Installing a new fence can be an expensive endeavor, with costs quickly adding up for materials, equipment rentals, and professional installation. However, for the motivated DIYer on a budget, building an affordable fence is very doable. With some strategic planning, savvy shopping, and sweat equity, you can fence your yard while avoiding high costs. Here are some tips for keeping fence installation affordable.
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Assess Your Fencing Needs
Before setting a budget or shopping for materials, take stock of your fencing needs. Walk the perimeter of your yard and measure the total linear footage you need to enclose. Consider height requirements, based on privacy, pets, small children, or other factors. Decide on a basic style, such as privacy, picket, split rail, or ranch rail. Understanding the exact specifications will help you estimate costs and purchase the correct materials.
Measure Twice
Accurately measuring the boundaries you want to fence is crucial. Measure along the perimeter, recording the length of each straight section as you go. Use stakes and string to map curved or irregular areas. When estimating your footage, add an extra 10% to allow for mistakes and wastage. Underestimating footage is one of the top budget pitfalls, so invest time in careful measuring.
Factor in Access Points
Remember to account for gates, pet doors, or any other access points that will allow entry through your new fence. Measuring for these openings will help determine material needs. Also consider terrain challenges like slopes that might require steps, extra posts, or panels cut at angles.
Select Low-Cost Fencing Materials
For an affordable DIY fence, traditional wood and vinyl will be too costly. Instead, look to these budget-friendly options:
Chain Link
Galvanized steel chain link is very affordable and easy to install. It comes in rolled panels that can be quickly attached to posts. Disadvantages are the industrial look and minimal privacy.
Welded Wire
Welded wire fence rolls are simply steel wire grids welded into mesh patterns. This material is light, easy to work with, and very budget-friendly. Use it with wood or metal posts. It lacks privacy and style.
Livestock Panels
Sturdy livestock or farm panels made from steel rods are affordable and reusable. They come in standard sizes that can be cut to length as needed. Disadvantages are the wide grids and industrial look.
Wood Pallet Fencing
Repurposed wood shipping pallets can create a rustic, cost-effective fence. Pallet sections fasten together and to posts with bolts or screws. Cons are the DIY nature and non-uniform appearance.
PVC Fencing
For a wood-like look on a budget, PVC vinyl is a great fencing material. The plastic boards install similarly to wood but are cheaper, lighter, and low maintenance. Drawbacks are less strength and limited styles.
Bamboo
Bamboo panels provide an eco-friendly fencing solution at a lower cost than wood. Bamboo is durable and naturally resistant to insects. Cons are the limited sizes and difficulty finding supplies.
Comparison of Low-Cost Fencing Materials
| Material | Cost | Durability | Privacy | Appearance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chain Link | $-$$ | High | Low | Industrial |
| Welded Wire | $ | Medium | Low | Industrial |
| Livestock Panels | $ | High | Low | Industrial |
| Wood Pallets | $ | Low | Medium | Rustic |
| PVC Vinyl | $-$$ | Medium | Medium | Wood-like |
| Bamboo | $-$$ | High | Medium | Natural |
Save on Fence Posts
Posts are a major driver of fencing expense. Here are ways to get posts at better prices:
Use Fewer Posts
Stretching post spacing from the standard 8 feet to 10 feet can significantly reduce costs. Most budget-friendly fence materials can handle wider spans. Just make sure to follow manufacturer recommendations.
Choose Wood Posts
For most homeowner fence projects, basic 4×4 wood posts provide sufficient strength at the best value. Opt for naturally rot-resistant cedar, redwood, or pressure-treated pine posts.
Consider Steel Posts
Steel posts last longer than wood and do not require concrete footings. Look for discounted steel farm t-posts or u-posts. Use special brackets to attach fencing.
Shop Discounted Posts
Check with local lumberyards or metal suppliers for end-of-season discounts, overstock sales, or other deals on posts. Buying in bulk can also lower per-post costs.
DIY Concrete Footings
Save on high labor costs for posthole digging and concrete work by tackling these tasks yourself. Rent an auger for efficient DIY digging. Mix and pour basic concrete footings to set posts.
