Home Improvement Ideas Outdoor Structures Fences 13 Things You Need to Know Before Building a Fence By Sheryl Geerts Sheryl Geerts Website Sheryl Geerts is an editor and author who has nearly three decades of writing and editing experience. She enjoys writing about garden, food, and home topics. Her bylines have appeared in Better Homes and Gardens, Allrecipes, Martha Stewart Living, and several other publications. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on January 4, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: Kim Cornelison A fence can improve your home's curb appeal, provide security, increase privacy, and offer protection from the elements. But before you start building a fence, there are a few things you should know first. Here are our top tips for planning, designing, and building a fence for your home. 01 of 13 Know What You Want Brie Williams Before you install a fence, ask yourself what your reason is for installing it. If it's strictly utilitarian—keeping the dog in the yard—you can probably get by with a basic chain-link fence. If you're looking to block noise or add privacy, you will want something tall and solid. Chances are your wishes are complex: You want to protect pets, but you also want to add a decorative element to your home's exterior. Whatever its purpose, a fence can function in many ways, but the first step is deciding what you're looking for to choose one that works for you. 02 of 13 Face Your Fence the Right Way Kim Cornelison If you're building a privacy fence, make sure you know which way a wooden fence should face. The smooth, finished side of the fence should face the neighbor. The side with the rails and posts showing should be on the inside. This is the standard way to build a backyard fence. Not only will your property look nicer this way but your neighbor will appreciate your attention to detail. 03 of 13 Consider Fence Materials Lynn Karlin A white picket fence is quintessential, but before you buy wood posts and whitewash, think about the commitment you're making. Wood fences might require occasional staining or sealing and can warp and rot over time. Consider a low-maintenance material, such as vinyl, that offers the look of wood without the elbow grease. Other material options include aluminum, steel, wrought iron, and bamboo. 04 of 13 Mix Fencing Types Brie Williams If cost is an issue, mix different types of fences. Wood picket fencing could be placed at the front of the home, for example, connecting to chain link fencing in the back. Not only will this combination fence potentially save installation costs, but it also will reduce the amount of fence that might require repainting. Mixing fencing materials and styles also adds interest to the landscape. 05 of 13 Do Your Research Kim Cornelison Inquire with homeowners or neighborhood associations and municipal building code officials regarding covenants that dictate fencing look, height, and material. City and neighborhood rules may specify the better-looking side of a fence—the side that doesn't show posts and rails—be placed toward the public face of the property. Ask how far back a fence needs to be set on your property. Typically, a fence has to be set back 2 to 8 inches from sidewalks and property lines. Additionally, find out if your fence project will require a building permit. 06 of 13 Think Green Jay Wilde Landscaping can be used to protect your home from weather and views and to mark property lines. Layer plantings to form pockets where others can't see your house or another part of the yard. Remember, local building codes and neighborhood fence rules may cover such living walls. Additionally, you'll need to ensure that planted materials don't overgrow such restrictions in the future. 07 of 13 Know How Much It Costs to Build a Fence Marty Baldwin According to HomeAdvisor, homeowners pay between $1,727 and $4,335 to get a wooden fence installed. Wood fences cost $17 to $45 per linear foot. Lumber averages from $7 to $15 per foot while labor ranges from $10 to $30 per foot. The fence's length, height, and wood type are major factor's in the price of a new fence. Gates, hardware, and sealant are also costs that need to be budgeted into the project. 08 of 13 Research the Property Line David Tsay You need to know where to put a fence. To make sure that you accurately build your fence on your own property and not partially on your neighbor's land, get your property surveyed. A property survey is a document created by a surveyor that establishes a property's boundaries and rights of way. If you've lost your property survey, you may be able to get it from your county's records office. 09 of 13 Hire Professionals Jon Jensen Fence installation is harder than it looks, but the American Fence Association makes it easy to find a local fence contractor. If you decide to hire a pro, ask to see examples of fences they have installed. Choose to hire licensed companies and individuals since they're typically bonded and insured. Get three to six estimates from contractors to get a clear picture of how the companies stack up against each other. 10 of 13 Be a Good Neighbor Laurie Black Photography Be open and upfront with neighbors about your fencing plans. Try not to unnecessarily block their views. A party fence can be built and shared by two or more neighbors, but such agreements should be made in writing and only after the property boundaries have been professionally determined. Installing a good neighbor fence—a wood privacy fence where the finished side (the more attractive, smooth side) faces the neighbor's property—is commonly considered good etiquette. 11 of 13 Consider Climate Kim Cornelison In cold northern climates that experience frost, concrete anchors are necessary for fence posts. The post should be secured 36 inches deep to avoid cracking in a cold snap. For warmer, damper climates, vinyl is your best material choice, as wood is susceptible to water damage. In very cold climates, wood, bamboo, and metal fences are the most durable. 12 of 13 Create Entrances Erica George Dines For safety and convenience, plan at least two paths into a fenced area. Ensure that one of these is large enough to accommodate bulky outdoor equipment such as lawn mowers and large garbage cans. Stepping stones, pergolas, and other decorative elements can help indicate the locations of gates. A classic white picket fence paired with a matching arbor and gate makes a charming entrance to any yard. 13 of 13 Dress It Up Andrew Drake Plan on giving your fence budget a little padding to incorporate your style into your fence project. Once your fence is in place, customize it with decorative posts or finials. Depending on your home's style, you may want to paint the fence a contemporary color. Consider planting a row of flowers in front of it for a truly welcoming facade. For a fresh look, attach plant hanger hooks to a wood fence and insert pots planted with annuals to create a wall of living color. Frequently Asked Questions What's the most affordable material to build a fence out of? The price of your fence depends largely on the square footage needed and the material you choose. On the lower end of the spectrum, chain link fences are often considered the most budget-friendly, followed closely by more inexpensive woods like treated pine. The most expensive fencing materials include vinyl and wrought iron. Where do I go to find out if I need a permit for my fence? If you plan on installing a fence on your property, it's a good idea to figure out if you'll need to pull a permit with your town to make the work legal. To find out if you need to obtain a building permit, get in touch with your town's building inspector (this information can also occasionally be found on your city's website). You'll want to do this before any installation or work begins on your fence. What type of upkeep does a fence require? The exact care your fence requires depends on the type of material it's made from. In general though, you should expect to clean your fence periodically and repair any damage it may sustain, such as broken posts or holes in the chain link. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit