Do It Yourself Fences on the Cheap

If you buy a house in the city, the suburbs, or the country, you may also have to deal with the previous owner's damaged, unsightly, or nonexistent fences. A little piece of land may raise concerns about one's ability to protect their privacy.

Problems might arise when a larger farm has inadequate or nonexistent fence, such as when your sheep escape and eat your neighbor's garden or when a stray dog comes into your property and kills your chicken flock. A wandering dog could also be a threat to your chickens. Check out our Melbourne fencing services services here.

While fences may seem unsociable at first glance, they serve a crucial purpose in delineating territory for the safety of animals, children, and even the neighbourhood canine population. Plus, they can make your yard seem great.

You're presumably here because you need a low-cost solution to a problem on or near your property. There are inexpensive fence options to choose from.

There are now two fenced-in choices. Put simply, fences aren't free. Choose between getting one quickly for a high price or doing it yourself slowly for a low price; nevertheless, don't let the word "cheap" discourage you from getting in touch with a professional fence installer.

If you're looking for a cheap option, don't assume that you have to settle for low quality or design. There are still fences from the early homesteaders. Safe, sturdy, and aesthetically pleasing fences need not break the bank to construct (or cultivate).

A little remark before I begin. It appears simple to just rebuild the fence in the same spot where the old one stood. When starting from scratch, if the boundary between properties isn't clearly defined, it might lead to tensions between neighbours who will eventually have to live with the fence.

Before putting up a fence or replacing an old one, you should have a surveyor verify the property lines. You can avoid boundary issues by knowing exactly where to construct your new home.

The items on this list can be used to increase the safety and privacy of your homestead or backyard. This is not a comprehensive guide on creating every conceivable layout, but rather a collection of suggestions and references to help you get started.

The Most Affordable Ways to Fence in a Yard

It is possible to get a fence that does double duty (keeping out nosy neighbours and possible intruders while also improving your home's kerb appeal) without breaking the bank. Aluminum fences can cost $35 to $55 per linear foot, while vinyl fences can cost $20 to $40 per linear foot; but, putting up a fence in your front or back yard doesn't have to break the bank.

Hitch Property Constructions has a wide range of Melbourne fencing services.

Treated pine ($12 to $19 per linear foot installed)

Pinewood panels that have been treated with chemicals or pressure to prevent rot and insects can be purchased for a fraction of the cost of naturally rot-resistant lumbers like cedar or redwood. This panelling can be hung either vertically or horizontally without causing any structural damage.

After installation, treated wood often twists or warps, so when choosing fence panels from the lumberyard, you should do so by hand to make sure they are not green or moist. It's clear from these signs that the wood will move about a lot once it's placed in the ground.

Chain link ($10 to $20 per linear foot)

Chain link fencing, which is comprised of thick steel wires that are twisted and connected together, is often the ideal option when you have a restricted budget but a sizable yard. A chain link fence is still quite efficient at deterring intruders and keeping pets inside the yard, even when there is two to three inches of space between each wire.

While chain link fences aren't particularly aesthetically pleasing on their own, they can be made to look better by either having oil-based exterior paint applied in a neutral or earth tone like forest green or by having a fast-growing vine like ivy planted directly behind it and allowed to cover the fence. You can choose either one of them.

Wrought iron ($24 to $32 per linear foot)

If your property has a Gothic Revival, Second Empire, or Italianate design, a wrought-iron fence in a secure fortress style will give the impression that it was built centuries ago and add a dramatic decorative element. Balusters, which are typically thinner and composed of a low-carbon iron alloy, are spaced between the thicker vertical iron posts. The balusters will not splinter or twist like regular wood. To begin with, plain black iron posts are less expensive than their galvanised (zinc-coated) counterparts.

Barbed wire ($1.50 to $2 per linear foot)

If you need to corral animals and keep out dangerous predators like wolves and coyotes, this inexpensive option is hard to match. At least three and as many as five horizontal strands (tiers) of barbed wire are placed between metal poles around the property's perimeter. Wire is held in place by wooden or metal posts set into the ground at each corner. Remember that barbed wire fences are only allowed in rural regions.

