Most Economical Fence Options

Purpose Dictates Price

• The single most influential factor in the price of fencing is its intended purpose. Fencing for security of commercial properties must keep out people. As such, higher fencing with more secure posts and gates is required, at a higher cost. Likewise, a residential fence installed purely for aesthetic appeal and to mark property boundaries will typically cost more than a small fence intended as a pet enclosure due to more elaborate ornamental options and materials. In agricultural settings, a horse fence is more expensive than a cattle fence, due to additional height and visibility requirements.

Materials Matter

• Materials used in fencing are the second most influential factor in fencing costs. Wood fencing is more expensive than metal. Composite fencing materials are often more expensive than wood. Depending on the size of the property to be enclosed, prefabricated fence panels are less expensive than individual components. Generally, the more raw material required for a particular type of fencing, the more expensive the fence. For example, a wooden split rail fence with four rails costs more per linear foot than a split rail fence with three rails.

Size Matters

• The more acreage enclosed in fencing, the higher the total investment. However, fencing options for large properties is often less expensive per linear foot. For example, high tensile fencing used in agricultural settings requires certain tools and equipment, no matter the total linear footage. While the total supply cost of fence materials such as wire, posts and concrete increase increase with larger properties, the cost of equipment and tools remains the same. As such high tensile fencing for 10 acres might average $.65 per linear foot, whereas high tensile fencing for 100 acres might average only $.50 per linear foot.

Residential Fencing

• For residential applications, the most economical fencing options vary, depending on geographic location and property size. Additional factors that affect price include seasonal availability of certain materials and professional installation. In terms of professionally installed fencing, standard chain link fencing is the most economical, depending on the number of gates required. Prefabricated wooden fencing panels are the most economical if installing yourself.

Commercial and Agricultural Fencing

• In commercial or agricultural settings, the choice in fencing is often dictated by price, purely out of necessity. When thousands of linear feet of fencing are required, even a slight difference in price makes a tremendous impact. As with residential fencing, polyvinyl (composite) and wood fencing materials are among the most expensive per linear foot.

  According to Iowa State University, the most economical fencing options are wire-based fences such as barbed wire, high tensile smooth wire, or electric wire fences. Iowa State determined that barbed wire fencing averaged $1.34 per foot, high tensile, electric wire fencing was $1.12 per foot and high tensile, non-electric fencing cost $.70 per foot. Costs include labor, but not regular maintenance after installation.