Gardens are not only a place to grow plants, but also a place to relax and enjoy nature. However, gardens also need boundaries to protect them from unwanted visitors and provide privacy. A garden fence is not only functional but can also add beauty and style to your outdoor space.
If you are looking for a cheap but stylish garden fence, there are many options available that won’t break the bank. In this article, we’ll explore the top 15 ideas for cheap but stylish garden fences that you can implement in your garden.
From pallet fences to trellis fences, we’ll cover a range of materials and styles that can fit any garden’s aesthetic. Bamboo fences are a sustainable and attractive option, while gabion walls can create a modern and industrial look. For a classic look, a white picket fence or a wattle fence can add a cozy and charming touch to your garden.
If you’re looking for a more creative option, a living fence made of plants or a recycled material fence can add a whimsical and eclectic touch to your outdoor space. Whatever your style or budget, there’s a garden fence idea that can elevate your garden’s look and feel.
In the following sections, we’ll explore each of these 15 ideas in more detail, including their benefits, costs, and installation process. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert gardener, these cheap but stylish garden fence ideas can inspire you to create a beautiful and functional boundary for your outdoor oasis.
10 Cheap But Stylish Garden Fence Ideas
1. Pallet Fence
A pallet fence is a simple and affordable option for adding privacy and style to your garden. With just a few pallets and some basic tools, you can create a unique and rustic fence that will be the envy of your neighborhood.
Materials and Tools Needed:
- Wooden pallets (at least 8-10, depending on the size of your fence)
- Hammer and nails or a drill and screws
- Saw (optional)
- Sandpaper
- Paint or stain (optional)
Step 1: Choose Your Pallets Look for pallets that are in good condition and have similar sizes and shapes. You can often find them for free at local businesses or online classifieds. Make sure to choose pallets made of hardwood, as they will be more durable and resistant to weather.
Step 2: Prepare Your Pallets Use a saw or hammer to remove any nails or screws from the pallets. Sand any rough edges or surfaces to prevent splinters. If you want to paint or stain your pallets, now is the time to do so. Let them dry completely before proceeding.
Step 3: Build Your Fence Start by laying out your pallets in a straight line, with the slats facing the same direction. Use a hammer and nails or a drill and screws to attach each pallet to the next, creating a stable and secure fence. If your pallets are different sizes or shapes, you may need to trim them to fit. You can also add a gate or door for easy access to your garden.
Step 4: Secure Your Fence Once your pallets are securely attached, use stakes or posts to anchor your fence to the ground. This will prevent it from tipping over or shifting during strong winds.
Step 5: Decorate Your Fence Now that your pallet fence is complete, you can get creative with decorations and accessories. Hang planters or lanterns from the slats, or add a coat of chalkboard paint to create a fun and functional message board.
2. Bamboo Fence
A bamboo fence is an affordable and sustainable option for adding a natural and exotic touch to your garden. With just a few bamboo poles and some basic tools, you can create a unique and beautiful fence that will transform your outdoor space.
Materials and Tools Needed To Make Bamboo Fence:
- Bamboo poles (at least 10-12, depending on the size of your fence)
- Twine or wire
- Hammer and nails or a drill and screws
- Saw (optional)
- Sandpaper
- Stakes or posts for anchoring
- Paint or stain (optional)
Step 1: Choose Your Bamboo Look for bamboo poles that are straight, smooth, and of similar size. You can find them at your local garden center or online. Choose poles that are at least 1 inch in diameter for a sturdy fence.
Step 2: Prepare Your Bamboo Use a saw to cut your bamboo poles to the desired height for your fence. Sand any rough edges or surfaces to prevent splinters. If you want to paint or stain your bamboo, now is the time to do so. Let them dry completely before proceeding.
Step 3: Attach Your Bamboo Start by laying out your bamboo poles in a straight line, with the tops and bottoms aligned. Use twine or wire to attach each pole to the next, creating a stable and secure fence. You can also use nails or screws if you prefer a more permanent attachment.
Step 4: Secure Your Fence Once your bamboo poles are securely attached, use stakes or posts to anchor your fence to the ground. This will prevent it from tipping over or shifting during strong winds.
Step 5: Decorate Your Fence Now that your bamboo fence is complete, you can add some finishing touches to make it even more stylish. Add hanging planters or lights to the poles, or paint them with colorful designs to make them stand out.
3. Trellis Fence
A trellis fence is an elegant and versatile option for adding privacy and beauty to your garden. With just a few trellis panels and some basic tools, you can create a unique and functional fence that will enhance your outdoor space.
