BUYING GUIDE
The complete guide to choosing a security fence.
This guide provides a clear overview of high-security fencing options designed to protect critical infrastructure, government sites, and commercial properties.
Security Fence and Walls
Different types and use cases.
Chain Link
Chain link fencing is versatile and customizable with various colors, heights, mesh sizes, and toppings. Mini-mesh options enhance security by reducing footholds and resisting cutting for anti-climb protection.
Common use cases:
• Utility substations and power plants
• Industrial and commercial facilities
• Temporary construction site security
• Correctional facilities (with added toppings like barbed wire or razor wire)
Welded Wire
Welded wire fencing offers a clean, strong barrier with a ½” x 3” mesh and wire gauges from 8 to 10.5. Adjustable heights make it suitable for high-security and commercial uses.
Common use cases:
• Data centers and telecom sites
• Airports and transit facilities
• Government and military installations
• School perimeters and campuses
• Commercial properties needing aesthetic and security balance
Expanded Metal
Expanded metal fencing combines strength and flexibility, available in various materials, thicknesses, and finishes. Its solid construction resists cutting and climbing, ideal for high-security sites.
Common use cases:
• High-security correctional facilities
• Utility and infrastructure sites
• Industrial plants and storage yards
Ornamental w/ Pales
Ornamental fencing balances security and style with multiple picket styles and security levels. Optional slats add privacy and visual screening for a polished, protective look.
Common use cases:
• Corporate campuses and office parks
• Schools and universities
• HOA and residential communities
• Municipal buildings and parks
Corrugated Metal
Corrugated metal fencing offers rugged durability and an industrial look, with wood or metal frame options. It provides strong visual screening and withstands harsh conditions.
Common use cases:
• Industrial or logistics facilities
• Construction and laydown yards
• Equipment storage enclosures
• Sites requiring high visual screening
• Modern commercial developments
Stucco Wall
Stucco walls provide a durable, upscale finish with masonry or wood framing options. They combine security, privacy, and curb appeal for polished property protection.
Common use cases:
• Residential communities and HOAs
• Commercial plazas and retail centers
• Schools and religious institutions
• Hospitality properties
Masonry Block Wall
Masonry block walls deliver strength and durability, customizable in height, texture, and finish. Ballistic- and blast-rated options are available for high-security needs.
Common use cases:
• Correctional and detention facilities
• Utility infrastructure and substations
• Government and municipal facilities
• Storage and distribution centers
• High-risk or high-traffic commercial areas
Precast Concrete Wall
Precast concrete walls are strong, low-maintenance, and customizable in design and height. Ballistic-rated models offer extra protection for high-risk environments.
Common use cases:
• Data centers and substations
• Military bases and secure government sites
• Large-scale commercial or industrial campuses
• Highway noise barriers
• Perimeter security for critical infrastructure
Cast-in-Place Wall
Cast-in-place concrete walls provide maximum strength and custom design options. Ballistic-rated versions are available for the highest security requirements.
Common use cases:
• Military and defense installations
• Border security and high-risk facilities
• Custom architectural wall designs
• Facilities requiring deep foundations or seismic reinforcement
Fixed Cable Barrier
Designed to prevent vehicles from breaching a perimeter or controlled area, often used along highways, in high-security zones, or to protect critical infrastructure. These barriers consist of strong steel cables strung between posts, and they are engineered to absorb the impact of a vehicle, either by capturing or redirecting it, thus minimizing damage and preventing penetration.
*Often used with fences for added protection.
Common use cases:
SECURITY FENCING - BEFORE YOU BUY
Critical questions to answer first.
What are upkeep requirements for different fences?
From a general sense, security fences that use low-maintenance materials have higher upfront costs but a lower lifetime cost.
Are there access control systems to integrate?
If you have any access control systems in your perimeter, such as automated gates, turnstiles, or vehicle barriers, are you planning on integrating them into one system? If so, it’s important to plan for the necessary wiring, power, and clearances during the security fence installation.
What are your site conditions?
If there are any slopes, underground utilities, or soil conditions to consider, you may need to install stepped panels, retaining walls, or special footings to ensure your security fence provides maximum protection.
