How much does it cost to fence a yard?
 

I'd like a wood fence, the kind you can't see through- about 6' high, to cover a big open yard. I can't even guess how big...maybe 50 feet on each side of a big square area?? ( so a total of 200 feet of fence)

Yeah, I'm retarded about this stuff.
I've tried going on websites and they all want me to sign up for a consultation. Can't find a damn price...

Is wood a lot more expensive?
Are installation fees outrageous?

I've been dreaming of a yard for about 10 years.
I found a great little apartment with a HUGE yard and the owner says it would be okay to put up a fence. It would increase his property value, so I don't see why not.
I'll work out an agreement with him before we put it up so I can either take it with me or be partially reimbursed...

Okay, so..Prices?

By the way, I've had WAY too much coffee and am impatiently awaiting your responses :)

Well, measure the perimeter where you want to have fence, then head down to Home Depot/Lowe's/Whatever and price some stuff. They have modular sections. That'll give you a materials cost. If you can put it in yourself, you're all set. If not, well, you're going to have to get a contractor to come look at it and give you an estimate whether you like it or not.

It's possible you will need a permit or something like that in some towns.

330 feet of Redbrand goat fence will set you back about $220, but think of the cheeses!

More info needed. Wood fence? If so, pine, cedar, fir? Privacy, picket, lattice topped, split rail, or maybe even neighbor friendly fence?
There is also vinyl fencing with the same style options.
Then there's chain link, which you can get in a variety of heights, and wrought iron fencing as well. (You can even get vinyl fencing that looks like wrought iron!!)
Bamboo fences are popular, as are reed/ rush/ dried wheatie-whatever fences.
Depending on what material you choose, the amount of posts you will need will vary..... which changes how many pier blocks, cement, sonotubes or whatnot you need to buy.
Then you have to take into consideration if you want any gates, and if so - how many.... blah blah blah.

Trust me - we just built our house, and we looked into fence costs as well. I gave up and bought $1500 worth of trees. (we are talking Alaska here - nothing is cheap)

Ooooh..... and most importantly, do it yourself, or hire someone?

Wow seak, I feel like I'm in good hands.
To answer your questions:
Cedar wood, solid board, picket
80-160 feet of fence depending on price
1 gate
hire someone.
If installation is very expensive, I might hire someone to just put the posts in and do the rest ourselves.

(I've been doing my homework!)

You better check the zoning regulations to see what you are allowed. Most places have a restriction on at least height. :)

So you are looking at a clear (no knots) cedar picket fence? Do you want painted, stained, or left to age? And the gate - just a regular swing gate with a latch, or something else? And as Bruce mentioned, height issues will affect you zoning-wise, but it will also effect you price-wise.
hehehehe.... aint I a pain in the ass?

If you want to look at some lumber prices (probably not in your area) check out dunnlum.com

It's Dunn Lumber in Washington State, and we bought all of our framing lumber, plywood, insulation (with lots to spare), sheetrock/ greenboard, roof trusses (with a few hitches), vapor barrier.....the list goes on..... for a 2400 sf house for $27K.

Regardless of what decision you make, shop around and buy the materials on your own - you will save money.

I can deal with a 5 ft fence. I'd probably get whatever wood is cheapest. Unfinished is fine, regular gate is fine. As long as it doesn't let my chihuahuas leak out...

Can I do this for under $2000?

Hey Stacey - I got the impression somewhere that you guys were renting. Is that right?

[quote=I found a great little apartment with a HUGE yard and the owner says it would be okay to put up a fence. It would increase his property value, so I don't see why not.
I'll work out an agreement with him before we put it up so I can either take it with me or be partially reimbursed...
QUOTE]

that's correct.

I would carefully consider whether this is really going to be worth it for you. For the kind of fence you're talking about, you have to sink some fairly substantial posts into concrete. You won't be taking those puppies with you. So at least part of your investment is going to be lost when you move.

Might still be worthwhile if you plan on renting there for a long time, but I'd work it out on pencil and paper first.

I agree with dar, stacey. Why don't you put your fence money towards a down payment on your own home with a fence? Why buy a fence for your landlord when you're already paying his mortgage?
You should qualify for an FHA loan (2.75% down payment) and HUD offers grants to first time home buyers.

Don't I wish...We don't have a 2.75% downpayment.
I quit my job because all my hair fell out from stress.
I have a $2000 savings bond that my grandfather gave me and told me to get whatever I want.
All I want is a friggin fenced in yard. That's it.

We are going to have to wait a few years before we can start thinking about buying a house or even renting more than an apartment with a yard.

And no, there aren't any apartments in our price range with a fenced in yard. This apartment I looked at yesterday had a HUGE yard and was exactly in our range.
I just thought I could work with that.

Just looking at prices it seems like 200ft of 6ft stockade fence is going to cost you almost $2K, and then it will need to be installed.
I don't want to be pain in your ass, but if you have $2K and HUD is offering up to $10K (ADDI), why wait a few years to buy? A few years of equity can mean a lot of money. If waitressing is too stressful, why not buy a multi-family and try your hand at being the landlord?
Ok. I'll shut up now.