Megan Winterland | Updated 9:13 AM, September 21, 2021

Protecting your backyard from the prying eyes of your neighbors (or even your loved ones) can help make it an oasis of relaxation. Some landscapes are suitable for tall trees or hedges, but for many people, attractive privacy fences can provide a secluded space and a lovely backdrop for planting or playing in the landscape. Fencing can be a major investment, so careful budgeting and consideration of additional costs (such as permits, excavation, installation, and completion) are very important. This is a worthwhile investment: A sturdy, beautiful fence can increase the attractiveness of the roadside, because homebuyers with children or pets usually consider the fence to be a must-have, and it can increase your enjoyment of the backyard. The cost of a privacy fence depends on the many choices you make about the purpose, style, and size of the fence, so there are many opportunities to customize the project. These variables are explained below.

Homeowners can choose a variety of styles of fences, so once you have measured your yard, you can adjust your budget and estimated total cost based on the materials you choose and the height of the fence. For basic calculations, please consider the following:

The cost of fence installation is very wide, mainly due to the variety of shapes, styles and materials available for fences. This is beneficial to homeowners in several ways: If the backyard fence is important and cost is the main consideration, you can choose lower-cost materials to get the job done quickly. However, there are many factors to consider when formulating budgets and plans.

The pricing of the fence material is based on the cost per linear foot. Therefore, the size of the area to be enclosed will determine everything else about the cost. The measurement of the number of feet of fence material required guides the total cost. Larger or odd-shaped codes are more expensive than smaller codes and codes that do not need to cut railings or panels.

Privacy fences are available in chain links, wood, vinyl, aluminum, and wrought iron. Material and installation costs vary, with the lowest chain link cost and the highest cost of wrought iron.

The fence style that the homeowner chooses will also affect pricing: picket fences, iron or split fences provide slightly less privacy, but the cost is lower. This is a good choice for gardeners who want to plant plants on the fence. . Fences and vinyl panel fences are slightly more expensive, but provide more complete privacy and are very strong. It takes more time to properly install the stakes and will increase labor costs. Lattice work and stylized column caps increase the total. This choice will strike a balance between the appearance, cost, and level of privacy that the homeowner wants.

Doors are priced per piece, and require hinges and fastening hardware. Although you may initially think that the door is unnecessary, in the long run, the door is useful, and it provides a shortcut through your property. Gates also provide curb appeal, so you need to choose whether to have gates on one side or both sides of the house. Weighing convenience and cost, choosing the number of doors can increase or decrease the total cost.

Privacy fences are available in standard 6-foot and 8-foot sizes. Local regulations may limit the height that can be installed, and these codes may vary depending on the height of the material itself and the height above the ground. Therefore, it is important to check the details: an 8-foot fence installed on a mountain may become a total height of 10 feet where the ground is significantly inclined, which violates the regulations. In addition, an 8-foot fence may increase the total project cost by 35%, so please carefully consider how much your fence needs to cover.

The pillars that support any privacy fence need to be dug deep into the soil and sometimes fixed with cement to prevent the fence from collapsing or blowing down in the wind or snow. Rough rocky soil; heavy clay; soil with many roots; or hilly terrain will make it difficult and time-consuming to dig a hole, so labor costs will increase. In some cases, the roots or rocks cannot be removed, and the placement of the pillars must be adjusted accordingly, which will increase material and labor costs.

Before determining the total cost of the privacy fence, you need to consider and consider the additional costs, and even decide to install a privacy fence around your property. Some of these costs are unavoidable, depending on where you live.

Since fence installation usually requires excavation, you or your contractor will need to dial 811 to check hidden utility lines before starting. This is a free service, but it will not incur any costs that hinder the movement of utilities. The local government or HOA may also require permits or fees and follow-up inspections. Because privacy fences can also affect your neighbors, this is not an attempt to avoid obtaining permits; removing and reinstalling non-compliant fences can be very expensive and can damage your relationship with your neighbors. Some places require that the "beautiful" side of the fence also faces outwards, so apply for a permit and check the regulations before starting work.

