As a homestead fencing company much of our service area throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia is considered rural. In what has been a “grow your own” movement within the past 10 years or so, more and more homeowners in these rural areas have started utilizing whatever land they have to grow food and raise livestock to feed their families. Better education on processed foods in recent years has inspired much of the movement as well. . . essential nutrients in produce such as eggs, milk, meats, fruits, and vegetables are proven to be at their greatest when sourced as close to home as possible and eaten fresh in a “farm to table” manner.
As a fence company, we wish to supply rural fencing options that are suitable for the homesteaders in our local area. Whether you have a cozy hobby farm, a large amount of acreage for cattle, sheep, and horses, or just one chicken run; these homestead fence ideas are some fencing options that should work well for your property!
Wood and Wire Fencing
Wood paddock fencing with wire mesh will always be a great fence solution for farms. 1”x6” boards are nailed into wood posts to create a strong barrier for your animals. Standard paddock fences are comprised of 4”x4” posts, but for an even stronger fence solution choose 4”x6” posts, round posts, or half round posts. Boards should be installed on the same side as where your animals are contained so that they are pushing the nailed boards into or against the posts and not away from them. Paddock fence height is completely customizable depending on your needs. Simply increase the number of boards used as the height increases to maximize strength.
Standard fence posts are pressure treated pine, but board material can be your choice of pressure treated pine, cedar, or oak. We recommend oak or rough sawn pressure treated pine boards for containing large animals because they are much heavier and sturdier than cedar.
If using wire mesh, our standard option has 2”x4” spacing, but mini-mesh is also available to keep even the smallest critters in, or predators out!
Knotted wire fencing with wood posts might also be a reliable option for your homestead. There are a few knotted wire fencing options on the market that specifically cater to farms. One popular product has openings that start larger at the top (6”x8”) and narrow in size closer to the bottom (to 6”x3”). This option is low profile, long lasting, low maintenance, weathers well, and can be installed quickly.
Residential Rural Fencing Options for chickens
Many homesteaders prefer their chickens to be free ranging where they can be happier, plus healthier by foraging for their own nutrients. Even so, your chickens will need a space where they can be safely contained when you are not at home and/or hidden away from predators in a place where they feel protected. Chain link fencing serves this purpose well as it is virtually impenetrable and lasts forever. Another decent chicken fence option is our standard 2″x4″ welded wire mesh, which can be installed on wood posts and may allow for a more flexible chicken run design.
Frequently asked questions about farm fencing
Which fence type is best for organic farms? If your goal is certifiably organic grazing or hay producing, then pressure treated wood posts are not an option for you. Consider untreated cedar posts or metal posts for your organic farm or homestead fencing.
Do you sell DIY fence materials? Yes, Frederick Fence offers retail fence supply sales to homeowners and contractors in our area. Choose from a variety of farm fence supplies we have in stock. Order for delivery or pick up your deer fence materials at our shop in Frederick, MD.
Do you offer garden fencing options? We supply and install everything you need for the perfect garden fence. Galvanized or chain link wire fencing, picket fencing, or even 8′ tall heavy duty deer mesh fencing!
What type of nail is best for constructing farm or homestead fencing? Galvanized #20 nails have the strength to withstand the constant stress that livestock fencing undergoes.
Should I use electric fencing on my homestead? Electric fencing is a cost-effective solution for keeping larger livestock safe and contained. Electric fencing can also be used in tandem with paddock or wire fencing to keep livestock “off” the fence line and ultimately save your fencing from wear and tear. Simply install one strand of electric wire along your existing fence.
How do I get an estimate for farm fencing? Call Frederick Fence today! 301-663-4000. Our experienced homestead fencing company’s sales team is ready to price up fencing for your homestead property!
Written by Laura Braden, 5-year Frederick Fence Co. employee with 20+ years of farming experience.
Frederick Fence Company has over 40 years of experience installing fences of all shapes and sizes in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania! We are the fencing contractor you can trust!
