If you’ve been searching for cheap backyard fence ideas you’ve come to the right place!
With creative fence designs, you can add beauty, a dash of style, and a barrier to your outdoor space. If you have pets, or close neighbors, fencing is a must in the backyard. Thankfully, it’s one of the most exciting exterior and landscape design topics.
Let’s look more into a cost-effective way to improve your home’s curb appeal.
To help you get started with your backyard plans, we’ve compiled a list of unique backyard privacy fence designs. Some, you may have to hire a specialist to help with the install. Whereas others, you can add to your DIY projects around the house.
Learn about the different types of backyard fences available to make an informed decision about one that is right for you and your family.
What to Consider When Looking for Backyard Fence Ideas
Since you’re here to read about backyard fence ideas, I’m guessing you already decided that your yard requires a fence? You’ll quickly discover that there are many different affordable options and types of fencing to choose from.
When choosing a fence, consider the following:
- What purpose is the fence going to serve?
- How much can you afford to invest in fencing?
- What fence type best matches your style?
- What are the local building codes? You may need to pull a permit before building.
- Are there any homeowner’s association restrictions? HOA’s may restrict or dictate the chosen materials, and often require approval before installation.
- Will the fence help or hurt with resale in your area?
Some homeowners put up fences around their pool or entire backyard for privacy and security. Whereas, gardeners usually have a fence around their property to keep animals out.
Let’s look at some of the most prevalent fence types of yard fences to get some ideas. Next, we will look at five of the most common fence types to get started.
17 Popular Choices for Backyard Fence Ideas
The following suggestions are privacy fence ideas that any backyard would benefit from.
1. Standard Wooden Fence
Wooden fences can be as simple or as elaborate as your budget permits.
The type of wood you use will also impact your budget. Pressure-treated pine is a popular and long-lasting alternative for those wishing to save money.
Consider a sustainable tropical hardwood, such as cedar or redwood, if you’re ready to spend extra.
Remember that a solid wood fence isn’t maintenance-free, so acquaint yourself with the different types of treatments and maintenance you’ll need to do each year.
2. Chain Link Fence
While chain link fencing is not the most attractive option for curb appeal, it is a cost-effective alternative and an excellent method to keep dogs in your yard.
Aside from its affordability, one of the main advantages of a chain-link fence is that it is incredibly sturdy and may endure for years with little to no upkeep. Consider chain link a DIY project if you can handle a little stress while digging post holes.
3. Steel or aluminum Fence
Aluminum and steel are appealing. The long-lasting materials are common when going for a modern fence design. Aluminum is resistant to moist and humid environments, but it isn’t as robust as steel.
For a young, energetic family, keep in mind that rowdy children and animals can easily dent an aluminum fence.
On the other hand, steel is one of the most durable materials known to man. To prevent corrosion, it lasts longer in dry or humid areas and requires regular care, such as sanding and repainting.
4. Vinyl Fencing
Vinyl fencing is a popular option for the modern fence. Vinyl has a clean look, and can last for a long time. Another excellent vinyl fencing trait is they are low-maintenance and can withstand everything from rambunctious youngsters to livestock. Oh, and they are an excellent solution to nosy neighbors.
When considering backyard fence ideas, a vinyl fence can last up to ten years, but it will cost more than most other fence kinds.
5. Iron Fencing
If you’re looking for modern fences, the iron fencing is highly recommended.
An iron fence is one of the most attractive forms of walls, and it may provide adequate security for your yard. This modern fence option will provide privacy for those fantastic appearances.
6. Privacy Screen
If you’re main purpose is to create privacy in a small space, a privacy screen is perfect.
Privacy screens are great around hot tubs, outdoor seating areas, a bonfire pit, or to block the neighbors view onto your patio.
7. Picket Fence
A conventional white picket fence like this one conjures up visions of the American Dream. Designer Marshall Watson used reclaimed wood and painted it white to give a small-town atmosphere. You can do the same thing.
8. Pallet Fencing
Pallet fencing has a timeless appeal and may be used in various settings. A wall of vegetation is highly effective in this regard. In urban areas, they’re a good option to add seclusion without erecting a fence that would obstruct the sun’s rays. I found the example below on pinterest.
9. Wire Band Fence
Wire band fencing, or chicken wires used for chicken coops, is a popular suggestion when looking for cheap fence ideas. It isn’t always the most visually appealing solution, but it does provide a level of security (and it’s inexpensive).