How important is visibility and privacy?
If you want a security fence that offers high visibility for surveillance monitoring, chain link and ornamental iron fences are great choices. If you want a security fence that provides privacy, corrugated metal fencing and solid wall solutions offer high protection while concealing the perimeter.
What materials should your fence be made of?
Our fences come in a variety of materials, including steel, aluminum, concrete, masonry, or composite to meet specific requirements. We offer galvanized or powder-coated finishes for extra protection from corrosion and harsh weather conditions.
What are fence height requirements to meet compliance?
Standard security fences should be anywhere from 6 to 10 feet tall, and high security fencing with anti-climb features should be 10+ feet.
Is your goal to deter, delay, or completely stop intrusions?
Our security fencing is highly versatile and customizable. Whether you need anti-cut or anti-climb fencing, decorative fencing that also provides privacy, crash-rated fencing or walls, or a tailored combination built to specific requirements, we have the fencing solution for you.
Compare different types of fencing.
Visuals, operations, and protection.
ANTI-CUT | ANTI-CLIMB | VISUAL SCREEN | COST | |
Chain Link | ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ | ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ | ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ | 💲 |
Welded Wire | ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ | ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ | ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ | 💲💲 |
Expanded Metal | ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ | ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ | ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ | 💲💲💲 |
Ornamental w/ Pales | ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ | ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ | ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ | 💲💲💲💲 |
Corrugated Metal | ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | 💲💲 |
Stucco Wall | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | 💲💲💲 |
Masonry Block Wall | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | 💲💲💲 |
Precast Concrete Wall | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | 💲💲💲💲 |
Cast-in-Place Wall | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | 💲💲💲💲💲 |
Fixed Cable Barrier | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ | ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ | 💲💲 |
FENCING PRICING CONSIDERATIONS
Cost factors to keep in mind.
What payment or financing options are available?
Many integrators offer phased payment schedules, financing plans, or bundle barriers with larger security projects.
Do security fences increase property value or reduce insurance costs?
Often yes, security fences improve safety, reduce liability, and in high-risk industries can lower insurance premiums.
How long does installation take?
This is heavily dependent on the length of the security fence, and the type of fence being installed. Installation could take anywhere from a few days to a couple months, depending on the specific needs.
Can I expect any hidden costs?
A reputable integrator should provide transparent pricing with no surprises. While unforeseen conditions (like underground utilities) can add costs, you should know about them upfront.
How do lifetime costs compare to initial costs?
Initial costs include any security assessments, design assistance, installation, and training –– generally a one-time cost. Lifetime costs include maintenance, repairs, and operations ––ongoing costs but smaller per occurrence. Preventative maintenance reduces long-term expenses and necessary downtime.
What industry factors cause price variations?
Different manufacturers and equipment lines create wide price ranges. Project timelines, anticipated challenges, and even tariffs on imported equipment can add costs. Integrators with broader manufacturer access may offer more pricing flexibility.
What’s the price range for a security fence installation?
With so many different types of fences, it’s nearly impossible to answer this question in a general sense. If you would like quotes on specific types of security fencing, contact us and we’ll get you all the information you’re looking for.
What makes physical security integrators more or less affordable?
Scope of services: specialized knowledge in high-security installs cost more than basic providers. In addition, threat level can affect price: high-security, crash-rated solutions are more expensive than light-duty options.
What factors influence the overall cost of security fences?
The type of fence (chain link, welded wire, corrugated metal, concrete) and the required length of fencing have a major influence on the pricing of security fences. Other factors, such as material being used, added crash-protection, any signage, or other security system integrations also affect the price. Outside of fence-specific factors, excavation limitations, extreme weather/environments, and geographical location also influence the cost of security fence installation.
DIFFERENT FENCING COST COMPARISONS
Prices and installation factors.
PRICE RANGE | INSTALL TIME | SPACE NEEDED |
*While IronSite strives for accuracy, the above-listed price ranges are general approximations for informational purposes only and might not reflect actual costs. Prices and availability are subject to change without notice. Most recently updated November 2025.