cheap easy diy dog fence

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 16, 2024

Contributions sourced from

13 DIY Dog Fences You Can Build Today (With Pictures)

Dog fences are an invaluable tool in the dog owners arsenal. They can prevent your dog from making a bid for freedom. They can provide a barrier between your yard and the outside world, or they can be used to fence off specific areas of your own property.

While there are plenty of commercial dog fences available, these can cost a lot of money and may not be suitable for the exact space that you have available and that you need to fill. Using DIY plans and following along with instructional videos teaches you how to build a dog fence, so even if you have a unique space or have some other specific requirement, these DIY dog fences could be the ideal solution for you.

Top 13 DIY Dog Fence Plans

1. No Digging DIY Dog Fence by LittleAboutAlot

It isnt always practical to dig down into your garden. Whether your garden is covered in an impenetrable substrate, or you dont want to risk your security deposit, this no-digging DIY dog fence design enables you to create a dog fence that uses posts that can be easily hammered down into the ground. The fence itself is made from reasonably sturdy wire, although if you have an especially large or strong dog, you may need to consider a different material for your fence construction.

2. Wire Dog Fence Panels by Bits of wood Workshop

Using these wire dog fence panels, you can create a run or completely encompass the dog play area in your yard. Use the panels to separate your own yard from the outside or create a specific area that is set aside for your dog. This is another design that uses wire, but the main frame is made from sturdy wood, so it should be stronger than the previous plan.

3. Cheap DIY Wire Dog Pen by JasonWorksAlot

Wire is a popular choice of material for creating dog fences. It is cheap, flexible enough that it wont break easily during construction or use, and it is readily available and easy to work with. This cheap DIY wire dog pen is made by hammering stakes into the ground and then running the wire mesh around the stakes, and fixing it in place. Best suited to smaller dogs, this pen will also work with calm dogs that arent too keen on getting away.

4. DIY Mesh Dog Fence by UnchainYourDog

Mesh fences provide a better alternative to chaining or leashing up dogs while theyre outside. They can be erected around the house and, as with these DIY mesh dog fence plans, you can use existing features like the side of the property to help create an enclosed space and potentially reduce the amount of fencing you have to make. These plans not only show the capability of DIY fences to meet any special requirements, but they show the benefit of working with the space you have.

5. Dig Resistant Dog Run by LeaveMeAloneImBusyFarming

Some dogs are born escapologists, and if they cant find a way over or around fences, they will dig and look for a way under any boundary you erect. This dig resistant dog run is designed to keep even the most determined pup in, and your dog will have to dig down several inches to be able to fashion an escape route.

6. DIY PVC Dog Fence by JulesVerneReyes

This PVC dog fence is made from PVC and costs the owner a little more than $30 to construct. The plans use PVC pipes, which are obviously not as strong and resilient as wood, but they will be effective to keep calm dogs that do not have a strong sense of wanderlust.

7. Indoor Fence by Dogsaholic by Dogsaholic

Fences arent just useful outdoors; they can keep your dog safe indoors too. A DIY indoor fence is a sturdy way to keep your puppy in one place without shutting them in a spare room. Its a great option for when you need to leave the house for work but want to give your puppy space to play outside of their crate, without giving them run of the whole house.

For this DIY plan, youll need to purchase a few supplies and adjust the measurements of your fence to suit your home and the size of your dog. It doesnt require that much work or many tools to put together, though you might need a hammer if the bars are a tight fit.

8. Quick and Easy Pet Fence by Pethelpful

Many fences take a great deal of effort and patience to set up. Unfortunately, it also takes time, which we dont always have. This is why a quick and easy pet fence like this DIY plan is so effective.

It might not be as sturdy or as pretty as a white picket fence, but its much easier and cheaper to install. The light construction also makes it simple to take down and put back up if you ever need to move it, saving you money on a new fence later.

9. Wooden Dog Lot by Timothy DC

Simple wire fences are effective but arent always aesthetically pleasing or sturdy. This wooden dog lot combines a wire fence with a wooden framework to create a safe, reliable, and strong fence for your dog.

