Cheapest Fence Options (and How to Save on Fencing)
Updated June 2026
If budget is the priority, your material choice and a few smart decisions can cut a fence project's cost dramatically. Here are the cheapest fence options in 2026 and how to save without ending up with a fence that fails early.
The most affordable materials
Chain-link is the cheapest traditional fence at about $15–$30 per linear foot installed — durable, low-maintenance, and great for pets and large areas, though it offers little privacy.
Wood is the cheapest privacy option at roughly $18–$35 per foot, with pressure-treated pine costing less than cedar. For low budgets where looks matter less, these two win.
Ways to lower the cost
Fence less of the yard — enclosing just the back yard instead of the full perimeter is the biggest single saving. A shorter, simpler rectangular layout also costs less than one with many corners.
Choose a lower height where it works (a 4-foot fence costs less per foot than 6-foot), minimize the number of gates, and handle old-fence removal yourself to skip the haul-away fee.
What not to skimp on
Don't cut corners on posts and installation. Properly set posts in concrete are what keep a fence standing through North Carolina's clay soil and storms — a cheap install is the fastest way to pay twice.
Get a realistic estimate before you commit so you can compare materials on total installed cost, not just material price.
Get a real price for your exact yard
Start my free estimateFAQ
What is the cheapest fence to install?
Chain-link is the cheapest overall at about $15–$30 per linear foot installed; wood is the cheapest privacy fence at roughly $18–$35 per foot.
How can I save money on a fence?
Fence a smaller area, keep the layout simple, choose a lower height, limit gates, and remove any old fence yourself — but never skimp on post setting and installation quality.