differently than a wooden fence or a vinyl fence per linear foot. That’s because you will pay between $.0.04 and $0.15 per linear foot per strand you need for your fence. For example, if you have three strands of barbed wire you would multiply that number per linear foot by the number of strands. The cost per linear foot varies a bit by type of barbed wire, thickness, whether the strands are coated, and the quality you choose. We will go into more detail on these and other factors in the next section.

Barbed Wire Fence Cost Factors

Number of Strands

The number of strands you plan to have on your barbed wire fence is a major factor in the overall cost. That is because you will calculate the total cost in terms of linear feet and then multiply that by the number of strands. The typical barbed wire fence has between three and five strands total.

Coating

Barbed wire fencing is typically made from galvanized steel wire strands. That means it is coated with zinc to prevent rust and corrosion of the wire strands. There are different levels of zinc coatings, and you can opt for a stronger zinc coating if necessary. Another type of coating you can get on your barbed wire fencing is vinyl, or pvc, coating. This also helps to protect against rust and corrosion.

Wire Thickness

The wire thickness, referred to as the gauge or tensile strength of the barbed wire, determines how strong the fence will be. Contrary to what you would expect, a higher number of wire gauge is actually a thinner wire than low number gauges. The larger the number, the smaller the wire. The gauges range from 9 to 20 in most cases. The wire thickness you choose depends on the use you have in mind for the fence. If it needs to stand up to large animals, you will probably want a high tensile wire strand. If it is a security fence, then the tensile strength might not matter as much to you.

Number of Posts

Like the gauge of the wire, or wire thickness, the number of fence posts and type of posts you need for your purposes will depend on what you plan to use the fence for. There are several options for post types: metal t posts, wood posts, or steel posts. T posts are the cheapest, usually costing between $7.50 and $13.50 per post, and can be used for line posts but not corner posts or end posts because they are not strong enough. Next are wooden posts which typically cost between $10 and $40 per post depending on the type of wood and size of the post. Finally, metal beams and pipes are the strongest and will cost you between $20 and $50 per post. These are recommended for fences that need to keep large animals inside.

Number of Barbs

For number of barbs, you will usually have the choice between a two barb or a four barb wire strand. Four strand wiring will cost about 10 to 20 percent more than two barb wire strands. The barbs are the sharp points of contact spaced four to five inches apart on the wire strands to keep out wild animals or trespassers.

Labor Costs

The cost to build a barbed wire fence using professional installation is between $16 and $20 per hour, on top of the materials costs. So, by installing your new barbed wire fence by yourself as a DIY project you could save hundreds of dollars on the total fence installation cost. However, keep in mind that barbed wire is sharp and difficult to work with, so letting the professionals handle it might be a better idea than trying to put that up by yourself. Sometimes paying a little more on your fence prices could pay off by saving you stress and even injury!

Terrain and Slope

The cheapest spot to install a barbed wire fence is a flat open area with nothing that needs to be dug out or moved out of the way. However, that is not always the case. When the terrain has obstacles or is sloped, that can add to the overall cost of the barbed wire fence installation. That is because it could take extra time to prepare the area for the new fence to be put up.

Barbed Wire Fence Cost by Fence Type

Cattle Barbed Wire Fence

A cattle barbed wire fence costs on average between $1 and $6 per linear foot. It is usually between 50 and 54 inches tall and has between three and five strands.

Security Barbed Wire Fence

If you need extra security on top of your cattle barbed wire fence, that is called a security barbed wire fence. It is put on top of the cattle fence using pole extensions and can add between three and six additional strands for extra protection. This usually costs between $0.50 to $0.70 per linear foot and is made of closely spaced razor wire installed at an angle to make sure it cannot be climbed over.

Razor Barbed Wire Fence

Razor wire will cost you between $0.50 and $1 per linear foot. Instead of the wire barbs on a normal barbed wire fence, razor wire is made of razor blades that can seriously injure animals, so it is not recommended for livestock use.

How Much Does a DIY Barbed Wire Fence Cost?

Homeowners or land owners can save a significant amount on the total cost by installing their barbed wire fence by themselves as a DIY project. The overall savings amount to 30-40 percent compared to having a barbed wire fence professionally installed. However, it requires at least two people and can be dangerous because of the sharp points, so this should be considered carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do you stretch a barbed wire fence?

Barbed wire fences should be tightened so that they provide the security and function the homeowner or land owner is looking for. To stretch a barbed wire fence, one end should be attached to a post and then the strand should be stretched out using a hand-operated winch to the proper tension. Over stretching can lead to breakage, and injury, so be sure not to over tighten.

How many rolls of barbed wire can fence 1 acre?

You will need about half of a roll of barbed wire fence for 1 acre. A typical roll of barbed wire is 1,320 feet and that will cover 2 acres.

What is the life expectancy of a barbed wire fence?

The most basic galvanized steel wiring for a barbed wire fence will have a lifespan of between 2 and 11 years. In a coastal environment that lifespan will be a bit shorter, as rust could set in earlier.

What are the limitations of barbed wire fences?

Barbed wire stands rust over time, and is not very durable in wet climates.

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