How much does it cost to build a fence?
How much does it cost to build a fence?
According to our fence installation cost estimator, building a fence costs an average of $2,700, with most homeowners paying between $1,600 and $3,400. On average, expect to pay about $13 to $25 per linear foot to install a privacy fence.
$13 – $25 Cost per linear foot installed
$1,600 – $3,400 Average total cost to build
According to our fence installation cost estimator, building a fence costs an average of $2,700, with most homeowners paying between $1,600 and $3,400. On average, expect to pay about $13 to $25 per linear foot to install a privacy fence.
Fence Installation Cost
On average, fence installation costs between $13 and $25 per linear foot with most homeowners spending between $1,600 and $3,400 depending on the type of fencing materials selected. A typical privacy fence costs about $2,700 to install, with materials alone making up around 70% of your total price.
| National Average Cost | $2,700 |
| Minimum Cost | $800 |
| Maximum Cost | $7,500 |
| Average Range | $1,600 to $3,400 |
There's a wide range of materials to choose from, such as chain link, wrought iron, aluminum, vinyl, and wood, which each have different fencing prices. We're going to discuss the factors that will help you make the best purchasing decision.
Privacy Fence Cost
For a typical 1/5 acre yard, a 150-foot long privacy fence costs between $1,950 and $7,500, with most homeowners spending $2,700 depending on the material.
Prices range from $8 to $25 per linear foot on average for the materials alone, while labor costs $5 to $15 per linear foot.
If you need to remove your current fence, expect to pay an additional $300 to $500.
Privacy Fence Installation Costs Per Foot
Privacy fence installation costs an average of $13 to $40 per linear foot for both materials and professional installation. This price includes all the fence boards, posts set in concrete, two horizontal rails, area preparation, and cleanup.
| Type | Material | Labor | Cost Per Linear Foot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood | $8 – $15 | $5 – $12 | $13 – $27 |
| Chain-link | $4 – $15 | $5 – $15 | $9 – $30 |
| Vinyl | $20 – $26 | $5 – $10 | $25 – $36 |
| Aluminum | $20 – $25 | $5 – $15 | $25 – $40 |
| Bamboo | $8 – $11 | $7 – $14 | $15 – $25 |
| Wrought Iron | $25 – $35 | $5 – $15 | $30 – $50 |
Vinyl Vs. Wood Privacy Fence Cost Calculator
Both vinyl and wood fences come in many different styles and material choices which affect the cost. Typically you will pay around double for the cost of vinyl materials compared to wood but pay about the same for professional labor. Prices calculated below are for an average 150-foot long fence.
| Type | Material | Labor | Average Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood | $1,200 – $2,250 | $750 – $1,800 | $1,950 – $4,050 |
| Vinyl | $3,000 – $3,900 | $750 – $1,500 | $3,750 – $5,400 |
Wood Privacy Fence Cost
A 6-foot tall wood privacy fence costs $1,950 to $4,100 installed, with most homeowners spending around $2,800. Prices vary drastically depending on the type of wood chosen. Pressure-treated pine is the most common at about $17 per linear foot to install.
Vinyl Privacy Fence Cost
Vinyl or composite privacy fencing costs $3,750 to $5,400 to install with an average price of $25 to $36 per linear foot. Materials usually cost twice as much as wood, but typically lasts twice as long, requires less maintenance, and comes with a warranty.
Aluminum Privacy Fence
The cost to install an aluminum privacy fence ranges from $25 and $40 per linear foot, with around 70% going towards materials. This includes setting posts in concrete at 8' spacing and using 6-foot tall vinyl fence panels. With the variation in installation and labor costs, may aluminum fence estimates may require an onsite evaluation.
Bamboo Privacy Fence
The average cost for bamboo privacy fencing is $15 to $25 per linear foot. Materials and labor each make up about 50% of your total price. For a typical 100 linear foot bamboo fence, you can expect to pay between $1,500 and $2,500 on average.
6 Foot Vs. 8 Foot Tall Privacy Fences
For a 100-linear foot 6-foot tall wood fence built with pressure-treated pine, prices range from $1,300 to $2,700. When increasing the height to 8-foot, expect to pay around 30% more or between $1,700 and $3,500.
Fence Cost Calculator
There are many different types of fences to choose from, with prices ranging from $13 to $50 per linear foot on average. For an average 150-foot fence, materials alone will range from $1,200 to $7,500 with labor ranging from $750 to $2,250.
