Fencing is important for preserving the boundaries of your property, keeping children and pets safe, and warding off predators. But fencing can also be expensive, especially when you choose a high-end material like aluminum or vinyl.
Fortunately, you can find cheap front yard and backyard fence ideas that are functional and attractive. These inexpensive options include:
Chain Link
Chain link fencing is a fence that works, but doesn’t win any beauty contests. It can offer a lot of benefits to homeowners who have a tight budget and want to get their homes fenced.
A chain link fence will keep intruders out of your yard, and also keeps unwanted pets and wildlife away as well. It is a sturdy fence that is usually easy to maintain, and offers a view of the backyard that will make your property look bigger.
If you are handy, it is possible to install a chain link fence yourself by following a how-to guide. It requires some basic tools, with a special tool called a fence stretcher, which is essentially a fancy come-along (hand winch). Concrete and angle iron posts are often used with chain link fencing, but timber posts can be substituted if desired.
The typical chain link fence is made from interlinking metal pieces that are fitted together and hung between more durable, thicker metal pieces. This type of fence comes in a variety of heights to suit any needs, and it can be coated in different colors to match the landscape and home color schemes.
While most chain link fences are galvanized, PVC and polymer coatings are becoming more common to prevent rusting and provide protection from the elements. This makes the material more visually appealing and can help to increase the longevity of the fence.
Steel
While steel fencing looks elegant and powerful, it has some major drawbacks that can make it impractical for residential and family use. Like its wrought iron cousin, it’s prone to flaking and rusting if exposed to extreme weather or improper care. Plus, it’s difficult to install. Steel fence panels are heavy and awkward to handle, requiring specialized equipment for moving and positioning. Racking them to follow sloped terrain is also a challenge, calling for professional construction techniques that fence builder Durham, NC, can offer.
Most metal fencing today is made of either aluminum or hollow steel, with the latter being slightly cheaper than aluminum. These materials are easy to fabricate, making them much more cost-effective than solid iron or steel. They’re also lighter, which saves on installation costs and makes them easier for DIYers to work with. But hollow metal fence parts don’t hide their fasteners as well as solid-metal ones do, and they’re prone to scratching despite a galvanizing coating.
If you’re set on a metal fence, consider tubular iron for the rails and pickets rather than solid iron. It’s still a strong and beautiful option but much less expensive and more practical than the wrought iron of old. It’s also more easily shaped and manipulated to create detailed designs. However, if you love the look of wrought iron and are willing to take on more maintenance, consider choosing a decorative aluminum fence instead. It’s also more affordable than steel, resists oxidation, and offers a range of color options. Aluminum can also be fashioned into a variety of styles to fit your home’s architectural design. But both can be expensive if you opt for specialized powder coatings or unique colors.
Vinyl
Vinyl fencing has grown to become one of the most popular fencing options on the market. While it may be more expensive upfront than other materials, vinyl is known for its low maintenance costs and long lifespan. Compared to wood fences, vinyl requires no staining or sealing every few years. Instead, you’ll only need an all-purpose cleaner or dish soap to keep your vinyl fence looking brand new.
One of the biggest myths about vinyl is that it’s not as durable as other types of fencing. This is largely due to the fact that vinyl is a type of plastic (PVC) and people often associate plastic with low durability. But vinyl is actually quite strong and can withstand a lot of pressure. In fact, vinyl has five times the tensile strength of wood and is highly impact resistant.
Another common myth about vinyl is that it will fade over time. While vinyl has the potential to fade if you don’t take proper care of it, this can be prevented with regular cleanings and proper application of coatings like titanium dioxide. Additionally, higher quality vinyl tends to hold its color better than lower quality vinyl.
If you do decide to go with a vinyl fence, be sure to choose a premium formulation that includes these protective additives. This will also help ensure that your vinyl fence holds up well against harsh weather conditions like heavy winds, rain, and freezing and thawing temperatures.
It’s also a good idea to check on your vinyl fence at least once a year. This will allow you to spot any issues, such as loose posts or damage to the perimeter, and have them repaired right away.
Aluminum
When comparing fencing options for your home, you want to choose one that not only looks good but will also last a long time and provide you with the privacy or security you need. Aluminum fences offer a great way to do both of those things.
They are extremely durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear, even when they’re exposed to extreme weather conditions. Aluminum fences also require very little maintenance throughout their lifetimes – typically, spraying them down with the hose every so often is all they need. This is a huge savings when compared to traditional wood or vinyl fences, which require constant cleaning and repainting.
Another benefit of aluminum fencing is that it’s available in a wide variety of styles and colors. This makes it easy for you to find the look that best suits your home. Plus, you can always opt for a more natural color to match the aesthetic of your property if desired.
Aluminum fences are also very customizable, which allows you to achieve the exact look that you want for your property. They can be used for a number of purposes, including pool fencing and keeping pets and children out of the yard. They can even be rackable, meaning they can adjust to slopes on your land without creating gaps.
Because of their strength and durability, aluminum fences are very affordable and can be used to add value to your home. In fact, many aluminum fence manufacturers offer a limited lifetime warranty on their products. This is an excellent feature to have, especially if you’re looking for a long-term investment that can help raise your property value.
Wood
Wood fences are the traditional, classic choice for homeowners seeking a sturdy, practical, and attractive way to enclose their property. They’re a good choice for those who want to keep children and pets safe outdoors, and they also offer privacy and noise reduction. Unfortunately, when wood fences are cheaply constructed, they’re prone to rot and insect infestation. These issues can put kids and animals at risk of injury, and they can also compromise the safety of a property’s surroundings.
Despite these problems, many homeowners still choose to invest in wood fencing. However, it’s important to weigh all of the options available before making a decision. The type of wood used for the fence is an essential factor, and it plays a role in how long a fence will last. Cedar is one of the best choices for residential fencing, as it’s naturally resistant to rot and insects. However, it’s also more expensive than other types of wood, such as pine or redwood.
It’s also important to consider the type of weather that affects your area before selecting a fence material. Some areas experience severe storms, which can cause damage to a fence. This includes blown over and fractured fences, and it’s not uncommon for cheaply made wooden fences to become damaged in these conditions.
To help prevent this from happening, it’s important to purchase a quality wooden fence from an established fencing company. This will ensure that the fence is properly installed, and it will have a warranty in case of any damage or defects. A reputable company will also have a reputation for providing excellent customer care, and they’ll stand by the quality of their work.