When I was deciding between having a fence or wall built in my backyard I didn’t know all of the factors that went into it. I had not considered building a wall before as I had grown up with a fence in the backyard every place we had lived, but it got me wondering could a wall be better than a fence?
A fence is better for both a budget option as well as maintaining a view of the surrounding scenery, while a wall is better for privacy and sound reduction. There is more to consider, however these are the primary differences.
A wall has certain strong points (pun intended), but then so does a fence. The function the barrier needs to serve is only the first step in selecting between which of the two to erect!
What Is The Difference Between A Fence And A Wall?
To make an informed decision, we need to look at the differences between walls and fences; their strengths, weaknesses, materials used, cost, maintenance required, as well as limiting factors in their application.
So to jump right in, the classical definition of a wall, according to the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary, is: “a long, vertical, solid structure, made of stone, brick, or concrete, that surrounds, divides, or protects an area of land.”
Walls are also divided into different categories. These categories are again based on function.
Some of the categories of walls include:
- Load-bearing walls (which include precast concrete walls, retaining walls, masonry walls and stone walls). These walls are used in the construction of buildings and can carry weight.
- Non-load bearing walls. These are used to separate rooms inside buildings and cannot support much weight (sometimes their own included).
- Boundary (or compound) walls. These are walls erected around properties. They can be made of several materials or combinations thereof.
For this comparison, we will focus on boundary walls.
Moving across to the definition of a fence, as per the same dictionary, “a structure made of wood or wire supported with posts that is put between two areas of land as a boundary, or around a garden, field, etc. to keep animals in, or to keep people and animals out.”
As with walls, we have different types of fences. These, however, are differentiated by materials used and not so much by function.
Although both definitions are similar, generally speaking, a wall is solid and made of masonry (brick or cement) or stone, while a fence has spaces that allow you to see through, and is made of wood or metal, and supported by fence posts.
Below is a table looking at a few of the differences between walls and fences.
Fence Comparison Chart
| Materials used | Approximate Cost | Functions/places used | Maintenance | Limiting factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wrought Iron | $26 – $34/ linear ft. | Used as boundary fencing. Used where privacy is not an issue. | Rust must be sanded off and the fence must be repainted yearly. | Areas where rust occurs are limiting (coastal and high rainfall areas) |
| Wood | $17 – $45/ linear ft. | Ideal for paddocks, livestock enclosures, gardens, and boundaries. | Depending on the wood used, replacing broken and rotten planks. Frequent sanding and repainting | Areas with high rainfall/lots of standing water and frequent fires are limiting factors. |
| Plastic (PVC) | $16.46 – $20.83 /linear ft. | When budget is an issue and security is not important. Resilient in all weather conditions. | Use a pressure washer to clean it frequently. Remove mold build-up, clear any vegetation that grows too close. | Not as solid as a wooden fence, so the area it’s in needs to be suitable. |
| Wire strand (high -ensile) | $3.50 to $8/ linear ft | Livestock, security. If you need to run electricity through the fence. Areas where water must be spanned. | Repairs to broken strands. Replacing broken standards and insulators. | Fences can sag or pull fence posts skew while under tension, especially in soft/wet ground. |
Wall Comparison Chart
| Materials used | Approximate Cost | Functions/places used | Maintenance | Limiting factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brick | $10-$45 /sq ft. | Used as boundary walls. Aesthetically pleasing. | Replace broken bricks, remove climbing plants, re-pointing mortar. | A moist climate can reduce the lifespan. |
| Stone | $25-$80/sq ft. | Used as boundary walls. Aesthetically pleasing. | Replace broken stones, replace mortar. | Areas with high frost/rainfall and erosion limit the lifespan. |
| Concrete | Poured $30-$40/ sq ft. Precast $20-$30/ sp ft. | Versatile. Used as boundary walls. | Spot check twice a year for cracks. Cleaning with a hosepipe. | A well-drained area and proper waterproofing are needed. |
With all of these barriers, it is important to check them regularly for damages, dampness, cracks, encroaching vegetation, and general wear and tear. If you are on top of it, any wall or fence could last you for many years. Consequently, if you neglect to maintain your barrier, even the best quality wall or fence will “come tumbling down.”
Wall – Pros And Cons
We have looked at some of the differences between walls and fences. Now we will look at some of the strengths and weaknesses of walls specifically.
| Pros | Cons |
| Little maintenance required | Expensive |
| Can prevent fires from burning property | A proper foundation is needed |
| Provide a high level of privacy | Difficult to build in rocky/uneven terrains |
| Very strong structure | Not ideal in wetland/marshy areas |
| Great for security | They can give the impression of unfriendliness |
| If well maintained, they can last for decades | A higher level of skill is required to build |
Fence – Pros And Cons
If we jump across to fences, we will now look at some of their strengths and weaknesses.
| Pros | Cons |
| Depending on the material used, it can be a strong structure | Depending on the material, a high degree of maintenance is required |
| Not too expensive (material dependant) | Generally unable to prevent fire from entering a property |
| Great for security | Less privacy due to gaps in the fence |
| Very high aesthetic value | Depending on the material, whole sections may need to be replaced if damaged. |
| Can be erected in wetland/marshy areas | Wooden poles may need to be put into concrete sleeves, especially in wet areas. |
| Can be erected in rocky/uneven areas | |
| No foundation is needed (mostly) | |
| A lower level of skill is required to erect |
Wall Vs. Fence; Which Is Better?
The debate of which is better, walls or fences, could be ongoing. However, when it comes down to choosing a wall or a fence, we need to look at which type of barrier will be the best “fit” for us.
Firstly, what is the intended purpose of the fence?
- Does it need to keep things in or out
- What type of things are being kept in or out
Once you know that, we can look at factors such as:
- The environment the barrier will be erected in (wet, dry, windy, uneven surfaces, etc.)
- The area it needs to span. What is the total area that needs to be closed off?
- The cost involved and the budget available. This includes the labor needed to erect. This point is linked to most other points. If you need to cover a large area and have a small budget, a cheaper option, such as a wire strand fence, may be viable.
- Materials required will also be linked to cost and function.
- Personal preference and aesthetics. You can put a top layer (e.g., paint or plaster) over a wall if you don’t like how it looks. Some fences, such as wrought iron, can be manufactured to your preference. Some people enjoy the aesthetics of a wooden fence.
- Maintenance. How much, how often, and the skill required to maintain the barrier.
- Legal requirements. Most states will require you to get a permit before you erect a wall or a fence. It may be that the decision is made for you, legally speaking. Another point to consider would be, does your insurance cover a wall or a fence?
After considering these factors, you can make an informed decision as to which option will be the best one for you!
Conclusion
The choice is yours when it comes to deciding between a wall and a fence. If you need to keep invading hordes out, it’s probably best to opt for a wall. If you want to keep livestock in an area, a fence should do the trick! Make sure you consider all the factors, and then your decision will be an informed one. At the end of the day, the purpose the barrier needs to serve and your available budget will be two of the biggest factors.