Materials and Tools Needed:
- Wooden or metal trellis panels (at least 4, depending on the size of your fence)
- Hammer and nails or a drill and screws
- Saw (optional)
- Sandpaper
- Stakes or posts for anchoring
- Paint or stain (optional)
Here’s a more detailed description of how to make a trellis fence:
Step 1: Choose Your Trellis Panels Look for trellis panels that are in good condition and have a design that you like. You can find them at your local garden center or online. Choose panels that are at least 4 feet in height for a privacy fence.
Step 2: Prepare Your Trellis Panels If your trellis panels are too long, use a saw to cut them to the desired height for your fence. Sand any rough edges or surfaces to prevent splinters. If you want to paint or stain your trellis panels, now is the time to do so. Let them dry completely before proceeding.
Step 3: Attach Your Trellis Panels Start by laying out your trellis panels in a straight line, with the tops and bottoms aligned. Use nails or screws to attach each panel to the next, creating a stable and secure fence. You can also use brackets or hinges to attach the panels to your posts or stakes for added stability.
Step 4: Secure Your Fence Once your trellis panels are securely attached, use stakes or posts to anchor your fence to the ground. This will prevent it from tipping over or shifting during strong winds.
Step 5: Decorate Your Fence Now that your trellis fence is complete, you can add some decorative elements to make it even more stylish. Train climbing plants to grow up the trellis panels, or add hanging planters to the tops of the panels. You can also paint or stain the trellis panels to match your outdoor decor.
4. Gabion Wall Fence
A gabion wall is a strong and durable option for adding privacy and texture to your garden. With just a few gabion baskets and some fill material, you can create a unique and functional wall that will last for years to come.
Materials and Tools Needed:
- Gabion baskets (at least 4, depending on the size of your wall)
- Rocks or other fill material (such as bricks or concrete blocks)
- Wire mesh or chicken wire
- Wire cutters
- Gloves
- Shovel
- Level
Here’s a more detailed description of how to make a gabion wall:
Step 1: Choose Your Gabion Baskets Look for gabion baskets that are in good condition and have the size and shape that you need for your wall. You can find them at your local hardware store or online. Choose baskets that are at least 3 feet in height for a sturdy wall.
Step 2: Fill Your Baskets Use a shovel to fill your gabion baskets with rocks or other fill material until they are about 2/3 full. Pack the rocks tightly and evenly to create a stable structure. Wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges and corners.
Step 3: Add Your Wire Mesh Lay your wire mesh or chicken wire over the top of your filled gabion baskets, tucking the edges down into the baskets. Use wire cutters to trim any excess mesh. This will help keep the rocks in place and prevent them from falling out of the gaps in the baskets.
Step 4: Stack Your Baskets Stack your filled and mesh-covered gabion baskets on top of each other to create your wall. Use a level to ensure that each basket is straight and level with the others. You can also use wire or brackets to secure the baskets together for added stability.
Step 5: Finish Your Wall Once your gabion wall is complete, you can add some finishing touches to make it even more stylish. You can add a top cap made of stone or wood to give it a finished look, or plant climbing vines or flowers to soften its appearance.
5. Corrugated Metal Fence
A corrugated metal fence is a great option for those looking for a modern and industrial look in their garden. With just a few materials and tools, you can create a stylish and durable fence that will last for years to come.
Materials and Tools Needed:
- Corrugated metal panels
- Fence posts
- Bolts, nuts, and washers
- Metal cutting saw or grinder
- Drill
- Level
- Measuring tape
- Safety goggles and gloves
Here’s a detailed description of how to make a corrugated metal fence:
Step 1: Measure and Cut Your Metal Panels Measure the length and height of your fence and cut the corrugated metal panels accordingly. Use a metal cutting saw or grinder to make precise cuts. Be sure to wear safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself from metal shavings.
Step 2: Secure the Fence Posts Install fence posts at regular intervals along the length of your fence, using a level to ensure they are straight and even. Use bolts, nuts, and washers to secure them to the ground.
Step 3: Attach Your Metal Panels Using a drill, attach your corrugated metal panels to the fence posts, starting at one end of the fence and working your way to the other end. Be sure to use enough bolts and washers to keep the panels securely in place.
Step 4: Finishing Touches Once your metal fence panels are attached to the posts, you can add some finishing touches to make them more stylish. You can paint the metal panels to match the look of your garden or add some decorative elements like wooden slats or climbing plants.
6. Woven Willow Fence
A woven willow fence is a natural and rustic option. It can provide a beautiful backdrop for your garden and is relatively easy to install.
