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There are two things you can do to make a fence replacement easier—but keep in mind that easier doesn’t mean better. First, you can use a jack or some other type of machinery to pull the post out of the ground. If that’s not available, a digging bar can help.

Second, you can backfill the hole with gravel rather than creating a concrete footing. Keep in mind, gravel is less secure. You should only use it if you’re installing a lightweight fence or have heavier, clay soil.

It’s usually cheaper to buy pre-made fence panels than to build your own. This surprises many people since DIY tasks so often save money. However, large stores don’t have to pay the same amount per board of wood that homeowners do, allowing them to sell pre-made panels at a more cost-effective rate. Pre-made panels also save a great deal of time, energy, and guesswork. The drawback is that they are harder to customize to the shape and slope of your yard.

The lifespan of a picket fence largely depends on its material. Wooden picket fences typically last 10 to 15 years with regular maintenance, while vinyl and composite picket fences can last 20 to 30 years or more due to their resistance to weather, rot, and pests. Metal picket fences often exceed 30 years, especially when properly coated to prevent rust or corrosion.

You'll pay less on average for the cost of a wooden fence compared to aluminum. However, the price highly depends on the type of wood, the fence design, and extra additions like gates and coats of paint. For example, you may pay less to install an aluminum fence since the panels anchor in the ground, whereas wood fences often take longer to construct, especially picket fences.