A fence around your property is a smart investment with multiple functions. Most people want their property to be fenced because it gives them privacy and protection from unwanted outsiders.
Others live in gated communities that are already quite secure, so they install fences to identify borders while adding value and aesthetic appeal to their property. I, for one, love how fences combine form and function. There are many types of fences available on the market and you may be wondering which one is the best for you. When choosing a fence, you need to consider factors such durability, appearance, and maintenance.
One thing to keep in mind are the costs, which may vary depending on the quality of the materials, local availability, plus the installation cost (this depends on the complexity of the fence design).
In this blog post, I've put together a great list of fences and their costs (materials and installation per linear foot) to help you pick the perfect match for your property.
Just a gentle reminder: you should always choose according to necessity and budget.
1. Aluminum Fence
The aluminum fence is most commonly used in residential properties. Its' popularity is due to its strength and extreme durability. Aluminum is lightweight, very easy to install and doesn’t require much maintenance compared to other materials.
You need to paint it after installation to avoid the build-up of rust, so you can choose a color that will go well with your home's exterior. The design can be simple or elegant as there are many designs available on the market. You can choose solid panels if privacy and security is what you desire, or a picket style aluminum fence that gives you the ability to see through.
There are three classifications for this type of fence: standard, mid-range and top quality aluminum fence. The average price for installation and materials will depend on the classification, ranging from $22-32 per linear foot.
2. Chain-link Fence
If you are on a tight budget but want a rush installation of something to keep your perimeters secure, chain link fencing is the answer. This is the most popular type of fence next to aluminum fences. It is also the most affordable type of fencing and can be installed on-site, quick and easy.
I recommend this to people who live in a gated community and just want to mark their borders but still want to enjoy an open-space look. This is also ideal for those of you who want to get creative and practice green living, as you can grow your favorite vines on the chain links to adorn your surroundings and create more privacy.
You can also opt to add vinyl screening to give you more privacy, but this will cost you extra. However, the chains make the fencing fairly easy to climb on compared to other fences. Still, it will prevent street dogs and other animals from coming in.
This type of fence will cost you $9-25 for materials and installation. You will also expect an additional charge for the chain link fence gate which is around $200. Did I mention that this material can last a few decades thanks to its durability? Its cost and good functionality makes it a good return on your investment.
3. Wood Fence
You can be stylish with this type of fence, experimenting with different types of looks from traditional to modern, depending on the wood you choose. There are a lot of options to choose from: simple picket, plank, shadow box and even privacy fences. You can play with the design as it can be accessorized and customized to your liking.
On the other hand, a wood fence can be costly in the long run as it is high maintenance. This type of fence needs to be painted, sealed, or stained, or else the wood will rot. You can apply a water-repellent sealer with wood preservative yearly for upkeep.
You would also need to repaint and re-stain the wood every few years, depending on your climate. The upside of fading wood is that it develops a unique look and gives your outdoor living space a rustic vibe. Add decorative plants of vibrant colors to enhance its beauty.
You need to consider the type of wood for the costing of this type of fence, from the less costly pine to the more expensive cedar. The average price ranges from $4.14-33.35 per linear foot.
Pressure-treated woods are cheaper. I suggest you use pressure-treated woods for your shadow box or privacy fence as they are much cheaper. Plus, you can save a good amount of money if you have skills in DIY installation.
4. Vinyl Fence
Vinyl fences are also known as PVC fences. It would be best to go for this type of fence if you want a neat, attractive look for your property. This fence won’t warp, crack, or splinter. Paint won’t even stick to it!
Since you cannot paint vinyl, you'd have to choose from the available colors and variations, depending on what could match your exteriors perfectly. This is also a very good alternative to wood fencing as it also has wood grain variations that make it look like a traditional wood fence. And unlike wood, it’s fire-resistant!
The price of vinyl ranges from $19-38. It’s more expensive than the average wood fence price by about 25% and cheaper than the average aluminum fence price. But in terms of long-term costing, this is as close as you can get to a maintenance-free product.
5. Wrought Iron Fence
All metal fences can be custom made. You can choose your own style, like adding it on top of a stone wall to produce a fort-like vibe to your home.
This type can also be used to fence a part of your yard, like around your pool maybe or around the area for your animals. It’s very sturdy so it can provide good security, depending on your chosen fence height, but not much in terms of privacy as you can seen through it.
The average pricing for this type of fence is around $24-34. Wrought iron is expensive and needs periodic maintenance to avoid rusting, but it can also last an unlimited lifetime if maintained properly. You can do the installation yourself only if you are skilled and experienced, as doing the work correctly can be tricky.
6. Bamboo Fence
Choose this type if you want an eco and budget-friendly fence. Bamboo is readily available, inexpensive, and lightweight. It’s more durable in dry places because rainfall damages bamboo.
The natural, clean touch bamboo gives your home can make it interesting and attractive. Stained and weathered bamboo adds a sleek, smooth aesthetic appeal to your home's exterior. Layering bamboo sheets, on the other hand, can provide substantial privacy, and a little bit of security.
The average cost of bamboo fences are at $9-28 per linear foot. If you're worried about durability, you can make your bamboo fence last longer by applying weather-protectant seals. If well-maintained, with resealing done annually or bi-annually, bamboo fences can last up to 20 years.
7. Living Fence
Nature lovers will love this! Now, this is the most environmentally friendly fence on this list. But choosing this type of fence will need a lot of patience as you will have to nurture living trees and make them grow tall enough to about 8-9 feet so the height will be just right for a fence.
The lush trees will function as fences, creating a natural green decorative element while contributing to the wellness of you and the people around your property. You can plant shrubs and bushes in between the trees to deter anyone or anything from getting onto your property. This is ideal for a home in a gated community.
Living fences can be very economical if you know how to take care of trees and plants. It can benefit both your health and wallet, especially for those of you who have larger properties as you do not need a professional to do your fencing. Just know the correct spacing for the tree you wish to plant and do regular pruning if you do not want to feel like you live in a forest.
8. Farm Fence
You can have a farm fence (also known as the horse fence) for decorative purposes even if you don't live on a farm. Nowadays, they offer more options for the materials to be used for farm fences, such as different types of wires, mesh, and more. Wood is still the most popular material though.
If your house has a traditional look and a rustic vibe, then this type of fence is a great choice. It will give your exterior a nice, clean look while defining the boundaries of your property.
This is expensive and high maintenance because wood is the main material of this type of fence. It’s average cost is $12-30.
9. Precast Concrete Fence
Precast concrete fences can withstand extreme changes in climates and forceful hurricane winds. They are also fireproof and rot-proof. There are almost no downsides, as this type of fence is gorgeous, durable, efficient and very easy to maintain.
There are a wide variety of colors from which you can choose, so you don't have to worry about your fence not matching your home. They even come in brick and stone wall designs, which cost less than the real thing.
If you are looking for a long term, cost-effective investment, this is it. It is less expensive than wood fences in the long run. Materials alone cost $20-30 per square foot.