Barbed Wire Fences

Barbed Wire Fences

Barbed wire fences are best known as an inexpensive fencing option commonly used in pasture areas to keep livestock confined to specific areas. When used on conjunction with woven wire fencing, barbed wire can be very effective at preventing large animals from breaking down fences, and for keeping smaller animals from digging under a fence line. Barbed wire can also be used to border crops in order to prevent large animals from getting in and wreaking havoc.

Barbed Wire Fences Keep People Out, Too
While most people associate barbed wire with steel posts and agricultural uses, there are many residential and commercial uses for barbed wire, as well. In fact, the agricultural uses of barbed wire are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to using barbed wire. Razor wire and razor tape, both hybrids of traditional barbed wire, are some of the most effective security deterrents you can install if your primary concern is keeping unwanted visitors off your property.

In order to determine the type and quantities of barbed wire fences that are going to be best for your needs, it's important to evaluate what you plan on using it for. Agricultural use usually demands a standard double wrap, 12 1/2 gauge, zinc coated, galvanized steel wire, strung along regularly placed steel posts. How many strands you need to install on a length of fence is determined by the livestock you're hoping to keep in (or out). Sheep need the most strands at 7 strips per fence (though the bottom two strands are traditionally constructed of plain wire), while cattle and horses generally don't need more than 4 to 7, depending on the type and temperament. If you're trying to keep people out, you've got a different set of questions to ask altogether, including whether traditional barbed is going to be an effective security solution to start with.