Garden fencing serves all sorts of purposes. Those needs might be practical, or you might just want a nice accent to mark the edge of your yard. This guide will help you choose the right material and recommend a few vendors.
Why Does Your Garden Need A Fence?
Every land owner’s needs are different, but common uses of fencing include:
| Use | Recommended material |
| Marking property boundaries | Bamboo, wood, aluminum |
| Keeping livestock and dogs/pets in the right place | Wood, chain link, electric |
| Protecting livestock and dogs/pets from predators | Wood, chain link |
| Protecting crops from grazing animals | Wood, plastic |
| Privacy and security | Wood, plastic, metal (security), bamboo (privacy) |
| Shelter from wind and direct sunlight | Wood, bamboo, plastic |
| Growing area for vine plants | Wood, chain link, bamboo |
Types Of Garden Fencing
Depending on your needs, you might want to use any of the following kinds of garden fencing:
- Aluminum
- Wood
- PVC
- Wrought iron
- Vinyl
- Chain link
- Bamboo
The following price estimates are based on March 2018 estimates from HomeAdvisor unless otherwise noted, and estimates are the price of one linear foot of the type of fencing in question. Links to recommended products do not necessarily reflect those estimates.
Related Post: Live Fencing: What Is It and How to Implement It
Aluminum Garden Fencing
Estimated price: $26
Aluminum fencing is low-maintenance. It’s rustproof and doesn’t need to be painted very often. It’s expensive for good reason.
Wayfair | Amazon | Lowe’s | Home Depot
Wood Garden Fencing
Estimated price: $8-15
Wood fencing can widely vary in price and quality depending on the kind of wood you purchase. Wood is durable and looks good.
Wayfair | Amazon | Lowe’s | Home Depot
Vinyl Garden Fencing
Estimated price: $15-20
Like PVC, vinyl is super-durable and easy to clean. Most plastic fencing suppliers make both and can advise you on which is a better choice for your needs.
Wayfair | Amazon | Lowe’s | Home Depot
Chain Link Garden Fencing
Estimated price: $7-10
Chain link fencing is cheap and durable, but it can intimidate neighbors and passers-by. At best, it looks institutional, like a school or hospital.
Wayfair | Amazon | Lowe’s | Home Depot
Bamboo Garden Fencing
Estimated price: $3-5
Bamboo grows like crazy, which makes it a cheap and sustainable stand-in for wood. However, it is not nearly as durable.
Wayfair | Amazon | Lowe’s | Home Depot
How To Buy And Install Garden Fencing
Hire A Contractor
Fencing is often installed by contractors or fencing companies. You can easily find contractors in your area through sites and referral services like HomeAdvisor.
Do It Yourself
- Survey the area you wish to fence. Make note of natural conditions, especially from weather and water: Will rain or wind damage the fence in a given area? Does an area have trouble draining? Is the ground settled or prone to landslides?
- Measure the perimeter that you wish to fence.
- Choose the kind of fencing you want to install based on your survey. Buy more than you have measured. Some might be damaged during installation. The remainder can be stored indoors for replacement and repairs.
- Dig post holes and a trench. The trench will keep water from accumulating against the fence itself. The post holes will anchor the fence.
- Install rails, then boards. The rails will keep the fence boards in place, and the boards will make most of the shelter.
The wide variety of materials available can meet whatever specifications you want your fence to match. Plus, with some time and sweat equity, you can make this substantial project fit a minimal budget. Your property, crops, and animals will thank you for it.
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