Wire, Cattle-Panel and Deer Fence in Melba and the Treasure Valley

Pole-and-wire fence is wood posts with wire stretched between them. It is the plain way to mark a property line, close in a pasture or cross a lot of open ground. Which wire goes on depends on what you are keeping in or out.

Deer fence keeps deer off gardens, orchards and young trees. Deer can clear most yard fences, so a single wire deer fence is usually built about 8 feet tall. If rabbits are a problem too, smaller mesh along the bottom helps.

Cattle-panel view fence closes in a yard without blocking the view, which is why it suits bluff and valley lots. Some people call it hog-wire fence. Beau's spec on a recent one: "4x4 cedar posts" and "black powder coated cattle panels framed out with 2x4 cedar & solar post cap lighting."

Wire mesh can also be added along a rail fence to keep dogs and small stock in. Ask Beau on your estimate if you want it.

Two wire fences the same length can price out very differently. Here is what moves the number:

• Corners, ends and gates. Wire is stretched tight, so each one needs a braced post assembly, often an H-brace. More corners, more braces.
• Post type. Steel T-posts usually cost less and go in faster. Wood posts cost more and look more finished.
• Height and wire. Deer fence takes taller posts and more wire. Heavier wire and thicker galvanizing cost more up front and last longer.
• Ground and access. Rock, hardpan and slope slow down post setting, and so does a line a truck can't reach.
• Clearing and tear-out. Brush on the line or old wire to pull out adds time.
• Cattle-panel fence. A cedar frame around every panel means more lumber and labor per foot than plain wire. Post cap lights add to it.