Find Affordable Fasteners and Hardware
Nails, screws, bolts, brackets, rods, and other metal parts add up cost-wise. Strategize to keep hardware expenses minimal:
Buy in Bulk
Check prices at big box hardware stores, warehouse clubs, and farm supply stores. Buy standard galvanized fasteners in larger quantities for the best per-piece pricing.
Use What You Have
Scour garages, sheds, and workshop areas for usable nails, screws, bolts, rods, wire, brackets, hinges, and other hardware to reuse.
Shop Discounts
Watch for store mark-downs, coupons, and sales on fencing hardware. Off-brand fasteners can provide major savings over name brands.
Substitute Materials
Get creative with recycled or unconventional fasteners like cable ties, electrical conduit, and salvaged pieces. Use natural solutions like tree branches and vines.
Reduce Labor Costs
Professionally installing fences is expensive, so DIY as much work as possible. Here are tips for keeping labor costs down:
Organize Volunteers
Host a fence building party and provide food and drinks in exchange for free labor from friends, family, or community volunteers. Many hands make light work.
Barter Services
Trade your own skills, services, or goods to enlist help from neighbors, friends, or others in your network. Provide free meals, help with auto repairs, or offer your special talents.
Watch Instructional Videos
Find free online tutorials for every step of the fencing process. Study up before tackling tricky parts like setting posts or building gates.
Pace Yourself
Break the big project into smaller, manageable phases if needed. Take it slow doing just a section each weekend. This prevents burnout and mistakes.
Rent Equipment
When necessary, rent equipment for key tasks like digging post holes or cutting materials. Compare rental rates to get the best local deals.
Shop Secondhand & Salvaged Supplies
Scouring salvage yards, classified ads, and recycling centers uncovers great deals on used fencing and hardware. DIY-ers on a budget should always check out these money-saving spots before buying retail:
Classified Ads
Search Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, newspaper classifieds, and bulletin boards for cheap or free fencing materials from those doing renovations or tear-outs.
ReStore Locations
Habitat for Humanity ReStores resell quality surplus building supplies at big discounts. Peruse their fencing sections for deals.
Garage and Yard Sales
Keep an eye out for fencing supplies at neighborhood sales. Ask around, as people may have materials in their garage they would be willing to sell.
Construction Sites
With permission, scout commercial job sites for usable metal posts, wire rolls, panels, and other components coming off old fencing.
Dumps & Recycling Centers
Make regular checks at local dumps, recycling centers, and transfer stations for lightly used wood posts, metal poles, and plastic panels.
Get Creative with No-Cost Fencing
With enough determination and sweat equity, it is possible to build fencing at zero material cost. Here are ideas for free boundary solutions:
Plant Dense Shrubbery
Create living fence rows with tall, densely planted shrubs and hedges. Privet, boxwood, arborvitae, and holly work well for borders.
Stack Stones or Bricks
Use found stones, broken concrete, or recycled bricks to make ornamental walls. Mortar is optional for loose, rustic walls.
Use Wooden Pallets
Make picket-style privacy fencing by standing pallets side-by-side and screwing them into posts. Customize with pallet wood slats.
Get Creative with Found Materials
Use materials found onsite or salvaged from elsewhere like branches, logs, poles, pipes, cables, tires, and anything reusable.
Trade Fence Building
Barter your skills to build fencing for others in exchange for them building yours using their materials. Time can replace money.
Finance Fencing Gradually
Large-scale fencing projects can still be affordable by stretching them over time. Some tips for gradual financing:
Save up with a Fence Fund
Open a special savings account and make regular deposits over months or years until you have enough for the entire project.
Put Tax Refunds Toward Fencing
Allocate part or all of your tax refund checks for fence building instead of splurging. Bonus money helps fund big DIY projects.
Charge Fencing Materials
Use a credit card with an intro 0% APR period to buy fencing supplies, and pay off the balance over many months.
Only Fence Partially
For a huge yard, do part of the perimeter at a time as budget allows over different seasons. Temporary barricades can fill in gaps.
Fence in Phases
Divide your project into smaller mini-fences by area, then complete and fund each phase incrementally.
Conclusion
Installing fencing is an achievable DIY project even on the strictest budget. With smart planning, resourceful sourcing of supplies, lots of sweat equity, and a little creative thinking outside the box, you can build an affordable new fence for your yard. Leverage these tips to fence well and fence cheaply.