DIY vs. Professional Fence Installation: What’s the Best Fit for Your Project?
Installing a new fence is a big step toward improving your yard’s privacy, security, and curb appeal. If you’re planning to add a vinyl privacy fence, chain link fence, or steel ornamental fencing, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to tackle the project yourself or hire a professional.
At Compass Fence Co., we’ve worked with plenty of homeowners who enjoy DIY projects and others who prefer to leave it to the pros. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but understanding the pros and cons of each approach can help you make the right call for your situation.
Why Some Homeowners Choose DIY Fence Installation
If you're handy, enjoy working outdoors, and want to save on labor costs, the DIY route can be a rewarding experience.
DIY Pros:
Budget-Friendly (At First): Skipping labor costs can make a dent in the overall price.
Work at Your Own Pace: No need to coordinate schedules—you can build on weekends or whenever you have time.
Personal Satisfaction: Completing a fence on your own can be a proud moment, especially if you're an experienced DIYer.
DIY Considerations:
Precision Matters: A fence is only as strong as its posts. Uneven ground, improper spacing, or crooked lines can cause long-term issues.
Tools & Materials: You’ll likely need specialized tools, like a post hole digger, level, saw, and concrete mixer.
Time Investment: It can be a multi-day project, especially if you run into unexpected challenges like tree roots or slope changes.
Permits & Codes: Be prepared to check local regulations and call for utility locates before digging.
When Professional Installation Makes Sense
If you’re short on time, don’t have the tools, or just want peace of mind knowing it’s done right the first time, professional installation can be well worth the investment.
Professional Pros:
Experience Counts: Professionals know how to handle tricky layouts, grading issues, and material quirks.
Time-Saving: What might take you several weekends can often be finished in a day or two by an experienced crew.
Durability & Reliability: A properly installed fence is more likely to stand up to Minnesota’s changing seasons.
No Guesswork: Permits, utility marking, and HOA guidelines are handled upfront.
Professional Considerations:
Higher Upfront Cost: You’ll be paying for labor, but potentially avoiding costly future repairs.
Scheduling: You'll need to plan ahead, especially during the busy spring and summer months.
How DIY and Pro Compare for Different Fence Types
Let’s break down how each option works for the fences we install most often:
Vinyl Privacy Fencing
DIY: Vinyl offers clean lines and a sleek finish, but installing it correctly takes care—especially when setting posts and ensuring panels are level. It’s easy to end up with gaps or sagging if you’re not careful.
Pro Tip: We use string lines and laser levels to ensure a flawless, level look—especially important for longer runs or sloped yards.
Chain Link Fencing
DIY: Probably the most DIY-friendly of the three. If you're comfortable mixing concrete and stretching wire mesh, it’s a doable weekend project. Just be sure to get your tension right and space your posts correctly.
Pro Tip: We use tension bars and come-alongs to get that clean, tight finish—plus we make sure gates line up perfectly.
Steel Ornamental Fencing
DIY: This is where things get tricky. Steel panels are heavy and require precision. Getting posts set correctly and mounting panels at the right height is crucial, especially on slopes.
Pro Tip: We often custom-fit panels on-site for a smooth, consistent look. It’s tough to do this right without experience or the right tools.
DIY or Pro: Which Should You Choose?
Fence Type DIY Difficulty. Best For DIYers? Better With a Pro?
Vinyl Privacy Medium-High Only if you're experienced ✅ Yes
Chain Link Medium ✅ Yes (with tools & time) ✅ Yes
Steel Ornamental High Not recommended unless you're very experienced ✅ Definitely
✅ DIY Fence Installation Checklist
Brought to you by Compass Fence Co. – Serving the Twin Cities with quality fencing solutions
Whether you're installing a chain link, vinyl privacy, or steel ornamental fence, this checklist will help you stay organized and avoid common pitfalls.
📍 Planning & Preparation
Measure your yard and sketch a layout of the fence, including gate locations.
Check property lines to avoid disputes with neighbors.
Call 811 (Gopher State One Call) to have underground utilities marked.
Check local ordinances or HOA rules for fence height, style, and setbacks.
Apply for permits if required in your city or township.
Choose your fence type:
Vinyl Privacy
Chain Link
Steel Ornamental
🧰 Materials & Tools Checklist
General Tools:
Tape measure
String line or laser level
Post hole digger or auger
Level
Shovel
Concrete (bags or mix) if applicable
Wheelbarrow or mixing tub
Gloves & safety glasses
Fence-Specific Items:
For Vinyl Fences:
Vinyl posts and panels
Post caps
Gate hardware
For Chain Link Fences:
Posts and top rail
Chain link mesh
Tension bars and bands
Tie wire or clips
Fence stretcher or come-along
Gates and latches
For Steel Ornamental Fences:
Steel panels
Mounting brackets or weld sleeves
Posts (line, corner, end)
Screws and anchors
Custom gate components (if needed)
🛠️ Installation Steps
Mark post locations using stakes and string.
Drive posts below frost line.
Attach panels or rails per manufacturer instructions.
Hang and align gates carefully.
Double-check alignment and secure all hardware.
Clean up site and dispose of extra materials.
🧩 Final Tips
⚠️ Always build with a slight gap at the bottom to allow for water drainage.
🧊 In cold climates like Minnesota, bury posts below the frost line (around 42” deep).
🔁 Double-check panel spacing before setting all posts in concrete.
📷 Take progress photos—great for documenting your work or sharing online!
Want expert advice? Even if you’re doing it yourself, we’re happy to offer tips or confirm measurements. Give us a call at 612-310-4279 or email dtalach@compassfenceco.com.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, it depends on your comfort level, available time, and the complexity of your yard. If you love a good weekend project and have the tools, a DIY fence (especially chain link) might be within reach. But for high-end materials like vinyl or steel, or when you want to make sure it’s done once and done right, professional installation can save you time, stress, and future repairs.
Either way, planning is key—measure twice, check your local codes, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Have Questions About Your Fence Project?
Whether you’re DIY-ing it or thinking about hiring a crew, we’re happy to help you explore your options. Compass Fence Co. proudly serves the Twin Cities and surrounding areas with expert installation of vinyl privacy, chain link, and steel ornamental fences—and we’re always here to answer your fencing questions (we just don’t do wood).
Reach out anytime at 612-310-4279 or dtalach@compassfenceco.com.
