Split Rail Fence with Wire Mesh for Pets and Livestock
A split rail fence on its own marks a boundary, but adding wire mesh turns it into a working enclosure for dogs, children and small animals. Mesh is one of the cheapest upgrades available and is often a do-it-yourself job. Here is how to choose it, attach it, and know when more is needed.
Why add mesh?
The gaps between rails are wide enough for a small dog, a toddler or a rabbit to slip through. Mesh fills those gaps while keeping the rustic look of the wood. WVSR serves residential, commercial and agricultural customers, and mesh is a common add-on for all three.
Choosing the right mesh
Need | Common choice | Notes |
Medium and large dogs | Welded wire | Pick an opening small enough that paws and heads cannot get through |
Small dogs and puppies | Smaller-opening welded wire or hardware cloth | Check the opening against your dog's size |
Horses | No-climb horse fence mesh | Small openings keep hooves from catching |
Goats, sheep and similar | Woven or welded livestock wire | Match the opening to the animal |
Keeping out deer or rabbits | Taller or tighter mesh | Needs more height than a standard fence |
Ask your feed or farm supply store what suits your animals, since needs vary by breed and size.
How to attach wire mesh to split rail
Install the fence first. Set posts and rails, then add mesh once everything is firm.
Unroll along the animal side. Putting the mesh on the inside means pressure pushes it against the posts instead of pulling it loose.
Fasten at the posts and rails. Use galvanized fence staples or U-nails, working from one post to the next.
Keep it tight. Pull the mesh taut as you go so it does not sag.
Handle the bottom edge. For diggers, bury the bottom edge several inches or lay it flat and secure it outward.
Costs
Mesh often adds roughly $0.60 to $1.70 per linear foot in published guides, so a 200-foot run may add a few hundred dollars. Prices vary by gauge and opening size.
What mesh cannot do
A split rail fence with mesh is not made to hold determined jumpers or climbers, or large animals that lean on fences. For horses and bulls, ask a livestock fencing professional about the right height, mesh and extra safety measures.
Gates matter too
A gap at the gate defeats the fence. Choose a gate sized for your needs and add mesh to it as well. See our guide to split rail gates.
FAQ
Can I add mesh to an existing fence? Yes, as long as the posts are solid.
Does mesh shorten fence life? It can trap moisture against wood where it touches, so check fasteners and rails yearly.
Is a 2-rail or 3-rail better with mesh? A 3-rail fence is taller and gives the mesh more support.
Plan your enclosure
Tell us about your animals and acreage at 1-800-624-3110 or sales@wvsr.com, and we will point you to the right rails and gates. You can also find a dealer near you.
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