Easiest Fence Types To Install Yourself

Having a well-maintained and functioning yard adds significant value to your home. It also allows you to enjoy the entirety of your property with activities like barbecuing and suntanning. If you have neighbors close by, however, you might feel like your backyard oasis lacks the privacy it requires. A fence is the best way to privatize your yard, but are there any types of fences that you can easily install yourself?

There are a variety of quality fence kits that you can easily install yourself. Vinyl picket or privacy fences and wood plank fences are all simple and popular types of fences you can easily install yourself. Other simple fences to install include bamboo camouflage fencing, latticework panel fences, aluminum and steel fencing, and even artificial ivy decorative fencing. The best fence for you will vary based on your needs and budget.

Before you select any easy-to-install fence on a whim, you should consider a few factors. One major variable when it comes to easy-to-install fences is strength and durability. Some fences can withstand wear and tear and strong winds, while others are far more decorative than enduring.

You also need to know your budget, because simplicity and ease often come at a cost. If you are on a tight budget, you may have to opt for an easy option that involves a bit of digging and sweating than if you have a large budget. Here are eight of the easiest types of fences you can install yourself, as well as their major pros and cons you should know before purchasing them.

Vinyl picket fences are a very popular and simple to install fence option. There are a variety of vinyl picket fence kits available, which require only digging a few holes, and some basic DIY and home improvement skills. You can purchase short fences for property barriers and animal purposes or tall fences.

Vinyl is a great fence option as it will maintain its bright white color, and it is very easy to clean. Vinyl is resistant to both weather and water damage, and is an overall very durable material. While vinyl is not the most expensive material, pre-made fencing kits can be a bit costly, as most of the work is done for you. This price goes up even higher if you have your fence custom-designed. If budget is not a major concern, however, these fences are a great option.

Wooden plank fences are a very popular and durable fence option for those looking for an easy-to-install fence. Often, wood is a required material for HOA or neighborhood codes because it is aesthetically appealing. There are many DIY wood plank fence kits and pre-cut materials to make your fencing project much easier than starting from scratch. Wood is also much cheaper than vinyl.

Wood, however, does have some cons. Installing a wood fence often involves more labor and drilling than vinyl fences due to the nature of the material. Also, wood is subject to cracking, termites and other natural hazards, which may require more upkeep and maintenance. This might mean a fairly easy install, but you might need to do more work over time than you would if you installed vinyl.

If you are looking for a simple, long-lasting and good-looking fence that shields you from your neighbors, look no further than a vinyl privacy fence. Just like with other vinyl fences, vinyl privacy fences use a durable long-lasting material that is easy to clean. Overall, most vinyl fence kits are easy to install. Because they are privacy fences, however, they will likely be heavier than a picket fence.

These fences may require more than one person to easily and quickly install. These taller fences also require more anchoring and a bit of digging. Overall, however, they are relatively straightforward and simple to install, albeit more expensive than wooden privacy fences.

Aluminum fences are another popular and easy-to-install type of fence. If you are looking for a metal fence with vertical bars, aluminum might be the way to go. Aluminum is an easy option because there are all sorts of fencing options that come in aluminum. The reason for this is that aluminum is relatively cheap and easy to manufacture. This makes aluminum a great budget-friendly and easy-to-install metal fence option, and they last a long time.

Keep in mind that aluminum’s light nature might help when you install it but it also means it is not very strong. If you need a strong metal fence, you may want to opt for another type of metal like steel.

Bamboo fencing is a very popular option for those who are looking to create privacy easily but are not the best for building. You can purchase long lengths of bamboo fencing that are already connected and simply needs to be unfurled.

Bamboo fencing is strong, but it needs to be anchored to something. It is popular to use bamboo fencing as a camouflage layer to hide a less attractive fence, like a chain-linked fence, for example. If you do not have an existing fence, then you will need to create some anchor areas to ensure your fence will stand the test of time.

While bamboo is not the cheapest material, it can handle extreme weather temperatures and, if properly maintained, should last between 10 and 20 years. Another perk of bamboo fencing is it is resistant to termites.

If you are looking for a fence for mostly privacy purposes, you might want to opt for a latticework panel fence. These fences are not necessarily the strongest type of fence, but they are highly effective in creating privacy, especially in smaller areas. These fences are great at blocking off patio or barbecue areas. They are also blocking the view of the backyard from the street.

There are usually small holes that allow wind through, so you do not need to be concerned about them toppling over, even though they are often made of light wood. Keep in mind, however many of these fences are more decorative and not always made to stand the test of time. More permanent latticework fences may require some upkeep and cost more.

Another light, easy and inexpensive fence option for those seeking privacy are artificial ivy or plant decorative fences. The idea behind these fences is that they take a fairly simple link fence or lattice fence, and dress them up with artificial vines or ivy. While artificial plants can often look cheap, there are some fence options that look quite real and tasteful.

These fences are quite common when trying to hide something unsightly, like a trash area or air conditioning equipment. They are inexpensive, but to the untrained eye make an otherwise ugly area look like it is booming with life. The main drawback to these fences is they are more temporary. Over time, weather and UV light will affect the artificial plants and make them look less authentic.

There are all sorts of easy-to-instal fences on the market for you to choose from. You can opt for anything from a vinyl picket fence, plank wood fence or even an aluminum fence kit or bamboo camouflage fence. The main factors you need to consider are how you expect your fence to perform under hard conditions, and also your budget.

While vinyl and wood fencing can stand the test of time and harsh weather, it can cost you a pretty penny. Be sure to know your budget and needs before weighing the pros and cons.