That's where the name "chicken wire" gets attached to other types of wire fencing. Farmers in search of a stronger fencing material expanded to use all types of wire fencing, from galvanized hardware cloth with small ½-inch openings to rabbit wire with three or four-inch openings and everything in between. That's why many people call all types of wire mesh fencing "chicken wire."

No matter what you call it, it's a budget-friendly option to keeping small animals -- including the family pet -- in your yard without closing up the view. Therefore, homeowners also use this material in gardens and backyards. The trick is to make it look good. Wire posts, heavy-duty staples and a roll of wire may be cheap, but it sure can be unsightly. Here are some creative ways to make a chicken wire fence actually look good.