We discussed licenses, materials and installation techniques with three experts. This is what they have to say.

The privacy fence can be used for many purposes. It can tie together the aesthetics of your yard and bring consistency and shape to an amorphous space. It also prevents children and pets from entering the yard by mistake when you are distracted. But the privacy fence mainly provides: privacy.

Since installing a fence can be a difficult task, it is a good idea to do some research before diving into the water. Our guide will answer the most pressing questions and provide you with some insights from landscaping experts. 

The first two questions you need to ask yourself are what you want and why. Privacy fences are usually higher than 4 feet and strong. In contrast, chain fences cannot provide much privacy after all. Therefore, if you want privacy first, height and material are the main considerations.

Next, do some research on your limitations. If you live in an area with a Homeowners Association (HOA), they may provide guidelines on the type of fence you can install, the height, the materials used, etc. Some places also require you to obtain a zoning or building permit before you start construction, especially if you plan to build a fence higher than 6 feet. You can check with your local city hall for any permit requirements that apply to your residence.

Once you have a good understanding of the needs of a privacy fence, and what your restrictions are, it's time to start figuring out how the fence will work on your particular property.

When planning to install a fence, it is vital to know where your property ends and where your neighbors start. If you plan to hire a professional to do the job, they will handle it for you. However, if you plan to build the fence yourself, you need to do your own research. If your property is less than 100 years old, please consult your local district office where you can obtain the exact dimensions of your plot. 

You can also hire a professional surveyor. They are trained to find property boundaries and can outline where privacy fences can be installed. Depending on the size of your property, the cost of renting one can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. 

When purchasing materials, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the many possibilities available. To help you, here are some of the most common building materials used for fences, the benefits they provide, and the challenges they may pose.

Cedar: Cedar looks warm and does not warp. However, if you put it on the ground, it will rot after a few years. If you want to use a cedar fence, you need to use a concrete base.

Metal: Metal fence has a wide range of uses, can be matched with a variety of styles, and is durable. However, most types of metal fences do not provide much privacy. 

The price of fence materials varies greatly.

Vinyl: This material looks great and has excellent durability. The key is to choose the thickest. However, since the installation must be precise, you should consult a professional before installation. 

Composite materials: a combination of wood and plastic materials. You can get the benefits of a beautiful fence without worrying about decay. On the contrary, because it requires meticulous installation, it is another material that is best used with professional installers.

Treated wood: It adds some pop music to any yard. For budget-conscious shoppers, it is usually an attractive material because it is cheap and easy to install. When purchasing wood, you can also select planks individually and pay close attention to their straightness and texture.

Masonry: Masonry can be composed of concrete, brick, stone and other materials. They are very suitable for sophisticated and classic designs. However, due to their heavy weight, professional installation is recommended to ensure a proper structural foundation.

There are many factors that affect the cost of fences, so it is difficult to give a useful range of potential costs of installing fences in a yard. The size and topography of the yard, fence materials, labor, residence, and everything else will affect the final price. However, if you plan to do a professional installation, it is a good idea to collect two or three quotes to find the best one.

During the estimation period, the professional will inspect your yard, negotiate with you the design and materials, and then propose the total cost and estimated completion time. If you choose to go this route, plan to spend at least a few thousand dollars. If you have a larger yard, these costs will expand accordingly.

Let your home know the latest automation, security, utilities, networks, etc.

If you need to reduce costs, you can consider installing fences yourself. It may require additional tools, such as an auger for digging holes, and of course additional labor. However, if you are committed to the process, you can find plenty of video tutorials online.

To get some tips on self-installation, I emailed some professionals in the industry, including Josh Bateman, a 15-year landscaping expert, a resource for popular gardening advice Prince Gardening contributed; Chris Laan, founder of Designer Sheds, an Australian outdoor structure manufacturer; and John Smucker, a fence installation expert in Pennsylvania. This is what they told me.

Keeping the fence posts 8 feet or closer "will help the fence last longer and resist the effects of the weather," Smouk said. 

Bateman said in an email: “If you see periodic freeze/thaw cycles in the northern United States, if fence posts are not below the frost line, they may rise from the ground in a season or two.” “For For a 6-foot fence, we like to dig a 3-foot hole whose width is three times the width of the fence post." 

Bateman also recommends leaving a small bottom gap under the fence so you can weed without walking along the outside and inside of the fence.

"Some people only use concrete in the corners and fill the rest with gravel," Laan told me. "This is a mistake, because moisture is the biggest enemy of fences, especially if you use wooden posts."

Laan recommends using concrete to fix each fence post. He also said that many people use nails to build their own fences so that the screws will last longer.

Almost everyone who has spoken to me stated that it is absolutely necessary to call the municipal service before digging, so important pipes or wires will not be damaged in the process.

Overall, installing a fence may require a lot of work, but it can also save you money.