How much does a hog wire fence cost?
How much does a hog wire fence cost?
$6 – $13 average cost per linear foot (with installation)
$2,500 – $5,500 average total cost to fence ¼ acre
Hog wire fence cost per foot
A hog wire fence costs $6 to $13 per linear foot with installation for frameless hog wire fencing or $15 to $38 per linear foot for framed hog fence panels. The total cost of hog wire fence installation also depends on the fence height, whether the wire is coated or uncoated, the fence post material, and site conditions.
| Fence length (linear feet) |
Average cost (frameless fence)* |
Average cost (framed panels)* |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | $300 – $650 | $750 – $1,900 |
| 100 | $600 – $1,300 | $1,500 – $3,800 |
| 150 | $900 – $1,950 | $2,250 – $5,700 |
| 200 | $1,200 – $2,600 | $3,000 – $7,600 |
| 250 | $1,500 – $3,250 | $3,750 – $9,500 |
| 300 | $1,800 – $3,900 | $4,500 – $11,400 |
| 350 | $2,100 – $4,550 | $5,250 – $13,300 |
| 400 | $2,400 – $5,200 | $6,000 – $15,200 |
*Including labor and materials
What is a hog wire fence?
Hog wire fencing consists of horizontal and vertical wires welded together at intersection points, creating a strong, durable barrier that's effective for livestock containment and property boundaries. Hog wire fencing has smaller openings in the lower section of the fence to prevent small animals from escaping.
This style of fence gets its name from its original purpose of containing hogs and other farm animals. Today, homeowners use hog wire fencing for various applications, including garden protection, pet containment, and decorative boundary fencing.
Cost of hog wire fence per acre
Hog wire fencing can be used to enclose smaller areas, such as gardens, yards, and small animal pens, but it's also an affordable option for farm fencing. The table below shows the average cost to fence larger pieces of land to contain hogs and other livestock.
| Number of acres | Average installed cost (frameless hog fence) |
Approximate linear feet* |
|---|---|---|
| ¼ acre | $2,500 – $5,500 | 420 |
| ½ acre | $3,600 – $7,700 | 590 |
| 1 acre | $5,000 – $10,900 | 835 |
| 2 acres | $7,100 – $15,350 | 1,180 |
| 3 acres | $8,700 – $18,900 | 1,450 |
| 4 acres | $10,000 – $21,700 | 1,670 |
| 5 acres | $11,200 – $24,300 | 1,870 |
*Based on a square-shaped area; the actual perimeter will vary based on the shape of the area.
Framed vs. frameless hog fence cost
The choice between framed and frameless hog wire fencing significantly impacts the total project cost:
| Fence panel type | Average cost (per linear foot)* |
|---|---|
| Frameless | $6 – $13 |
| Framed | $15 – $38 |
*Including labor and materials
Frameless hog wire fencing costs less while still providing effective containment. The wire mesh attaches directly to fence posts without additional framing, resulting in lower material and labor costs.
Framed hog wire panels feature a wood or metal frame around the wire mesh, providing additional structural support and a more finished appearance. While more expensive, framed panels offer enhanced durability and visual appeal.
If you opt for framed panels, you also have the option to paint the frame. Painting a fence costs $2 to $5 per linear foot for labor and materials.
Hog wire fence installation cost factors
The labor cost to install a hog wire fence ranges from $3 to $8 per linear foot on average, depending on the contractor's expertise, crew size, site conditions, and location. The table below shows a breakdown of the cost for labor and materials to install a framed or frameless hog wire fence:
| Factor | Average cost per linear foot (frameless) |
Average cost per linear foot (framed) |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $3 – $6 | $11 – $30 |
| Labor | $3 – $7 | $4 – $8 |
| Total cost | $6 – $13 per linear foot | $15 – $38 per linear foot |
The following factors also affect the cost of hog wire fence installation:
Fence height: Taller fences require more materials and additional labor for installation, increasing costs by $1 to $5 per linear foot for each additional foot of height above standard 4-foot panels.
Coated vs. uncoated wire: Galvanized or powder-coated wire provides superior rust resistance but costs $1 to $4 more per linear foot compared to uncoated steel wire. The additional cost can pay for itself through extended lifespan and reduced maintenance needs.
Wire gauge: Heavier gauge wire provides greater strength but increases material costs. Moving from 12.5-gauge to 9-gauge wire can add $0.50 to $2.00 per linear foot.
Fence post material: Wood posts are the most economical option, while metal posts cost more per post. The number of posts needed depends on the panel width and terrain conditions.
Gates: Adding gates increases the project cost by $150 to $500 per gate, depending on the size and hardware quality.
Site conditions: Rocky, sloped, or heavily rooted terrain increases the installation difficulty and labor costs by 20% to 50%. Clay soil or areas requiring extensive excavation may require specialized equipment, also increasing costs.
Permits and inspections: Some areas require permits for fence installation, with costs ranging from $50 to $200 depending on the location. Check with your local building department before starting your project.
Hog wire fence FAQs
How long does hog wire fencing last?
Hog wire fencing lasts 8 to 30 years, depending on the type of metal, wire thickness, whether the wire is coated or not, and environmental conditions:
Galvanized hog wire: 15 to 25 years
Powder-coated panels: 20 to 30 years
Untreated steel: 8 to 15 years
Can chickens fit through a hog wire fence?
Standard hog wire fencing features 4x4 inch openings in the upper sections, which are large enough for chickens to escape through. However, many hog wire panels include smaller 2x4 inch openings in the bottom portion, which can contain chickens effectively.
For complete chicken containment, consider adding chicken wire to the lower 2 to 3 feet of the fence.
Can you paint a hog wire fence?
Yes, you can paint hog wire fencing, though the process requires patience due to the mesh design. Expect to spend 2 to 3 times longer painting hog wire compared to solid fencing. Galvanized hog wire may require special etching primer for proper paint adhesion.
What gauge is hog wire fencing?
Hog wire fencing comes in various gauges, with 12-gauge and 9-gauge being most common. 12-gauge wire works well for most residential applications, while 9-gauge provides extra strength for high-traffic areas or larger livestock containment.
The gauge number indicates wire thickness. Lower numbers mean thicker, stronger wire.
Is hog wire cheaper than chain link fencing?
Standard frameless hog wire fencing is cheaper than chain link fencing. A 4' tall chain link fence costs $9 to $26 per linear foot with installation, depending on the metal.
In comparison, other types of fence installation cost $20 to $60 per linear foot, depending on the fence type, height, and material.
Getting estimates from fence installers
Follow these tips to help you choose the best hog wire fence installer near you:
Read reviews of fence installers on HomeGuide and Google.
Get estimates from at least three contractors to compare pricing and services.
Request itemized estimates that details the materials, labor, permits, and timeline.
Ask for recent customer references and follow up with phone calls.
Verify the contractor is licensed and insured.
Ask for a written contract and warranty before the work begins.
Questions to ask fence companies:
Ask these important questions to ensure you hire a reputable, experienced fence installation company:
How many years have you been installing hog wire fencing?
Can you provide references from clients with recent hog wire fence projects?
Are you licensed and insured for fence installation in this area?
What material options do you offer for the wire mesh, fence posts, and other components?
What does your quoted price include? (permits, site preparation, cleanup)
Are there any potential challenges with my property?
Do you call the utility department to mark underground lines before digging?
What is your estimated timeline for project completion?
What type of warranty do you offer on materials and labor?
Do you offer financing options for larger projects?
Can you provide a list of references for me to contact?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.