Installing a fence around a property has many benefits. The thing is, it can be costly, especially so if there is much to cover.
The good news is there are cheap and easy fences to install. In fact, in this post, we have a list of 30 cheapest and easiest fence to install designs that will inspire you.
But before we get to the list, we will tell you various things you should know about fences first.
The reasons to install one, types and costs, and which type of fence is the best. Without further ado, let’s start.
Why Install a Fence?
What are the benefits of installing a fence? There are many, but here are you must know.
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Boundary setting
First and foremost, boundary setting. You see, if you don’t have a fence installed, it can be difficult to tell the boundaries between your property and your neighbors’. Not to mention without a fence, your kids and/or pets may wander to your neighbor’s property.
Installing a fence makes the boundaries clear. And yes, it prevents your kids and/or pets from wandering to your neighbor’s property.
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Privacy
Privacy is another benefit. If you have a fence installed, you separate your property from the outside world, giving you personal space and a feeling of seclusion. If you have a fence, you can have a small gathering, a party, or just relax without having to worry about the prying eyes of neighbors and outsiders.
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Security
Nobody wants to have a property that is not secure. Indeed, everyone needs a secure property. And that is exactly what a fence offers: a layer of security. Whether you are at home or away, a fence protects your property.
Remember, an unfenced property is exposed to the outside world. This, in turn, might instill the intention to destroy or break in on other people.
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Value
There are many things you can do to increase your property’s value. One of them is installing a fence. People don’t mind spending extra money on a property that has a fence. This is especially so for parents as well as people who have pets.
A fence, after all, will keep kids and pets from wandering off outside the property. It provides privacy, too, which some people really value.
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Aesthetics
Last but not least, aesthetics. A fence can make a property more appealing. Particularly if the fence matches the overall design of the property.
The good news is, there are various types of fences to choose from. You will always have options. They don’t have to be expensive, either as our list of cheap and easy-to-install fence designs will show you.
The Cost of an Installing Fence
How much exactly is the cost of installing a fence? For an average yard, the cost of installing a fence ranges from USD 1,500 to USD 3,000. As a reference, most homeowners spend around USD 1,800 to install a fence in their yard.
Keep in mind that installing a fence can be inexpensive as well as very expensive. The total cost depends on many factors. The important ones are the material or type of the fence, the length, and the height of the fence.
At the minimum, a fence costs about USD 1 per foot. At the maximum, about USD 44 per foot. Most homeowners spend between USD 10 and USD 18 per linear foot for materials and installation.
To give you examples, a wire fence costs about USD 1 to USD 7 per foot, a wood picket fence about USD 10 to USD 14 per foot, while a vinyl fence costs about USD 15 to USD 30. (Note: These prices include labor costs.)
Cheapest and Easiest to Install Fence Types
When it comes to types of fences, there are many to choose from. But when it comes to cheap fencing alternatives, the four least inexpensive types that are easy to install are wire, chain link, wood, and vinyl fences.
Below, we briefly explain each type of easiest fence to install yourself, how much they cost (material only), and their pros and cons.
Wire Fence
The wire fence is the cheapest and easiest fence to install of all types of fences. In general, installing a wire fence costs between USD 1 and USD 7.
Common wire fences include hog wire and woven wire. There is also barbed wire, but it is dangerous to use in residences, so we won’t include it.
When it comes to price, hog wire fencing costs about USD 0.75 to USD 3.25 per foot, while woven wire fencing costs about USD 1.25 to USD 1.48 per foot.
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Chain Link Fence
The next cheapest and easiest fence to install is chain link fences. On average, installing a chain link fencing costs between USD 4 and USD 15 per linear foot. Notice how far the difference is in the price.
This is because of the options you have when it comes to chain link fences. You can opt for a 4-foot fence, a 6-foot, or an 8-foot one.
Not only that but there is also the option to upgrade the fence with vinyl coating, which adds the price but makes the fence a lot more attractive and protects it from rust.
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Wood Fence
Compared to wire and chain-link fences, installing a wood fence is more costly. On average, the installation cost ranges between USD 3 and USD 8 per foot.
While wood fencing is not as inexpensive as the two, it offers many perks. From privacy, style, and durability.
With proper maintenance, wood fencing can last as long as 20 years. When it comes to wood fencing, there are various species of wood to choose from. The most popular choices are cedar, redwood, and pine.
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Vinyl Fence
Vinyl fence is the most expensive type we listed. On average, it costs between USD 10 and USD 30 per linear foot. Don’t dismiss it as an option yet, however.
While it is true that installing a vinyl fence is more expensive than even a wood fence, it is strong, durable, rust-proof, and doesn’t require that much maintenance. In fact, it can last longer than a wood fence.