You can adjust the post sizes to your needs, though it does require digging and concreting them in place to ensure proper stability. The best part about this design is how easy it is to join it with an existing fence. If youre planning to section off a part of your yard for a dog run or keep your dog out of your vegetable patch, its a sturdy choice with a modern flair.

10. DIY Wire Fence by Komar Project

Building a reliable fence takes time and effort, but its the best way to keep your dog in and other animals out. This DIY wire fence is simple but labor intensive and requires careful attention to ensure that the fence is straight. The result is stylish and sturdy and looks perfect in a small neighborhood or on a farm.

Youll need plenty of time to spare, as well as marking paint and string for planning where your new fence will go. Remember to purchase hinges and a locking mechanism if youre making a gate to match the fence.

11. Pallet Dog Fence by Kinlocks Korner

One of the most versatile DIY materials is wooden pallets. They can be used for all sorts of projects and can even make a sturdy dog fence. Unlike traditional wire or wooden fences, a pallet fence only requires a few metal joiners and wooden stakes to secure it in place.

The best part is that the pallets look neat and stylish and are more than durable enough to keep your dog safe in your yard. It doesnt take much work to put together, and a friends help can make the job much quicker.

12. Modular Hogwire Panel Fence by Gator_Overland

Unraveling heavy rolls of wire fencing is always hard work, and you can avoid the hassle by using horse or cow panels. This DIY plan is for a modular hogwire panel fence that looks stylish and is relatively easy to put together. The design relies on a wooden framework with dado grooves and sturdy horse panels that dont need to be unrolled.

Youll need to adjust the measurements for each panel depending on how big you want your dogs space to be. Remember to mark out the fence line with string and marking paint to keep everything in line.

13. Wooden Privacy Fence by Lowes

If you live in town, a wire fence wont shelter your yard from prying eyes. A wooden privacy fence is a reliable alternative and is more than sturdy enough to keep your dog safe.

Youll have to purchase the supplies that you need from a home improvement store, though, and putting the fence together is time consuming. However, this DIY plan by Lowes ensures that you wont be on your own during your project and will soon have a sturdy fence that keeps your dog in and nosy neighbors out.

Besides providing more privacy, wooden fences have the benefit of avoiding the need to handle massive rolls of wire fencing. The construction isnt as fast but it is much easier.

Final Thoughts on DIY Dog Fences

Dog fences help you keep dogs in your yard, or they can be used to prevent your dog from getting into certain areas of the garden. They dont have to be expensive, but they do need to be strong enough to cope with your dog, and they can be made from a range of materials including wood, wire, metal, and even PVC. We hope that youve enjoyed learning how to build a dog fence you and your dog can both enjoy!

You Might Also Be Interested In:

Featured Image Credit: sergio souza, Pexels

5 DIY Dog Fence Ideas (Cheap And Easy To Install)

FYI: we may earn a commission for qualified purchases made through the links in our articles (learn more).

Quick Summary

The most common DIY dog fence include PVC deer block, metal wire fence, chain link fence, EMT fencing , and pallet fence.
Figure out what type of fencing suits your yard and budget so that you can make something that satisfies your needs.
DIY fences are still not a guarantee to keep your dog contained. It is best to also train your dog so that he does not attempt to escape.

DIY dog fence projects can be as complicated as installing posts reinforced by concrete bases for the main framework and then adding chicken wire, or as simple as putting up a chain link or PVC fence. If you want more detailed steps on how to do these as well as different fence types, keep reading my guide below.

If you are concerned about your dogshealthor his or hersafety, theres really nothing better to add to your home than a fence. While not every fence is right for every dog, there are plenty of options out there for those who are willing to do the work on their own. If youre looking into a DIY dog fence project, you might want to consider a few different options.

DIY Dog FenceThe Basics and The Different Types

Before you start thinking about the fence building process, youll want to think about the types of fences that are out there. I suggest you consider not only what your dog needs but also what kind of materials will help you to accomplish your fencing goals.

