Get matched with top fencing pros in Fairbank, IA

Retaining walls offer more value to a home if they also divert water, prevent erosion, or help support a foundation. The ROI of a retaining wall is between 100% and 200%.

Both fences and walls can increase your home’s value, but you’ll spend significantly more on a wall than you would on a fence. A stone wall costs approximately $5,000, a retaining wall costs $6,100, and a fence costs $3,200 on average to put prices in perspective. 

When it comes to materials, wire fences are the cheapest option. The average cost for a 150-foot wire fence is $1,350. The next cheapest material is chain-link, followed by wood.

As far as the style of fence, smaller, less private fences are cheaper than large, elaborate fences that block your whole yard. That’s why split-rail fences are the cheapest option for wooden fences. They cost roughly $10 to $30 per linear foot.

A chain link fence typically lasts between 15 and 20 years, but with proper maintenance, it can last for 30 years or more. To preserve the fence, it's important to keep the mesh wire tight, which can be done with a come-along tool every 6 to 12 months. Investing in a fence with a galvanized, powder-coated, or vinyl-coated finish can increase its lifespan to 20 to 30 years and reduce maintenance needs, as these coatings provide extra protection against the elements.

The cheapest farm fences are typically wire fences, which cost less to install than traditional lumber fences. Barbed wire is one of the most inexpensive options due to its simple materials, making it a good choice for low budgets. It is suitable for confining docile animals in large spaces, as it provides a visual barrier and a mild deterrent. Other options like hog wire and woven wire fences are also cost-effective because they require less lumber than a full wooden fence. These types of wire fences are strong, long-lasting, and relatively easy to repair, though they are often considered less aesthetically pleasing than wood.