In agricultural, stock fences are often used to maintain animals outside or inside an area. They are designed to confine animals in specific areas, depending on location, terrain and other factors. There are many types of stock fences available and they are made of different materials. Some of the most commonly used material in stock fencing is mesh, vinyl, nylon, wood, PVC and plastic. Let us have a look at each material and the way it is used.

Mesh Stock Fencing
Mesh stock fencing is a popular choice for small to medium-sized farms. Mesh fencing is created by cutting thin strips of mesh and joining them into pleasing shapes. The mesh can also be bent into shapes according to the needs of the owner. Mesh fence posts are available in different sizes depending on how many animals you want to confine. Mesh fence posts are light weight and easy to install and maintain.
Plastic Stock Fencing
Plastic stock fencing can either be made by sheeting together sheets of polyethylene plastic and mounting them onto a wooden frame, or by using interlocking plastic tongue-and-groove fasteners. The plastic wire is extremely flexible and can be bent into any pattern without any pre-determined limits. As the wire is bent, it becomes stronger and more resistant to breaking. However, it can break into smaller pieces than the other types of wires.
Nylon Stock Fencing
Nylon stock fencing is made by wrapping a nylon fabric around a steel rod. The fabric acts as a handle so that the wire can be manipulated into a number of different shapes, depending upon the need. High tensile strength is one of the advantages of using this type of fencing. It can resist high tension and, therefore, is used in high security areas like military compounds and airports.
Vertical Stock Fencing
There are two types of stock fencing: vertical and horizontal. Vertical stock fencing is usually made with a mesh screen top. This mesh is mounted onto horizontal wires that are placed at intervals along the length of the fence. As long as the fence has no gaps, it prevents animals from getting inside. The horizontal wires, however, cannot prevent smaller, creeping things such as mice or insects.
Barbed Wire Stock Fencing
Barbed wire, on the other hand, is usually used on stock fences that have gaps or bends in them. Barbed wire has many advantages over the other types of material. It is very strong and durable. It is very difficult to cut through it, which makes it ideal for use on sensitive or hard-to-reach areas. Since it can easily handle bending and twisting, it is also easy to maintain.
Galvanised Steel Wire Stock Fencing
Galvanised steel wire is another material commonly used in stock fencing. The most popular kinds of galvanised wire are galvanised iron wires, which have a shiny, non-reflective metal finish. These kinds of fences also resist rust, corrosion, which makes them even more suitable for use outdoors. These fences can either be galvanised or coated with zinc if you want to go for a glossy finish. For aesthetic purposes, zinc plated fences look better than galvanised ones.
There are a number of other varieties of stock fencing that you can purchase. Before you make your decision, be sure to consider your needs and the requirements of your business. If you plan to fence animals, you may prefer between galvanised wire fencing or flat galvanised wire fencing. For human beings, you can opt for wooden or plastic stock fencing.
The most important characteristic to look for when buying stock fencing is the strength of the mesh. The number indicates the level of tensile strength of the wire. The higher the number, the stronger the wire. The strength of the stock fence usually coincides with the cost. If you want a very strong fence, you will end up spending more money.
When buying stock fencing, you should take note of the mesh size, the number of horizontal wires and the thickness of the mesh. The thickness is particularly important because you don’t want any gaps or holes in your fence. A good practice is to get a couple of quotes before you buy from a single provider. To make things easier, you can always ask for a sample so you can see what each of the providers have to offer.
Once you’ve decided on the type of stock fencing and the thickness you need, you can now concentrate on the different types of mesh patterns available. There are basically four types – drawn, forged, grooved and napped. Drawing and forged mesh patterns are typically thinner while grooving and napped varieties are thicker. Choosing the one that best fits your needs should be easy after you compare a few quotes.