Choosing the perfect backyard fence goes beyond just picking a style. You need to think about materials, customizations, and even local permitting rules to find a fence that’s both functional and stylish for your home. We’re here to make it easier by breaking down the options so you can find the right balance of security, cost, and style. Read on to see which fence ideas can help complete your backyard oasis and assist your lawn care routine.
Popular Types of Fence Material
The correct fence material will blend with your home’s style while delivering the necessary functionality. Here’s a closer look at the most common fencing materials.
Wood Fence
Wooden fences offer natural beauty and match most architectural styles, from traditional to modern. They cost $10–$45 per linear foot, depending on wood type and quality.
All cost data sourced from Angi
Pros
- Versatile natural aesthetic
- Can be stained or painted to match your style
- Relatively easy to repair and replace individual fence panels, fence posts, or slats
Cons
- Requires regular staining and sealing
- Susceptible to rot or insect damage
- Not as fire-resistant as other fencing materials
Durability and Maintenance
With proper care, high-quality wood fences should last between 10 and 20 years. They require regular care to maintain their appearance and prevent rot.
Vinyl Fence
The low-maintenance vinyl fencing option is gaining popularity thanks to its versatility and affordable price. It costs $15–$40 per linear foot.
Pro Tip
- Not all vinyl fencing is created equal. During a This Old House project install, landscape contractor Roger pointed out that the key difference in quality comes down to internal reinforcement: “The most important part is down here in the bottom rail—there’s an aluminum I-beam that’s gonna stop the bottom from sagging or bowing.” He also noted that every post should have a piece of pressure-treated 6×6 inside it for added rigidity. These structural details are what separate a vinyl fence that holds up over decades from one that feels flimsy.
Pros
- Low maintenance, only requires occasional cleaning
- Durable and weather-resistant
- Wide range of styles and colors available
Cons
- Lacks the natural appeal of stone or wood
- Difficult to repair and usually has to be replaced if damaged
- Can warp in extreme temperatures
Pro Tip
- When the This Old House team needed to enclose a backyard around a new shipping container pool, they turned to vinyl for good reason. John, a fence installer with 19 years of experience, explained that vinyl was ideal for meeting local code requirements—in this case, a minimum 4-foot height with no more than a 4-inch air gap between pickets. The team opted for a 6-foot solid privacy fence that went above and beyond code, providing both safety and seclusion. For pool enclosures especially, check your municipality’s fencing codes before choosing a style, as they can dictate height, gap spacing, and gate requirements.
Durability and Maintenance
Vinyl fences last 20–30 years (or more) with minimal upkeep. They should be sprayed down with a garden hose occasionally.
Stone
Stone walls can be a striking addition to your landscape design and offer lots of curb appeal. They’re ideal for traditional, classic architecture. Depending on stone type and installation complexity, they cost $25–$75 per linear foot.
Pro Tip
- Thin stone veneer can dramatically reduce both material weight and installation costs. David, a stone yard specialist featured on This Old House, explains that advances in diamond-blade cutting technology have made thin natural stone veneer—just an inch or two thick and around 15 pounds per square foot versus over 60 for full-thickness stone—much more accessible. As mason Mark McCullough notes, thin veneer can attach directly onto a CMU (concrete block) wall, which “alleviates the need for a foundation, which, again, gives us cost savings.”
Pros
- Extremely durable and long-lasting
- Requires very minimal maintenance
- Can add value to your property
Cons
- Most expensive fencing option
- Difficult and time-consuming to install
- Can be bulky and cut into smaller spaces
Pro Tip
- On a recent This Old House project, mason Troy opted to pre-build stone walls off-site at his shop rather than constructing them in place. As landscape contractor Roger Cook observed, a traditional on-site stone wall build “would probably take you 2 to 3 weeks. At least.” By prefabricating the walls, Troy’s crew could install them in a single morning — a strategy that, as he put it, is “gonna save some time and money.” If your project allows it, ask your mason about prefabrication to keep labor costs in check.
Durability and Maintenance
Stone walls are essentially maintenance-free. They can last for generations without much care.
Metal
Metal fences can create a modern, sleek appearance well-suited for contemporary and minimalist homes. Wrought iron costs between $25 and $55 per linear foot, while aluminum fences can range from $17–$90 per linear foot.
Pros
- Strong and secure
- Low maintenance aside from occasional painting
- Lots of fence designs available, from plain to ornate
Cons
- Can rust
- Don’t offer much privacy
- May look too industrial for some styles
Pro Tip
- On the This Old House Dorchester Triple Decker project, the homeowner wanted to replace an existing chain-link fence with something more polished. As This Old House designer Jenn explained, “The chain link fence here definitely made it a step down, and Carol really wanted an upgrade, so she wanted that wrought-iron look, and in the residential areas, now the thing to do is using aluminum fencing.” Jenn called it “affordable” and “beautiful”—a smart swap that elevated the home’s curb appeal without breaking the budget.