It is expensive upfront. But considering how long it will last and its minimal maintenance requirement, a vinyl fence is actually a more affordable option down the line.
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Which Type of Fence is the Best?
There is no absolute answer to this. Why? Because homeowners want different things from a fence. Some homeowners want a fence that provides them with privacy. Some want to increase their property’s value. Some others, want a simple fence to keep their kids and pets safe. And so on.
While we cannot answer the question for you, we can help clear things up. Let’s say that you want a fence that provides you with privacy. The best type of fence will be the one that covers your property from the outside world.
In this case, the best cheapest and easiest fence to install for you is the wood fence. Yes, it is more expensive than a wire and chain link fence. But it also provides better privacy, is strong, durable, and can increase the value of your property.
If you are looking for cheap fencing ideas that can prevent your kids and pets from wandering off, a wire or chain link fence will do the job just fine.
And if you are fine with spending more upfront but get the benefits of wire, chain link, and wood fence without their downsides, the vinyl fence will be your best option.
30 Cheapest and Easiest Fence to Install Designs
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4-Rail Black Vinyl Fence
The first cheapest and easiest fence to install on our list is a 4-rail black vinyl fence. 4-rail fences are often installed in farms and ranches. But that doesn’t mean you can’t install them on your property.
On the contrary, you can. And it can look good, too. This one here is an excellent example of how a fence can enhance the looks of a property.
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Simple Pallet Fence
Pallets are a very common material for DIY projects. It is cheap, readily available, and versatile. You can even get pallet wood for free, too, which makes it the cheapest fence material.
Can you use pallet boards to make a fence? Of course. And it doesn’t look half bad, either. With some pallet boards, a bit of ingenuity, and DIY skills, you can make a good-looking, inexpensive fence.
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Classic Picket Pallet Fence
Have some time to spend on your cheapest and easiest fence to install project? Here’s a suggestion: install a classic picket fence.
Since it is a classic picket design, you will need to shape the pickets’ top into a triangle. It may take more time to make but the classic look will be worth your time and effort.
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Pallet Fence with Flower Boxes
The next one on our list of the cheapest and easiest fence to install is not an ordinary fence. It is a fence with flower boxes.
Indeed, you can combine your gardening hobby with your fence project. All you need to do is to add some planters on the fence and voila. A fence/vertical gardening platform that virtually takes no space.
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Unfinished Cedar Privacy Fence
When it comes to wood fencing, cedar is among the most popular choices. It is not the cheapest and easiest fence to install as it costs around USD 4 to USD 88 cost per foot.
It is worth the money, though. How could it not? It looks beautiful, especially with its characteristic reddish appearance, has a pleasant odor, is lightweight, and good for dry climates.
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Pine Privacy Fence
Speaking of wood fencing, pine is the cheapest fence material. The cost per foot for a pine fence is around USD 3 to USD 7.
A pine fence makes a good choice because it is more affordable, easier to get, and has more soil-resistant. Plus, it is the better option for humid climates, too.
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Redwood Privacy Fence
Besides pine and cedar, there is also redwood. In terms of looks and durability, redwood is an upgrade from cedar. Interestingly enough, redwood fencing has a similar cost per foot to cedar, around USD 4 to USD 7.
Plus, redwood doesn’t warp easily, is great for staining and painting, and is naturally resistant to pests, too.
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Simple Redwood Fence
The next wood fence on our cheapest and easiest fence to install is a simple redwood fence. Redwood fencing is naturally beautiful. It doesn’t need intricate shapes to steal attention.
Just look at this redwood fence. At a glance, it is “just” redwood boards stacked horizontally. And yet, its simplicity and beauty effortlessly steal attention.
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Post and Rail Fence
There is beauty and simplicity. This one is another example of that. A fence can consist of many parts. This one, however, only consists of two parts. Namely, posts and rails. And that’s it. The fence is as simple as it gets.
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Louver Fence
What if you want the cheapest and easiest fence to install that offers privacy and good airflow? Is that any design that suits you?
Of course. There is. Namely, the louver fence. A louver fence creates good cover for privacy. At the same time, due to its spacing, it allows for good airflow. A solid option if you want air to freely flow in and out of your property.
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Shadowbox Wood Fence
Installing the cheapest and easiest fence to install doesn’t mean you can’t have both privacy and aesthetics. On the contrary, you can. A shadowbox wood fence is an excellent example of that.
On one hand, the alternating pickets provide you with privacy. On the other, its unique arrangements add beauty to the space. Plus, due to the small spaces in between the panels, the fence allows for good air flow. That’s a welcome bonus.