Hog wire ($3 to $5 per linear foot)

Homeowners who are watching their budgets will appreciate the versatility of this dirt cheap material, which can be used to enclose tiny animals or delineate property lines. Over a number of massive wooden frames, the inflexible metal wire is usually hung in a grid-like pattern; the sparse use of wood in the design may allow you to spend on a high-end species like redwood to obtain a more pleasing appearance.

Electric ($1 to $6 per linear foot)

Since electric fencing can be easily installed and is very inexpensive, it is a favourite choice among homeowners. In order to create an electric fence, a transmitter and a receiver are needed, as well as many wire strands that are hung vertically between wooden posts. Both animals and humans can be deterred by electrified fencing. These high-voltage pulses are released when the wire on the security fence is severed. Due to this, they are restricted to regions away from roads and highways, such as the countryside.

Pallet (free!)

Want a wooden fence but can't afford to buy one? You can save money by doing it yourself using pallets, which are widely available for free at garden centres, building sites, and other locations. Pallets can be installed between pallet posts either vertically or horizontally, with or without a gap between them.

Be sure that any pallets you purchase have the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) emblem on them, since this indicates that they have been heat treated or fumigated to prevent the spread of plant diseases and insects. Pallets can hide dangerous things like splinters and nails, so be careful when working with them.

Split rail ($10 to $20 per linear foot)

The ranch and Southwestern style, as well as other architectural movements, have popularised the usage of the split-rail fence, which was originally built on farms and ranches to demarcate property lines and corral animals. Horizontal "rails" made from cedar or chestnut logs that have been sawn in half lengthwise are stacked between short or tall posts that are set at an angle. Because there is an average of eight to ten inches of empty space between each rail, this fencing design uses a lot less wood than solid fences. Because of this, we are able to provide substantial savings.

Picket ($5 to $10 per linear foot)

The picket fence is one of the most cost-effective ways to enclose your yard in seclusion, as its vertical pickets are joined to horizontal rails at the top and bottom and are only an inch or two apart. The picket fence is not only a classic symbol of the American Dream but also one of the most cost-effective options for enclosing your property. Different decorative picket styles, such as pointed and round ones, can enhance the look of a home in the Colonial, Craftsman, Cape Cod, or Georgian architectural styles.

Dog ear ($15 to $20 per linear foot)

This modern take on the traditional picket fence incorporates an inverted curve at the top of each individual section, making it an ideal complement to homes created in the Colonial Revival style. All the dog-ear fence panels might be shorter in length than the fence posts, and that would still work. It adds greater visual interest. However, the cost is far more than that of conventional pickets due to the complexity of the woodcuts required to produce fence panels of varied heights.

Lattice top ($15 to $20 per linear foot)

A sturdy wood fence with this unforeseen upgrade looks particularly good with homes in the Queen Anne or Country French styles. To bring in light and keep the view of the outside while blocking unwelcome attention from visitors, a frame of thin slats, constructed of wood or metal in a crisscross design, is erected on top of a shorter, solid wood fence.

What's better? Lattice can also serve as a trellis for climbing plants like grapevines. As the lattice is made up of smaller slats rather than full-sized wooden fence panels, the price of a lattice-top fence is far lower than that of a traditional full-height fence.

Privet ($1 to $2 per linear foot)

Most commonly used as a "privacy fence," a privet hedge is a popular plant choice for green-thumb gardeners. Privets, which are semi-evergreen shrubs, can grow to be as tall as 10 feet or more. Privy comes in more than 50 varieties. You can plant them across the entire yard or just a section of it, and then prune and shape them to your liking once they've grown in.

Spotted laurel ($8 to $9 per linear foot)

These bushes are able to withstand air pollution and salty winds, and their green leaves are marked with yellow or brown. That's why you'll find them everywhere from the seaside to places with less-than-ideal air quality. As they grow to maturity, they can give a dash of colour while providing privacy to your backyard, and their height can range from 6 to 10 feet.

Bamboo ($3 to $6 per linear foot)

The tall and eye-catching grass-family plants that you have planted along the perimeter of your property are a perfect complement to homes designed in the Tropical Modern or California Bungalow style. In order to enjoy the outdoors in comfort and shade, bamboo can be grown to a height of fifty feet or more.

