Apart from offering privacy and security, a thoughtfully crafted fence can give your property character. It can also add a safety net for your children and pets.  

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If you suddenly need to set up a smallholding or just want to set some boundaries, you might be searching for low-cost fencing ideas for your yard. And if getting professional help or commissioning a fencing company is out of the question, keep reading for 12 affordable fence ideas for your home.  

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Pallet fence

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Nothing exemplifies low-cost home improvement more than a pallet fence. Most local construction companies and warehouses would be happy to give them away. And because you can stack them as is, pallet fences are also an easy DIY project. Take the time to pull the pallets apart, and you can turn them into a picket fence.  

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As a note, pallets bearing the International Plan Protection Convention (IPPC) logo underwent treatment to prevent the spread of insects or plant diseases. Try to salvage those if you can.  

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Trellis fence

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Trellis fences may not offer much in terms of structural rigidity, but they more than make up for it with the charming backdrop it creates. If you enjoy gardening, a trellis fence also expands your growing space. Grape, kiwis, zucchini, and other plants and vegetables tend to grow up a trellis, adding a nice living fence to your home.  

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Privet fence

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Similarly, privet hedges make for a nice, thick fence. These shrubs can grow between 4 and 10 feet, giving you the necessary privacy. A privet fence can be easily pruned and sculpted as well, providing flexibility should you require it. Other evergreens you can use for a living fence include spotted laurels and yew.  

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Picket fence

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You can’t really go wrong with a white picket fence. It’s symbolic of the American dream. And at around USD$17 to $25 per linear foot, it’s not priced astronomically. You can even choose picket styles to suit the aesthetic you desire. For a visual reference, click here to see professional picket fencing projects.  

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Bamboo fence

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If you live in a warmer area, you can grow a bamboo fence. It won’t take much time since bamboo grows quickly, up to three feet in just a day. For a more convenient solution, you can purchase pre-made bamboo fencing rolls. This works especially well if you have an existing structure like a chain link fence (more on this later). Bamboo fencing rolls allow you to transform your yard with pliers and some wires in minutes.  

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Chain link fence

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It’s not the most aesthetic choice, but a chain link fence does the job of keeping people and pets out. It’s ideal for larger yards with smaller budgets and can easily be spruced with climbing plants or any DIY idea you can find on Pinterest. Additionally, painting a chain link fence can quickly give it a friendlier look.

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Split rail

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Split rails are more suited for larger yards and give homes that ranch ambiance. While the timber logs can cost anywhere from USD$12 to USD$30, the space between rails means you need fewer materials to build a fence.  

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Upcycled fence

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If you’re feeling a bit artsy, you can create a fence for your yard using recycled materials. You can use any scrap material you can get your hands on—metal, tiles, corrugated steel. An upcycle fence would require some DIY skills, but it’s a cheap yet charming way to decorate a backyard.  

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Woven branch fence

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While at the topic of recycling, you can also weave branches into a fence. This would take DIY know-how (and living close to the woods). But if you’ve got all of those, it’s certainly a rustic, cost-effective option. You can use logs and wiggly branches too if you need more materials.  

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Concrete fence

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You’ll probably need professional help for this fencing project. But at just USD$5 to USD$10 per 80 pounds of concrete, it’s still a relatively cost-effective solution. If you’re not a fan of pure concrete, you can easily add wood accents to give your fence a more earthy feel.  

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Hog wire fence

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Using hog wire for your fence is a low-cost solution for your fencing needs at just USD$3 to USD$5 per linear foot. However, it will require wooden frames. But for how cheap hog wires are, you can shell out on redwood or other higher-end species for a more refined look.

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Electric fence

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Electric fencing is a cheap solution if the goal is to keep animals out. However, this is only allowed in rural areas and banned near roads.  

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Final words

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If you have the resources, it’s best to invest in a proper fence, as it can boost your property’s value. But if you’re looking for more of a short-term solution, the fencing ideas above should suffice.

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References

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1. Family Handy Man, https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/cheapskate-picket-fence/

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2. Gardening Know How, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/ovgen/growing-plant-cover-fence.htm

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3. Real Homes, https://www.realhomes.com/advice/how-to-build-a-fence

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