Maintaining a well-kept garden or backyard can be a difficult and time-consuming task, especially if your yard is left open and exposed to a variety of negative elements, such as wild animals, trespassers and the general public. But how can you ensure that your land is protected while also preserving its charming appearance?
Well, numerous methods can be used to provide your home with some much-needed security, but probably the most effective is to outline your property using a gate or fence. Not only do fences deter various threats such as intruders and predators, but they can also look extremely attractive while protecting your friends and family.
The only negative impact of installing a fence is the price, which can vary depending on certain factors, such as the material the fence is made out of and the company you have purchased the fence from.
So if you are interested in purchasing a fence for your garden, but are concerned about how much it will cost, then we have all the answers that you seek.
In this article, we are going to take a look at how much a fence can cost, and how its price can be greatly affected by various features and details. We have also compiled a selection of the most common fence materials available, to help you understand which material best suits your needs and budget.
Just take a look down below and you will find everything you need to know about fences and their costs!
How Much Does A Fence Cost?
Before we take a look at specific materials and calculations, let’s take a look at some common figures you may encounter when searching for a new fence.
Typically, the price of a fence varies depending on a series of factors, with the most significant being the material that the fence has been made from, as well as the overall length and height of the final structure.
Because of these varying elements, you could find yourself having to pay around $5 to $25 for every linear foot, which could result in your new fence costing a total price of about $1,500 to $3,000 per yard, with the average cost per acre ranging between $2,016 and $9,011.
Of course, these figures are primarily based on what you will be expected to pay when using brand new materials, as the condition of the supplies you use can also greatly affect the cost of your finished fence.
In the rest of this article, we are going to outline the five most common fence materials, while also detailing their various positives and negatives. We will also take a look at how much these different materials will cost to use and how you can build your fence using second-hand supplies.
Top 5 Most Common Fence Materials
If you are interested in purchasing a fence for your property, then you should view fence materials as an important part of the consideration process, as the average cost of the material you want to purchase can help to determine just how much the finished product will be.
Beyond this, you also need to consider what you are purchasing the fence for, as different materials will often yield varying results for different requirements. So whether you are trying to block out nosy neighbours or protect your children from harm, you have to consider these factors before completing your purchase.
These considerations and the average cost of the materials you want to use can help aid you in your decision, allowing you to choose a fence that is suitable for both your property and needs.
So let’s take a look at the top 5 most common fence materials…
1. Metal Chain Link
When it comes to the overall price, metal chain links will often be the cheapest material to choose from, even when you consider the amount of metal being used to create the final structure.
The average cost of a metal chain link fence will often range between $10 to $20 per linear foot, with most homeowners usually paying an average price of around $2,083. However, the total cost of a chain link fence could fall anywhere between $1,153 to $3,008 overall.
These costs can also vary depending on the type of fence that you want, as taller and thicker designs may require more materials and therefore cost more money. Chain link fences can also be made from a variety of different metals, which also greatly affect the overall price.
Although metal chain links have proven to be particularly effective at keeping pets and children safe, this does not mean that the material does not feature some negative attributes. For example, this particular fence design is not particularly attractive and can look out of place in certain environments.
2. Wooden Planks
There is no denying that wooden planks are probably the most attractive fence material you can purchase. Not only do wooden planks look natural and aesthetically pleasing, but they can also provide some much-needed privacy and cast last for over twenty years if properly cared for.
The average cost of a wood fence will usually range between $13 to $19 per linear foot, with most homeowners usually being expected to pay a total cost of anywhere between $1,950 and $2,850.
Similarly to metal chain links, wooden planks can be made from various species of wood, with the type of wood used also affecting the overall cost. Currently, the most popular woods to purchase are cedar, pine and redwood, which are said to look particularly attractive.
However, cedar is arguably the best wood to make a fence from, due to the wood containing large amounts of cedar oil. This oil is naturally resistant to various outdoor elements, such as moisture, insects and overall decay.
If you decide to build your fence out of cheaper or more affordable wood, then you will have to treat the fence using a waterproof sealant, which will have to be applied once every year. Otherwise, you could risk the wood getting wet and rotting, which will render it completely useless.
