The “Basic” Fine Art of Fence
April 3, 2022Fencing is a vital part of country life. A good fence keeps livestock safe from the outside world, and the outside world from getting into your personal space. From installation and planning, to maintenance and moving, there are plenty of fence topics and options to cover. Today, we’ll be examining the basic options and why people choose them.
Wire
Wire fencing is quick, easy, affordable, and available in a wide array of options, including barbed and barbless. Be careful not to use barbed wire around horses or other animals that might get caught up in it.
Woven
If you’re trying to keep sheep, goats, poultry or pigs in, a woven fence is ideal. You can even use woven fence for corrals and pens. Woven fences are very sturdy, come in a wide variety of lengths, and go up pretty fast.
Costal tip: Within the woven and wire category is the high-tensile wire fence. You’ll spend a bit more for high-tensile fencing (in both wire and woven), but it will last decades longer and take far less maintenance.
Synthetic
We’ve all seen the gleaming white, synthetic fences lining properties. While it’s true that models sold decades ago looked a bit beat up after just a few years, today’s synthetic fence is great looking, goes up easy, and can be used with electric wiring when necessary. These fences are good options for corralling equine, llamas and other large critters.
Wood
The best wood fences were built over 100 years ago. But wood like that isn’t available at your local lumberyard. Yes, wood looks nice, but it’s best for small pastures, decorative entrances, and riding arenas. If you do go with a wood fence, be sure it’s vinyl coated for a longer life.
Panels
Whatever it is you’re trying to keep in, a UV resistant powder-coated corral panel is a versatile, easy-to-move option. Panels are tough as nails, heavy-duty, and easy to set up. You can even add a gate. Or choose galvanized panels designed to corral pigs and other smaller animals.
Electric
You don’t need to be an electrician to install an electric fence. All you need is an energizer or fence charger, along with electric-plastic twine, tape, or wire, and vinyl fencing or plastic insulators. We’ll cover all of the basics of an electric fence, including the benefits of either a temporary and permanent electric fence, in another article.
Fence Corners
Whatever option you choose, good fences start with strong corners. We’ve put together a Coastal 101: Building a Fence Corner, along with all the tools you’ll need to get the job done right.
Coastal knows Fencing
From galvanized panel fencing to corral panels and gates Coastal carries everything you need to build the perfect fence. That includes electric fence supplies, netting, and spools of barbed wire. Stop by your nearby location and tell us about your fencing needs. Our knowledgeable folk will guide you in the right direction.