If you need to make sure that you stay within a very small budget, you might want to go with something similar to temporary dog fences like a deer block. This netting is made of PVC and can serve the purpose of roping off an area in which your dog can exercise and play. Its not always attractive, of course, but DIY fences like this can get the job done

A bit more expensive, but significantly less unsightly, is the humble metal fence that could be a permanent fence. Available aschain linkor wired mesh, these fences are relatively easy to install but still strong enough to stand up to bigger dogs.

There are also a host of other options that can fit very specific needs. Poultry netting, for example, is great for keeping smaller dogs in small spaces, while pallet fencing can be erected for virtually no cost at all if you can find the right source. You can even go more traditional, with wood orvinylfencing that can keep even the most stuck-up HOA members happy.

All these options, although not perfect, are useful when learning how to train a dog to stay in the yard.

DIY Recommendations: PVC Deer Block

Deer block netting is fairly common in areas where deer tend to roam, especially when those areas tend to butt up against gardens. Deer block netting isnt just for keeping deer out, though; instead, this incredibly cheap fencing can be great for keeping dogs in a yard. Since the material is relatively light for its level of strength, it can also easily be used as a type of portable fencing material.

The great part about working with deer netting is that all youll really need to install are the fence posts. If you can hammer a post into the ground or make use of a post-hole digger, you can set up areas to attach the netting. This allows the builder a degree of customization, as the flexible nature of the material will allow you to create a space of virtually any shape for your dog.

DIY Recommendations: Metal Wire Fence

A metal wire is another one of those fencing materials that tend to be more popular with DIY enthusiasts than anyone else. It doesnt require any sort of special skill to install, and the lack of special tools means that you can actually get to work on this type of fence as soon as youre able to get out and get the material.

While ease of installation is a great thing, most dog owners go for this type of fence because it simply doesnt break. While metal wire fence looks fairly non-descript after it is installed, the truth is that this type of fencing is also incredibly hard for your dog to get through. If safety is a priority, you may want to think about this type of fence.

So, how does metal wire work as DIY dog fences?

Youll start by installing metal stakes in your fence perimeter, spaced roughly evenly so that you can get the wire fencing installed tautly. From there, youll attach each bit of wire fencing to either end of the poles, creating a barrier through which your dog cannot run. The great news is that metal wire wont stop your dog from getting a great view of the world, which can help to keep him or she intellectually stimulated while outside.

Perhaps the best part of this type of fencing is that you can add a gate to your yard. This will let you get in and out easily, which in turn helps with the maintenance of the area. Note that while a gate is great for you, it needs to be built solidly enough that your dog cannot figure out how to use it for his or her own exits.

DIY Recommendations: Chain Link Fence

Yes, chain link fencing is available for those who want a good DIY project. Chain link is an absolute classic for dog owners, giving you the safety you need to stay calm when youre away while still giving your dog the freedom to wander that he or she might need to deal with certain types of health oremotionalproblems [1].

One of the really nice things about a chain link fence is that you can buy it in panels. Youll just attach each panel to a metal fence post as you go, putting together the project in no time. Chain link might cost a little more than other types of fencing, but its among the easiest types of fencing to install on your own.

DIY Recommendations: EMT Fencing

If youre looking for something a little on the unique side, you might want to tryconduit fencing. Sturdy and reliable, this type of fencing will take some time to install but its more than worth the effort. Be warned, thoughyou cant install EMT without a good EMT fencing guide, so youll need to seek one out before you decide on this type of project.

DIY Recommendations: Pallet Fencing

Finally, theres the ultimate in low-cost fencingthe pallet dog fence. Pallet fencing is literally made out of old pallets, which can be stood up on an end and used to create a unique type of wood fence. Its not going to look great, of course, but it will more than serve the purpose of helping your dog to stay safe and contained.

As you might expect, you can put together wood fences made of pallets in just about any way that works for you. Given that this is really the ultimate kind of DIY dog fence project, you shouldnt be surprised to find yourself needing to reinstall sections of the fence or figuring out new ways to keep the product steady on the fly. If you are able to get this type of fence to work, though, it can last for far longer than you might expect.