3. Vinyl Posts
Unlike other materials we have previously mentioned, vinyl posts are specially designed to withstand exposure to the outside world, with the posts often being made from a PVC that has been treated with a variety of ingredients.
When compared to wooden planks, vinyl posts are considered much easier to clean and are non-porous in their design. They are also more durable and resistant to weather, which means they will often last longer and without the need for constant maintenance.
The average cost of vinyl posts will usually range around $20 per linear foot, with homeowners often paying a total cost of anywhere between $2,800 to $5,500. However, this overall price can fluctuate depending on the length of the fence and the size of the yard where you intend to install it.
Vinyl fencing is also known to come in a variety of styles and patterns, with the style you choose also being capable of affecting the overall cost. Although vinyl fencing can be very expensive, due to its increased longevity and durability, we believe that it is well justified in its price.
4. Composite Fencing
If you have never heard of composite fencing, then you are probably wondering what it is made from. In basic terms, composite fencing is made from a combination of recycled materials such as plastic and wood, with the finished product being designed to resemble wood.
In a similar manner to vinyl posts, composite fencing is favoured for its low-maintenance nature and durability. However, the material has been known to warp, shrink and expand when exposed to extreme weather conditions, which can make it slightly unreliable in the long term.
The average cost of composite fencing will usually fall between $23 to $37 per linear foot, with the total cost for the average household usually ranging somewhere between $3,450 and $5,550, making it one of the more expensive materials on the market.
Although composite fencing does fall onto the more expensive side of things, we believe that the material makes up for this by being low maintenance and capable of lasting for over 20 years with very little care. The fencing is also available in a range of colors and is considered a worthwhile investment overall.
5. Metal Wire
Metal wire encompasses everything from barbed wire to hog wire and is commonly used as a cheap and effective way to keep livestock from escaping the fields. However, it can also be used in gardens and homes to keep pets in the backyard, while also protecting them from the risk of predators.
The average cost for wire fencing will usually range between $1 to $7 per linear foot, with the total cost often falling anywhere between $1,254 and $5,852 per acre. Making it one of the cheapest materials you can buy.
Metal wire can also be used as a cheap alternative to the other materials we have addressed, with the cost of installation often varying depending on the type of wire you are using. Down below we have outlined the different wires and their costs.
Types Of Wire
Barbed Wire: Although barbed wire has a reputation for being dangerous and unattractive, it is very effective at protecting livestock and will usually cost between $.1.25 to $1.48 per foot to install.
Hog Wire: This wire has increased in popularity over the last few years and is favored for its attractive frame and cheap price, with the material usually costing between $0.75 to $3.25 per foot to install.
Welded Wire: Commonly used around farms, welded wire is considered much safer than barbed wire and can cost anywhere between $1.48 to $1.58 per foot to install.
Other Common Fence Materials
Of course, many other materials can be used to make fences, with the ones we have listed above being the most affordable. The materials we have listed down below are considered more costly but they do come with their various benefits:
Stone or concrete fence
Wrought iron fence
Steel security fence
Board on board fence
Electrical fence
Other Costs To Consider
Beyond what materials you are going to use to make the fence, there are other costs that you will have to consider. After all, building a fence is not an easy process and you will have to pay for the installation and the right to build on your land.
Down below we have outlined some other costs you will need to keep in mind before you can commit to building your fence:
Fence Permit: This permit allows you to build a fence on your property and will usually cost around $25 to $50 to obtain.
Hole Digging: This refers to the labour and equipment needed to dig the hole for the fence.
Slope Levelling: This refers to the labour and equipment required to level the slope for the fence.
Personal Gates: If you want a gate on your fence then you could end up paying around $150 to $500 per gate.
Length & Height: If you want your fence to be extra-long or extra-high, then you could see your total cost rising by 20%-30%.
How To Make A Fence With Second-Hand Materials
If you are looking for a way to cut costs, then you can make your fence using second-hand materials found around your home or in junkyards. Although this particular method means getting in touch with your creative side, it can be highly beneficial in the long term.
So if you are interested in this idea, then we recommend taking to the internet for some inspiration. As you can use anything from an old door to wine bottles to make a sufficient fence. Just allow your imagination to run wild and we promise you will be shocked by the results!
