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Privacy fences in residential neighborhoods tend to stand between 6 and 8 feet tall, but local building code usually dictates the maximum height. Livestock fences that border large land plots range from 3 to 6 feet. Shorter, decorative fences, which are common in front yards, are around 3 feet tall, on average. Fence height also tends to vary by material, with wood fences usually sitting at 6 feet tall, and chain-link and wrought iron fences tending to sit at half that.

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. 

The legal implications of installing barbed wire fencing will vary from city to city. You should check your local regulations to see if barbed wire fencing is allowed, and what restrictions exist. For instance, some municipalities might require that your fence be a certain height and a certain distance from your home.

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.