How to Install Livestock Fencing

Livestock escapes can lead to costly losses, predator attacks, and neighbor disputes—proper fencing prevents these headaches while maximizing pasture efficiency. For advanced farmers and ranchers, installing high-tensile or woven wire fencing isn't just containment; it's an investment in land management that withstands weather, animals, and time.

This guide teaches you pro-level installation from layout to final tensioning, assuming you have basic fencing knowledge. You'll achieve a taut, straight fence lasting 20+ years with minimal sagging. The process covers 1,000 linear feet (common paddock size) over 2-4 days, depending on terrain and crew size—expect physical labor with digging and stretching.

We'll break it down into sequential steps, focusing on high-tensile woven field fence ideal for cattle, sheep, or horses, with bracing for stability.

▸What You'll Need

• •T-posts (1.33 lb/ft, 6-8 ft lengths, spaced 8-12 ft apart)
• •Corner/brace posts (treated 4x4 or 6x6 wood, 8-10 ft)
• •Woven field fence (47" height, 12.5 gauge, 330 ft rolls)
• •High-tensile wire (12.5 gauge) for top/bottom rails
• •Barbed wire (optional top strand)
• •Wire crimpers and splicers
• •Fence stretcher or come-along winch
• •Post hole digger or auger
• •Post driver or hammer
• •Tensioners/in-line strainers (4-6 per fence line)
• •Brace wire and turnbuckles for corners
• •Gates (metal or wood, pre-hung)
• •PPE: gloves, safety glasses, boots
• •Optional: GPS or string line for layout, concrete for braces

Estimated Time: 2-4 days for 1,000 linear feet (solo: 4 days; 2-person team: 2 days) Difficulty: advanced

▸Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Plan and Mark the Fence Line

Start with a detailed layout to ensure straight runs and proper bracing. Use stakes, string lines, or a GPS app to mark corners, gates, and post locations. Account for terrain—slope gently or step posts on hills. Calculate materials: ~1 T-post per 10 ft, plus 4 heavy braces per corner/H-brace.

Why it matters: Poor planning leads to wavy fences and weak points. Success looks like a taut string line 2-3 ft off ground, with gates aligned for equipment access. Mark 1-2 ft beyond final line for digging.

Pro tip: Incorporate electric offset wires for predators later.

💡 Tips:

• •Use batter boards for precise corners
• •Factor in 10% extra posts for terrain surprises

⚠️ Warnings:

• •Avoid low spots that trap water/moisture against posts

Step 2: Install Corner and H-Brace Assemblies

Dig 3-4 ft deep holes for 6x6 treated posts at corners/end braces. Set posts plumb using levels, brace with diagonal wires/turnbuckles to opposing posts 10 ft away forming H-shapes. Pour concrete for stability in soft soil.

These anchors bear 80% of tension—expect them to hold 1,000+ lbs pull. Success: Posts rock-free when tugged. Why critical: Weak braces cause sagging over time.

💡 Tips:

• •Use 2x6 lumber for horizontal braces
• •Pre-mix concrete for faster set

⚠️ Warnings:

• •Never skimp on depth; frost heave destroys shallow sets

Step 3: Drive Line Posts

Space T-posts 8-12 ft apart (closer for horses/sheep). Drive 2-3 ft into soil using a post driver—cap flush for wire clips. Check alignment with string line.

Uniform depth ensures even height. Success: All tops level within 2 inches. This step takes 1/3 of time but prevents future leans.

💡 Tips:

• •Drive on firm soil mornings when ground is harder
• •Use ladder post driver for speed

⚠️ Warnings:

• •Overdriving bends posts; stop at 30-36" above ground

Step 4: Attach Bottom Tension Wire

Run 12.5 gauge high-tensile wire along bottom, crimping to braces loosely first. Use in-line strainers every 300 ft. This anchors the fence base.

Prevents hogging/pull-out by animals. Expect slight slack now—tighten later.

💡 Tips:

• •Crimp sleeves every splice for 500+ lb strength

⚠️ Warnings:

• •Avoid kinks; they weaken wire 50%

Step 5: Unroll and Attach Field Fence

Unroll woven wire from corner, clipping to posts with galvanized rings or staples every 12 inches. Overlap rolls 6 inches, splice securely. Keep taut by hand as you go.

