Building a new fence is a great way to sharpen your home’s outdoor space. However, without a clear sense of how your project will proceed, you may end up spending more than you anticipate. Luckily, there are a few key strategies you can use to keep the cost of your fence under control.
Choose the right style
The style of fence plays a major role in determining your final cost. For example, ranch fencing (cedar split rail, lodgepole, or ranch vinyl) is great for covering large areas or keeping costs low. Because you’re using a very limited amount of lumber, this type of fence may be good for delineating property lines or keeping in large animals like horses or cattle, but won’t be successful in containing smaller house pets.
Consider evenly spaced gothic pickets, instead of fencing boards that butt up against one another. Though fences like this provide a bit less privacy, this style can reduce the amount of lumber required by about 30-40%.
Another option is to use wider boards. You won’t have to invest in as many planks to cover the same length, so installation proceeds faster.
Finally, waist-high fences look great while significantly cutting down on the amount of board fencing you’ll need (and therefore price).
Use metal or pressure-treated lumber posts
Containing costs on your fence is about more than your immediate purchase price. It means making calculated decisions that will save you money in the long term for maintenance and repairs. Fence posts are one area where investing now will pay off later. Posts are in constant contact with the ground and provide structural support for the whole fence. Replacing damaged posts can be time-intensive and requires more investment.
Galvanized metal posts are impervious to moisture and pests, so they’ll stay sturdy for the long haul. The initial investment for metal may be a bit more but will last significantly longer than wood. Freshening up your fence will simply require replacing some fencing boards eventually, not a deep spend on sinking new posts.
The same goes for pressure-treated lumber. This wood is specially treated with chemicals that resist rot and pests and is an excellent choice for a long-lasting fence post.
Share the cost with your neighbor
If your yard directly borders a neighbor, you’ll both enjoy the benefit of an attractive new fence. Check to see if your neighbor would be willing to split the cost, which would reduce the price of a new fence for you both by half. Approach your neighbor early on with some initial ideas for designs (bring reference images along to discuss), then keep them in the loop as you obtain materials costs and labor bids.
Avoid big box stores
Big chain stores tend to work with fewer suppliers and offer a limited selection when it comes to fencing. However, local lumber stores often work with multiple suppliers, offering several fencing options in stock at multiple price points. Their long-standing relationships with mills can provide cost-saving options you may not find anywhere else in town.
Competition for floor space also means that big box stores must conserve the amount of wood they carry in stock. Local suppliers like J&W Lumber usually have many more options on hand, reducing the need for expensive special orders.
Go the DIY route
As with all home improvement projects, you can achieve cost savings if you perform the labor yourself. Work with the team at your local lumber store to calculate the amount of board fencing, cement, posts, hardware, and sealant you’ll need. The team will provide suggestions on lumber types and answer your questions.
Constructing or repairing a new fence isn’t complicated, but if you’re a true novice, we recommend working with a licensed contractor.
Repair and refresh
The most cost-effective way to achieve a whole new fence is to not replace it but to repair it instead. Bring photos and a wood sample down to the lumber store and ask for assistance. At J&W Lumber, our wood specialists will help provide replacement material where you have determined a simple board or fence post replacement will be needed. We can also help you evaluate stain colors to freshen up the entire look of your fence without requiring an expensive tear-down.
Consult with lumber professionals
At J&W Lumber, we specialize in outdoor wood and materials. Our team members take the time to listen closely to your project specs and provide advice on materials, protection, colors, and more. We’ll gladly recommend the pros and cons of different material options. Our mission is to help you achieve your fence vision in the most efficient, cost-effective way possible.
Thinking of updating your fence? J&W Lumber stores are all over Southern California, and our specialists are here to help.