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Vinyl and chicken wire are two of the best and most affordable materials for a DIY garden fence. Vinyl is a great option because it is cost-effective, easy to work with, and effective at keeping pests out. A vinyl fence can cost as little as $15 per linear foot, especially if you install it yourself. Chicken wire is even more budget-friendly, costing as little as $2 per linear foot. While chicken wire is more affordable, vinyl is a better choice if privacy is a concern. You can also add chicken wire on top of a vinyl fence for extra security.

Galvanized metal, vinyl, and composite fences are known to be the longest-lasting options, often surviving for over 30 years with proper care. Metal fences, including galvanized chain link and aluminum, can look great for decades because the galvanization process adds a protective coating that resists weather and pests. Similarly, vinyl and composite materials are resistant to pests and can withstand harsh weather for many years. In comparison, a typical wood fence lasts about 15 years, and a standard vinyl fence has a lifespan of 20 to 30 years.

When your rolls of silt fence join together, you’ll want to overlap them to make sure they’re still as effective at keeping water out without requiring fastening together. Overlap two sections of the silt fencing so that two sheets of fabric cover the span of two posts. If you want to fasten them together, you can staple them or use a zip tie, depending on whether your posts are metal or wood. 

A chain-link fence does not lower your property value. However, chain links are not the most attractive materials—so it probably won’t raise the value either. If this is a concern, opt for wooden posts to provide visual flair and go with a color coating on your fence. Putting in a functional and attractive gate also helps up your resale value when installing a chain-link fence.