Security Fence Types, From Deterrent to High Security
A security fence is judged on how long it delays someone determined to get past it. Each type below adds time: height, a topping that's painful to cross, mesh or pales that are hard to climb or cut, and a gate that can't be lifted off.
High-Security Chain Link with Barbed Wire Arms
The standard industrial perimeter is tall chain link with arms on the posts carrying strands of barbed wire. Guides describe the arms as V-shaped (leaning both ways) or half-V (leaning out), holding 3 to 6 strands. The arms alone cost $2.00 to $3.25 per foot installed, on top of the fence itself. Gates match the fence height, usually 6 or 8 feet; the taller one costs roughly 20% more.
Concertina Razor Wire
Razor coil is stretched along the top of an existing fence, or inside a V arm. Installed, it lists at $0.65 to $2.20 per foot, though the wire itself can cost 5 to 10 times as much as plain barbed wire. Placement is the catch. Guides warn it usually isn't acceptable near homes, and a summary of the city code we read says barbed, razor and electrified wire aren't allowed in Tallahassee's residential zones. Confirm the zoning with Growth Management (850-891-7001) before ordering any.
Anti-Climb Steel Palisade
Palisade fence is a row of heavy steel pales, often with split or pointed tops, bolted to rails. There's no mesh to get fingers or bolt cutters into, which is why guides call it hard to climb or cut. It runs $30 to $80 per foot installed at heights up to 8 feet. You can see straight through it, so it gives no privacy.
Cantilever Security Gates
A cantilever gate slides sideways on rollers mounted to posts beside the opening, with a counterbalance tail behind it, so nothing runs across the driveway. That suits sites with trucks, gravel or a slope. Guides note sliding gates cost more than swing gates because of the track or roller system and the heavier motor. A swing gate, by contrast, needs clear room to open. For the motor and access controls, see Driveway Gates and Gate Openers.
Solar Farm and Utility Fence
Substations, solar arrays and other outdoor electrical gear have a federal height rule. Under OSHA, an outdoor installation running over 600 volts needs a fence at least 7 feet tall, or at least 6 feet of fabric plus a 1-foot extension with three or more barbed wire strands. The utility or project engineer usually writes the full spec, so send it with the bid request.
Why Tallahassee homeowners call Tallahassee Expert Fencing
- The call and the form are free
- Your request goes to one contractor, not a list of bidders
- Ask for posts, gates, removal and cleanup priced line by line
- Hold the final payment until the gates swing and latch
Security Fence Costs From National Guides
| Item | Typical installed range |
|---|---|
| Security fence | $30-$60 per linear foot |
| High-end security systems | $100-$400 per linear foot |
| Steel palisade, up to 8 ft | $30-$80 per linear foot |
| Barbed wire arms (arms only) | $2.00-$3.25 per linear foot |
| Concertina razor wire | $0.65-$2.20 per linear foot |
| Security fence for an average home | $4,500-$9,000 total |
Things to Settle Before a Security Fence Goes In
What you're stopping
Foot traffic calls for height and a topping. Vehicles call for heavier posts and gates, so ask what the bid assumes.Zoning at every edge
A plant can sit in an industrial zone and still border houses. Check whether razor or barbed wire is allowed along that side.The ground line
A tall fence with a gap under it is easy to crawl through. Ask how the bottom is closed off where the ground dips.Paperwork
Any job priced over $2,500 brings in Florida's Notice of Commencement. The steps are on Commercial Fencing.
Storefronts and offices that want a fence customers see first are covered on Commercial Fencing. Residential chain link is on Chain Link Fences.