What is the Cheapest Fence to Buy?

Low Cost Fence Designs

Fences increase protection and privacy in a front or backyard space, and they can also offer aesthetic value. The level of seclusion added by a yard fence is entirely up to you, as is the money. Though yard fencing might be costly, we’ve compiled a list of inexpensive fence designs to meet practically any budget.

1. Fence Made of Corrugated Steel
Recycling existing materials is an excellent dual-purpose method for constructing low-cost fencing. If you’re knocking down an old metal shed or barn, you could already have the materials. If not, corrugated metal panels are affordable and widely available. Use them as-is for a nostalgic look, or paint them black for a more modern look.

Expect to spend: nothing if repurposed up to $25 per linear foot for decorative.

2. Fence Made of Pallets
Pallets are a popular DIY material, particularly for building a yard fence. They begin as flat transport structures to facilitate stacking and lifting heavy things. They can be cut into slats or left whole for the job. Pallets make excellent yard fencing since the spaces between the slats are often small.

Expect to spend: Perhaps nothing! If you ask, many local construction companies, farms, and warehouses will offer them to you. Just make sure you have a vehicle capable of transporting them.

3. Separate Railing or Split Rail Fencing
Farms and ranches are the most usual places to encounter split rail fences. They were an easy and inexpensive technique to confine animals and mark off property borders because they were very cheap fencing. But you don’t have to live on the range to appreciate split rail fences’ rustic appearance. Save money by crafting your own or purchasing them ready to hang.

Expect to pay between $10 and $20 per foot (DIY)

4. Chain Link
Some people find chain link fences to be unsightly, despite the fact that they are an excellent choice for low-cost fencing. Why use chain link unless you’re enclosing a new puppy? Its simplicity lends itself to a wide range of applications. Getting chain link in different colors or matching it with wood accents rapidly makes a huge difference in terms of aesthetics.

Expect to pay between $4.30 and $6.00 per foot (DIY)

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5. Horse Fence with Four rails
Another style of backyard fence that is common in ranches or farmhouses is the 4-rail horse fence. It’s similar to a split rail, but the wooden pieces are closer together and larger, making the spaces between smaller and providing additional security.

Expect to pay between $7 and $10 per foot of fencing (not each piece of wood)

6. Bamboo Trellises
In warmer climates, you can grow your own bamboo fence by planting it along the appropriate line and allowing it to develop. If you like dry bamboo, plant it in a suitable location until it reaches the desired height. Then chop it down, dry it, and erect it as a fence. Bamboo grows extremely quickly, reaching heights of 36 inches in 24 hours. Bamboo fencing can also be purchased in pre-made coils. Bamboo repels deer, which is a plus if you live near wildlife.

Expect to pay between $4.60 and $10 per foot of fencing and six feet tall.

7. Forged Iron or Wrought Iron
Wrought iron fencing became popular during the Industrial Age, thus it might have a period appearance. It is a popular European type that has an artistic aspect, but it is not the most economical fencing. Choose between elaborate balusters and thicker, more obviously vertical posts. Combine it with hedging to keep expenses low.

Expect to pay between $26 and $32 per foot (DIY)

8. Vinyl Fencing
Despite a formerly negative image for appearing cheaper than wood or metal, vinyl has become a more popular yard fence alternative in recent years. However, when done well, modern vinyl may be both attractive and sophisticated. It’s long-lasting and simple to put together, resistant to termites, and incredibly light. Vinyl is available in a variety of styles and can be painted in a variety of colors.

Expect to pay between $35 and $45 per foot of fence material.

9. Mesh and Split rail
Like the pricing and appearance of a split rail fence but find it insufficiently secure? Combine split rail with mesh if you wish to cover gaps or have a fence that keeps the dog within. They’re also helpful for keeping predators away from a produce garden.

Expect to pay between $2.50 and $7.00 per linear foot for the material.

10. Concrete Fence or Retaining Wall Brick
When protection and privacy are important, concrete fencing can be a cost-effective choice. For maximum coverage, use pure concrete, or add brick or wood elements to break up the design. You might need to hire an expert for this one, which could raise the cost. We at BuyaFence.com specialize in retaining wall brick installation, contact us for a quote!

Expect to pay between $9 and $15 for 80 pounds of concrete.

