Installing a new privacy fence can greatly enhance the look and feel of your backyard while also providing increased privacy and security. When shopping for materials, most homeowners want to find the most affordable fencing that will still be durable and weather-resistant over time. The cheapest privacy fence options may save you money upfront, but could end up costing more in maintenance and repairs down the road. This article will compare the pros and cons of various budget-friendly privacy fence styles and materials to help you determine the most cost-effective option for your needs.
Page Contents
Wood vs. Vinyl vs. Chain Link for Cheap Privacy Fences
The three most common fencing materials for affordable privacy fences are wood, vinyl and chain link. Here is an overview of the cost considerations for each:
Wood privacy fences:
– Cedar and redwood are more expensive but naturally rot-resistant. Pine is cheaper but requires frequent staining/sealing.
– Installation is relatively affordable, especially for simple designs.
– Ongoing maintenance (staining, sealing, repairing boards) adds to long-term costs.
Vinyl privacy fences:
– Vinyl is a plastic composite that won’t rot and is maintenance-free.
– Vinyl has a higher upfront installation cost than wood.
– Durability varies by quality; thinner vinyl can become brittle and crack over time.
Chain link fences:
– Galvanized steel chain link is very inexpensive.
– Installation costs are low.
– Provides little privacy without slats; more like a barrier than enclosure.
– Vinyl slats can be added for privacy but are an additional expense.
So if keeping the initial purchase and installation cost as low as possible is your top priority, basic chain link is the cheapest privacy fence. But vinyl and wood fences often provide a better looking, more private enclosure for only a slightly higher investment.
Comparing Wood Fence Styles and Costs
For homeowners who prefer the natural look of wood over vinyl or chain link, you can still find budget-friendly wood privacy fence options. Here are some of the most affordable wood fence styles:
Basic picket fence:
– Made of pine or cedar planks with simple pointed tops.
– Pickets are spaced 1-3 inches apart so privacy is limited.
– Installation is straightforward for DIYers or pros.
– Cost for materials + installation: $15-20 per linear foot.
Board-on-board:
– Utilizes overlapping planks installed vertically for full privacy.
– Pine is cheapest, cedar offers better durability.
– Installation requires precisely cutting boards to size.
– Cost for materials + installation: $20-25 per linear foot.
Stockade fence:
– Utilizes tall, thin boards placed side-by-side with no gaps.
– Typically 6-8 feet tall for maximum privacy.
– Durable wood like cedar is recommended.
– Cost for materials + installation: $25-30 per linear foot.
Shadowbox fence:
– Alternating boards create a decorative, semi-private pattern.
– More complex construction increases installation costs.
– Cost for materials + installation: $30-40 per linear foot.
As you can see, the plain board-on-board style provides the best value for a wood privacy fence. The shadowbox style costs significantly more in materials and labor, so it exceeds the average budget for a low-cost privacy solution.
Comparing Vinyl Fence Brands and Quality
For homeowners considering vinyl privacy fences, beware that quality and pricing can vary drastically among manufacturers. Here is an overview of vinyl fence brands and what to look for when comparing options:
| Vinyl Fence Brand | Price Range | Thickness | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bufftech | $25-50 per foot | 0.35″-0.5″ | Good value, medium quality |
| Certainteed | $50-100 per foot | 0.5″-0.6″ | High quality, extended warranty |
| DuraMax | $30-60 per foot | 0.35″-0.5″ | Budget-friendly, basic styles |
| ActiveYards | $100+ per foot | 0.6″ + | High-end, lifetime warranty |
Some tips when selecting affordable vinyl fencing:
– Look for at least 0.35” thickness; thinner vinyl is less durable.
– Beware of “blowout” sales on off-brand vinyl fence products. Quality may be subpar.
– Choose basic styles without decorative details to save costs.
– Evaluate warranty coverage – a longer warranty often indicates better vinyl quality.
