I sent you a PM Sky, but will repeat it here. There are better panels available than what I used, but I don't have wild thangs to have to work with. (well--maybe one) And of course, the sort gate, divider gates and sweep are not figured in here:
The panels are more expensive than gates, due to the strength, the "legs" and attached hardware points. But, sit down, like I did, and figure it for the Priefert or WW 12' long panels like I did, ----------then figure the cost using a minimum of four each 2x6 or (PREFERRABLY) 2x8 treated lumber and a minimum of two treated 6" or 8" X 8' long posts per 12' section.
For instance:
Lowes website says a #2 treated 2x6x12' is $8.37 ea.
2x8x12s are $13.57 ea.
8"x8' long treated posts are $15-each.
For just ONE 12' section out of the 2x8s, (not including labor and fasteners) , you just spent $84.28 and all you have is a pile of lumber--it ain't ready for prime time till you drill holes in the ground and actually assemble it.
Do NOT buy the $65 12' long panels from TSC--they are too light and the workmansip (welding) sucks)
The Preifert 12' "Premiere" panels retail at McCoys for $144 each. But, a couple of times per year, you can buy on sale a 50' round pen for $1300. That, (if memory serves me right) consists of thirteen 12' long Premier panels, and one 10' long panel with a 4' walk in bow gate. That drops the price down under $95 each. That 'round pen' forms the nucleus of my working pen. Gave me a 24X48 holding pen, as well as enclosing my chute and head gate. Add 2-3 10' gates, and you have a working facility. (remember--you have to buy gates no matter if you go with wood or pre-built panels.)
This means, that for only $10.72 more per 12 section, all you have to do is stand your steel panels up, chain them together and you can have a pen assembled in one day. IF, you go with the better Rough StockPriefert panels, then yes, it would be cheaper to go with wood. Rough Stock panels are much stronger and heavier than the Premiers--thus more expensive. Again, different manufacturers have different (better?) quality than what I went with.
The versatility that comes with using these type panels is the bonus. You can set 'em up any way you want to, and easily change them if it doesn't work like you thought it would. With wood--not so much--ya better have it well planned and drawn out before you ever sink the first post in the ground.
Do some hard research and you may find the corral/cattle tube panels aren't all that expensive after all. Put the pencil to it!!