Field fence (e.g., 47-8-6) stays vertical under tension. Success: No folds, fence stands alone lightly pulled.

💡 Tips:

• •Two people: one unrolls, one clips
• •Cut vertical stays if binding on posts

⚠️ Warnings:

• •Don't staple through mesh; use clips to avoid tears

Step 6: Add Top Barbed or Smooth Wire

Run top wire 6-8 inches above fence, then optional barbed strand 12 inches higher for deterrence. Clip securely.

Provides height/visual barrier. Ensures livestock respect the fence.

💡 Tips:

• •Smooth for horses to avoid injury

⚠️ Warnings:

• •Barbed only where predators are issue

Step 7: Tension All Wires

Use fence stretcher or tractor come-along at braces to achieve 200-250 lbs tension (fist-sized deflection over 100 ft). Work end-to-end, re-tensioning fence mesh last.

Pro feel: Wire 'sings' when plucked. Success: Straight, drum-tight fence.

💡 Tips:

• •Tension on cool mornings; wire expands in heat

⚠️ Warnings:

• •Over-tension snaps wire; monitor gauges

Step 8: Install Gates and Final Inspection

Hang pre-made gates on braced posts, ensuring level swing. Walk entire line: tighten slack, straighten leans, remove debris.

Test with livestock pressure. Success: No gaps, secure latches.

💡 Tips:

• •Add drop rods for double gates

⚠️ Warnings:

• •Misaligned gates bind and fail

▸Pro Tips

• •Pre-stretch wire overnight for easier handling
• •Use ATV with spool holder for unrolling on large areas
• •Apply wood preservative to cut post ends
• •Incorporate solar electric fence for dual security
• •Space posts tighter (8 ft) on curves for smoothness
• •Batch-drive posts in sections to maintain rhythm
• •Test tension with fence ratchet tool for precision

▸Common Mistakes to Avoid

• •Skipping braces: Causes corners to pull in, sagging entire fence—always H-brace.
• •Uneven post spacing: Leads to weak stretches—use measuring wheel.
• •Insufficient tension: Fence sags in 6 months—aim for 200 lbs minimum.
• •Wrong wire gauge: Thin wire breaks—stick to 12.5 gauge high-tensile.
• •Ignoring terrain: Posts lean on slopes—step depths accordingly.

▸Troubleshooting

Problem: Posts leaning after install

Solution: Add guy wires or re-drive/pull plumb; concrete loose ones. Prevent with deeper holes.

Problem: Wire sagging in heat

Solution: Install ratchet strainers; re-tension seasonally. Use high-tensile only.

Problem: Fence pulling out at base

Solution: Bury 6 inches or add rocks; reinforce with bottom rail.

Problem: Gaps at ground level

Solution: Add apron skirt or dig trench; check animal pressure.

Problem: Rust on clips/wire

Solution: Use galvanized Class 3; replace annually in wet climates. Seek pro if structural.

TMK 48-Inch Heavy Duty Steel Post Driver

Durable, ergonomic tool drives T-posts 2x faster than manual hammering, reducing fatigue on large jobs.

Best for: Essential for line posts on rocky soil.

Price Range: $39.99

Premier 1 Supplies In-Line Fence Strainer

Easy ratchet tensioning maintains 250 lbs without come-along; weatherproof for permanent use.

Best for: Every 300 ft for high-tensile wires.

Price Range: $14.99

KENCOVE Heavy Duty Fence Pliers

Cuts, crimps, and staples in one tool; forged steel lasts decades for pros.

Best for: Splicing and clip installation daily.

Price Range: $29.99

Red Brand 70302 Field Fence 47/8-6 (330 ft roll)

USA-made, heavy galvanized woven wire resists stretching and animal damage.

Best for: Main body for cattle/horses.

Price Range: $199.99

YARDGARD 08014 T-Post Clips (100 pack)

Galvanized for rust resistance; secure hold without staples tearing mesh.

Best for: Attaching fence to every post.

Price Range: $9.99