A well-constructed fence can provide privacy, security, and aesthetic appeal to your backyard. Learn how to build a cheap backyard fence with our easy tips that won’t break the bank.
As you work on your fencing project, you may also be interested in how to make a small backyard private and how to keep deer out of your backyard for additional privacy and protection. Delve into our expert guides to craft the perfect sanctuary in your backyard.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Building a fence can add privacy and security to your backyard |
| Planning ahead and choosing the right materials can save money |
| Using salvaged materials or repurposing items can be cost-effective |
| DIY fence building requires patience, attention to detail, and safety precautions |
| Regular maintenance can extend the life of your fence |
Temporary Fencing
Temporary fencing is a great option to protect your garden or yard while you’re building a permanent fence.
You can use wooden boards or PVC pipes, or even some chicken wire if you don’t have the money to invest in a more durable material.
This will only be temporary and intended as a stop-gap measure until your permanent fence is built, so it doesn’t need to be super durable!
If you’re looking to add a backyard greenhouse to your property, our guide on the cost of backyard greenhouses can help you determine the investment required and choose the right size and materials for your needs.
Materials for a Cheap Backyard Fence
| Materials | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Wood | Affordable, versatile, natural look | Requires regular maintenance, may rot or warp |
| PVC | Cheap, lightweight, easy to install | Not as durable as other materials, may yellow or crack over time |
| Chain link | Inexpensive, easy to install, provides visibility | Not very attractive, may rust or corrode |
| Bamboo | Affordable, eco-friendly, unique appearance | May not be as sturdy as other materials, requires regular maintenance |
| Woven wire | Durable, provides good visibility, can be used for multiple purposes | Not very attractive, may rust or corrode over time |
Reclaimed Fencing
Reclaimed fencing is the perfect way to add character to your yard. It can be used for privacy, or decorative purposes.
Reclaimed fencing is made from a variety of materials such as wood, metal and stone. These materials can then be stained or left in their natural state to give you that rustic look you’re after.
Corrugated Metal Fencing
Corrugated metal fencing is a great way to establish an inexpensive, sturdy barrier for your yard. It’s strong, durable, and easy to clean—and can be installed for as little as $15 per foot.
If you’re ready to install corrugated metal fencing around your home or garden, here’s what you need to know:
What is corrugated metal fencing? Corrugated metal is composed of thin sheets of steel that have been bent into panels and then welded together at the edges with seams running along their lengths.
The seams are held together by small tabs on each side (known as “flanges”) that are folded over during installation so they don’t protrude beyond the face of the panel; this keeps them from catching on things like lawnmower blades while also making them easier to paint later on.
Creating privacy in a small backyard can be challenging, but our easy guide on making a small backyard private provides practical tips on using plants, screens, and other features to create a peaceful and secluded space.
Pvc Fencing
PVC fencing is a great option for those who want a temporary fence. It’s also a good option for those who want a fence that will last.
PVC fencing is easy to install, especially if you buy premade panels or rails. You can use your own hardware to set it up, too—it’s just as strong as wood and concrete! It won’t rot or warp over time like some other materials might.
It’s also very affordable; if you have the tools, you can build your own panels at home!
Wattle Fencing
Wattle fencing, also known as woven fencing, is made from thin sticks woven together to form a mesh. This type of fencing is a great way to add privacy in your backyard without breaking the bank.
You can use it as a fence or wall and it’s relatively easy to make on your own. You can even choose what type of materials you want to use for your wattle fence so that it matches with the rest of your property!
Deer can be a major nuisance in a backyard garden, but there are ways to keep them away. Our guide on keeping deer out of your backyard offers natural and humane solutions to deter deer and protect your plants.
Bamboo And Reed Fencing
Bamboo is a great material for fencing because it’s strong and grows quickly. You can use bamboo to build a fence or a trellis that will last many years, or you can buy bamboo fencing from a garden center.
You may want to consider one particular type of bamboo that has longer and straighter stalks than most types of this plant: Moso Bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens).
The straight stalks make it ideal for use as fencing or in furniture, while still retaining the strength of other bamboos.
Another option is reed fencing, which comes in several varieties including black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), Osage orange (Maclura pomifera) and cattail palm (Typha domingensis).
Brush Wood Fencing
Brush wood fencing is a great option for areas that are prone to flooding. It’s also a good choice if there are a lot of wildlife in your yard and you want to keep them out. Brush wood fencing is relatively easy to install, and it can be made inexpensively using materials that are readily available.
Vinyl Slat Snow Fence
For the fence itself, you’ll need a few pieces of wood and some vinyl slats. The wood will be used to create your frame, while the vinyl slats are what form the actual fence.
You can use either 4’x8′ sheets or 4’x4′ sheets for this project; it’s up to you as long as they’re cut down into 8′ lengths. In total, you’ll need about 14-15 pieces of plywood and 20-25 pieces of vinyl snow fencing (depending on whether you’re using 4×4 or 4×8 sheets).
This project takes roughly two hours from start to finish if everything goes well—just remember that this is just an estimate!
Depending on how much assistance you have during construction time should determine how long it takes for completion since there are variables such as tools being used and other tasks taking place simultaneously that may add more time in between steps (like finishing touches).
Transforming a patch of dirt into a lush green lawn can be a rewarding project for any homeowner. Our guide on laying turf in your backyard provides step-by-step instructions and helpful tips on preparing the soil, selecting the right grass type, and maintaining your new lawn.
Living Fences
A living fence is a great option for those who don’t have much time to care for their fences. A living fence can grow up to 6 feet in height and require no maintenance, which means you’ll never need to cut it down or paint it again!
With this type of fence, you can grow your own from scratch or buy one already grown. Some common plants used as living fences include bamboo, willow trees and other saplings that grow quickly.
