Low Cost Fencing Solutions

Chain-link fencing

Let’s start with the cheapest option – chain-link fencing, which is a piece of fabric about 15-18 m long, hung on pre-installed posts around the perimeter. This mesh came to us straight from Australia, where it was intended to protect plots of land and ranches from unwanted and dangerous animals. Perhaps, the chain-link fence is the most popular type of fence, especially in villages and old summer cottage communities.

Advantages:

• The cheapest option (the price per m2 starts from 50 rubles).
• A large selection of heights (1-3 m) and cell sizes (2-10 cm).
• The service life is up to 30 years.
• Quick and easy installation.
• The ability to independently choose the width of the fence section.

Disadvantages:

• Unsightly appearance.
• Weak anti-vandal properties.
• You can see from the outside what is happening on the site.
• Problematic replacement of damaged areas.

“3D” fencing

A more advanced version of the chain-link fencing is the so-called “3D” fencing, which is often used to fence off areas in urban areas, such as gated communities and construction sites. This option is significantly more expensive, but it has a solid, virtually non-bending structure and a thicker wire. It is quite rare in suburban areas.

Advantages:

• “Solid” structure.
• Improved vandal-proof protection.
• More pleasant appearance.
• Ready-made solutions (gates, wickets).
• Durability.

Disadvantages:

• A more expensive option (the price per m2 starts from 300-400 rubles).
• There is no way to independently determine the width of the section.
• When replacing a separate section, problems may arise, since it may not be possible to find an article of the same size and with a similar appearance.
• More difficult installation.
• You can see from the outside what is happening on the site.

Profile pipes

Fences made of profile pipes are used even more often in the urban environment. They are usually used to fence off various budget and restricted institutions. In suburban areas they are not very common, most likely due to their relatively high price compared to other options.

Advantages:

• The best vandal-proof protection among “mesh” type fences.
• Excellent appearance, comparable to the most expensive options.
• Ready-made solutions (gates, wickets).
• You can use both ready-made fence sections and assemble them from individual pipes.
• Durability.

Disadvantages:

• High cost (the price per m2 usually exceeds 1 thousand rubles).
• Complex installation.
• You can see from the outside what is happening on the site.

Profile sheet

The second most popular type of fence that can be found in the vast expanses of Russia is corrugated sheet. Many of our compatriots liked its pleasant appearance, combined with a relatively low price and excellent technical characteristics.

In my opinion, corrugated sheets can be considered an example of a kind of “fence evolution”, since many of my summer residents who built a summer house in the 90s and installed a classic mesh fence are now changing it to corrugated sheets.

Advantages:

• A huge selection of stylistic solutions.
• Excellent anti-vandal properties.
• A large selection of heights, thicknesses and other characteristics.
• You can’t see what’s happening on the site from the street.
• Pleasant appearance.
• Durability.

Disadvantages:

• High cost (the price per m2 starts from 400-500 rubles).
• Darkens the plants near the fence.
• If the distance between the supports is too large, it can deform and bend.

Slate

Slate can be considered as an alternative material for a fence. I will say for myself that I consider this option bad, since the fence has a terrible appearance and is very fragile. Especially if you buy slate of poor quality and small thickness. The only advantage is one of the lowest prices among “solid” fences that completely fence off the site from the outside world.

Advantages:

• Low cost (price per 1 m2 starts from 200 rubles).
• Quick installation (does not apply to slate with a wavy structure).
• Resistance to temperature changes, high humidity and other natural factors.
• From the street, you can’t see what’s happening on the site.

Disadvantages:

• Very fragile material that can be destroyed even with a handy tool.
• Poor appearance, which can be slightly compensated for by painting.
• Heavy weight, which creates problems during transportation and installation.

Wooden picket fence (fence board)

Another option that you should not forget about when choosing a material for a fence is a wooden picket fence, also known as a fence board. In essence, this is a classic wooden fence that has a “rustic” (in a positive sense) appearance and will suit fans of eco-friendly construction.

Advantages:

• Authentic appearance.
• The ability to independently choose the width of the sections and the distance between the boards.
• Excellent repairability, since you can only change damaged boards, and not the entire section.
• A large selection of colors.

Disadvantages:

• Not the highest strength.
• High price (about 600-900 rubles per m2).
• Labor-intensive installation if individual boards are used, and not ready-made sections.

Polycarbonate

Recently, I have begun to see plastic fences made of polycarbonate. Frankly, I do not understand the reasons for the growing popularity of this material. Perhaps its main and only positive quality is its low price.

Note. In fairness, it should be noted that a green polycarbonate fence can act as a background. In combination with shrubs and other plants along the perimeter of the site, such a fence will visually expand the territory.

Advantages:

• Weather-resistant.
• Easy maintenance.
• Easy and quick installation.
• Wide selection of colors.
• Good sound reflection.
• Low cost (price per m2 starts from 200 rubles).

Disadvantages:

• Not the best appearance.
• You can see from the outside what is happening on the site.
• Can deform under the influence of temperature.

To sum it up, I would like to draw your attention to the chain-link mesh, corrugated sheeting, and fence boards. From personal experience, I can say that these three options have the best value for money. The mesh is best used in cases where the budget is very limited or for fencing very large areas of land. If you choose the option for a regular summer cottage fence, do not want to overpay, but are very limited in money, then it is best to choose corrugated sheeting or a fence board.