- How Much Does a Privacy Fence Cost? (Breakdown by Material)
- DIY vs. Professional Privacy Fence Installation: Which is Better?
- How to Install a Privacy Fence: Step-by-Step Guide
- Fence Installation Mistakes to Avoid
- Cheapest Privacy Fence Options & Budget-Friendly Ideas
How Much Does a Privacy Fence Cost? (Breakdown by Material)
Privacy fence costs vary significantly depending on the material used. Here’s a breakdown of average costs per linear foot for different materials:
Wood Privacy Fences
- Pine: $20 – $45
- Cedar: $35 – $40
- Western Red Cedar: $45 – $90
- Redwood: $35 – $120
Wood privacy fences generally cost between $15 and $30 per linear foot installed.
Vinyl Privacy Fences
Vinyl fences typically range from $20 to $40 per linear foot. They offer durability and low maintenance but have a higher upfront cost than wood.
Metal Privacy Fences
- Aluminum: $24 – $32
- Steel: $32 – $45
Composite Privacy Fences
Composite fencing costs about $55 to $85 per linear foot.
Other Options
- Chain Link with Privacy Slats: $12 – $17
- Bamboo: $6 – $12
Factors affecting the final cost include fence height, terrain, local labor rates, and additional features like gates. Always check local regulations and obtain necessary permits before installation.
DIY vs. Professional Privacy Fence Installation: Which is Better?
Both DIY and professional privacy fence installation have their advantages, but for most homeowners, professional installation is generally the better choice. Here’s a comparison of the two approaches:
DIY Installation
Pros:
- Cost savings on labor
- Flexibility in scheduling
- Personal satisfaction from completing the project
- Control over design and materials
Cons:
- Time-consuming, especially for inexperienced installers
- Potential for errors that could compromise fence integrity
- Physically demanding work
- May lack the proper tools and expertise
- Risk of non-compliance with local regulations
Professional Installation
Pros:
- Expertise and efficiency in installation
- Access to proper tools and equipment
- Familiarity with local codes and regulations
- Warranty and insurance coverage
- Time-saving for the homeowner
- Better long-term durability and structural integrity
Cons:
- Higher upfront costs due to labor expenses
- Less control over scheduling
Professional installation is generally better for most homeowners because it ensures a high-quality, durable fence that complies with local regulations. The expertise and efficiency of professionals often result in a fence that lasts longer and requires fewer repairs, potentially saving money in the long run.
While DIY installation can be rewarding for those with the necessary skills and time, the risks of mistakes and the physical demands of the project make it less suitable for many homeowners. Additionally, professionals can often complete the installation much faster, allowing homeowners to enjoy their new fence sooner.
Ultimately, the choice depends on individual circumstances, including budget, time availability, and personal skills. However, for most people, the benefits of professional installation outweigh the potential cost savings of DIY, especially when considering the long-term value and peace of mind that comes with a properly installed fence.
How to Install a Privacy Fence: Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to install a privacy fence:
1. Plan and Prepare
- Check local regulations and obtain necessary permits
- Mark the fence line and post locations
- Call utility companies to check for underground lines
- Gather all required materials and tools
2. Install Fence Posts
- Dig post holes 6-8 feet apart, typically 24-36 inches deep
- Place posts in holes and fill with concrete
- Use a level to ensure posts are plumb
- Allow concrete to set for 24 hours
3. Attach Rails
- Mark rail positions on posts (typically top, middle, and bottom)
- Attach rail brackets to posts
- Cut rails to fit between posts if necessary
- Secure rails to brackets with screws
4. Install Fence Pickets
- Start at one end, ensuring the first picket is plumb
- Attach pickets to rails using screws or nails
- Use a spacer for consistent gaps (if desired)
- Trim pickets to a consistent height if needed
5. Add Finishing Touches
- Install post caps
- Apply wood sealer or stain (for wood fences)
- Clean up the work area
Remember to work with a partner for safety and efficiency, especially when handling heavy materials or using power tools.