Materials and Tools Needed:
- Willow branches (fresh or dried)
- Garden shears
- Loppers
- Garden stakes
- Mallet
- Twine or wire
Here’s a more detailed description of how to make a woven willow fence:
Step 1: Gather Willow Branches Collect fresh or dried willow branches that are at least 1/2 inch in diameter. Make sure the branches are flexible and easy to bend. You’ll need enough to make several long, straight pieces and many smaller, flexible pieces.
Step 2: Prepare Your Garden Stakes Plant sturdy garden stakes in the ground at regular intervals along the length of your fence. Use a mallet to drive the stakes into the ground until they are secure.
Step 3: Weave the Willow Branches Starting at one end of the fence, weave the long, straight willow branches between the garden stakes, securing them in place with twine or wire. Make sure to weave the branches tightly together to create a sturdy fence.
Step 4: Add the Flexible Willow Pieces Once the long branches are in place, weave the smaller, flexible willow branches in and out of the long branches, creating a woven pattern. Use twine or wire to secure the flexible branches to the long branches and the garden stakes.
Step 5: Trim the Excess Willow Branches Use garden shears or loppers to trim any excess willow branches that stick out beyond the edges of the fence.
Step 6: Finishing Touches Once your woven willow fence is complete, you can add some finishing touches to make it more stylish. You can trim the top of the fence to create a curved or pointed shape, or add some climbing vines or flowers to the fence to soften its appearance.
A woven willow fence is a beautiful and natural option for adding privacy and texture to your garden. With just a few willow branches and some garden stakes, you can create a unique and functional fence that will add charm and character to your outdoor space.
7. Picket Fence
A classic white picket fence is a timeless option that can make your garden look charming and inviting. It can be made with wood or vinyl.
Here’s a more detailed description of how to make a picket fence:
Materials and Tools Needed:
- Wooden pickets (pre-cut or cut to size)
- Wooden posts
- Nails or screws
- Hammer or drill
- Saw
- Level
- Measuring tape
Step 1: Determine the Size of Your Fence Measure the perimeter of the area where you want to install the picket fence. Use these measurements to determine how many pickets and posts you’ll need to complete the fence.
Step 2: Cut the Wooden Pickets and Posts If your pickets and posts are not pre-cut to size, use a saw to cut them to the appropriate length. Pickets are typically 4-6 feet in length, while posts are 6-8 feet in length.
Step 3: Set the Posts in the Ground Dig holes in the ground where you want to place the posts. Use a level to make sure each post is vertical and secure it in place with concrete or gravel.
Step 4: Attach the Pickets Starting at one end of the fence, attach the pickets to the posts using nails or screws. Use a level to make sure each picket is vertical and spaced evenly from the other pickets. Continue attaching pickets until you’ve reached the end of the fence.
Step 5: Add a Top Rail (Optional) If you want to add a top rail to your picket fence, cut a piece of wood to the appropriate length and attach it to the tops of the posts using nails or screws.
Step 6: Finishing Touches Once your picket fence is complete, you can add some finishing touches to make it more stylish. You can paint the pickets and posts to match the color scheme of your home or garden or add some decorative finials to the top of the posts to give the fence a more traditional look.
A picket fence is a classic and stylish option for adding privacy and charm to your garden. With some pre-cut or custom-cut pickets and posts, a few tools, and some basic carpentry skills, you can create a beautiful and functional fence that will enhance the beauty of your outdoor space.
8. Chain Link Fence with Vines
Adding vines to a chain link fence can transform it into a green and lush backdrop. Vines like ivy, clematis, or honeysuckle can create a beautiful and natural screen.
Here’s a more detailed description of how to make a chain link fence with vines:
Materials and Tools Needed:
- Chain link fence
- Vines (such as ivy or climbing roses)
- Trellis or wires (optional)
- Gardening gloves
- Pruning shears
Step 1: Choose the Right Vines Choose vines that are appropriate for your climate and growing conditions. Some popular options include ivy, climbing roses, and clematis.
Step 2: Plant the Vines Plant the vines at the base of the chain link fence, using a trellis or wires if necessary to help them climb. Make sure to give the vines plenty of water and sunlight, and prune them regularly to keep them from becoming too dense.
Step 3: Train the Vines to Climb the Fence As the vines grow, use gardening gloves and pruning shears to train them to climb the chain link fence. Gently guide the vines around the fence, tying them to the fence with string or garden wire if necessary.
