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Fences are a crucial part of backyard design, providing both privacy and safety in your outdoor space. Whether you’re using a fence to separate your lot from your neighbor's or to keep little ones away from the pool or road, fences can be as functional as they are stylish. With many options to consider in terms of materials and styles, costs can quickly add up. Fortunately, there are plenty of cheap fence ideas that can still make a statement.
To determine the right type of fence for you, consider your priorities. For durability, metal fences offer the best defense against weather and wear. Wood fences are timeless and stylish, although they are prone to warping and require a high level of maintenance, including paint touch-ups, sanding, and staining. Chicken or hog wire is the least expensive type of fencing; it’s great for keeping deer out of your garden, but it isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing (though we have ideas on how to spruce it up!). PVC fencing provides a classic look at a lower cost than real wood or metal, making it another great option among cheap fence ideas. If you need a quick solution, no-dig fences are the easiest type to install. Although they are great for temporary use and easy to maneuver, they aren't very sturdy or weather-resistant because they aren't secured to the ground.
The best cheap fence ideas combine style and substance, keeping your family safe without blowing your budget. Whether you prefer wood, wrought iron, wire, or trailing vines, we’re highlighting 20 cheap fence ideas that look expensive.
More inspiration for your outdoor oasis:
- 22 Retaining Wall Ideas That Add Structure and Beauty to Your Backyard
- How to Grow a Star Jasmine Plant for Your Backyard Garden
- 5 Essentials to Add Curb Appeal to Your Home
1
Textured Concrete
Contrast the rest of your hardscaping with a textured concrete fence. Relatively cheap per square foot, concrete can be poured into fence molds, or texture can be applied while the material is still wet.
Related Story: Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas Anyone Can Maintain
2
Reclaimed Wood
Sustainable and cost-effective, reclaimed wood is one of the best materials to use if you want to add character to your garden fence. This is a great look for coastal or modern homes that want to mix old and new styles.
Cost: $1 to $15 per linear foot
3
Tall Planters
Tall planter boxes can double as chic fencing when you're prioritizing style in your outdoor living space. With this cheap fence idea, you get the best of both worlds, plenty of greenery, and a boundary for your neighbors (and furry friends).
Related Story: 33 Balcony Decorating Ideas
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4
Chicken Wire
Great for protecting yards and gardens from critters and wildlife, chicken wire also allows your climbing vines to scale up.
Cost: $17 to $20 per linear foot installed
5
Painted Gate
A cheap way to upgrade the look of your fence is to add a pop of color to your gate. Take inspiration from this peaceful outdoor space where a mint green, wooden fence stands out against the white stone.
Related Story: The Best Exterior Paint Colors
6
Picket Fence
Picket fences are quaint and timeless. While not suited for enclosing a large acreage (or large pets), this cheap fence idea is ideal for smaller yards and suburban neighborhoods.
Cost: $50 per 8-foot panel
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7
Raised Metal
Metal fences can either look elegant or industrial—keep the look light by raising your fence an inch or two off the ground when installing. This negative space will allow the structure to look more welcoming while still providing the same level of safety.
8
Split Rail
Because of their sparse appearance, split-rail fences require less material than full-plank fences and their price is lower too. This cheap fence idea is also a great option for farmhouses and ranch homes.
Cost: $12 to $30 per linear foot
9
Climbing Plants on Stucco
Not loving the look of your wall fence but on a budget? Opt for planting a low row of climbing plants like ivy or bougainvillea to help cover your plain stucco with some color.
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10
Wrought Iron
Sophisticated and even slightly imposing, iron fences are often used because their weather-resistant build and high-end appearance surpasses that of wood or wire.
Cost: $25 and $35 per linear foot
11
Ivy Wall
To create a secret-garden–style fence, allow your greenery to fully take over and envelop your brick. Not only does this cheap fence idea help blend your hardscaping with your landscaping, but it's also a cozier welcome to your outdoor space.
12
Trellis
If you don't have tall walls or fences enclosing your property, you can create them with this cheap fence idea. Trellis fencing provides the perfect backdrop for your greenery to take over, though it may take some time after installation.
Cost: $3.50 to $7 per linear foot
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13
Shiplap Border
Fences don't have to consist of vertical-only stakes. Take inspiration from Next Wave designer Tina Ramchandani and flip your fence boards horizontally. Often seen in interior rooms, shiplap can make your backyard feel like a true extension of your home.
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14
Hog Wire
A cleaner-looking fence material than chicken wire, hog wire features wider, rectangular holes. This cheap fence idea is great for keeping small animals out of gardens and marking large areas along property lines.
Cost: $3 to $5 per linear foot
15
PVC Railing
Even if your backyard is more of an apartment terrace, your fence can still be a design statement. Instead of wood or metal, choose a more decorative fence style made from budget-friendly PVC instead of wood.
Related Story: 10 Charming Terrace Gardens to Inspire Your Outdoor Space
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16
Pine Planks
If you know you want a tall fence made of wood, go with pine to save a few bucks. Treated pine beams cost less than other types of rot-resistant lumber such as cedar or redwood.
Cost: $14 to $20 per linear foot installed
17
Landscaping Layers
In this backyard, the metal fencing is sandwiched between two layers of lush greenery. The flora helps to disguise the material against the stunning view, but the fence still adds structure and safety for the family environment.
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18
Hedges
Beloved for the privacy they provide and the shapes they can be pruned into, hedges are an excellent fence option for those with ample space. However, they do require frequent pruning and attention to keep them healthy, which adds to their overall cost.
Cost: $2 to $3 per linear foot
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19
Mixed Materials
Thin wire fencing provides safety and an unobstructed view for your balcony, but it can look a little harsh on its own. By mixing it with wooden accent beams, the aesthetic is suddenly much warmer and more inviting.
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20
Corrugated Metal
Strong and industrial, corrugated metal is a great fencing option for those who want a lightweight material that's both mold- and rust-resistant. It also coordinates perfectly with modern-style homes.
Cost: $10 and up per linear foot
