How can I build an inexpensive 10 foot wall?
by
Wendy Kirby
+5
I need to surround my property with a high wall so that no one can see it from the street. The property is about an acre and I want to surround it on all four sides with a 10 or 12 foot high wall. My ideal would be a stone wall, but I'm sure that is probably the most expensive idea. I have thought of privacy hedges, but they take a long time to grow and they require upkeep which is expensive and recurring. I think brick will be expensive. I don't want to do wood because that rots and it's not pretty. I am thinking cinder blocks, rebar, concrete, and stucco. I have no experience in the building trades. Any suggestions? Cost is the most important issue, but I want the fence to be nice and I want it to last.
Related Discussions
Suggested Project Book
Before you embark on this project, be sure you check with your local building codes...some places, you need a building permit for anything over 5 feet. Good Luck!
I would definitely visit a fencing company and a masonry company to get pricing on all your ideas. Barricading in a house on an acre with 10 foot tall walls is going to be expensive with whatever material you use. While it may take several years for landscaping, specifically trees or shrubs, to grow I think it would be your least expensive option and most attractive one.
Even cinderblock will be expensive. Furthermore you need to check height requirements with your municipality. Any wall over 3' requires a permit whether you build it, or hire out. I get wanting privacy, but what is the need for a 10'+ wall? It will raise a lot of suspicion. Trust me, most people are to wrapped up in their own lives and could care less what you are doing. Where I live, in the middle of a family neighborhood, no one really knows me or has any clue about my life, comings and goings. I could drop dead and until I stink up the place, no one would care or come look for me. Here are some sites to get you started.
https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-build-a-cinder-block-wall-2/
https://howmuch.net/costs/wall-block-install
Absolutely, without any hesitation, check all local building codes and requirements first. You'll need a permit and you'll need to check for water, gas and electrical lines BEFORE you dig to install anything. You'll be required to stay within certain feet of adjoining properties so you'll need to know exactly where property lines exist which may require professional surveying. Do it right then enjoy your privacy. Best of luck.