Properly installed, a good quality vinyl fence should last 15-30 years with minimal maintenance required. Paying a little more upfront for thicker vinyl or a brand with a long warranty can end up being worth the extra cost in the long run.
Evaluating Chain Link Fence Options
Chain link fences provide enclosure at the lowest cost, though with minimal privacy. Here’s what to look for when selecting affordable chain link fence materials:
Gauge – The gauge indicates the wire thickness used. A lower gauge number means thicker wire. Opt for 11, 10 or 9 gauge wire if possible for greater durability.
Coating – Galvanized steel is prone to rusting. Look for vinyl or aluminum coatings to improve longevity.
Post size – Sturdier posts (2-3” diameter) support the fencing better while thinner posts may bend over time.
Privacy slats – Vinyl slats can be inserted into chain link to increase privacy. They have an added cost but provide a more fence-like appearance.
You can also save on installation costs by choosing chain link fence with:
– Simple posts that require only basic installation rather than setting in concrete.
– No decorative features like finials that increase construction time.
Keeping the wire gauge thickness adequate, pay attention to the fence coating and opting for larger diameter posts will help ensure a long-lasting and stable chain link privacy installation.
Comparing Fence Installation Costs
Whether you take on a DIY fence installation or hire a professional, the complexity of the project will impact the overall privacy fence costs. Here are typical installation costs to budget for:
| Fence Type | DIY Install | Professional Install |
|---|---|---|
| Chain link | $20 per linear foot | $30 per linear foot |
| Picket | $25 per linear foot | $35 per linear foot |
| Board-on-board | $30 per linear foot | $40 per linear foot |
| Vinyl | $35 per linear foot | $55 per linear foot |
Key factors that can increase installation costs:
– Difficult terrain or sloped locations
– Extensive pre-installation ground preparation
– Soft ground requiring extra-deep post holes
– Removal and disposal of old fencing
– Complex designs and decorative details
Keeping your fence design simple on relatively flat ground will help minimize installation expenses, allowing you to maximize the amount of affordable fencing you can install for your budget.
Finding the Best Fence Deals
To make your budget go even further, here are some tips for finding fence materials and installation deals:
– Check for off-season sales at home improvement stores for pre-packaged fence panel kits. Late fall and winter typically have the best deals.
– Ask contractors for end of season discounts or coupon specials on installs to fill their off-peak schedules.
– Buy in bulk for large fence projects; contractors can often offer lower per foot pricing for big jobs.
– Use retailer rewards programs and credit card points to help offset materials costs.
– Search for discounted scratch and dent fence panels or lightly-used materials from salvage companies.
– Buy off-brand or low-cost panels and use higher-end posts and hardware for support.
Taking the time to shop sales and find discount offers can provide substantial savings on both DIY projects and professional fence installations.
Prioritizing Durability with Cheap Fencing
While it’s tempting to simply purchase the cheapest fencing materials that fit your budget, it’s important to also evaluate durability and lifespan. Here are some signs that low-cost fencing may end up being less economical long-term:
– Extremely lightweight vinyl that can crack under pressure.
– Wood that feels flimsy or prone to splintering.
– Chain link made of thin gauge wire.
– Low-quality wood that isn’t naturally rot-resistant.
– Short warranty coverage.
Look for materials that feel sturdy and rugged in your hands to provide lasting performance. Also carefully read through warranties – a longer duration often indicates the manufacturer is confident in the quality and lifespan of their fencing. A few extra dollars invested upfront in better materials now can save you money over time.
Conclusion
Adding privacy fencing is a major project, so making thoughtful choices along the way can help you maximize your budget. Focus first on finding durably constructed materials priced at the lower end of cost ranges. Keep the fence design simple without decorative elements that add expense, and look for installation deals from retailers or contractors. With smart planning and careful shopping, you can install an affordable wood, vinyl or chain link fence that checks the boxes for privacy, security and cost-effectiveness for years to come. Evaluating all these factors will help you determine the cheapest privacy fence option that fits both your immediate budget and long-term needs.