DIY Fencing Tips for Your Property
Back to Series
Watch Episodes
Lawn Aeration Tips and TricksGardening for Your Mental HealthBuild a Hanging Daybed This WeekendHow to Build an Outdoor Pizza Oven StationBuild a Sand Table This WeekendBuild a DIY Vertical Garden This WeekendBuild an Outdoor Tech Desk This WeekendFront Yard Landscaping Ideas with Doug ScottHow to Build a Compost Bin From Recycled PalletsHow to Install a Lawn Striping KitHow to Build a DIY Wooden Bird FeederHow to Build an Outdoor Wood Storage BenchFive DIY String Light Patterns for Your PatioHow to Choose the Best Grass Type for Your YardWhat is Lawn Striping?How to Plant a Container GardenHow to Keep Unwanted Animals off Your LawnDIY Fencing Tips for Your PropertyBackyard Water Feature Ideas
Are you struggling to select the right fence for your property? If so, check out these DIY fencing tips from landscape design pro and Done-In-A-Weekend Projects host, Doug Scott. In addition to outlining the most popular fence types and styles available, and the pros and cons of each, Scott also provides some practical pointers for installing your fence of choice.
So, what are the primary benefits of having a fence? And, what do you need to consider before diving in? Here are a few things Doug covers in this video that are worth considering.
Fence Benefits
- Helps keep wanted items inside yard boundaries and unwanted items out.
- Serves as a means of privacy, while providing an added layer of property safety and security.
- Creates an effective sound barrier (in some cases).
- Complements personal design aesthetics to enhance property and/or backyard look and feel.
Popular DIY Fencing Material Options
Wood
Wooden fence pros: Available in an array of styles—from picket and lattice, to split-rail and post-and-rail. They’re relatively simple to construct—either with ready-made panels or from scratch—at varying heights. And, they’re easy to work with, and pay for. Wooden fence cons: Even if you choose a material like pressure-treated lumber that’s intended for outdoor use, it will still need to be properly maintained.
Wood composite fence pros: Provide a wooden-fence look while being easier to maintain than the real thing. Wood composite fence cons: More limited in style, color and size, aren’t as easy to work with or install, and can be two to three times more expensive than its wooden counterparts.
Other Material Options
Aluminum fence pros: Available in a variety of styles and sizes, are similar in appearance to wrought iron, but lighter than steel and fairly low maintenance. Aluminum fence cons: More expensive to purchase and install than a wooden fence, and provide little to no privacy.
Vinyl/PVC fence pros: Incredibly durable and—aside from a quick wash—require very little upkeep. Vinyl/PVC fence cons: Available in limited styles and colors, and are often considered to be a cheap-looking option.
Pre-purchase and Installation Considerations
It’s important to prioritize your fencing needs and objectives in order to hone in on the optimal type/style for your property. Be sure to check local ordinances and HOA requirements. Definitely, shop around (in-store and online) to gain a clear understanding of product, install costs and requirements. And, be sure to verify property lines before you get started to avoid encroaching on—or giving your property away to—neighbors.