Tips for Building Your First DIY Dog Fence

The truth about building a good DIY dog fence is that youre going to suffer through some trial and error on your first attempt. If you go with something simple like a chain link fencing, for example, youre going to have to deal with problems of spacing. If youre going with something as complex as pallets, though, you might have to expand your engineering knowledge to get the look you want.

Always keep in mind that the fence you are building is meant to contain a dog, not to entertain a human. This means that youre going to be prioritizing safety first and containment second, with aesthetics a distant last. If you have to sacrifice anything in this build, it really should be the way that the fencing looks.

With this said, a DIY fence doesnt have to look bad. I suggest you do some work investigating the types of fencing that work best in your type of yard and with your budget so that you can figure out something that will satisfy your dogs needs as well as your own. If youre willing to do your homework, you might find some surprising options that can help you to create the perfect fence for both of you.Sometimes an invisible fence is the better option.

A Note on Containing Your Dog

Since keeping your dog safe and contained is your biggest concern when building a DIY dog fence, youll need to spend some time looking at your fence from the dogs point of view. The first thing that most builders look at when putting together a fence is the height of the fence; while you will almost certainly keep in mind that many dogs can jump fairly high, you should also try to remember that a number of breeds are incredibly good at climbing certain types of fences.

The height of your fence isnt the only thing to keep in mind, though. If your dog isnt able to jump the fence, he or she might try to tunnel under the fence in order to make an escape. There are a number of great fence guards on the market right now for owners of dogs who like to dig, but even keeping a few large rocks around the edges of the fence can be enough to dissuade some dogs, but first learn the ways on how to stop a dog from digging.

Finally, make sure that any gates that you install are strong enough to stand up to your dog. It turns out that gates can be exactly the kind of weak points that dogs love to exploit, especially if they see their owners using them on a regular basis. Not only should your gate always shut firmly, but you should make sure that the latch isnt in a place where it can be manipulated by a patient and intelligent dog.

The Human Factor

As a dog owner, you certainly care about making sure that your fence is safe for your dog. You may, however, also need to make sure that the type of fence that you build isnt going to get you in trouble. One unfortunate truth is that many of the types of dog fences that are easy to recommend for DIY enthusiasts are also the types of fences that tend to get banned by homeowners associations.

If you can get your fencing materials approved by the HOA, make sure that you follow all the rules you need to follow. This means not only getting permits pulled when necessary, but keeping any color or height guidelines in mind when you are buying fence material. Remember, if your DIY plan cant be approved, you may need to pick another fencing plan.If physical dog fences are not allowed where you live, consider getting todays best wireless dog fence or the best GPS dog fences. These devices are also great if youre flying overseas with your dog and want him to safely stay put somewhere.

DIY: A Great Way to Build a Fence

If you feel comfortable getting your hands dirty, you really can build the kind of fence that will help to keep your dog safe. Youll need to pick the right materials and youll always want to make sure that you can get approval to build when necessary, but actually doing the job isnt all that hard. Follow a good guide, dont be afraid to start over if you make mistakes, and dont be afraid to ask for help when necessary. If you can do all of that, you can create a great new space in which your favorite pets can run.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make a simple dog fence?

A simple dog fence can be built by installing a few fence posts and then attaching a bit of deer netting between each fence post. Its not necessarily the most stylish way to build a dog fence, but this type of fencing will help to keep all but the most determined dog inside of his or her designated space.

What is the cheapest fence for dogs?

The overall cheapest type of fencing is probably pallet fencing. Given that you can probably find used pallets at most work sites or big box stores for almost nothing, you can probably put together a good pallet fence for less than a hundred dollars.

What is the cheapest way to build a fence?

The cheapest way to build a dog fence is by getting used pallets and using them to build an ad hoc fence. This type of fencing isnt always the easiest to install, but it tends to be tall and strong enough to keep most dogs in their yards.