Hog wire is the rare fence that lives two lives. On farms it's a stockyard panel — heavy welded wire that pigs and cattle can't push through. In neighborhoods it's become the signature modern-farmhouse fence: welded grid panels set in cedar frames, giving clean lines, near-invisible boundaries, and full view of whatever is behind them.
Same material, two very different builds and budgets. Here's the whole picture.
What hog wire actually is (and the panel names that get confused)
All of these are welded galvanized steel panels sold in 16-foot lengths at farm stores; the names describe the layout:
| Panel | Height | Grid | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hog panel | 34" | 4"×4" tightening toward the bottom | Pigs, garden beds, framed fence infill |
| Cattle panel (stock panel) | 50" | 6"×6"–4"×4" | Cattle, arched trellises, tall framed fence |
| Combo/utility panel | 52" | Graduated — tight at bottom | Mixed livestock |
| Welded wire grid (4-gauge) | Cut to order | Uniform 4"×4" or 2"×4" | Architectural framed fence |
Panels run roughly $25–$60 each at farm suppliers depending on height and gauge. For the framed residential look, fabricators also sell clean-edged 4-gauge grid panels sized to your frame openings.
The two builds
Farm build: panels on T-posts
The agricultural original: steel T-posts driven every 8 feet, panels wired or clipped to the posts. Fast, cheap, brutally effective for containment.
Cost: $3–$8 per linear foot installed ($2–$5 DIY). A quarter-mile pasture run is a weekend with two people and a post driver.
Residential build: wood-framed panels
The modern-farmhouse version: 4×4 cedar posts set in concrete, 2×4 cedar rails top and bottom (often with a 2×6 cap), and the wire grid stretched or stapled inside each frame bay. The wood does the structure; the wire disappears into the view.
Cost: $18–$40 per linear foot installed, depending on lumber grade, panel gauge, and height. That's squarely in cedar privacy fence territory — you're paying for the frame carpentry, not the wire. DIY brings it to $10–$20/ft in materials.
Posts follow standard rules: concrete-set at proper depth — run your height through the post depth calculator. Because the panels are see-through, wind load is minimal, which is why framed hog wire stays straight where solid privacy fences of the same height lean.
Where hog wire wins
- Views. It's the fence for properties where the point is seeing past the fence — acreage, hillsides, gardens, pool-adjacent landscapes (but check pool barrier rules — grid openings over 4 inches don't meet pool code).
- Dogs. The 4-inch grid contains most dogs; add a tighter 2"×4" grid at the bottom for small breeds and rabbits... or to keep them out of the garden.
- Gardens and chickens. Hog panels bent into arches make instant trellises; the graduated grid keeps hens where hens belong.
- Budget acreage. On T-posts it's among the cheapest legitimate livestock fences per foot.
Where it doesn't
- Privacy — it's transparent by design; pair with hedging if you want both.
- Pool code — 4-inch-plus openings fail the barrier spec in most states.
- Security — a 34–50 inch panel is a step stool, not a wall.
- Predator-proofing poultry — raccoons reach through 4-inch grid; overlay hardware cloth on the lower third.
Installation notes that separate good from bad builds
- Set corners first. Wire runs pull hard against corners; on farm builds, brace corner posts (H-braces) before stretching anything.
- Frame square, then infill. On residential builds, the grid telegraphs every out-of-square frame — cut panels 1/4" small and center the gap.
- Galvanized or bust. Bright (uncoated) panels streak rust onto cedar within a year. Class 1 galvanized minimum; powder-coated black grid is the premium look.
- Staple, don't weld yourself into a corner. Fence staples every 6–8 inches let you replace a damaged panel later; continuous welds don't.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a hog wire fence cost?
On T-posts for farm use: $3–$8 per linear foot installed. Wood-framed residential builds: $18–$40 per linear foot installed, or $10–$20 in DIY materials. The panels themselves run $25–$60 each in 16-foot lengths.
What's the difference between hog wire and cattle panels?
Height and grid. Hog panels are 34 inches with tighter spacing at the bottom; cattle panels are 50 inches with a larger grid. For framed residential fences, most builders use custom 4-gauge welded grid rather than true stock panels — cleaner edges and uniform squares.
Will hog wire keep dogs in?
Yes for most breeds — the standard 4-inch grid contains anything bigger than a terrier. For small dogs and puppies, use 2"×4" grid on the lower half or full height.
Does hog wire fence meet pool fence code?
Generally no. Pool barrier codes require openings that reject a 4-inch sphere, and standard hog and cattle panel grids are exactly 4 inches or larger. Tighter 2"×4" welded grid can comply — verify against your state's rules before building.
How long does a hog wire fence last?
Galvanized panels last 20–30 years. On a framed build the cedar frame is the clock — 20–25 years with maintenance, same as any cedar fence. On T-posts, expect to re-tension occasionally and outlive the neighbors' vinyl.
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