What is the Cheapest Fence to Build (With 4 Examples)

A good fence provides your home and backyard with the security and privacy you and your family need.  Sure, you can quickly install a chain link fence. They are economical, durable and long lasting.

They are not, however, aesthetically pleasing. Thankfully, there are many fencing options to choose from that won’t break the bank. Whether you are trying to protect your garden from wildlife or corral your pets, there is an option that will fit your style.

If you can learn how to build a fence yourself, you will be able to save a lot of money.  In the end, you’ll have a fence that fits your personal style and provides privacy from neighbors and passersby. Here are a few suggestions for you to consider.

Chain Link Fencing

Chain link fencing is durable and budget friendly.  If you don’t like the appearance or lack of privacy that comes with chain link fences, there is a couple of steps you can take.

If you already have an existing chain link fence on your property, you can improve its appearance and your level of privacy with a few modifications depending on the current height of your fence.

The cheapest method is to add star jasmine vine around the fence in different sections. This fast growing vine will cover the entire fence in short time to give you more privacy. When it blooms in the Spring to Summer, the lovely fragrance will make you smile every time you smell it.

The second way to enhance your chain link fence involves removing the wire mesh along with the top rail of the chain link fence.

This leaves only the metal posts. Each post can be outfitted with a special bracket that allows for a wood rail. When these are attached, wood boards can then be attached vertically to create an attractive fence.

To complete this type of fence, you have a wide variety of woods to choose from. This gives you the option to select the color and texture that best suits your needs.

The range of choices is very broad including pine, cedar, cypress, other hardwoods and tropical woods, just to name a few. We discuss how long a wooden fence lasts with each of the options above.

Your cheapest option will be pressure treated pine. Best part is you won’t have to drive any fence posts!

Recycled Corrugated Metal Fencing

A different option for a fence is to create it with metal panels. If you get the metal panels from a second hand store then the price is very reasonable. Even better if you’re tearing down something that has metal panels as a roof.

This might be a good option if you want an easy fence to install yourself.

You’ll still need wood posts in between the panels, but the metal panels are great for privacy. When you are finished, you will have a fence that provides another textural element to your backyard and an attractive addition to your outdoor space.

Split Rail Fencing

If your home is in the country or you just appreciate a more pastoral feel, split rail fencing is always an economical option. This type of fencing requires wood logs that have been split into quarters.  They can also be split down into eighths.

Posts are driven into the ground.  Holes are created in the sides of the posts. Then the rails are inserted into slots in the posts.  You can also get creative if you want.  Some people constructed their split rail fencing in a zig zag pattern.  This can help the fencing be stronger and more durable. Although it might increase the fence cost.

If you need additional security, such as for animals, wire mesh can be used to create a secure area for them. Materials for this type of fencing can be purchased at a local lumber yard or if you are feeling totally adventurous, you can split the logs yourself. 

While splitting the logs on your own is more work, it allows you to create the unique look that you are looking for.

Pallet Fence

A pallet fence is a low-cost option when you need to build a fence.  It’s a quick and easy option that won’t involve a lot of time to set up. Using pallets, you can create a simple and attractive fence. Pallets are placed vertically with a post driven down through the pallet boards into the ground.

This will keep the fence from moving and upright.  You can use screws to hold the fence more securely. When the fence is made secure, this is the time to use your creativity to make it beautiful. The pallets can be painted to make them more attractive.

You can also use the space to plant herbs or colorful flowers. Another easy option is to hang potted plants from the slats or secure vibrant buckets to the pallets that are filled with colorful seasonal flowering plants.

The end result is an attractive space that will add color and texture to your backyard area. This also gives you the option to swap out plants throughout the seasons so that your backyard is always inviting.

Hedges

This is a bonus idea that can help create the look and security that you are seeking. While you may not have considered hedges as fences, they do provide privacy if that is your goal. They are also a beautiful addition to your yard.

As ecologically beneficial as they are, they are also cost effective. There are several additional benefits to hedges as fences. They act as a wind break for your backyard.

It also creates an environment for birds, squirrels and helpful insects. As long as you don’t need a fence to keep your pets in the backyard, hedges deliver many positives.

Before heading to the nearest nursery to buy plants, spend some time researching the types of hedge plants that grow well in your area. Climate can affect the hedges throughout the year. You’ll also want to look into the specifics of different particular hedge plants.

For instance, how tall will it grow?  Is it evergreen or deciduous? How much spacing is needed for each plant?  How fast does it grow?  You’ll also need to factor in the pruning work that the hedge will need.

Some of the hedge plants that you can consider include holly, hawthorn, barberry, hemlock. Privet, yew, boxwood and honey locust.

Your local nursery can give you advice on the best hedge plants for your goals and the local area. While you can purchase these plants at the local nursery, it you have the time, you can propagate them from cuttings.  This approach takes much more time but can save you a lot of money in the long run.

Another area to research is the old art of hedge laying.  If you have the time, these techniques involve bending branches and intertwining them so that the hedge will be full and thick.

In the olden days, this was used to create strong barriers that could be used to confine livestock.  While not always necessary, these proven techniques do help hedges become strong and thick.

Conclusion

Fencing does not have to be a difficult or expensive proposition.  When it comes to deciding on the type of fencing that you want or need, you really have to spend a little time and research to choose the right fencing option for your needs.

Be sure to check out our article where we go over 5 different examples of how much your potential fence will cost you and which fence is the easiest to install yourself.

If you are willing and able to devote a little elbow grease to the project, you can save a lot of money.  There are so many fencing options available for you to consider. But what it comes down to is getting what we all want; an attractive, yet secure area for our families and our pets. If you need help with installing fence post, we go over how you can do that here.

Whether the goal is keeping rabbits and deer out of the garden or providing a safe space for children to play, there is a fencing option that is right for your budget. All it takes is a little thought and planning to create the space that you and your family need.