Cheap fencing ideas

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Bear in mind, however, that cheaper fence options in the short term may work out to be more expensive in the long term as they might not last as long as more traditional options, and will need replacing more often. Some options, such as plastic-coated chain-link fencing, can be as durable and long-lasting as wooden fence panels, without the maintenance requirements.

When choosing affordable fencing, it’s worth knowing that longer and higher fences will require more labour and materials to construct, compared to shorter and lower fences. So, while making a shorter fence is usually not an option for those with set boundary lengths, you may be able to cut costs by reducing its height.

What is the least expensive fencing option?

The least expensive fencing options are chain-link fencing, pallet fencing and hedging. Find out more, below.

Aluminium fencing

Aluminium fencing is typically as expensive to install as wooden fencing, but it requires almost no ongoing maintenance, meaning there are no hidden costs to the fence after installation. It’s not as strong or durable as other options but is rot and splinter-resistant. Bear in mind that aluminium fences are less wildlife friendly than wooden ones, which can provide homes for anything from beetles to bees.

Cost: around £60 per aluminium fence panel, more per panel if using existing fence posts

Composite fencing

Grey composite fence with matching furniture. Getty Images

Composite fencing is made from a combination of plastic and wood fibres – both of which are often recycled. It’s available in a range of colours and makes a strong and durable fencing option that's rot and splinter-resistant. Composite fencing is considered eco-friendly due to the recycled element of the manufacturing process. However, bear in mind that plastic isn’t biodegradable and may leach synthetic chemicals into the soil. What’s more, like aluminium fences, composite fences are less wildlife friendly than wooden ones.

Cost: around £30 per composite fence panel

Chain-link fencing

Chain-link fencing is probably the cheapest fencing option, and can last for many years if installed and cared for properly. You may think chain-link fencing is unattractive, but you can grow plants up it to hide the fence and create privacy – good options include ivy and evergreen clematis. Chain-link fencing is durable but can be prone to rust. Consider opting for plastic-coated chain-link fencing, which lasts longer.

Cost: around £60 for a 90cm x 12.5m roll

Wooden fencing

Traditional wooden fence with opium poppies in the foreground. Getty Images

Wood is still the most popular fencing choice in the UK, which not only looks good but provides privacy. A properly installed wooden fence can last a lifetime but will need regular painting to keep it in good nick.

Cost: around £30 for a standard fence panel

PVC fencing

PVC or vinyl fencing can substitute wooden fencing and comes in a range of options, including picket fencing and large panels. It's one of the cheapest types of fencing available and requires no ongoing maintenance. It's a good choice for installing in urban areas as it's resistant to paint, which means graffiti can be easily wiped off. It's resistant to rain, snow and sunlight, and, being made of plastic, is also 'insect-proof' – which does mean it's less wildlife-friendly. Over time, the plastic may leach into the soil, the effects of which are not known.

Cost: from around £20 per fence panel

Buy PVC fence panels from Cocklestorm

Hazel fencing

For an inexpensive alternative to traditional fencing that also blends in with the look and feel of the garden, woven hazel fencing could be an option. Coppiced hazel is renewable and sustainable, provides natural support for climbing plants such as clematis and roses, and has almost no environmental footprint – at the end of its life it can simply be added to the compost or log pile. While less sturdy than traditional fencing, woven hazel has plenty of gaps for wind to pass through, making it a good choice for a windy garden as it can slow down wind, and isn't susceptible to being blown down. Being natural, plenty of insects and other species can live in harmony with your fence and garden, including leafcutter bees, beetles and – if they support climbing plants – nesting birds.

You can make your own by weaving together coppiced hazel pieces, or buy woven hazel panels to use in place of traditional fencing. Plant climbers at the base of your fence and you'll soon have a living boundary that looks good, provides privacy and blends into the garden.

Cost: from around £30 per fence panel

Picket fencing

Picket wood fencing is a popular and cheap fencing type that looks good and is said to boost curb appeal and home value. However it's usually not tall enough to provide a private, secure boundary, so is a better option for a front garden, where privacy is less of an issue.

Cost: from around £25 per fence panel

Pallet fencing

Fence made using repurposed pallets. Jason Ingram

For a really budget option, you can fix pallets together – either vertically or horizontally – between sturdy fence posts. Pallets are often available for free, so you can make a fence for virtually nothing. Bear in mind that not all pallets are the same design and size, so you may struggle to source identical pallets for a uniform look. Also you may need to stack one pallet on top of another to reach your desired height. Alternatively, you can take the pallets apart and use the wooden slats to make a fence.

Some pallets are treated to be resistant to rot, so consider these over non-treated pallets, although be mindful of chemicals leaching into the soil.

Cost: pallets can be free, you would just need to buy sturdy fence posts and spikes.

Find pallets on Freecycle

Hedging

If you don't mind waiting for it to grow, a hedge can be an incredibly cheap alternative to a fence, which will need trimming only two or three times a year. Hedges have been used as boundary markers for centuries. Not only do they provide privacy and prevent intruders, but they also prevent flooding by absorbing and storing water, they filter and slow down wind and also provide many homes for wildlife. You can buy hedging whips for as little as a £1 each, then all you need to do is plant them and wait for them to grow.

Choose from a variety of hedging options, with yew and beech used for a formal look, and mixed native hedging best for the greatest range of wildlife.

Cost: hedging whips can be bought for as little as £1 per whip

Bamboo fencing

Bamboo screening behind a garden ornament. Paul Debois

Bamboo garden screening is a cheap and easy way to cover unsightly walls or existing fencing. You can buy rolls of bamboo screening and fit them yourself. More expensive and durable options include bamboo fencing panels, which work like traditional wooden fencing and can last for many years.

Cost: bamboo screening is available for around £25 per 4m roll