Step 4: Maintain the Vines Regularly prune and trim the vines to keep them from growing out of control or becoming too heavy for the fence to support. You may also want to periodically fertilize the vines to encourage healthy growth.
Step 5: Enjoy Your New Fence With some patience and care, you can create a beautiful and natural fence using a chain link fence and climbing vines. As the vines grow and spread, they will create a lush and vibrant backdrop for your garden, while also providing privacy and security for your outdoor space.
9. Cinder Block Wall
A cinder block wall is a cheap and easy option for creating a boundary. You can paint the blocks to match your garden’s color scheme or leave them plain for a modern look.
Here’s a more detailed description of how to make a cinder block wall with vines:
Materials and Tools Needed:
- Cinder blocks
- Mortar
- Vines (such as honeysuckle or wisteria)
- Trellis or wires (optional)
- Gardening gloves
- Pruning shears
Step 1: Plan Your Wall Determine the size and shape of your wall and make sure you have all the necessary materials on hand. Decide where you want to plant your vines and whether you will use a trellis or wires to help them climb.
Step 2: Build the Wall Using mortar and cinder blocks, build your wall according to your plan. Make sure the wall is level and secure, and allow the mortar to dry completely before planting your vines.
Step 3: Plant the Vines Plant the vines at the base of the wall, using a trellis or wires if necessary to help them climb. Make sure to give the vines plenty of water and sunlight, and prune them regularly to keep them from becoming too dense.
Step 4: Train the Vines to Climb the Wall As the vines grow, use gardening gloves and pruning shears to train them to climb the cinder block wall. Gently guide the vines around the blocks, tying them to the wall with string or garden wire if necessary.
Step 5: Maintain the Vines Regularly prune and trim the vines to keep them from growing out of control or becoming too heavy for the wall to support. You may also want to periodically fertilize the vines to encourage healthy growth.
Step 6: Enjoy Your New Wall With some patience and care, you can create a beautiful and natural wall using cinder blocks and climbing vines. As the vines grow and spread, they will create a lush and vibrant backdrop for your garden, while also providing privacy and security for your outdoor space.
10. Vertical Garden Fence
A vertical garden fence can create a living wall of plants that can be both functional and decorative. You can use a variety of planters, from hanging baskets to pallet planters, to create a lush and colorful wall.
Here’s a more detailed description of how to make a vertical garden fence with vines:
Materials and Tools Needed:
- Wooden fence panels
- Vines (such as climbing roses or jasmine)
- Trellis or wires
- Garden soil
- Plants or seeds for the vertical garden
- Planters or pots (optional)
- Gardening gloves
- Pruning shears
- Drill
Step 1: Plan Your Fence Determine the size and shape of your fence panels and make sure you have all the necessary materials on hand. Decide where you want to plant your vines and where you want to create your vertical garden.
Step 2: Build the Fence Using wooden fence panels and a drill, build your fence according to your plan. Make sure the fence is level and secure, and leave enough space between the panels for your vertical garden.
Step 3: Plant the Vines Plant the vines at the base of the fence, using a trellis or wires to help them climb. Make sure to give the vines plenty of water and sunlight, and prune them regularly to keep them from becoming too dense.
Step 4: Create the Vertical Garden Fill the planters or pots with garden soil and add your chosen plants or seeds. Hang the planters or pots on the fence panels, using hooks or brackets.
Step 5: Maintain the Vines and Garden Regularly prune and trim the vines to keep them from growing out of control or becoming too heavy for the fence to support. Water and fertilize the plants in your vertical garden as needed, and make sure they are getting enough sunlight.
Step 6: Enjoy Your New Fence With some creativity and care, you can create a beautiful and functional fence that serves as both a privacy screen and a vertical garden. As the vines grow and spread, they will create a natural and vibrant backdrop for your garden, while the vertical garden adds color and texture to the space.
Conclusion
There are plenty of cheap but stylish garden fence ideas to choose from. Whether you prefer the rustic look of a pallet fence or the sleek appearance of a corrugated metal fence, there is an option out there to suit your tastes and budget.
With a little creativity and some elbow grease, you can transform your garden into a beautiful and functional space that offers privacy and security while also adding to the overall aesthetic appeal of your property.
From woven willow fences to cinder block walls with vines, each of the fence ideas we’ve discussed offers a unique and eye-catching way to enhance your garden. And with the added benefit of being affordable and easy to make, you don’t have to break the bank to achieve a stunning result.
So whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, we hope these ideas have inspired you to get creative with your garden fence. With a little effort, you can create a beautiful and functional space that you’ll love spending time in for years to come.