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Black Chain Link Fence
What kind of fencing you should install depends on what you want from the fence. If you are looking for a fence that can keep your kids and/or pets safe and set boundaries, a simple black chain link fence will do the job just fine.
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Wood and Chain Link Fence
The next on our list of the cheapest and easiest fence to install designs is a wood and chain link fence. It uses wood as the posts and the rails. The space in between is then filled with chain link. Not only is this inexpensive, but it also creates a unique look.
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Tall Hog Wire Fence
A hog wire fence may be simple, but it gets the job done if you want to set boundaries and add a layer of security. The wood posts ensure a strong fence, while the wire keeps people and animals from getting in or out.
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Short Hog Wire Fence
While the previous cheapest and easiest fence to install example is meant for boundary setting and security, this one is more for practicality and aesthetics. A hog wire fence comes in panels, so installation is easy.
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Woven Wire Fence with Wooden Posts
Another type of wire fencing is the woven wire fence. This one is unique because the woven wire fence is combined with wooden posts, which makes the fence a lot more interesting.
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Ornamental Wire Fence
The next may not be the cheapest and easiest fence to install on the list, but it sure does look amazing. This ornamental wire fence sets a clear boundary, adds a layer of security, and makes the property look even more appealing. That’s a complete package.
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Modern Hog Wire Fence
This one is also a hog wire fence. What makes it different is that it has a modern touch. Notice that instead of having wooden frames, the hog wire fence has metal ones. Plus, the frames are in black, too, complementing the modern look further.
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Minimalist Wood Fence with Welded Wire Mesh
Not everyone needs an intricate or complex-shaped fence. Some of us do just fine with a minimalist one like this. While the above fence is used to set boundaries for a garden, it can be used to fence the entire property.
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White Picket Vinyl Fence
Picket fencing is charming. Even more so if it is made of vinyl and comes in white. This one has the classic picket fence looks. Note that since it is made of vinyl, it can last up to 20 years. Practical? Very. Beautiful? Without a doubt.
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White Privacy Vinyl Fence
If you are looking for the cheapest and easiest fence to install that can add style, look no further than vinyl fences. One of the best things about vinyl fences is that you have plenty of options when it comes to style. This one here provides not just privacy but also style to the space.
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Walnut Privacy Vinyl Fence
Besides style, you also have plenty of options of colors. Sometimes, a darker fence suits the yard better than a lighter one.
A walnut privacy vinyl fence like this may not be the cheapest and easiest fence to install, but it is worth every penny. It provides privacy, security, and makes your property more appealing. What’s not to like?
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Wood Fence with a Flat Top
Not all homeowners want a fence with intricate shapes. Some of us prefer the cheapest and easiest fence to install with simpler shapes. Like this one, for example. The wood fence features a flat top, which looks very simple but attractive.
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Natural Shadowbox Wood Fence
There is no denying how attractive shadowbox fencing can be. This one here boasts natural wood look, which blends well with the grass and the house’s earth-tone bricks.
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Wood Fence with Black Tops and Posts
Just because we are talking about the cheapest and easiest fence to install it doesn’t mean the fence needs to have a uniform or similar color. You can play with contrast, too. Notice how contrasting the light brown panels with the black tops and posts are.
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Uneven Wood Fence
There is no need to have even tops or a flat one. Want to go with uneven tops? Go ahead. It looks great, too. Besides providing privacy and a layer of security, this fence adds a unique touch to the property.
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Vinyl Lattice Fence
A lattice fence is far from an ordinary fence. It adds a visual cue that no one can ignore and provides privacy while still allowing airflow and sunlight to enter. Plus, it can support vine plants, too. And because it is made of vinyl, you need not worry about its strength and durability.
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Vinyl Fence with Lattice Tops
The next on our cheapest and easiest fence to install is another vinyl fence. This time, however, it sports lattice tops. Yes, the lattice is great as a decoration, too.
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Vinyl Fence with Baluster Top
A fence is installed mostly for practical reasons. Of course, that doesn’t mean you should go for the cheapest and easiest fence to install that doesn’t add anything interesting.
And there are many ways to add interesting visual cues with a fence. Baluster tops are a nice example of that.
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Hollow Minimalist Wood Fence
Some homeowners need a fence to complete their property’s looks and set boundaries. If you are one of those homeowners, a hollow minimalist wood fence like this will be a nice option.
It completes the property’s looks, makes it more interesting as well as setting boundaries. All without looking like a sore thumb.
As our list of 30 cheapest and easiest fence to install designs above have shown, a fence need not be expensive or difficult to install.
After all, even if it is a cheap and easy-to-install fence, you will still get the benefits. So, what do you think? Which fence designs pique your interest the most?