The cost of professionally installing fences varies from material to material, but averages between $30 and $70 per hour. The fence installation takes about 23 hours on average, so this is not a big cost, but it includes professional measurement, material purchase, delivery, installation and cleaning, and usually also includes a warranty. It is worth noting that contractors can usually get significantly lower material prices, so increasing labor costs can save materials, delivery and transportation costs, and may not increase overall costs.

Demolition of the existing fence can be a surprisingly large expense: even if the homeowner decides to do it himself, the fence posts set in the concrete are difficult to remove, and the disposal of the old fence material may require separate expenses, especially when They are pressure-treated wood. Homeowners can expect to pay between US$2 and US$5 per linear foot for professionals to remove existing fences.

Ideally, there are no bushes and plants in the fenced area, but there are usually shrubs, ground cover plants or trees around the yard. Some may need to be removed, while others (for example, larger shade trees or old trees that add character to the yard) may require creative solutions from fence installers.

Some homeowners are lucky to have flat ground without roots and rocks, with a perfect combination of sandy and clay. It is usually cheaper to install fences in this kind of soil. Heavy and dense clays are more difficult to dig, heavier, and will increase labor costs, but they will firmly hold the fence posts. Lightweight sandy soils may require concrete to keep the pillars upright, which increases the time and material costs. Deep-rooted soil or rocky soil can make installation very difficult-these situations will require additional labor time and potentially additional equipment.

Wooden fences need finishing to withstand these elements. A layer of good transparent sealant will make the wood weather slowly and gracefully, while a layer of exterior wall paint can add color to a plain yard. Either way, plan to buy enough paint, colorant, or sealant to cover the fence after installation, and then add materials and time to your budget for the next few years for maintenance and maintenance of the finish.

It is usually the last boom that makes the privacy fence truly beautiful. Elegant metalwork, intricate lattices, customized toppings, and even unusual wood choices can make fences stand out from neighbors and increase containment appeal-but these contacts increase overall costs.

In terms of materials for privacy fences, homeowners have many choices. Each has advantages and disadvantages, and there may be significant cost differences due to the cost of the materials themselves and the labor costs to install them. All options will provide privacy and provide different levels of protection fences for pets and children.

Wooden fences are classic and can be integrated into almost any community. Whether you are looking for pickets, stockades, railings or other styles, wooden fences can be built with many different types of wood and painted or dyed. In this case, "traditional" does not necessarily mean "boring." Wooden fence panels can be installed horizontally for a more modern look, or they can be built diagonally for a transitional style. You can add grids, crests, or column caps to customize the look. Depending on the wood type, height and style, the cost of wooden fences ranges from $17 to $45 per foot.

The aluminum fence looks clean and modern, has a long service life, and requires almost no maintenance. Railings are usually farther apart than wooden posts, so as a privacy fence, aluminum fences need some beautification to block the sight of neighbors. The biggest disadvantage is the cost of installation: although the average material is about $26 per linear foot (the range is wide-the cost depends largely on the size and style and whether the buyer chooses powder coating), installation is not a DIY project, per foot It can be increased by more than $10.

Maintenance-free, easy to clean, easy to install, and affordable vinyl fences are available in a variety of colors and styles. The average cost per linear foot is $17, plus an additional installation cost of $7 per foot. However, vinyl is not always the right choice. Since the panels do not allow airflow, they will blow over or crack under high wind conditions, and they will soften or bend under extreme high temperatures. Although it has a higher upfront cost per foot compared to some other options, it does not require time-intensive and costly maintenance, so the lifetime cost may be similar. However, for many applications, vinyl is a long-lasting, low-maintenance option.

Although it is generally believed that it is not as attractive as other fence options, the links are inexpensive, powerful, and easy to install by the homeowner, saving labor costs. The material cost is approximately US$7 per linear foot, the installation cost is US$10 per foot, and the chain links make it possible to seal large areas with less money. The DIY route makes it more cost-effective. The chain links are available in bare metal versions, color coating or metal coating options, and a variety of covers, rail edges and other materials to choose from to customize the fence according to your needs.

Similar to wrought iron in weight and appearance, but easier to DIY and greatly reduced in cost, steel fences are an excellent choice for homeowners who desire the elegance of iron rather than maintenance plans or cash expenditures. It costs an average of US$26 per linear foot, and professional installation costs an additional US$10 per foot. Steel is not cheap, but it requires little maintenance and is a reasonable DIY project for convenient homeowners.

