How Tall Should A Barbed Wire Fence Be?

A barbed wire is a kind of steel fencing wire used by homeowners to keep unwelcome visitors, burglars, or stray animals off their property. You might be wondering how tall a barbed wire fence should be to serve its purpose. Fortunately, we did some research for you, and here's what we gathered.

The average height of a barbed wire fence is 51 or 54 inches. Barbed wire is made of steel with sharp points arranged at intervals. How far apart the wires will be is based on the fence height and the line wires used. Generally, the line post spacing should be 12-20 feet apart.

If your fence is not high enough, an intruder can break in or gain access to your property. Keep reading to learn more about barbed wire fencing.

Barbed wire - restricted area, black and white - How Tall Should A Barbed Wire Fence Be

The Height Of A Barbed Wire Fence

Barbed wire is composed of two or more strands of galvanized wire connected with sharp barbs. The barbed wire fence around your home should be 51 or 54 inches to prevent people from gaining access to your property.

You should consider using this low-cost fencing system to avoid trespassing. The height of a barbed wire fence determines how safe your property is.

How tall a barbed wire fence is should depend on its purpose or the area the fence is located. For example, if there are no trees or buildings around, then the height can be lower. If the ground is uneven or sloped, then the fence may need to be higher.

Barbed wire fence at a field

How Far Apart Should I Put T-Posts On A Barbed Wire Fence?

The distance between T-posts should be considered while building a barbed-wire fence. The typical spacing of a T-post should be between 8 and 12 inches. The distance of the T-post is based on the type of fence and the support required to keep it in place.

The spacing between your T-posts is crucial. If you choose to space the T-post at the lower boundary for more support you will be needing 220 T-posts.

If you are building a wire fence to keep animals confined in space, you should consider animal pressure. If you want to keep larger animals confined, make sure the fence is well installed so they won't get damaged when the animals lean on them.

Also, consider your local weather. The weather conditions have different effects on barbed wire fences. Rain causes the wires to rust, thereby weakening them. Snowfall also adds heavyweight stress on the fence.

Before starting the installation, you have to measure and layout the posts. This is to make sure the posts are well spaced. To achieve stability, it is better to use a steel T-post instead of a wood post. Always remember that fence stays prevent a lot of activity between strands.

Should Barbed Wire Be On The Inside Or Outside?

It is better to install the barbed wire on the inside instead of the outside. Always use feet when measuring the wires. Generally, razor wire braces are installed on each fence post leaned towards the outside of your space. This makes the fence difficult to climb.

If the wire is fixed inside, the pressure that your livestock can push against the posts and wire when they attempt to put their head between two wires.

How Many Rolls Of Barbed Wire Do I Need?

Barbed wire - restricted area, black and white

If you want to install a barbed wire fence, it is crucial to know the number of wires you will be needing. While buying a barbed wire, you should bear in mind that one roll is equivalent to 1/4 of a mile.

If 1/4-mile of fencing is required by a 40-acre square area, that means a mile of fencing or four rolls of barbed wire will be needed for each line.

What Is A Fence Stretcher?

A fence stretcher provides the appropriate tension needed on the wire fence. This also prevents sagging. When installing a barbed wire fence, a fence stretcher is one of the standard tools required.

If you are installing a new barbed wire fence or want to repair the old one, you should have a fence stretcher. If you do not have this tool, then you should consider getting it because it is used to keep wire fences stretched.

A fence stretcher is typically made from metal and has two ends. One end has a hook that can be attached to the wire, while the other end has a handle connected to it. When someone pulls on the handle, they can stretch out the barbed wire and make it tighter.

Can Barbed Wire Be Stretched Without A Stretcher?

You will need a stretcher to stretch or repair your wire fence but you can also use a claw hammer and a pair of fencing wire. It is not recommended to use your bare hands to fix your barbed wire because you might get injured. With the help of a fencing plier and claw hammer, you can tighten a faulty wire easily.

To achieve this, take one end of the broken wire, as you make a small loop. Try crossing the wire over itself. Next, wind the end of the wire around the wire itself. This should be done three or four times. Do this all over again with the other broken end.

Next, try threading one interwoven wire through a loop and joining it to the wire. Do this by bending and creating twists.

The interwoven wire should be able to thread through the other loop and also five or six inches. Losen the interwoven wire. Using a plier, strip off the wires so they can easily slide through the other loop. Twist back the wire after stripping.

close up barbed wire fence over black background

Pros And Cons Of A Barbed Wire Fence

While barbed wire fence has benefits, it also has some drawbacks. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of a barbed wire fence.

Pros

  • Barbed wire fences are affordable and easy to install
  • Barbed wire fences can be made with any length or thickness
  • They are durable
  • A barbed wire fence keeps intruders out of your property

Cons

  • Barbed wire fences are not aesthetically pleasing.
  • The sharp, pointed metal spikes of a barbed wire can puncture the skin and clothes.
  • Barbed wire fences are difficult to maintain and repair because of the sharp metal wires.

How Tight Is A Barbed Wire Required To Be?

A barbed wire shouldn't be tightened too much to avoid breakage. When tightening the wire, make sure to start from the top to avoid tangling. Be very careful while performing this task so you don't get injured. If your barbed wire is too tight, it will vibrate when touched.

Can Barbed Wire Be Electrified?

Chain-link fence fragment with metallic pillars and barbed or razor wire  realistic vector illustration isolated on white background. Secured territory, protected area or prison fencing

Barbed wire fences can be electrified. This makes it more hazardous especially if a person or an animal gets trapped by the electrified wire.

In some countries, it is unlawful to use electrified barbed wire. Most people using a barbed wire fence may have had their bodies scared or their clothes torn. With all these, electrifying the wire may not be a good idea.

To Wrap Up

If your barbed wire fence is not high enough, it may not serve its purpose. So, your wire fence should be 51 or 54 inches tall.

The height of a barbed wire fence depends on the use and location of the fence. The purpose of the fence should be considered when choosing a height.

If you enjoyed reading this post, here are similar articles you may like:

Can I Put Barbed Wire On A Residential Fence?

Should Metal Fence Posts Be Set On Concrete?

How To Dog-Proof A Wrought Iron Fence