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Stock Fencing And Strained Wire

A good fence starts at the end, not in the middle.

Most failed stock fences were beaten before the netting went on. Corners too light, strainer assemblies too short, posts put where the ground was easy rather than where the pull needed them. Ed builds the ends first, then lets the line and the wire do their work.

Sheep nettingCattle nettingPost and railBarbed top strandsPlain wireRabbit nettingRe-strainingOld fence removal

Fence Types

Built around stock pressure, ground and access.

  • Sheep nettingGalvanised netting, treated stakes and proper end assemblies for grazing blocks, conservation compartments and hill edges.
  • Cattle nettingHeavier wire and stronger posts where rubbing, pressure and gateways make a light fence false economy.
  • Post and rail stock fenceThree-rail pressure treated timber for yards, approaches, horse paddocks and visible runs.
  • Barbed and plain wireTop strands, internal divisions and line repairs where a full netting run is not needed.
  • Rabbit nettingBuried or turned apron details quoted after seeing the soil and the length of the run.
  • Repair and re-strain workUseful when strainers, stakes and netting still justify the time. Not every old fence deserves new labour.

Minimum Booked Job

Half a day or 40 metres of fencing, whichever is greater. Small repairs and re-straining start at £190 for the first half day, then £32 per hour plus materials.

Prices And Examples

Real ranges before a site visit.

Standard Stock Fencing

£11.50 to £16.80 per metre

Treated stakes, two strands of barbed wire and galvanised netting, supplied and fitted. Ground, access, corners and old wire change the number.

Ask about a run

Post And Rail

£24 to £38 per metre

Three-rail pressure treated timber, supplied and fitted. Often used around yards, tracks and paddocks where impact and appearance both matter.

Send dimensions

Repair And Re-Strain

£190 first half day

Then £32 per hour plus materials. Best for loose but salvageable fencing, storm movement, lifted staples and tired gateways.

Email photos
Example 01

120m re-strain

One half to one full day, usually £190 to £360 plus wire, staples or replacement stakes if needed.

Example 02

300m sheep netting, two corners

Usually two to three days. Often £3,450 to £5,040 supplied and fitted, depending on access and old fence removal.

Example 03

900m mixed boundary

Usually four to six working days. Often £10,350 to £15,120 for standard supplied-and-fitted stock fencing before unusual gateways, rock or heavy clearance are added.

The Build

The order matters.

  1. 01

    Walk the line, agree gateways, stock pressure, access and which old fence comes out.

  2. 02

    Clear enough of the line to work safely without pretending a hedge is a straight edge.

  3. 03

    Set strainers, turns and box assemblies before intermediate stakes go in.

  4. 04

    Knock posts to the ground, not to a ruler, keeping the pull clean through rises and dips.

  5. 05

    Pull netting, barbed wire or plain strands to working tension, then staple with movement allowed.

  6. 06

    Walk the finished line, tie off loose ends and leave gates safe before the crew leaves.

Ground And Access

The quote follows the land.

Rock slows driving and may need augering. Wet gateways take longer because posts need sound ground, not optimism. Steep banks change machinery access. Overgrown lines add clearing and old wire can be worse than bramble if it is buried in the hedge bottom.

Usual lead time is 3 to 5 weeks from March to October and 2 to 3 weeks in quieter winter spells. A 25% deposit books the slot for jobs over £1,500, with the balance due within 7 days of completion.

How long does 300m take?

Two to three days if access is sensible and the old fence is not buried. More corners and wet ground add time.

Can I supply materials?

Sometimes. Ed will use customer materials if they are suitable, complete and on site before the booked day.

Is old fence removal included?

Only when quoted. Loose wire and rotten posts are one thing. Hedge-grown netting is a different job.

Quote Notes

Email the postcode, metres, stock type, photos and access notes.

Photos of corners, gateways and the worst ground are more useful than polished descriptions. Send them to hello@therealwire.com.

Email Ed