17 Cheap Fence Ideas That Will Save You Money

Fences increase security and privacy in a front or rear space, and can even add aesthetics. How much privacy a garden fence adds is up to you, as is the budget. Although garden fences can be expensive, we have put together some cheap fence ideas to suit almost any budget.
Recycling old materials is a great dual-purpose way to build cheap fences. You may already have the materials if you are tearing down an old metal shed or barn. But if not, corrugated metal panels are inexpensive and easy to find. Wear them as is for a retro feel, or paint them black for a modern take.
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Expect to spend:
$ 15 to $ 20 for every 16 square feet

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For DIY projects, decking is a common choice, especially for building a garden fence. They start out as flat transport structures to facilitate stacking and lifting of large objects. They can be divided into slats or kept whole for the project. Since there are usually minimal gaps between the slats, decking is excellent for garden fences that require little assembly.
Expect to spend:
Possibly nothing! Many local construction companies, farms, and warehouses will give them away upon request. Just make sure you have a vehicle to transport them.
Split rail fences are most often seen on farms and ranches. Relatively inexpensive fences were an easy and inexpensive way to round up animals and demarcate property boundaries. But you don’t have to live in the country to appreciate the rustic feel of split rail fencing. Save money by making your own or buy them ready to place.
Expect to spend:
Some people find chain link fences ugly, even if they are a great candidate for affordable fencing. Unless you are fencing a new pup, why choose a chain link? Its simplicity is very versatile. Getting a chain link in different colors or combining it with wood accents quickly makes a huge aesthetic difference.
Expect to spend:
The 4-track horse fence is another type of backyard fence typical of ranches or farms. It’s like a split rail, but the pieces of wood fit closer together and are wider, making the gaps between them smaller, offering more security.
Expect to spend:
$ 2 to $ 5 per foot of fence (not each piece of wood)

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In warmer climates, you can grow a bamboo fence yourself by planting it along your desired line and letting it grow. If you prefer dry bamboo, grow it in a convenient location until it reaches the proper height. Then cut it up, dry it and set it up like a fence. Bamboo grows incredibly fast, up to 36 inches in 24 hours. You can also buy pre-made rolls of bamboo fencing. Bonus if you live near wildlife: bamboo repels deer.
Expect to spend:
$ 1.60 to $ 10 per foot of fence and six feet high

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Wrought iron fences became common during the Industrial eraSo it may seem period and dramatic. A common European style, it gives a nifty look, but it’s not exactly the most affordable fence. Choose from ornate balusters to thicker, clearly vertical posts. To keep costs down, combine it with coverage.
Expect to spend:
Vinyl has become a more common choice for garden fences in recent years, despite its historic bad reputation for looking cheaper than wood or metal. But modern vinyl can be beautiful and look classy when done right. It is durable and easy to assemble, it is not susceptible to termites and it is very light. Vinyl comes in numerous styles and can be painted in different colors.
Expect to spend:
You like the price and look of a split rail fence but not enough security? If you want to close the gaps or need a fence to keep the dog inside, combine the split rail with a mesh. They are also great for protecting a garden from predators.
Expect to spend:
$ 0.50 to $ 1.00 per linear foot

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Concrete can be an affordable fencing option when security and privacy are paramount. Choose neat concrete for maximum coverage, or add brick or wood accents to break up the design. You may need to call in the professionals for this one, which could drive up the price.
Expect to spend:
$ 5 to $ 10 for 80 pounds of concrete
Barbed wire, most often associated with farmland, is not used so much for aesthetics as for safety. If you are trying to keep critters or people out of an area, you can do so inexpensively with a barbed wire fence.
Expect to spend:
Using recycled materials can be free and also environmentally friendly. Recycled materials can be anything from cleverly assembled old sheet metal or the still solid pieces of an old wooden fence sorted into different lengths and painted.
Expect to spend:
Nothing but some nails and paint.

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If you have a green thumb and want to go green, grow your own “living fence” as an alternative garden fencing method. Cover plants, such as privet or box, are usually the best option. You can try a store like Home Depot or Lowe’s, but it may be cheaper to work with a local gardening or greenhouse company.
Expect to spend:
$ 1 to $ 2 per foot of coverage
Lattice fences may seem flimsy in concept, but you can fortify them with concrete or wooden beams on both sides. Or you can add it to a more typical wooden fence as a unique accent.
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Pig wire is one of the cheapest ways to fence a yard. The material is rigid, originally intended to fence small animals and visibly mark property boundaries. The grid-like design prevents predators from entering and pets from leaving. Using small amounts of wood makes garden fences inexpensive; dye it for extra curb appeal.
Expect to spend:
Acacia fences are not only cheap, but also an adventurous DIY project. Acacia fences are made by weaving thin wooden branches through vertically placed stakes, and you can easily find a tutorial online. Try something new and make it a beautiful family project. Get some trees in your yard or ask a neighbor or local business if you can buy some of their branches.
Expect to spend:
Free or close to that
A chicken wire garden fence is probably the best known affordable fence. It’s a very inexpensive way to keep unwanted critters away. The metallic fabric is very fine and discreet. It is easy to assemble with wooden supports and can be made quite attractive with stains or woods such as oak and cedar.
Expect to spend:
$ 0.10 to $ 0.30 per linear foot
The bottom line
Inexpensive garden fence ideas are plentiful no matter what look you want for your patio and gardens. Whether it’s for privacy, security, marking the boundaries of the land, or simply a place for your dog to roam freely, there are affordable options for every need.
Frequent questions
Where can I find free or cheap fencing materials?
Buy inexpensive supplies at home stores like Lowe’s, Home Depot, or Menards. To find free material, look around and ask your neighbors and friends if they have anything that can be recycled for fencing, such as pallets and corrugated metal.
What is the cheapest fence?
Chicken wire and hog wire with wooden supports are among the cheapest.
Is DIY fencing cheap?
Doing anything yourself is usually cheaper than paying someone else. If you have a small fencing budget, get the supplies yourself and follow the DIY online tutorials.
How much does it cost to put up a fence?
It depends on the materials and the installation. The fence can range from $ 0.03 to $ 30 per linear foot, while the labor is $ 7 to $ 20 an hour.
Where can I find recycled fence materials?
Ask neighbors, friends or family if they have old materials that can be used for fencing. Or visit local farms and farm supply stores. Decide if you want wood, metal, wire, or another material to target your search more specifically.