Fence Installation Mistakes to Avoid
Several common mistakes can compromise the integrity and lifespan of a fence. Here’s what to avoid during fence installation:
Planning and Preparation
- Inadequate Planning: Failing to plan thoroughly can lead to incorrect measurements, improper material estimation, and a fence that doesn’t meet your needs.
- Ignoring Property Lines: Not identifying and adhering to property lines can result in disputes with neighbors or legal issues. Consult your property survey to determine accurate boundaries.
- Ignoring Local Regulations and Permits: Zoning laws dictate fence type and height. Ignoring these can result in fines and the need to alter or remove the fence. Check with your local zoning board and obtain necessary permits.
Material Selection
- Choosing the Wrong Materials: Selecting inappropriate materials can lead to premature deterioration and increased maintenance. Consider environmental conditions like weather and soil type. Options like vinyl, metal, or treated wood may be better suited for certain environments.
- Using Low-Quality Fence: Choosing the best quality fence ensures it can withstand harsh weather, animal impacts, and the test of time.
Installation
- Improper Post Installation: Incorrect post placement can cause leaning or instability. Ensure posts are spaced evenly (typically 6 to 8 feet apart) and set at least 1/3 of their length in the ground. Use concrete for extra reinforcement, especially in loose soil.
- Insufficient Post Support: Not using enough concrete can prevent posts from setting correctly, weakening the fence. For a standard-sized yard, you might need 120 to 160 pounds of concrete.
- Uneven Panels: Inaccurate measurements or uneven ground can result in crooked or poorly aligned fence panels. Measure and mark accurately, using a level during installation.
- Not Accounting for Terrain: Failing to account for slopes or dips can make the fence look uneven or create gaps underneath. Use racking (angling the fence) or stepping (creating a stair-step pattern) to handle sloped terrain.
- Installing Boards Too Tightly: In some cases wood panels could be nailed so tight together and then the pickets double nailed that the installer may be forced to go.
Safety and Maintenance
- Skipping the Utility Check: Hitting underground utility lines can be dangerous and expensive. Call your local utility companies to locate underground lines before digging. In the U.S., call 811 to have utilities marked for free.
- Irregular Maintenance: Underestimating the importance of regular maintenance can lead to issues like rot or rust1. Establish a maintenance routine based on the fence material, including painting or staining and promptly replacing damaged components.
Cheapest Privacy Fence Options & Budget-Friendly Ideas
If you’re looking for affordable privacy fence options, here are some budget-friendly ideas:
- Wood Fences:
- Pressure-treated wood is among the least expensive for wood fence pickets, ranging from $1 to $4 per picket1.
- Pine is a cheaper wood option, costing $15 to $45 per linear foot installed, but requires resealing every 1 to 2 years.
- Pallet fences can be a very affordable option if you can source free pallets. Costs range from $2 to $12 per linear foot for construction supplies7. Look for the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) stamp to ensure they were heat-treated.
- Chain Link Fences:
- Chain link is an affordable option at $15 to $30 per linear foot.
- Adding a privacy screen made of knitted polyethylene to an existing chain link fence is a fast and inexpensive way to add privacy for only $34 for a 6- x 25-ft screen.
- Bamboo Fences:
- Natural bamboo fencing costs $6 to $25 per linear foot installed.
- Other Affordable Options:
- Corrugated metal is a budget-friendly material that resists rust and weathering, with eight-foot sheets costing around $28.
- Split rail fences are another cheap fence idea, costing $12 to $30 per linear foot.
- Hog wire is a budget-conscious material used to fence in small animals or mark property boundaries and costs between $6.50 and $15.50 per linear foot to install.
- Salvaged fencing can be a great way to save money, and a fresh coat of paint is all it needs.
- Trellis fences cost $3 to $7 per linear foot.
For DIY options, consider using budget-friendly materials like treated wood or cedar and repurposing old materials like pallets. To enhance the privacy of an existing fence without spending a lot, consider adding privacy screening, fabric, or climbing plants. You can also attach a lattice panel on top of your current fence to increase its height for better seclusion.
When selecting materials, keep in mind distribution challenges may cause some wood fence materials to be out of stock at many retailers.