Some of the best fencing for rural properties are made of steel or aluminum because their clean lines almost fade completely into the scenery.
The cheapest fence you can install is wire fencing at $2 per foot on average, while a 6-foot high wood privacy fence costs $13 to $25 per linear foot, and vinyl fencing costs $15 to $30 per foot. Check out our fence cost estimator below for more types of fences priced per foot and per acre.
Vinyl fencing: Vinyl fencing can last 30+ years with minimal maintenance required. Unlike wood that can warp, rot, or shrink over time, vinyl is rigid and resilient. It is resistant to pests, rain, snow, temperature changes, and other elements. That is why vinyl fencing is the longest lasting fence material.
Barbed wire or woven wire fencing is a good option. Sheep require a similar type of sturdy fence to cattle, but it's important to avoid barbed wire as it could injure them.
A good rule of thumb for spacing is your pickets is about one every four meters – anything more than five meters will make for a weak fence that is difficult to tension.
To get a perfectly square corner, you want to aim for a measurement ratio of 3:4:5. In other words, you want a three-foot length on your straight line, a four-foot length on your perpendicular line, and a five-foot length across. If all three measurements are correct, you'll have a perfectly square corner.
One of the most important reasons your fence posts should be set in concrete is to keep them plumb and level over time. If all supporting the fence post is loose soil or sand, a good storm with heavy rains and strong winds can leave your fence leaning and posts sagging.
The most commonly used low-cost fence type is barbed wire because it is readily available and easy to install. There are three types of barbed wire in the country; PVC coated barbed wire. GI barbed wire.
Wood fence is one of the most popular types of fence and attractive to home buyers. If you're looking for a fence that will increase your home value and give a 50% return on investment, a wooden fence is a perfect option.
There are a lot of fence material types and styles to consider, but vinyl remains the top choice for a low maintenance fence.
1. Vinyl Fencing. Vinyl sits at number one in the ranking as a virtually indestructible, weather resistant option that requires little to no maintenance. Vinyl fencing is preferred among homeowners as an option that can stand up to the most extreme conditions.
Vinyl fencing
Vinyl fences are easy to maintain because you can clean graffiti and other stains using soap and water. The long life span and low maintenance expenses make vinyl fences cheaper than other types of fences.
Vinyl fence is increasingly becoming the preferred choice for homeowners looking for a maintenance-free fence option. A long-lasting, easy-care alternative to wood, vinyl fence won't rot, warp, peel or splinter. Plus, you won't waste time and money on sanding, staining or painting every few years.
Fencing cost per acre
To find the perimeter of your yard, simply multiply the length and width. To cover 1 acre (43,560 sq. ft.), you will need about 836 linear feet of fencing, which translates to a cost of $10,000 to $27,300 on average.
Common prices for a residential backyard fence by linear foot include: 100 linear feet: $2,300. 150 linear feet: $3,600. 300 linear feet: $6,900.
Vinyl fences
Putting up a vinyl fence around your property is without a doubt one of the most cost-effective options. PVC Fence materials can be a little more expensive at first, but their long lifespan and little-to-no maintenance qualities will save you more money than any other fence material.
You can often guess who owns a fence by looking at where the frames are – the builders or property owners should have put the fence up facing away from their own property so their neighbour gets the 'good' side.
There is no set standard for residential fence height. However, each city has its own fence height regulations that you must adhere to. Common heights for front yard fences are around 3 feet, while common heights for backyard fences are between 6 and 8 feet.
It's Vinyl. Long story short: Vinyl is hands down the material that is going to give you the most bang for your buck in terms of longevity. Vinyl fences can last over 30 years if they are properly maintained. And that maintenance doesn't actually require that much.
Save Money During the Off-Season
Whether it's because there were some surplus materials sitting in a warehouse, or because your contractor didn't have to pay their employees for overtime, fencing projects are generally cheaper during the fall and winter months.
Woven wire fencing, chain link fencing, or mesh fencing are some of the cheapest options for pet owners and ranchers. Not only do twisted wire fences have arguably the lowest price – but they're also fast and easy to erect.
Chain link fences are typically less expensive than wood fences. That's because the material is less expensive and the labor hours required for installation are usually less. However, add-ons like gates, vinyl coating or fabric screens will all increase the total cost per foot of a chain link fence.
The depth of the hole should be 1/3-1/2 the post height above ground (i.e., a 6-foot tall fence would require a hole depth of at least 2 feet). Add about 6 inches of QUIKRETE All-Purpose Gravel into the bottom of the hole. Then compact and level the gravel using a post or 2x4.
Concrete posts are susceptible to chips and cracks, which can cause problems for your fencing. When a small chip or crack appears on the surface, water can travel deep into the post. The water can then freeze in cold conditions (usually overnight), causing the chip or crack to worsen overtime.
The bad stuff seeps downward right into the “Hot Zone”. Mix in some oxygen, the moisture from below, the fact that concrete holds a constant temperature and moisture, and those wood posts are going to prematurely rot. No exceptions.