You can build attractive and inexpensive fences from recycled materials.
Many people consider structures created from recycled products as aesthetically unpleasing collections of junk, but creative folk know that beauty is often a product of method, rather than material, and that the most interesting works often arise from a reapplication of a product’s original design. Fencing provides a perfect medium for the use of recycled materials, and will allow to you express your creativity while conserving natural resources and, more than likely, saving you money.
Recycled Wood
Lots of free wood is available in most urban and suburban areas, if you know where to look. Pallets form one of the most common sources, and you can usually find those for free behind stores that use forklifts to unload their wares (large hardware and bulk food stores are good bets) or in shipping yards. Take the pallets apart and use the wood to build a custom fence, or utilize a line of them in their original form, with a header beam to give strength to the structure. Construction sites provide another prime location for gleaning free, usable scraps of wood.
Tree Branches
Use tree branches to make intriguing and strong fences, but remember that they generally require a significant amount of work to build. Create posts and cross beams with strong branches, and weave or tie smaller branches to those to add body to the structure. Choose different color branches for accent effects.
Scrap Metal
Scrap metal is generally inexpensive or free in junk yards and garage sales, and makes unique fences and gates. Use bed frame pieces for posts and railings, and other interesting objects wired in place to add flavor. Painting the fence adds boldness, and protects against rust.
Manufactured Fencing with Recycled Materials
Many companies fabricate plastic or plastic/wood composite fence pieces from recycled materials, and while those aren’t free, they offer a traditional fence look with relative ease of construction. Pieces are typically available in standard lumber sizes, in a variety of colors, and depending on construction can be stronger, lighter and more durable than wood.