Classic, beautiful and customizable wrought iron fences tend to increase the value of the house and highlight the landscape and layout of the yard. The average cost per linear foot is 30 to 100 dollars (the cost of custom work is much higher) plus installation costs of at least 10 dollars per foot, wrought iron is prone to rust and dents, so it requires a lot of regular maintenance to look most. In other words, over time, iron will form a solemn and beautiful patina, which is a worthwhile investment for homeowners interested in its style.

Barbed wire is designed to protect gardens and trees and allow pets to enter and go out. The price per linear foot is about US$1 to US$3. This kind of fence is sold in large rolls and must be connected to wooden stakes, nailed to a wooden frame, or connected to large pillars. It can be connected to a fence or picket fence to more completely enclose the yard, or installed around the garden to protect a specific area. It is also ideal for homeowners who wish to plant vines and flowers on privacy fences: if partitions are used in the installation, wire fences can be attached to wood, vinyl or metal fences to provide a nearly The invisible grid can climb without damaging the basic fence.

Ranches or farm fences are designed to keep larger animals away and away from predators. Because each installation is customized according to the buyer's needs, the cost will be different: most ranch fences consist of horizontal rails mounted on pillars, which can travel as needed. Although this style of fence is suitable for farm facilities, it can also be used for neighborhood applications for homeowners looking for creativity and a different look.

For environmentally conscious homeowners, sustainable bamboo fences may be a good privacy option. This fence can be planted on-site, where it will grow into a dense, prunable fence, or it can be purchased cut, dried and bundled, which makes the wood almost maintenance-free. It is usually sold in rolls, mounted on metal or wooden posts, and bamboo sticks are tightly tied together to provide a natural appearance to the shell. It is not cheap: bamboo fences increase the cost of other wooden fences by 20 to 30 dollars per foot, but it is durable and does not require sealing and painting.

Although some homeowners prefer the spacious feel of an open yard, there are many reasons why installing a backyard fence may be a good choice. Fences allow animals and people in and out, protect your investment, and provide security, all of which can make the yard more like a haven than a public space.

Placing fences around the yard can clearly demarcate the beginning and end of the property, especially in areas where the property line needs to be confirmed when installing the fence. This can be helpful when planning a renovation or change to a property, as it will help you understand exactly how much space you need to use. In addition, the fence can clarify where the homeowner’s mowing and maintenance responsibilities start and end, and can prevent disputes with neighbors over these tasks. Finally, in areas with a lot of open space or farmland, fences can protect the land from encroachment by clearly marking the boundaries.

Families with young children who want to play outdoors know that in an unsafe space, even for a short period of time, their eyes may be hit on the road or accidents with unsafe animals or pets. Many parents and pet owners have practiced sprinting wildly in the street to find returnees. Even those without pets or children may be surprised by dogs or people accidentally showing up in the yard. Fences can make it easier to monitor children and pets and protect homeowners from accidental injuries. The fence also creates barriers for break-in or vandalism: it provides an extra barrier for criminals or pranksters to overcome, which means they are more likely to move on. If you have a swimming pool-even a temporary pool-local regulations or your homeowner's insurance may require fences to prevent drowning.

Carefully selected fences can add beauty and shape to the yard. Decorative scrolls and grids create a sense of three-dimensionality, while plain and simple wooden fences can be used as a background, making the colors and textures of the lush garden popular, rather than blending into the neighbor’s greenery. The fence can also be used to divide the yard into different dining, leisure or swimming areas, truly creating an outdoor living space.

Any activity you wish to stay away from prying eyes, such as quiet reading by the pool, a fiasco in badminton, relaxing in the hot tub after get off work, or dinner and movies with your family, can be protected by privacy fences. Even if you love your neighbors, you don't necessarily want to invite them into every moment of your life, especially in precious free time. Fences can add privacy to the entire yard or smaller areas where privacy is particularly important to you. In addition, if the nearby house is very close to you, the privacy fence can interrupt the line of sight from the neighbor’s kitchen to yourself, so even at home, you don’t need to draw the curtains for privacy.

