Fences come in many styles and are made of a variety of materials. It might be a little daunting to decide which one is best for your home. Regardless of the material, your fence should be able to stand between 7 and 20 years to maximize its lifespan.
Here is a list of some great Different type of fencing options.
Types of Fences | Cost to Install Fence |
Wood Fence | $10-$30 per square foot. |
Aluminum Fence | $19-$76 per linear foot. |
Vinyl White-Picket Fence | $15-$25 per linear foot |
Wrought Iron Fence | $26-$34 per linear foot |
Chain Link Fence | $10-$20 per linear foot |
Bamboo Fence | $14 and $16 per linear foot |
Eco-Stone Fence | $70 and $90 per linear foot. |
PVC White-Picket Fence | $15 per linear foot |
Wood Fence
Wood is the most popular material for fencing. Its versatility allows for modern or traditional designs. It’s also an inexpensive option compared to some synthetic materials, and it makes for a nice DIY project.
The main disadvantage of wood is that it needs to be maintained. Wood fences don’t hold up as well in the weather as vinyl or aluminum, and they need to be painted, sealed, or stained.
Depending on the species, certain wood needs to be replaced more often. Redwood, cedar, or pressure-treated pine last the longest with a lifespan of 20+ years, whereas spruce might need replacing after seven.
Cost
The cost of a wood fence depends on several factors, including its height, length, and type of wood. The average cost of lumber is between $7 and $15 per square foot with labor costs ranging $10-$30 per square foot.
On average, homeowners spend between $1,675 and $4,085 to install wooden fencing.
Aluminum Fence
While it won’t provide security, aluminum fencing looks beautiful in gardens or as part of your landscaping. The visual appeal makes for a lovely boundary marker.
It gives the simple and elegant look of wrought iron with the added factor of easy installation. Aluminum fences also don’t require maintenance.
Cost
While the style may affect the overall pricing, the average cost for an aluminum fence is $4,932. As for installation, that depends on the professional’s price. It can range anywhere from $19-$76 per linear foot.
Vinyl White-Picket Fence
Sturdy and durable, vinyl white-picket fences last a very long time and provide a clean, classic look. They are, however, more expensive to install.
They offer low-maintenance privacy and security. Simply clean your vinyl white-picket-fence with soap and a decent spray of the hose, and it looks good as new.
Cost
For this style of vinyl fencing, you’re looking at $15-$25 per linear foot. This does not include the cost of labor. The cost to install a gate ranges from $267-$413.
Wrought Iron Fence
Wrought iron is one of the most expensive fencing materials, though its beauty is unmatched. The elegant black stakes add curb appeal to any home. Depending on the intricacy of the design, that may drive up the price. For a cheaper alternative, consider steel instead.
They also need to be meticulously maintained in order to keep them looking fresh and beautiful. After sanding away any rust, the fence should be repainted just about every year.
Cost
The national average homeowners pay for a professionally installed wrought iron fence is $3,552. Breaking that down, it comes to $26-$34 per linear foot.
Chain Link Fence
There’s a certain stigma around chain link fencing, but if you don’t mind the look of it, it’s very affordable and does its job well. Chain link fences are durable, low-maintenance, and inexpensive. They make a great boundary for your yard, giving it definition as well as keeping pets on your property.
Because you can see through it, chain link fences give the illusion of more space. For more privacy, you can grow vines or bushes along with them.
Cost
Typically, homeowners pay between $5 and $20 per foot for materials and $10-$20 per linear foot for installation. The average price for a chain link fence is around $2,100.
Bamboo Fence
This is a beautiful and eco-friendly fencing option. It gives off a tropical vibe that works aesthetically with homes in warmer climates. A unique privacy fence, bamboo poles are held together using wood frames. With the quick growth rate of bamboo, a fence of this material is considered sustainable.
Cost
The average cost of materials for bamboo fencing is between $14 and $16 per linear foot. For installation, expect to pay $6-$12 per linear foot.
Eco-Stone Fence
This gorgeous fencing option resembles a precast stone wall at a fraction of the price. Easy to install, eco-stone fences are sturdy and, as its name implies, eco-friendly. They are made up of 25% recycled material, reducing your carbon footprint while adding privacy and security to your yard.
Cost
For this type of privacy fence, you can expect to pay between $70 and $90 per linear foot.
PVC White-Picket Fence
The cheapest of all fencing materials, PVC is an excellent, low-maintenance fencing option. It’s made to resemble wood pickets and posts, giving that classic, much sought-after appearance.
While it’s not as sturdy as a wooden fence, PVC white-picket fences are manufactured with real wood inside the posts to make it sturdier. They last for a long-time, holding up well in any weather and offering privacy.
Cost
To install a PVC white-picket-fence costs roughly $15 per linear foot. The average homeowners pay $3,056 for a 200-foot long fence.
Related Questions
What type of fencing is the cheapest?
While not listed above, the cheapest type of fencing is actually wire. It averages $2 per foot. It’s not a terribly attractive option, however, even less so than chain link. It does a good job of defining boundaries and keeps pets inside of them.
What type of fence lasts the longest?
The most durable fencing material is either wrought iron or steel. Though still heavy and durable, steel is lighter than wrought iron. This makes it a more manageable option for homeowners who want to install a long-lasting fence themselves.
Conclusion
Many of these fencing materials are available in a variety of designs and styles, so the choices are endless. After deciding which material suits your needs best, you can then figure out the style that most appeals to you.
Be sure to keep in mind the level of maintenance required before installing a fence as this will add to your overall cost. For a maintenance-free option, go with a material like PVC or vinyl. Though wood fences are inexpensive initially, they require the most upkeep which makes them a costly investment over time.