Materials & Durability
Choosing the right deer fence material is just as important as choosing the right height. Metal welded wire and polypropylene (poly) fencing can both provide effective deer protection, but they differ in strength, flexibility, maintenance, and cost. Based on decades of professional installation experience, we explain the differences so you can choose the best material for your property.
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The main difference between metal and poly deer fencing is the material's strength and flexibility.
Metal deer fencing is made from galvanized welded steel wire with a protective black PVC coating. It creates a strong, rigid barrier that holds its shape and is especially useful in areas with heavy deer pressure, dogs, or other animals.
Poly deer fencing is made from UV-resistant polypropylene plastic. It is lightweight, flexible, and generally more economical than welded wire. Poly fencing works well for residential properties, wooded areas, and larger enclosures where a strong physical barrier against dogs or chewing animals isn't necessary.
Both materials can provide effective deer protection when properly installed.
We generally recommend metal fencing for customers looking for a more durable, low-maintenance barrier, while poly fencing is a practical option for customers who want to protect larger areas at a lower cost.
Explore our Metal Deer Fence and Poly Deer Fence options.
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Quality deer fencing can last 20 years or longer, depending on the material, installation, environmental conditions, and maintenance.
Our galvanized, black PVC-coated welded wire fencing has an estimated life expectancy of approximately 20–30 years under suitable conditions.
Our UV-resistant polypropylene deer fencing also offers a long service life, with many products carrying estimated life expectancies of 20 years or more.
These are estimated lifespans rather than guarantees. Physical damage, falling branches, animal pressure, and prolonged exposure to harsh conditions can affect how long any fence lasts.
A properly installed fence with secure posts, adequate bracing, and tension cables is just as important as choosing durable fencing material.
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For most permanent metal deer fence installations, we recommend 14-gauge welded wire with a black PVC coating, which increases the finished wire diameter to approximately 12 gauge.
This provides a strong, durable barrier for residential properties, gardens, and areas with significant deer pressure.
Other gauges have different applications:
14-gauge steel core: Our preferred option for heavy-duty, standalone metal deer fencing.
16-gauge steel core: Certain graduated-mesh welded wire products are suitable for standalone deer and garden fencing, particularly when protection from smaller animals is also important.
19-gauge steel core: Better suited for chew guards, light-duty applications, or fencing that has additional structural support. We generally don't recommend it as a standalone deer fence.
Remember that a lower gauge number means thicker steel wire.
The right choice also depends on the fence height, mesh design, and animals you're trying to exclude.
Explore our Metal Deer Fencing options.
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When welded wire fencing is described as 14-gauge coated to 12-gauge, it means the steel wire itself is 14 gauge before the protective PVC coating is applied.
The coating increases the overall diameter of the finished wire to approximately the diameter associated with 12 gauge.
It does not mean the steel core is 12 gauge.
Our welded wire fencing is galvanized for corrosion protection and then coated with black, UV-stabilized PVC. These protective layers help extend the life of the fence while allowing it to blend into the surrounding landscape.
When comparing fencing products, always look at the actual steel-core gauge, not just the finished coated diameter.
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Galvanized, PVC-coated welded wire deer fencing is designed to resist rust and corrosion, but no steel fence is completely rustproof.
Galvanization provides a protective zinc layer over the steel, while the exterior PVC coating adds another barrier against moisture and environmental exposure.
The combination helps protect the fencing and contributes to its long service life.
However, scratches, damaged coatings, exposed cut ends, and harsh environmental conditions can eventually allow corrosion to develop.
For most residential deer fence installations, quality galvanized and PVC-coated welded wire offers excellent durability with relatively little maintenance.
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Yes. Although polypropylene deer fencing is strong enough to deter deer when properly installed, some animals can chew through the plastic material.
Rabbits, groundhogs, and other chewing animals may damage the lower portion of a poly fence. Dogs may also chew or push through certain poly materials.
For properties where chewing animals are a concern, we often recommend installing a metal chew guard along the bottom of the poly fence.
This creates a more durable barrier at ground level while allowing homeowners to use lightweight, economical poly fencing above.
A chew guard can also be added to an existing poly fence later if animal damage becomes a problem.
Learn more about our Poly Deer Fence options.
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Yes. Black deer fencing generally blends into wooded and landscaped environments much better than brightly colored or reflective fencing materials.
Both metal and poly deer fencing are available in black, but their visibility can differ.
Black PVC-coated welded wire can be surprisingly difficult to see from a distance because the wire is relatively thin, rigid, and maintains a consistent shape when installed correctly.
Black poly fencing also blends into natural surroundings, although its wider plastic strands and flexibility can make it more noticeable in certain lighting conditions.
Fence visibility depends on the material, mesh size, installation, background, and viewing distance.
In our experience, properly installed black welded wire can be one of the least noticeable deer fencing options, especially against trees, shrubs, and darker landscaping.
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Absolutely. Combining metal and poly fencing is a practical solution that we frequently recommend.
A common installation uses metal welded wire along the bottom of the fence and poly fencing above it.
The metal provides additional protection against chewing, digging, and animal pressure near the ground, while the poly allows the upper portion of the fence to remain lightweight and more economical.
This combination can be especially useful for:
Properties with rabbits, groundhogs, or other chewing animals
Large deer fence enclosures where full-height metal fencing may be cost-prohibitive
Homeowners who want added durability along the bottom of their fence
The appropriate height, gauge, and mesh size of the metal portion depend on the animals you're trying to exclude.
Explore our Poly Deer Fence and Metal Deer Fence options.
FROM THE FIELD
Why Is My Poly Deer Fence Suddenly Getting Holes After Years Without Problems?
Every so often, we hear from customers who have had a poly deer fence installed for years without any problems. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, they start noticing small holes or tears near the bottom of the fence.
Sometimes the holes are even perfectly shaped little squares!
These openings are often caused by animals chewing through the poly fencing. Once there's a small opening, deer may push through it, tearing the fencing vertically and creating a much larger opening.
So why would animals suddenly start chewing on a fence that's been there for years?
There isn't always a clear answer. It could be a new animal moving into the area, an increase in the local population of chewing animals, or simply an animal becoming curious about the fencing. As poly fencing ages, it can also become more vulnerable to damage.
What do we recommend?
If the existing poly fence is still in good condition, adding a metal chew guard along the bottom is often the most practical solution. It reinforces the area where chewing typically occurs without requiring the entire fence to be replaced.
If the fence is more than 20 years old and showing signs of deterioration, we may recommend replacing it with a new metal deer fence or a poly fence with a metal chew guard.
The lesson? Just because a poly deer fence has worked perfectly for years doesn't mean animals won't eventually find a way through it. If you notice small holes developing near the bottom, address them before they become larger openings.