11. Barbed Wire
Barbed wire is most commonly associated with farming and is employed for security rather than beauty. A barbed wire yard fence can be used to keep animals or people out of an area for a low cost.

Expect to pay between $1.50 and $2 per foot.

12. Reuse and Recycle Leftovers
Using recycled materials may be both inexpensive and environmentally friendly. Recycled materials can range from rusty metal sheets creatively stitched together to the still-solid fragments of an old wooden fence arranged in varied lengths and painted.

Expect to spend: Nothing more than a few nails and some paint.

13. Living Fences
Growing your own “living fence” as an alternate type of yard fencing if you have a green thumb and wish to be eco-friendly. Hedge plants like privet or boxwood are usually your best bet. You can go to a store like Home Depot or Lowe’s, but working with a local landscaping company or greenhouse may be less expensive.

Expect to pay between $7 and $12 per foot of hedging.

14. Fencing Made of Lattice
Lattice fencing may appear frail in concept, but it may be strengthened with cement or timber beams on either side. You may even use it as a one-of-a-kind accent on a more traditional wooden fence.

Expect to pay between $12 and $20 per foot.

15. Hog Wire Fence
One of the cheapest ways to fence a yard is with hog wire. The material is stiff and was initially intended to fence in tiny animals and clearly define property borders. The grid-like architecture prevents predators from entering and pets from leaving. Using tiny amounts of wood reduces the cost of the yard fencing; paint it for enhanced curb appeal.

Expect to pay between $7 and $15 per foot.

16. Wattle Fencing
Wattle fencing is not only inexpensive, but also an exciting DIY job. Wattle fencing is built by weaving together thin branches of wood through vertically arranged pegs, and an internet tutorial is readily available. Try something new and turn it into a lovely family project. Source from your own trees, or ask a friend or a local business if you may buy some of their branches.

Expect to spend: None or very little.

17. Chicken Wire
A chicken wire garden fence is probably the most well-known type of low-cost fencing. It’s a dirt-cheap approach to keep pesky critters at bay. Chicken wire is an extremely thin and inconspicuous material. It’s simple to put together with wood supports and may be made pretty appealing with stain or wood like oak and cedar.

Expect to pay between $0.30 and $0.90 per linear foot.

18. Pressure Treated Pine
Last but not least, pressure treated pine fencing. While not the cheapest fence you can buy, it is often the cheapest among privacy fence options. If you are looking for privacy, and want something long-lasting, choose pressure treated pine. It is “pressure treated” because it is doused with a chemical treatment which gives it that green tinge when new, which washes off after a few good rains. In the Midwest region, PT pine is often used as it is better for ground contact over cedar. However, the big downfall with PT pine is the tendency for warping. It also doesn’t look as nice as cedar.

Learn more about the differences between pressure treated pine and cedar here.

Expect to pay between $15 and $25 per linear foot just for materials.

Cheap Fence

Budget-friendly yard fence designs abound, regardless of the aesthetic you want for your backyard and plants. There are reasonable choices for every requirement, whether it is for privacy, security, designating land boundaries, or simply allowing your dog to roam freely.

Commonly Asked Questions

Where can I get free or low-cost fencing materials?

Purchase low-cost materials at home improvement retailers such as Lowe’s, Home Depot, or Menards. To discover free material, go about and ask your neighbors and acquaintances if they have any pallets or corrugated metal that could be recycled for fences.

What is the most affordable fencing?

Chicken wire and hog wire with wooden supports are among the least expensive options.

Is do-it-yourself fencing inexpensive?

Doing something yourself is usually less expensive than paying someone else to do it. If you have a limited fencing budget, source materials yourself and DIY using online tutorials.

What is the cost of erecting a fence?

It is determined by the materials used and the method of installation. The cost of the fence can range from $0.03 to $30 per linear foot, with labor ranging from $37 to $50 per hour, or $1,000 – $1500 a day for a full crew.

Use our Fence Calculator here to calculate the costs with installation labor included.

Where can I locate repurposed fencing materials?

Inquire with neighbors, friends, or family members if they have any old materials that could be utilized for fencing. Alternatively, you might go to local farms and agricultural supply businesses. Determine whether you want to narrow your search to wood, metal, wire, or another material.

If you are not the Do It Yourself (DIY) type, contact us today for a professionally installed new fence! Operators are standing by: 855-469-7742

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