Quick Answer
Welded wire mesh fence costs $0.30–$1.00 per square foot for materials, or $1.50–$4.00 per linear foot installed (4-foot height). For a 100-foot pen, expect $200–$600 in materials plus $150–$400 in posts and hardware. Professional installation adds $2–$4 per linear foot in labor. The total for a 100-foot x 50-foot pen is typically $1,500–$4,000 installed.
Material Cost Breakdown
| Mesh Type | Cost per Roll | Roll Size | Cost per Linear Foot |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14-gauge 2x4 inch, 4 ft tall | $80–$150 | 100 ft | $0.80–$1.50 |
| 14-gauge 2x4 inch, 5 ft tall | $100–$180 | 100 ft | $1.00–$1.80 |
| 16-gauge 2x4 inch, 4 ft tall | $50–$90 | 100 ft | $0.50–$0.90 |
| 1x1 inch hardware cloth, 3 ft tall | $60–$120 | 50 ft | $1.20–$2.40 |
| 1x2 inch hardware cloth, 3 ft tall | $40–$80 | 50 ft | $0.80–$1.60 |
Additional Hardware Costs
- T-posts (6 ft): $8–$14 each, spaced every 8–10 feet
- Wood corner posts (4x4, 8 ft treated): $15–$30 each
- Fence staples (1 lb box): $5–$10
- Hog rings or J-clips for attaching to posts: $10–$20
- Gate: $100–$400 depending on width and style
Total Cost Example: 100-foot Chicken Run
For a 10x100-foot chicken run using 1x1-inch hardware cloth at 3 feet height: 220 linear feet of wire (including the 10-foot short sides) = $264–$528 in hardware cloth. Add 22 T-posts at $10 each ($220), 4 corner posts at $20 each ($80), staples and clips ($30), gate ($150). Total materials: approximately $744–$1,008. DIY labor: 1–2 days. Professional installation: add $440–$880.
Our Recommendation
For predator-resistant chicken and small animal enclosures: 1x1-inch hardware cloth is worth the premium. For general livestock and garden exclusion: 14-gauge 2x4-inch welded wire is the practical cost-effective choice. Avoid the cheapest lightweight mesh — it dents, stretches, and rusts quickly, requiring replacement within 5–8 years versus 20+ for quality 14-gauge material.