You can visit your local Home Depot or Lowes to find chicken wire or hog wire fence materials.
10. Rustic Style (Split-Rail Fencing)
This easy-to-assemble solid fence design resembles a rustic version of a 4-rail horse fence. To increase the security of your split rail fence, you can use mesh to fill in the spaces between the rails.
11. Bamboo Fence or Rattan Fencing
Try a bamboo fence or rattan fence instead of a traditional wood-paneled one, like this one. The bamboo fence has a bohemian island vibe and thrives in warm climates, yet it is hardy enough to resist snow and ice. However, keep in mind that it may cost more than traditional wood fencing.
12. Zig-Zag Fence
A zig-zag fence is also known as a snake fence or worm fence, and it is used to keep children and small animals safe.
Simply stack split timbers (typically cedar wooden planks) in a self-supporting zig-zag pattern. It’s a unique design, simple to set up, and has easy transport if necessary.
13. Stone Wall
Before building a stone wall in your garden, be sure to check your local zoning laws to see if it is allowed. Natural stones are an excellent choice for fence design for a country-chic look.
14. Root Fence
This fencing solution is not suitable for a suburban area. There is, however, a use for all those abandoned stumps if you want a unique fencing idea from the homesteading past and have a lot of recently logged land.
15. Living Willow Fencing
Consider weaving a living willow fence for a living fence that isn’t quite as labor-intensive as a hedge but is still an excellent alternative for a backyard. Use willow’s natural inclination to sprout from cuttings to create a beautiful border that serves a decorative and functional purpose.
16. Lattice Fence
Lattice fencing may appear frail at first glance but can strengthen with cement or timber beams on both sides. You may also use it as a distinctive accent on a more traditional wooden fence.
You’ll often find lattice fencing in around garden beds.
17. Plant a Fence
Planting a fence is a solution that has a natural look. It takes a long time to complete. However, nothing beats a well-built, well-maintained hedge regarding durability and security.
Unlike a built fence, which will eventually wear and break down, a well-maintained living fence will only get thicker and stronger over time. The plants actively assist you in strengthening your fences, resulting in truly lovely cooperation.
Five reasons to Install a Fence
Here are a few of the most compelling reasons to invest in a suitable or high-quality fence for your home.
Safety and Security
The most crucial reason to fence your property is for security reasons. Although fencing isn’t going to stop criminals, it will provide an extra layer of protection. Fencing helps to safeguard your possessions, pet, you, and your family.
Boundaries
If you don’t have fencing, it can be difficult to tell where your property lines are. Therefore, building a fence can help you define the correct boundaries between your land and your neighbor’s.
Privacy
One of the most prevalent reasons for putting up a fence on your property is privacy. A suitable fence design can offer privacy.
Aesthetics
A well-designed fence may provide not only a sense of protection, safety, and privacy but also a great way to improve the aesthetic appeal of your home. It’s just as vital to pick a fence that complements your property. Your fence should be long-lasting and match the color scheme and style of your home.
Resale
A high-quality fence with excellent curb appeal, superb security, and privacy features will boost the value of your home. If you’re selling, it will increase the sale price significantly.
Standard Fencing Cost
Installing a front or backyard fence is cost-effective when well managed. Walls made of aluminum/iron fencing or vinyl/chain link can cost $35 to $55 per linear foot and $20 to $40 per linear foot, respectively.
Whether you are building a new fence or replacing an old fence, it is imperative to conduct some research to see if you could save money. After all, we’re all on a tight budget now a days.
Strategies for Cutting Costs
- Do the fence install yourself vs. paying a company to install it. (This will take much longer.)
- Consider not adding fencing to your front yard.
- Consider a pallet fence or a chain link fence.
- If hiring out, get multiple bids. 3 different fencing companies should offer competitive bids.
- Remove the old fence on your own.
- Look on a local marketplace to see if anyone is selling fencing materials. Companies and homeowners often sell that they did not use. The price of fence posts can add up quickly.
Once you know the size of the area to be fenced, it’s time to get a quote on materials. Then you may “test” the prices of a fence contractor when you know how much supplies will cost.
Getting fence bids with the help of a trustworthy contractor will go a long way in financial planning.
Give serious thought to why you want to install a fence before deciding which is best for your backyard. I hope these backyard fence ideas have helped you in your decision making.
Let us know in the comments below what type of backyard fence you’re thinking about going with.
Before you go, here is a post that may help you when planning for the cost of a fence:
How Many Square Feet in One Acre