There are a lot of options in agricultural fencing, and one of the most common has long been barbed wire fencing. Originally developed in the 1860s, its basic design hasn’t changed much over the years – long strands of metal wire with spiked bits tied onto the wire regularly.
Barbed wire is still used regularly today, although there is some question over whether it’s still a good option. In this article, we’ll go over basics such as its costs and installation process, as well as the overall pros and cons of using it to protect your property.
I. Installing Barbed Wire Fencing
When it comes to installation costs, barbed wire is in the middle of the pack. It’s more expensive than some options but still isn’t that expensive compared to alternatives such as steel or wire mesh.
The big factor is simply how much space you’ll be enclosing. A standard roll of barbed wire is 1,320 feet, which is roughly enough to span 2-3 acres. The cost can be anywhere from $50 to $200 per roll, depending on material quality and strength.
Besides the barbed wire itself, you’ll also need fence posts and fasteners. Your fence posts should be around 20-30 feet apart, as well as well-supported corner posts at critical turning points. Be sure to consider the ground you’ll be working with. How hard will it be to prepare the ground and create proper post-holes?
The fasteners are basically just U-shaped staples, and shouldn’t cost too much. The manpower needed to attach it all can get costly, though, as it’s a slow and tedious job.
II. Advantages of Barbed Wire
1 – Deterrence
Obviously, the big advantage of barbed wire is that it’s equally good at encouraging your livestock to stay in, and other animals (or people) to stay out. Aside from electrified fences, there’s no better way to keep any creature far away from the fence. That said, be aware that smaller agile critters – like raccoons – may still be able to climb it without problem. If you’re serious about security, a roll of razor wire on top may be called for.
Plus, of course, the wider the gap between the wires, the more things can slip through. Tighter security calls for more barbed wire, which adds to the costs.
2 – Durability
Barbed wire can last for a very long time, and stand up to the elements well – especially if it’s made from a material like stainless steel which won’t rust. Maintenance will be absolutely minimal. A barbed wire fence could last for years or decades after installation, and you’ll barely need to mess with it at all.
3 – Customizability
Since barbed wire simply comes in rolls, there are a lot of options in how you use it. As mentioned above, for example, you can make your fence more or less open just by choosing how close together the wires are. It’s also one of the faster types of fencing to install, which in turn, makes it easier to customize to your needs.
4 – Cost-effectiveness
Overall, this all makes barbed wire fencing a very cost-effective option. Possibly the most cost-efficient, when looking at the long-term total cost of ownership. At least, assuming nothing goes wrong.
II. Disadvantages of Barbed Wire Fencing
1 – Physical harm
The big issue with barbed wire, of course, is that it can do significant damage to anyone or anything that runs into it. Adult animals (and most humans) will quickly learn to stay away, but there are exceptions. Young animals may blunder into it unknowingly, or a sick or panicked animal may run into it. The barbs won’t kill, but they can create cuts deep enough to require medical attention – or invite infection. Not to mention that old rusty barbed wire is a serious tetanus threat.
For this reason alone, many stay away from barbed wire and choose other options – particularly electric fences or electrified mesh – to minimize the risk of harming their own livestock.
2 – Aesthetics
Barbed wire is ugly, and creates a very standoffish appearance. Of course, if you’re concerned about human invaders, this may be desirable. However, a more ‘friendly’ or tourist-focused ranch may want less openly-threatening fencing.
3 – Local regulations
Some areas have restrictions on the use of barbed wire, due to the potential for harming people or animals, particularly if there are endangered species nearby. You’ll want to check with your local development boards beforehand to learn the regulations.
In short, there’s a lot to consider before you commit to using barbed wire fencing on your property. If you’re not sure whether barbed wire is right for your needs, consult with professional fence-builders for an expert opinion.