Pallet Fences (My Favorite!)
Pallet fences are the best. If you have a bunch of old pallets lying around, or if you want to make some money by selling your old pallets on Craigslist or Freecycle, then this is the project for you!
Step 1: Find some pallets and remove their boards one by one.
Step 2: Decide how high you want your fence to be and start attaching the smaller pieces of wood from each end/side of each board (the top piece is easy because it’s already attached).
Make sure that these small pieces don’t stick out too far so they won’t get in anyone’s way when they walk past them during a party or cookout; however, if they do stick out too much then just take those pieces off later once everything else has dried completely since there might be mold growing on top due to moisture issues within their home environment.”
Pros and Cons of Different Fence Heights
| Fence height | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| 3-4 feet | Provides a clear boundary, good for small yards or areas with low foot traffic | May not provide enough privacy or security |
| 5-6 feet | Offers more privacy and security, good for medium-sized yards or areas with moderate foot traffic | May be more expensive and require permits in some areas |
| 7-8 feet | Maximizes privacy and security, good for large yards or areas with high foot traffic or noise | Can be expensive, may require special permits or zoning restrictions |
Vertical Garden Walls
Vertical garden walls are great for small spaces and have the added benefit of adding height to your yard.
Here are some tips on preparing a wall, building it, and planting flowers:
Prepare the ground by tilling and composting soil before you start planting.
Use a variety of plants with different heights when making vertical garden walls. For example, use shorter plants like thyme or rosemary at the front of your wall so they won’t block out other plantings in front of them.
Start with 3-foot tall stakes made from wood or metal that can be hammered into the ground where you want them to go so you know exactly where everything will go before hammering them into place permanently (make sure they reach up high enough so nothing gets blocked by anything else).
Then hammer each stake 2 feet apart along your entire length using six foot planks as support beams between each stake (again making sure these reach high enough so nothing gets blocked by anything else).
This way if one part breaks off due to weathering over time or heavy rainfalls then there will still be several others that remain standing upright so not everything has collapsed onto itself yet!
Landscape design can significantly enhance the appearance and functionality of your backyard, but it can also be a costly undertaking. Our guide on the cost of fully landscaping a backyard outlines the factors that affect landscaping costs and provides cost-saving tips for budget-conscious homeowners.
Chain-Link Toppers
Toppers are a great way to add a finished look to your chain-link fence. They can be made from wood or metal, purchased pre-made or made at home.
The most common types of materials used for toppers are:
Wood – The most common type of wood used is cedar because it is durable and aromatic, but any type will work if you want something different than cedar. Since this material is usually more expensive than other options, it’s best to consider other styles before choosing this one.
Steel – Steel toppers come in three main styles: decorative panels; solid square tubing; and ornate Railing Systems with Options (RSO).
Decorative panel and steel fencing both work well with all types of fencing styles while RSO offers many different options when it comes down to selecting materials such as stainless steel vs aluminum vs brass components along with what kind of mounting hardware needs installed on each post within order for your system stay secure over time.”
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a cheap backyard fence, there are many different options out there. I’ve included links to some of my favorite websites in this article so that you can do your own research and find what’s right for you.
Just remember, whatever type of fencing you choose, it’s important to keep in mind how much maintenance it will require, how long it will stand up against weather conditions (especially if it’s wooden), whether or not the material is easy on the eyes (like plastic slats), and most importantly: does it suit your style?
Further Reading
Here are some related articles and videos that you may find helpful:
Cheap Fence Ideas for Your Yard: This article provides a list of budget-friendly fence ideas to help you create a beautiful and functional backyard.
How to Build a Wood Fence: This YouTube video provides a step-by-step guide on how to build a wood fence, including tips on how to dig post holes, set posts, and attach pickets.
How do you make a small backyard private? Easy Guide: If you want to create some privacy in your backyard, this article offers easy-to-follow tips on how to do it even in a small space.
How do you build a backyard terrace? Pro Tips: Building a terrace in your backyard is a great way to add an outdoor living space. This article provides expert tips on how to build a backyard terrace.
How do I build a backyard driveway?: If you want to add a driveway to your backyard, this article provides step-by-step instructions on how to do it yourself.
How to put up lights in your backyard? Pro Tips: Adding lighting to your backyard can enhance its beauty and functionality. This article offers tips on how to put up lights in your backyard.
How do I light my backyard for a party? Explained: If you’re planning a party in your backyard, this article provides guidance on how to create a festive and well-lit atmosphere.
FAQs
How do I build a backyard fence on a budget?
To build a backyard fence on a budget, you can consider using inexpensive materials such as pallets, bamboo, or corrugated metal. You can also opt for a shorter fence or use plants to create a natural fence instead.
Can I build a backyard fence myself?
Yes, you can build a backyard fence yourself if you have the necessary tools and skills. However, it’s important to ensure that you follow local building codes and obtain any necessary permits before starting your project.
How tall should a backyard fence be?
The height of a backyard fence depends on factors such as the purpose of the fence and local regulations. In general, residential fences are usually between 4 and 6 feet tall, while commercial or industrial fences may be taller.
How do I maintain my backyard fence?
To maintain your backyard fence, you should regularly inspect it for damage or wear, clean it with a mild detergent and water, and apply a protective finish if necessary. You should also trim any vegetation near the fence and ensure that the posts are securely anchored.
How do I choose the right type of backyard fence?
To choose the right type of backyard fence, you should consider factors such as the purpose of the fence, the style of your home, and your budget. You should also research the different types of fences available and compare their costs, maintenance requirements, and durability.
For 15 years, Hellen James has worked in the gardening industry as an expert and landscape designer. During her career, she has worked for a variety of businesses that specialize in landscaping and gardening from small firms to large corporations.