The "running" kind of bamboo is more invasive, spreads swiftly and far, and has the ability to fully take over the area, therefore it's best to stick with the clumping variety, which grows in compact mounds. Due of bamboo's reputation for scaring away deer, your new fence won't attract any of your four-legged neighbours.

Yew ($5 to $6 per linear foot)

This evergreen tree, with its dense foliage and dark colouring, works well as a living fence in both overcast and sunny areas. It takes a while for a yew hedge to reach its full height, which can be anywhere from four to twenty feet or more, because yew is a slow-growing evergreen.

How to Build a Privacy Fence

We'll show you how professionals do it so you can have a fence that fits your needs and looks great in your yard and neighbourhood. These tips will save you a tonne of time, effort, and money since they will help you build your fence the right way the first time.

How to build a fence: Make sure a privacy fence actually delivers privacy.

When learning how to construct a fence, it is important to keep in mind the need for seclusion. Think about whether a 4 foot fence, a 6 foot fence, or an 8 foot fence would be best for your needs.

Even if you construct a 6-foot-tall fence, your neighbours will still be able to peer over the top of it from their deck. Depending on the gradation of the terrain around your yard, a 6-foot privacy fence might only need to be 4-feet high. It is a waste of time, effort, and resources to construct a fence that is not suited to its intended purpose.

Before constructing a fence, it's important to think about how tall you want it to be for maximum privacy. Possess an assistant stroll the border with a cardboard fence screen in hand. Keep an eye on the cardboard as it moves while seated and standing to get a sense of how much seclusion your barrier will offer. Check out our fencing services in Melbourne.

You can quickly determine if a tall fence is necessary or if it would be impractical. As an alternative to fences, you may plant fast-growing, dense trees or bushes. A privacy screen can also be used to enclose a patio or spa.

Space your post just under 8 ft. apart

Avoid drooping by keeping the distance between fence posts to 8 feet or less.

While erecting a privacy fence with fewer posts requires less digging, it also makes the fence more vulnerable to the effects of wind and gravity.

A more robust fence requires more fence posts. Sagging can be avoided by placing stakes 8 feet apart. You can save money by using rails that are 8 feet in length, and the fence will be more secure against the wind. When you're ready to start organising your fence's layout, drive pegs every 8 feet to indicate the locations of the holes. When constructing panels between the posts, the post thicknesses provide some wriggle room.

Three horizontal 2x4s or two 2x6s are required for each fence panel. If the horizontal material is skimped on, the panels can sag with as little as 6 feet between posts.

Apply for a fence-building permit and learn local rules as learning how to build a fence

Fence permits from the city hall can be used for many different things. If it's too high or located in the wrong area, it may have to be demolished. Without the proper permits, constructing a fence is illegal and can result in hefty fines. Local regulations are provided to those who request for a fence permit. The front and rear yards have different height and setback requirements, as well as different distances from the street and sidewalk.

When in doubt about whether or not to follow private regulations, contact your neighborhood's planning commision or homeowners' organisation. It has more stringent regulations than a typical city. Color or fabric requirements are common in the rules. A plan is useful if you wish to build a wooden fence around your property.

Find the property lines before you build

Property line guessing is fraught with danger. A do-it-yourself fence on someone else's land could be in jeopardy if you make a mistake.

Locate the yard's corner markers by first drawing a plot design. Not everyone has a copy, but you can get one at city hall. Do not think that everything is perfect where you are. Lots in more recent developments may be irregular shapes like wedges or jogs. Stakes are placed in the ground to indicate the locations where property lines veer off in different directions.

Use a rented metal detector to track down your iron posts. If the detector gives off many beeps in different places surrounding the possible stake placement, dig to rule out the possibility that you have stumbled upon a lost quarter. Instead of using iron stakes, try using wooden ones. Set the distance from the fence to the stakes.

Plan at least two fence gates and make them extra wide

Have you ever experienced the frustration of living in a home with inadequate or improperly installed gates? If so, you know how frustrating it is to have to go around your entire property just to get to your yard, or to have to jam your wheelbarrow through a gate that is too narrow. Access to the yard should be thought about. Gates are a great investment if you enjoy going for park strolls, entertaining guests, or visiting neighbours.

The gates are a pedestrian-friendly 3 feet wide. It's recommended to have gates that are either 4 feet wide (for lawn tractors, wheelbarrows, and garden carts), or double 3 feet wide (for 6 feet).

