What's In This Article
Fencing is a great way to protect your property from theft or vandalism. But how much does it really cost to install a new fence?
Fences come in various styles and materials and the type of fencing you choose depends on your budget, style preferences, and other factors.
In this article, we will be exploring the cost of putting up a fence as well as the many factors involved in determining this price.
Can You Install A Fence By Yourself?
If you want to install a fence yourself, you may want to consider hiring a professional company to do the work for you.
While it is certainly possible to install a fence by yourself, doing so could end up costing you more time and money.
When you hire a professional, they will take care of everything including the installation process. So if you have never installed a fence before, you might want to leave it to someone else who knows how to do it right.
How Much Does It Cost To Install A Fence?
The average installation fee for a chain link fence ranges between $1,000-$2,500 depending on the size and complexity of the project.
This includes everything from hiring an experienced contractor to purchasing all of the necessary materials.
If you are looking to build a custom fence, then expect to pay anywhere from $3,000-$10,000.
You can also find low-cost fences that range from $200-$400. These types of fences are usually made with vinyl or aluminum panels.
But if you want something more durable than these options, then you should consider installing wood or composite fencing.
These types of fences typically run around $500-$1,000 per foot.
You may also have to purchase a permit if you live in a city or town that requires one.
However, there are some states where permits aren’t required.
So before you start planning your next backyard makeover, check with your local building department to see what they require.
What Are Some Factors That Affect How Much A Fence Costs To Build?
There are several factors that affect the overall cost of a fence:
Material
The material used to construct the fence plays a large role in the final price tag. For example, if you decide to use cedar instead of pressure treated lumber, you may end up paying significantly less money.
Material costs vary based on the type of wood you select. Cedar is generally cheaper than pressure treated lumber, but it is not always the best choice for a fence.
You need to take into account the durability requirements of your fence. If you plan to put it through heavy traffic, then you should look at using pressure treated lumber.
Size
When designing your fence, keep in mind the height of the fence as well as its length.
For example, if you want a 6-foot tall privacy fence, then you will need to purchase enough materials to create a fence that is 8 feet long.
This means that you will need to buy two 2×4s (which are 4 inches wide) plus four 2×6s (which are 6 inches wide).
Style
Your design choices will also impact the overall cost of your fence. For instance, if you want a traditional picket fence, then you will likely spend more money than if you were to go with a modern fence.
Complexity
Another factor that affects the overall cost of a new fence is the complexity of the design itself.
For example, if you want to add decorative elements such as lattice work or arbors, then you will need additional supplies and labor.
Also, if you want to install a gate, then you will need extra time and materials.
Labor
Labor costs can be another major expense when constructing a fence. Depending on how many people are involved in the process, this could easily add up to hundreds of dollars.
So try to hire only those who specialize in working with wooden fences.
Why Do We Need Fences?
Fences serve multiple purposes. They help protect our property by keeping animals out and thieves away. They also provide privacy and security for our homes.
They can also be an attractive addition to any yard. In fact, most homeowners prefer to have a fence installed over other landscaping projects because it lasts longer and looks better.
Of course, fences come in all shapes and sizes. There are different styles available depending on your needs.
For example, if you want something simple, then you might consider purchasing a chain link fence. These types of fences are inexpensive and easy to build.
Chain link fences are ideal for small yards or areas where you don’t want to invest too much money.
However, if you want something more elaborate, then you might choose to get a wooden fence. Wooden fences are one of the most popular options among homeowners.
They are durable, sturdy, and they last for years.
If you live in a rural area, then you might find that installing a wooden fence is easier than building a chain link fence. However, if you live in a city, then you may find that a chain link fence is a better option.
Regardless of what style you choose, there are some things that you should know before getting started. Keep reading below to learn about the benefits of having a fence installed in your home.
Keep Animals Out Of Your Yard
One of the main reasons why we need fences is to keep animals out of our yards. Whether you own pets or not, it is important to make sure that they do not wander into your yard.
This is especially true if you have children. If you have kids, then you probably already know that they love to play outside. Unfortunately, this often leads them to stray onto your lawn without permission.
This can cause problems. Not only does it damage your grass, but it can also lead to dangerous situations.
For example, if your dog gets loose, then he/she could run off and attack someone else’s pet. Or, if your child gets hurt while playing on the ground, then you could face liability issues.
So, whether you have dogs or cats, it is important to keep them inside at all times. This way, they won’t accidentally wander into your yard. A good solution would be to use a fence.
Protect Your Home From Theft
Another reason why we need fences is so that we can protect ourselves from theft. While fencing helps keep animals out of your yard, it also keeps burglars out.
In fact, according to the FBI, burglary rates have been steadily increasing since the 1980s. And, as crime continues to rise, so has the cost of insurance premiums.
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), the average homeowner spends $1,000 every year just to cover the costs associated with their stolen items.
So, if you want to avoid these expenses, then you should install a fence around your property.
Not only will this help prevent thieves from breaking into your house, but it will also keep your belongings safe.
After all, if you leave your garage door open, then anyone who wants to steal your stuff will simply walk right in.
But, if you have a fence around your home, then thieves will have to break through several layers of protection before they can even start looking for valuables.
Improve Your Property Value
Finally, another benefit of having a fence installed around your property is that it can actually increase its value.
While many people think that adding a fence around your backyard will decrease the overall value of your home, this isn’t always the case.
In fact, some experts believe that having a fence can actually raise your home’s value by up to 10%.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that you should go out and buy a new fence today. Instead, you should wait until after you sell your home.
That way, you can get the most money possible when you put your house on the market.
Overall, installing a fence around your property can provide numerous benefits. Not only will it keep your family safer, but it will also protect your home from theft and improve the value of your home.
Affordable Fence Options
There are many different types of fences out there to choose from from wooden to vinyl. Naturally, with all these options, a person can become overwhelmed and soon that price tag will be intimidating.
However it should be known that not all fences are expensive. There are cheaper options out there for those relying on a budget. Some examples include:
- Chain link fence – This type of fence is very affordable and comes in a variety of colors. The chain links are spaced apart and allow air flow while keeping unwanted pests away. For this, you will be looking at a cost of $1.30 – $3 per foot.
- Vinyl fence – If you prefer something more durable than wood, then this is an option worth considering. Vinyl fences are easy to maintain and last longer than other materials. This will be $6 – $9 per foot.
- Recycled fence – Recycled fencing is made from recycled materials such as tires, plastic bottles, old pallets and even scrap metal. These fences are cost effective and environmentally friendly. They are typically made from steel wire, which is much stronger than wood. You can find recycled fencing at local hardware stores or online retailers. This will cost nothing.
- Concrete fence – Concrete fences are made from concrete blocks which are stacked together to form a wall. These fences are extremely strong and sturdy. They come in various sizes and shapes depending on what you need. A concrete block fence usually costs between $10-20 per linear foot (this is more expensive than the other options but will be long lasting making it great value for money).
Final Thoughts
Fences play a vital role in protecting our homes and families.
Whether you want to install one yourself or hire someone else to do it for you, it is important to consider the money you will be putting towards the fence.
Above, we have given you a variety of fence options as well as displaying their average prices. This will help you to make an informed decision about whether or not you would like to invest in a fence.