Thinking About Premade Fence Panels? Consider These Pros And Cons First

If you're trying to determine what kind of fence your house needs, there are plenty of material options to choose from and a lot to consider when it comes to style, design, color, and more. One of the big decisions to make is whether you want to install premade fence panels or a stick-built fence. There are pros and cons to each option, so you'll want to think carefully about your family's needs before making a final decision. On the positive side, a fence made with premade fence panels will usually be cheaper and allow for quicker installation than a stick-built fence. Their downsides include a lack of customization and questionable durability.

Installing a premade fence is an appealingly fast process. You'll be able to complete the project in as little as a few days, saving yourself significant time compared to a stick-built installation. You also probably won't need as many people for assembly — you can easily install premade fence panels with just two sets of hands, so they're a great option if you're interested in tackling the project DIY-style. 

Although the installation can be completed without professional contractors, you should be aware that plenty of effort and know-how will still be required. For the installation, you'll need to measure and mark the spots for each post, dig their holes, and set concrete and plumb lines. When it comes time to install the panels, however, the process will be quick and painless.

Despite the advantages of installing premade fence panels, they're not always the best option when choosing the perfect fencing for your family's lifestyle. They fall short in several ways. The primary issue with these panels is that they aren't ideal if you need any significant customization. The size of each panel is set in stone, so you can't make them smaller or larger as needed, and measurements need to be perfect before installation. 

This lack of customization also means that premade panels aren't the best choice for yards with hills and slopes since you won't be able to customize them accordingly. While you can use premade panels, they'll need to be staggered, which might leave gaps underneath the fence. While this may work well enough for a privacy fence for a sloped backyard, it won't have the same functionality — pets could crawl underneath, for example. Installation on a hill can be more complicated as well, so it's best to use these panels with flat areas. 

Finally, keep in mind that the quality of premade fence panels can compare unfavorably to custom stick-built fences. They could be made from cheaper materials and be comparatively flimsy. They are more likely to fail in harsh weather conditions and may not last as long. If you're installing a fence on level ground and need to save money, premade fence panels can be a great option. However, if quality is a top priority or you need to build on a slope, you may be better off with custom stick-built fencing instead.