Durability and Maintenance
Metal fences can last 20–40 years with occasional repainting to prevent rust.
Chain Link
Chain-link fencing is the most affordable, durable, and low-maintenance option. However, it offers little aesthetic appeal. It costs $8–$40 per linear foot, depending on height and gauge of wire.
Pros
- Affordable and durable
- Low maintenance, only needs occasional spraying with a garden hose
- Has good visibility, so it’s ideal for pet enclosures or as a pool fence
Cons
- Less aesthetically pleasing than other options
- Offers limited backyard privacy
- Can sag over time, especially if installed incorrectly
Durability and Maintenance
Chain-link fences can last for a couple of decades with minimal upkeep. They resist rust and weather damage, so they’re great for areas with extreme weather.
Are Privacy Fences a Good Idea?
Privacy fences are taller and more solid than decorative fences. They can shield your backyard from prying eyes, which may be especially beneficial if you live in a heavily populated area or your backyard faces another neighbor’s property. Privacy fences can also help reduce noise pollution and create a more peaceful backyard environment.
It’s not all good news, though. Privacy fences can block scenic views and make smaller yards feel too closed in. Consider your existing landscaping and how a tall privacy fence might restrict sunlight from reaching lower plants. Some communities may have restrictions on fence heights, so check local regulations before installing.
Pro Tip
- Eric Sauer, a landscape architect in Dayton, Ohio, advises: “While a privacy fence might solve the problem, it’s not always the most aesthetically pleasing solution.” To break up the mass of a board fence, Sauer suggests adding an open lattice or baluster top and planting flowering or evergreen shrubs in front to soften its solidity.
How Much Does a Backyard Fence Cost?
The following table compares the costs of popular fencing options.
- Material: This will be the biggest cost influencer. Stone and wrought iron are typically the most expensive, while vinyl and chain link are the least expensive.
- Size: Your fence’s overall length and height impact its final cost. More linear feet require more materials and labor. A taller fence is also more challenging to install and thus more costly.
- Labor: You can install a new fence yourself if you have the time, know-how, and tools. Hiring a professional fence installer increases the cost but helps ensure the fence’s quality. The more complex the installation, the more it costs.
DIY or Hire a Professional: What’s Best for You?
The decision to install a fence yourself or hire a professional depends on your comfort with DIY projects and your priorities for your fence.
DIY Fence Installation
A DIY approach to fence installation saves you money, but it certainly won’t save you time. You also need tools and skills to complete the job, and mistakes can be costly.
Hiring a Professional Fence Installer
Hiring a pro results in quicker installation. They know the permits and regulations you’ll need. Many pros also offer a quality warranty, which is good for peace of mind. However, you’ll pay for their time and skills, which drives up the fence cost. On average, you’ll save $1,700 by installing your fence yourself instead of hiring a professional.
Our Conclusion
The perfect backyard fence can complete your outdoor space and give you privacy, security, and style. The right fence will suit your home’s aesthetic, give you the necessary functionality, and accommodate your budget. With some planning and knowledge about fence types, materials, and installation, you can find the right fit for your lush backyard.
FAQs About Backyard Fences
Are privacy fences a good idea?
Privacy fences can be a good idea for privacy or noise reduction. However, they can block views and make smaller spaces feel closed in.
How tall can I make my privacy fence?
How tall you can make your privacy fence depends on local regulations. Check your building codes before you start installation. If you can’t install a privacy fence, consider privacy screens instead.
What is the best type of privacy fence?
The best type of privacy fence depends on your needs and budget. Vinyl is low maintenance, stone is durable but expensive, and wood can be aesthetically appealing.
Pro Tip : For fences with visible posts and rails on one side and tidy boards on the other, face the framework toward your own house. Out-facing framing is unsightly and makes the fence easy to climb, compromising your security and privacy. If that’s a concern, consider a shadowbox-style fence, which has the same look from both sides and still allows ventilation.
How much does a privacy fence cost?
The cost of a privacy fence varies by material, size, and labor. Costs can range between $10 and $50 per linear foot.
Can I install a fence by myself?
You can install a fence yourself if you have the time, skills, and tools. Hiring a professional may result in a higher-quality finished product but will increase your overall cost.
Pro Tip: This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook sets posts on a 6-inch base of ¾-inch crushed stone to encourage drainage, then fills around posts with the soil from the holes and packs it down every 6 inches. In clay soil, which doesn’t drain well, he packs only gravel around posts. He reserves concrete for gateposts or when rock prevents digging deep enough.
Post depth should be proportional to fence height. For a three-and-a-half-foot fence, posts should go at least 28 inches into the ground. For a six-foot-high privacy fence, posts need to be set 36 inches deep to prevent the fence from heaving in frost.