Make one entire fence panel removable.

We hoisted things over the fence when we could, but it was a tedious process that often resulted in broken fences, ruined supplies, or sore backs.

Undoubtedly. At some point, you'll want to construct a sizable item for your yard. To dig a pool or move soil, hefty machinery is needed. On sometimes, you may need to transport mulch or firewood through pickup. Ready? Put up a detachable panel in the yard near the entrance from the street or alley.

You can quickly and easily build a detachable panel by toe-screwing rails to neighbouring posts. When installing panels that will be removed often, it is best to use small joist hangers or angle iron pockets.

Vary the fence design to suit different needs

The sturdy, high fence not only keeps outsiders at bay, but also secures your privacy. It's possible that a dull, monolithic, resource-heavy layout is unnecessary. The style, height, and materials of your fence are all customizable. A modest chain-link fence may serve to keep the dog in while yet providing a view of the woods if your yard borders on one. It could be helpful to have an attractive fence with an inviting gate on both the street and driveway sides of the house. On the side of the yard that faces your unpleasant neighbour, a cheap, functional privacy fence standing at 6 feet tall will do.

Materials and labour can be saved by switching between different fence designs for different sections of the yard. It may even help the garden. Low fences are more cost-effective and provide for a better view, while higher fences are more private.

Conclusion

It's important to have a fence around your property so that your pets, kids, and neighbours can all feel safe. Fences may be built cheaply that are both secure and aesthetically beautiful. The items here can be used to make your home and yard more secure and private. There is no need to go into debt to put up a fence around your property. You may acquire a fence that both protects your property and enhances the aesthetic value of your home.

Aside from being an iconic representation of the American Dream, a picket fence is also one of the least expensive ways to enclose your property. Colonial, Craftsman, Cape Cod, and Georgian homes can all benefit from the addition of decorative pickets of several kinds. How to construct a fence such that it serves your purposes and complements your outdoor space. If you follow these guidelines, you can construct your fence without any further hassle and expense. Consider the desired height of the fence before beginning its construction.

Likewise, a privacy screen can be utilised to create an outdoor room, such as a patio or spa. Prior to beginning construction on your fence, you need get a building permit and familiarise yourself with the regulations in your area. Please investigate our Melbourne fencing services. It's important to obtain a fence permit from the municipal hall, although you can use that permit for a variety of purposes. Possible demolition would occur due of its excessive height or inappropriate location.

You can get in serious trouble if you try to build a fence without the required permits. Permit applicants in a given area are given local fencing requirements. Constructing a removable fence panel is as simple as toe-screwing rails to adjacent posts. Your fence can be made in any shape, size, and material you like. While higher fences offer more privacy, lower ones are less expensive and provide a better view.

Content Summary

• The items on this list can be used to increase the safety and privacy of your homestead or backyard.
• Wrought iron ($24 to $32 per linear foot)If your property has a Gothic Revival, Second Empire, or Italianate design, a wrought-iron fence in a secure fortress style will give the impression that it was built centuries ago and add a dramatic decorative element.
• Remember that barbed wire fences are only allowed in rural regions.
• In order to create an electric fence, a transmitter and a receiver are needed, as well as many wire strands that are hung vertically between wooden posts.
• Want a wooden fence but can't afford to buy one?
• All the dog-ear fence panels might be shorter in length than the fence posts, and that would still work.
• Most commonly used as a "privacy fence," a privet hedge is a popular plant choice for green-thumb gardeners.
• We'll show you how professionals do it so you can have a fence that fits your needs and looks great in your yard and neighbourhood.
• When learning how to construct a fence, it is important to keep in mind the need for seclusion.
• Before constructing a fence, it's important to think about how tall you want it to be for maximum privacy.
• Without the proper permits, constructing a fence is illegal and can result in hefty fines.
• Local regulations are provided to those who request for a fence permit.
• A plan is useful if you wish to build a wooden fence around your property.
• Set the distance from the fence to the stakes.
• Make one entire fence panel removable.
• Put up a detachable panel in the yard near the entrance from the street or alley.
• Vary the fence design to suit different needsThe sturdy, high fence not only keeps outsiders at bay, but also secures your privacy.
• The style, height, and materials of your fence are all customizable.