Quick Answer
Woven wire fence (field fence) costs $0.40–$0.80 per linear foot in materials, or $1.50–$3.00 per linear foot professionally installed including posts. For a 40-acre square property (3,300-foot perimeter), expect $1,300–$2,600 in wire materials and $2,500–$6,000 including posts and hardware. Adding a top electric wire adds $200–$400 per 1,000 feet.
Material Costs
| Product | Roll Length | Cost per Roll | Cost per Foot |
|---|---|---|---|
| HT-6-39-12 (cattle, 39") | 330 ft | $130–$180 | $0.39–$0.55 |
| HT-6-48-12 (horses, 48") | 330 ft | $150–$200 | $0.45–$0.61 |
| Non-climb horse fence (60") | 200 ft | $180–$280 | $0.90–$1.40 |
| HT-9-35-9 (sheep/goat, 35") | 330 ft | $120–$165 | $0.36–$0.50 |
Post Costs
Woven wire requires posts at 8–16-foot spacing — much closer than high-tensile wire. The standard is 12-foot spacing for field fence.
- T-posts (6 ft): $8–$14 each; every 12 feet = 88 posts per 1,000 feet = $700–$1,230
- Wood line posts (4", 8 ft treated): $12–$22 each; same quantity = $1,056–$1,936
- Corner/end posts (6", 8 ft treated + bracing): $40–$80 per corner set
Additional Hardware
- Fence staples: $10–$20 per 1,000 feet of fence
- Wire stretcher/fence puller: $50–$150 (tool, used for many fences)
- Splice clips and end crimps: $20–$40 per 1,000 feet
Cost vs. High-Tensile
Woven wire costs 3–4x more per linear foot than high-tensile electric fence. For cattle-only operations, high-tensile electric is significantly more economical. Woven wire's value is in containing small livestock (sheep, goats) that high-tensile cannot contain without many strands, and in providing a physical barrier that doesn't require electricity to work.
Our Recommendation
For sheep, goat, and mixed-species operations, woven wire is the correct investment despite higher cost. Pair it with a top electric wire ($0.05–$0.10 per foot additional) to prevent climbing and improve predator deterrence. For cattle-only operations, high-tensile electric at $0.25–$0.60 per foot DIY provides better value. Choose based on species, not price alone.