Written by

Kristen Cramer

March 25, 2024

Edited by

Tamatha Hazen

Fact-checked by

Tara Farmer

Cheap fence ideas

Whether you're building a fence for privacy, to keep pets or children in, or to protect your garden, there are a variety of cheap fence ideas to suit any budget. Prices for some fence types start as low as $2 to $3 per linear foot.

Chain-link, wood picket, and split rail fences are popular budget-friendly choices, but other creative fencing ideas and recycled materials provide inexpensive alternatives. In this guide, we'll cover 11 affordable ways to fence your yard or property.

1. Chicken wire / mesh

Wire mesh fences—also called chicken wire or hog wire fences—are commonly used to corral small animals or protect a garden. The rigid wire mesh is installed in a wood frame or attached to wood posts.

A wire mesh fence costs $2 to $5 per linear foot installed. For DIY installation, a roll of galvanized steel mesh costs $20 to $180, depending on the length and height.

For a more attractive and upscale version, combine the wire mesh with a decorative wooden frame. Filling out a wood frame with wire mesh costs much less than installing a full wood fence.

2. Barbed wire

A barbed wire fence costs $3 to $6 per linear foot with installation, depending on the wire quality and number of strands. Barbed wire fencing features three to five wire strands stretched horizontally between wood or metal posts. This type of fence is commonly used to contain livestock.

Barbed wire has sharp points—also called "barbs"—at regular intervals. Because the wiring can injure people and pets, many cities restrict its use in residential areas.

3. Chain-link

A chain-link fence costs $9 to $30 per linear foot installed or $1 to $15 per linear foot for the materials alone, depending on the wire type and gauge and the fence height. Galvanized steel mesh is the most common and affordable chain-link fencing at $1 to $8 per linear foot for materials.

Though chain-link fencing doesn't offer privacy and most homeowners don't consider it as attractive as other materials, it is effective at keeping kids and pets in the yard.

4. Pallet

Wood pallets provide a free or inexpensive material for fencing your yard or garden. Building a wood pallet fence costs $2 to $12 per linear foot, including nails and other fence construction supplies. Consider painting the pallets or hanging potted plants from the slats to make the fence more attractive.

You can find free pallets at many home improvement stores, big box stores, and nurseries. Look for the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) stamp certifying the pallets were heat-treated for pests and plant diseases.

5. Trellis

If you'd like to surround your yard with greenery, trellis fencing provides an ideal structure to grow ivy and other climbing plants. Many home improvement stores sell trellis fence panels for DIY installation.

A trellis fence costs $3 to $7 per linear foot, making it one of the cheapest fence options. However, trellises are not as sturdy as traditional wood fence panels, and it takes time for the plants to grow enough to provide privacy.

6. Picket

A wood picket fence costs $10 to $14 per linear foot installed. Picket fences—often considered a symbol of the American Dream—offer a charming, attractive, and timeless look. Though not well-suited for enclosing extensive acreage or containing large pets, they're ideal for small or suburban yards.

Picket fencing is available with a variety of decorative picket styles and comes in pre-assembled panels for easy installation.

7. Split rail

A split rail fence costs $12 to $35 per linear foot with installation, depending on the material. Pine and cedar are the cheapest and most common options. Split rail fences feature 2 to 4 rows of horizontal logs split lengthwise into rails and mounted on vertical posts spaced at regular intervals.

Split rail fencing—also called ranch fencing or post-and-rail fencing—is often used on farms, ranches, and other large properties. This fence type is ideal for surrounding a property without obstructing the view.

8. Pine wood

A pine wood fence costs $15 to $45 per linear foot installed and is cheaper than cedar, redwood, and most other wood types. A basic pine fence lasts 5 to 10 years but needs resealing every 1 to 2 years.

For a cheaper DIY approach, building a fence with reclaimed wood costs $2 to $15 per linear foot. Reclaimed wood adds character and lends the home a cottage or coastal feel.

9. Bamboo

Natural bamboo fencing costs $6 to $25 per linear foot installed, depending on the fence height and bamboo color. Natural yellow or golden bamboo is the cheapest, while black bamboo falls at the high end of the range. Many home improvement stores and online retailers sell rolled bamboo panels for easier DIY installation.

10. Hedges

If you're seeking privacy and prefer a natural look, consider planting hedges instead of installing a fence. Hedges cost $10 to $25 per linear foot if you hire a professional landscaper to plant them for you. Prices increase for hedges taller than 6 feet. Planting the shrubs yourself will save you $50 to $100 per hour in labor costs.

11. Metal

A metal fence costs $10 to $45+ per linear foot installed. Galvanized steel palisade fences fall at the low end of the range at $10 to $15 per linear foot. Recycled corrugated metal panels are another budget-friendly option at $10 to $20 per linear foot and give the home a modern look.

FAQs about inexpensive fences

What is the cheapest fence to build?

The cheapest fence to build is a chicken wire mesh, barbed wire, wood pallet, or reclaimed wood fence. If you opt for the least expensive wire material or find free wood or pallets to recycle, your total costs can be as low as $2 per linear foot for a 4' tall fence.

Is a chain-link fence cheaper than wood?

A chain-link fence is typically cheaper than a wood fence. However, prices depend on the wire type or wood type. While a simple galvanized steel chain-link fence is less expensive than most wood fencing, a high-end black aluminum chain-link fence can end up costing more than a simple pine wood fence.

Is vinyl fencing cheaper than wood?

Vinyl fencing costs more than most wood fence materials. However, a vinyl fence can be cheaper overall because it requires less ongoing maintenance and doesn't need resealing every 1 to 2 years. A vinyl fence costs $30 to $85 per linear foot installed, depending on the style and height.

Getting estimates for affordable fencing

Before hiring a fence installer near you, be sure to:

• Check local zoning regulations and building restrictions, as many cities limit the height of residential fences.

• Look for installers who specialize in the specific type of fence you want to build.

• Read reviews of fence installers on HomeGuide and Google.

• Choose licensed and insured fence installation companies that have been in business for 5+ years.

• Ask to see a portfolio of their previous work.

• Compare at least 3 estimates for the same fence material and size.

• Ask for references from recent customers.

• Don't make your final payment until the fence is complete.

Questions to ask fence installation companies

Ask these questions to ensure you hire a reputable, experienced fence installer:

• How many years have you been installing fences?

• Which fence types do you specialize in?

• Can you show me photos of past projects?

• How long will the installation take?

• Does the estimate include all materials, delivery, labor, permits, and cleanup fees?

• What other costs might come up during the installation?

• How much maintenance will the fence require?