Installing a hog wire fence costs the average homeowner $2,000, but can go as high as $21,750.
Hog wire fencing, also called hog panels or stock panels, is a traditional agricultural fencing that is gaining popularity thanks to its versatility and rustic look. Hog wire fence costs for an average quarter-acre yard are $2,000. The overall price you pay varies by fence height, area size, and materials used.
Most of the hog wire fence cost comes from the size of the fence and the labor required to install it. However, you’ll also see some variation due to other factors like fence material. We break down each below.
Hog wire is a type of farm fencing that comes in large rolls of ready-made welded wire. That wire gets stretched in one of two ways to enclose a space:
Frameless hog wire fencing is wire that is hung or affixed to posts
Framed hog wire fencing is wire that is stretched across panels of varying sizes
Frameless hog wire fencing has a lower price point than its framed counterpart but it is less sturdy.
| Frame Type | Average Cost per Linear Foot (Installed) |
|---|---|
| Frameless | $2.50 – $6.50 |
| Framed | $6.50 – $15.50 |
The size of a hog wire fence is measured in both linear feet of length and in feet of height. On average, you can expect to pay $6.50 to $15.50 per linear foot for a framed hog wire fence. The cost difference is due in part to the range of available wire thicknesses and coatings.
| Fence Size (Linear Feet) | Price Range |
|---|---|
| 25 | $160 – $390 |
| 50 | $320 – $780 |
| 75 | $480 – $1,170 |
| 100 | $640 – $1,560 |
| 150 | $960 – $2,340 |
| 200 | $1,280 – $3,120 |
| 300 | $1,920 – $4,680 |
| 400 | $2,560 – $6,240 |
Most homeowners will use hog wire fencing to surround relatively small yards and gardens. Those with a lot of land or animals to protect may need to enclose several acres. Given the average cost to install fencing, hog wire provides an affordable alternative to most fencing types when it comes to fencing in large areas of land.
| Number of Acres | Fence Cost (Installed) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $5,400 – $13,000 |
| 2 | $10,800 – $26,000 |
| 3 | $16,200 – $39,000 |
| 4 | $21,600 – $52,000 |
| 5 | $27,000 – $65,000 |
Whether or not the hog wire fence is attached to frames, it will typically be secured to posts made of either wood or metal. Wooden fence posts are more common for permanent installations, especially for framed fences that use wooden frames. However, either option is viable depending on your needs and aesthetic preferences.
| Fencepost Material | Average Cost per Post (Installed) |
|---|---|
| Metal | $5 – $60 |
| Wood | $20 – $50 |
Professional labor is a major cost factor for any fencing project. Installing a fence is difficult and takes a lot of time to do properly, so most homeowners end up hiring a local fence company to handle the job. Fence installers charge anywhere from $1 to $4 per linear foot for labor alone. Expect rates on the higher end of this range if you’re installing a framed hog wire fence, since the frames often have to be constructed on-site.
Once the hog wire fence is installed, the only ongoing expenses is likely regular maintenance and repair.
When properly maintained, a well-installed hog wire fence should last 25 to 50 years. Maintenance involves regularly priming and painting or staining wood components to prevent rot. The cost to stain or paint a fence is $3 to $14 per linear foot.
Even with diligent maintenance, your hog wire fence may be subject to any of the following problems:
Structural issues due to termite damage or weathering
Storm damage
Wood rot
Rust
In the event of any of these, consider what it may cost to repair your fence, which varies depending on the issue and the extent of the damage.
If you're in need of hog wire fencing for a small garden, you could save on the cost of labor by doing it yourself with ready-made panels. You can purchase a set of four to eight ready-made hog wire fence panels for $5 to $50 per linear foot depending on the style. These panels require no posts and can be stapled directly to a raised garden bed for a quick install.
For larger projects, however, you'll probably want to hire a fence contractor. Fencing installation is complex and very time-consuming, especially if your yard isn't perfectly level. Pro fence installers often provide warranties on their installation and labor, so you'll be covered in the event that something goes wrong with the installation.
There are several features you can add to a hog wire fence to enhance its look and functionality. Some common examples include:
Gate: If you want access to the fenced-in area, consider installing a gate for $20 to $30.
Painted frame: It costs an average of $2 to $3 per linear foot to paint a fence.
Kickboard: Block small animals with a kickboard at the bottom of your frame for $0.50 per linear foot.
The least expensive yard fence to build is a type of wire fence. Hog wire costs an average of $6.50 to $15.50 per linear foot. Compare that to the cost of a wood fence at $10 to $45 per linear foot or a vinyl fence at $15 to $40 per linear foot.
The plants that grow well on a hog wire fence are any type of climbing or vining plant. This includes garden crops such as green beans, squash, and potatoes as well as jasmine and ivy. Compared to other farm fencing costs, hog wire comes at an affordable price and makes a great trellis if you plant climbing vines along the base of the fence.