Will the fence increase the value of the property? It can certainly increase curb appeal, but the answer to this question is mixed because it varies by region, community, and potential buyer groups. A well-preserved fence will almost never reduce the value of your home, so if you plan to use a fence in your own home, you may not need to worry about it reducing the value of the property. In suburbs where buyers may have dogs or children, real estate agents recommend adding a well-maintained fence to the property. With the addition of privacy fences, the value of properties in urban areas with smaller courtyards may also increase, because there is no need to install fences to achieve built-in privacy, which is a great benefit for potential buyers. As far as house prices are concerned, the key to the value of a fence is its condition. A beautiful, sturdy, well-preserved fence adds charm and curb appeal, and can really make the appearance of the house stand out. However, real estate agents warn that adding fences only for sales purposes may not recover the cost of installation.

Certain fence styles can of course be installed by homeowners who have the right tools and expertise. This saves labor costs and allows homeowners to make their own schedules and customize fences and installations as needed. Hanging out in your own enclosed yard can create a great sense of accomplishment. Iron chains, wood, some vinyl, and possibly some steel fences can be implemented by faithful homeowners, while aluminum and wrought iron fences can be a difficult DIY.

Hiring a reputable contractor can save time, expense and frustration, and achieve precise and polished surface finishes. Even for experienced homeowners, fence construction requires a lot of research and a lot of labor time-usually much more time than experienced staff. The cost of leasing or transportation of materials and special tools may increase rapidly, and the cost of materials for individual buyers may be much higher than that of contractors. Therefore, doing it yourself may not save as much money as expected. Contractors may install fences in dozens of different configurations and conditions, and will have expertise in dealing with challenges such as uneven ground, immovable roots, overhanging trees, and sometimes complicated permit and inspection rules. The fence is a long-term installation, so it is best to make it strong, stable and beautiful the first time you try it.

Careful planning and creative thinking are the best ways to save on fence installation costs. By doing some homework before purchasing materials, homeowners can prevent costly mistakes and ensure that their budget is correct.

Because fence installation involves excavation in the yard, there is always the possibility of unknown obstacles. Making sure to ask the right questions to the contractor can save you time, money, and frustration.

Building a fence is an excellent opportunity to add private space to your property, and carefully selected fences can add attractiveness and safety to your yard. However, the number of options and considerations can be incredible, so here are some common questions and their answers to help you make a decision.

The biggest variables will be the linear feet of the fence you need, the height of the fence you want, and the material you want to use. Measure the perimeter of your yard, decide on a style, and then multiply the cost of the fence material by the number of feet you need. Then consider door, maintenance, and installation costs. Some internet calculators can help you understand the amount based on the average material cost, but it is just as easy to check with the supplier yourself.

The answer to this question depends on what you are looking for. For true privacy, wooden fences or vinyl board fences will provide maximum concealment and completely prevent passers-by from seeing your yard. Wooden or vinyl pickets, aluminum, chain links and steel fences will provide an excellent yard enclosure while maintaining a sense of openness, and combining them with the landscape can form a good visual barrier. Bamboo, wire, and pasture fences provide customizable applications, while wrought iron adds beauty and design options. Once you have determined the purpose of the fence and the desired appearance, your budget will help make this decision.

Although the life of any fence depends to some extent on the climate and conditions you live in, a well-installed and well-maintained fence should last 15 to 20 years. Galvanized links can last longer, while cheap cork fences may only last 7 to 10 years. Proper maintenance makes a big difference here. If a layer of sealant or paint is not applied occasionally, even a sturdy fence can collapse or fail.

Different materials require different maintenance levels and schedules. Vinyl fences only need to be cleaned with soapy water and a soft brush every few months. It is also important that vinyl fences will not be exposed to heat from gas grills and smokers, and will never be painted. It is necessary to use soapy water and brushes for regular cleaning, and occasionally reapply epoxy or sealant according to the manufacturer's instructions to prevent rusty damage to the metal fence. Wooden fences need more: bleach application and pressure washing will remove any mold that starts to grow, and must be re-stained or resealed every few years. No matter what type of fence you have, timely repair of any damage is essential: if it is not repaired immediately, a loose plank or tie will quickly lead to other loose planks or sagging parts, leading to premature failure of the fence.

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