The cost of fencing your property can quickly skyrocket depending on the design and materials you use, making such a project not feasible for every homeowner. So, how can you add privacy, safety, and aesthetic appeal, and still make a statement without spending a fortune?
The obvious answer is to cut costs by finding cheap fence ideas that fit your needs and budget. Fortunately, there are plenty of options.
I’ve rounded up 15 cheap fence ideas ranging from using basic materials creatively to repurposing materials to design and install a functional and stylish fence.
15 Best Cheap Fence Ideas
1. Pallet Wood Fence
Let’s begin with a fence that won’t cost a penny if you can source the materials for free and install it yourself. A lot of distributors often give away pallets for free, making this idea a go-to choice, especially if you prioritize recycling.
You can break apart the pallets before using them or leave them connected. Aside from being an inexpensive option, pallets are also quite sturdy, so you end up with a strong, long-lasting fence.
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2. Corrugated Panel Fence
Give your property a modern, industrial look by fencing it with corrugated panels. A corrugated panel fence works great for modern homes. It is also durable because the panels are naturally sturdy and resistant to weather elements.
In addition, this fence is aesthetically appealing because the panels come in different finishes and colors. A corrugated panel fence is also highly functional, providing security and privacy.
3. Bamboo Fence
The slender, tall bamboo shoots make great fencing materials. While lightweight, bamboo is surprisingly durable. Consider fencing your patios and gardens with bamboo for that tropical aesthetic.
You can arrange the bamboo horizontally, vertically, or weave them together. Bamboo creates an attractive, eco-friendly, and affordable fence. You can leave your bamboo fence in its natural color and texture, or paint it to your preferred color.
4. Living Hedge Fence
Fast-growing plants such as boxwood and privet create stunning, environmentally friendly, dense, green barriers. A living hedge fence will provide privacy and invite wildlife to your home. Moreover, this fence is effortlessly attractive as it blends with the surrounding areas.
A living hedge fence will take time to fully develop, but the result is a lush, dense greenery that will keep prying eyes and unwanted visitors out.
5. Vinyl Fence
If you wish to escape the upkeep that comes with having a wooden fence, vinyl is a great alternative. This material comes in different styles and heights. A vinyl fence is aesthetically appealing thanks to its uniform appearance and clean lines.
A vinyl fence suits both traditional and modern style homes. It is low-maintenance, long-lasting, versatile, and stylish.
6. Rope Fence
There are plenty of fence designs you can do with a rope, including stretching 2 to 3 lines of rope horizontally or choosing a dock-style design. Consider a rope fence for your borders and pathways. You will need to install posts at equal intervals and stretch strong ropes between them for this idea.
A rope fence is best suited for marking boundaries and is ideal for garden, cottage, and coastal settings. Unfortunately, it doesn’t offer privacy.
7. Brush or Twig Fence
This low-cost, eco-friendly fence is perfect for homeowners looking for a rustic barrier. This fence is made by tightly packing twigs, branches, or sticks horizontally between posts or stakes. Alternatively, weave the twigs, branches, or sticks in alternate directions.
A brush or twig fence aligns with the countryside living aesthetic exceptionally. However, it is less durable, often needing replenishment every couple of years.
8. Chain-Link Fence
While not the most visually appealing type of fencing, a chain-link fence is still an excellent choice because it is functional and affordable. You can use chain-link to define your property’s boundary, protect your garden, or even enclose pet zones.
You can make your chain-link fence visually appealing by training evergreen or flowering vines to grow along it. Painting the fence is also an excellent idea.
9. Split Rail Fence
Create a welcoming, affordable property barrier with a rustic, timeless vibe by opting for a split-rail fence. This fence is ideal for country-style properties, farms, ranches, and large properties. Since a split-rail fence features a sparse appearance compared to a full-plank fence, its construction consumes less wood.
Add chicken or wire mesh to your split rail fence to make it more secure and more effective in containing smaller animals, pets, and children.
10. Chicken Wire Fence
Typically used to keep critters out of gardens, chicken wire fences are a top choice if affordability is a priority. This fence is easy to install even for beginners, and it offers a simple, yet functional fence. Chicken wire is versatile and lightweight, and you can shape it as you desire.
Pair the chicken wire with metal or wooden posts for more stability. Also, consider adding climbing plants for aesthetics.
11. Lattice Fence
A lattice fence is made of vinyl or wood designed in a crisscross pattern. This fencing is highly decorative and offers moderate privacy. In addition, it is pretty customizable (you can cut it into different shapes and sizes). Furthermore, you can stain or paint it for added aesthetics.
Besides painting or staining, you can also train trailing plants to climb the panels.
12. PVC Pipe Fence
Instead of using metal or wood to construct a fence, why not opt for a more budget-friendly option, PVC pipe? This material is suitable for long-lasting fencing because it resists weather elements, insect attacks, and rot.
With this fence, you will enjoy an attractive fence that retains its clean appearance and color.
13. Hog Wire Fence
Enclose chickens, goats, and pets with this stylish, strong, and secure fence made of hog wire. It’s suitable for both modern and traditional settings. When combined with strong wooden frames, hog wire creates a sturdy fence that offers visibility, decorative appeal, and airflow.
You can customize a hog wire fence to your desired width and height. This fence offers a blend of elegance and simplicity.
14. Picket Fence
Let’s talk about the symbol of the suburban outdoors, the picket fence. This iconic fence is versatile, affordable, and timelessly elegant. Picket fences are typically made of various materials, including vinyl and wood.
Picket fences are practical as well as decorative, providing safety while also adding to the decorative appeal. This fence doesn’t obstruct the views either.
15. Wattle Fence
Last on our list is a fence that is labor-intensive upfront but is nonetheless cheap, beautiful, and practical. Construction entails weaving young, flexible branches of willow, bamboo, or wood between posts.
Wattle fences are undeniably aesthetically appealing, blending with the surroundings quite well. The rustic barrier is strong enough to protect your garden.
Final Remarks
The above fence ideas don’t come with a hefty price tag, so they will meet your needs if you are on a budget. Regarding functionality, depending on the cheap fence idea you pick, you will get a decorative, secure, private barrier, or even all of these qualities wrapped in one fence.

Hey there, I’m Derek Schew, a writer for Lawnholic.com, where we cover everything and anything related to lawns. As someone who’s spent countless hours tending to my own lawn, I’m passionate about sharing my knowledge and helping others achieve the perfect yard. From lawn care tips to product reviews, I’m committed to providing our readers with the most accurate and up-to-date information available. So whether you’re a seasoned lawn enthusiast or just getting started, I invite you to join our community and discover the joys of a lush, green lawn.