Cheap Yard Fencing Ideas
When you truly need a fence, waiting for it to fit into the budget may not be an option. Fortunately, there are many inexpensive options for fencing, some of which can be erected in a single afternoon. For a sturdy, permanent structure, wood or chain link fences set into concrete are generally among the least expensive options. However, even those types of fencing require some time and effort to build, and the materials are not always within the budget on a moment’s notice.
For even cheaper options, there are a variety of materials available at most home improvement stores. Many of the cheaper fencing materials are designed to provide a quick fix that is temporary and can be later replaced or removed completely. Because these are not necessarily set into concrete, erecting them often consists of simply staking into the ground and rolling a fencing material between the stakes. When the fence is to be replaced or removed, it is simply pulled apart in the same way.
One of the most commonly used, inexpensive materials for temporary fencing is chicken wire. Available in rolls, chicken wire is flexible, yet strong, and can be simply rolled between stakes or posts sunk into the earth. Alternatively, it can be strung between two existing structures to provide a barrier between two areas. Named for its use in building chicken coops, it is also useful for keeping dogs or other animals out of forbidden areas. Many homeowners find that a length of chicken wire wrapped around a tree trunk is a quick, easy way to discourage animals in the yard from damaging the tree.
One major advantage to fencing constructed from chicken wire is that a “gate” can be incorporated at any point and with very little effort. Because the chicken wire mesh can be hooked together in sections, access between areas of the yard can be provided by simply hooking or unhooking two sections and pulling one section back. This eliminates the need to jump over a fence, or alternatively, to build a true gate for access between two sections of the yard.
Another quick and easy material for a cheap fence is netting. Often marketed as deer netting, many types of mesh or fabric netting are available for a variety of purposes. Building a fence from these materials is the same as with chicken wire; however, nettings are not as strong as wire and will usually fail to contain a determined dog.
Finally, many types of lattice, slat, or even iron modular pieces are available and can be reasonably inexpensive, depending upon the number and type needed. A 4X8 foot panel of redwood lattice can be purchased for only a few dollars; these types of materials can be cut to size and attached to stakes in the ground for an attractive and functional fence.
With a little creativity, even a cheap fence can ultimately be a beautiful addition to the yard. If your “quick fix” fence is unattractive or tacky, a packet of seeds can be the answer. For just a couple of dollars, many varieties of easy-to-grow climbing vines such as morning glories, sweet peas and moonflowers will quickly cover an ugly fence and provide a lovely focal point in the yard.