Here is the average fence cost per linear foot by material from our fence cost estimator:
| Type | Material | Labor | Cost Per Linear Foot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood | $8 – $15 | $5 – $12 | $13 – $27 |
| Chain-link | $4 – $15 | $5 – $15 | $9 – $30 |
| Vinyl | $20 – $26 | $5 – $10 | $25 – $36 |
| PVC & Composite | $17 – $23 | $5 – $10 | $22 – $33 |
| Split Rail | $10 – $15 | $5 – $10 | $15 – $25 |
| Aluminum | $20 – $25 | $5 – $15 | $25 – $40 |
| Steel | $25 – $35 | $5 – $15 | $30 – $50 |
| Farm & Ranch | $8 – $12 | $5 – $15 | $13 – $27 |
| Wrought Iron | $25 – $35 | $5 – $15 | $30 – $50 |
| Wire | $1.20 – $1.40 | $0.40 – $0.60 | $1.60 – $2.00 |
Labor Cost To Install A Fence
Depending on the type of wood selected, the labor costs to install a fence range from $5 to $15 per linear foot. For a typical wood fence, labor costs will make up 30% to 50% of your final price. A professional fence contractor will take an average of 15 hours to install 100 linear feet of fence.
Vinyl Fence Cost
Vinyl fence installation costs $25 to $36 per linear foot, with most homeowners paying between $3,750 and $5,400 for a 150-foot fence. Vinyl is eco-friendly, needs minimal maintenance, has rigorous durability, and comes in a wide variety of colors. The downside is that vinyl fencing costs a lot up-front, but makes up for the price over the long-term with a life expectancy of 20 to 30 years.
Chain Link Fence Cost
Chain-link fence installation costs $9 and $30 per linear foot, with most ranging from $1,350 to $3,900 on average. Chain-link fencing comes in 3' to 12' heights with galvanized steel or black vinyl-coated steel. A black vinyl-coated chain-link fence costs $10 to $34 per foot or 10% more at than the standard galvanized steel.
Wood Fence Cost
Wood fence installation costs between $13 and $27 per linear foot for a typical 150-foot privacy fence. A wood picket fence costs from $1,700 to $3,300 on average, with most homeowners spending around $2,800 to install around their home. Prices vary depending on the type of wood you select, the size of your fence, design, layout, and labor costs.
| Wood Type | Cost Per Linear Foot |
|---|---|
| Pine | $3 – $7 |
| Spruce | $4 – $6 |
| Redwood | $4 – $7 |
| Cedar | $4 – $8 |
| Tropical Hardwoods | $6 – $15 |
The cheapest wooden fence is pressure-treated pine, which ranges from $3 to $7 per linear foot, with other woods prices at $4 to $15 per linear foot for just the materials. The cheaper you go with the lumber, the less structural integrity it will deliver, and it's less likely to stand up to rot and deterioration.
Split Rail Fence Cost
A split-rail fence will typically cost between $15 and $25 per linear foot or around $1,500 to $2,500 per 100 feet of fencing. The number of rails used will profoundly influence your final price. You can expect to add $1 to $4 per linear foot, per rail. Typically used in farms and ranches, split rail fencing has traditionally been built with wood, but PVC is increasingly becoming popular due to its long life and less maintenance required.
Aluminum Fence Cost
The average homeowner spends about $4,500 to install a 150-foot aluminum fence with prices ranging from $25 to $40 per linear foot. Due to its high costs, aluminum and metal fencing is a less popular option compared to wood and vinyl. On the plus side, aluminum lasts a long time and requires minimal maintenance.
Wrought Iron Fence Cost
A wrought iron fence costs $30 to $50 per linear foot, with prices ranging from $4,500 to $7,500 for a 150-foot fence. On average, 75% of your costs are attributed to materials alone. Wrought iron fencing can feature custom designs, be used to enclose pools, or be mixed with brick columns to create a luxury look. Despite the strength that an iron fence delivers, it will still need maintenance that includes the need to sand and repaint every 24 to 36 months, to ensure corrosion is kept at bay.
PVC & Composite Fencing Cost
The average cost of PVC or composite fencing ranges between $22 to $33 per linear foot, with most homeowners spending $3,750 for a 150-foot fence. Typically, PVC comes in 6' wide panels, and vinyl posts are set in concrete holes 3' deep. Supplies required to install PVC fencing include materials, fasteners, post concrete, and connectors. PVC doesn’t rot, decay, isn’t subject to damage from insects, doesn’t grow mold or mildew, and doesn’t need to be repainted. Most PVC fences that are installed professionally should last as many as 15 years or longer.
Steel & Metal Fence Prices
Corrugated metal and steel fence prices range from $30 to $50 per linear foot on average. For a typical 150-foot metal fence, homeowners spend between $4,500 to $7,500 for materials and professional installation. Steel is incredibly durable and easy to maintain. However, metal is expensive and over time will inevitably scratch and rust.
Wire Fencing Cost
A fence built with woven-wire or barbed wire costs just under $2 per linear foot to install with 5-wires. Wire fencing is available in many different gauges, and styles and you can choose how many wires you'd like. Wire fencing is perfect for DIY projects such as gardens or pet and animal enclosures.
Farm Fencing Cost
Farm and ranch fencing costs $13 to $27 per linear foot for wood and vinyl, $8 to $10 per foot for pipe, and as little as $2 per linear foot for wire fencing including all materials and professional installation. Horse fencing is perfect for containing cattle and other livestock at a very reasonable cost, with little upkeep, and can last 20 years or more.
Invisible & Electric Fence Cost
Many invisible electric dog fences can be purchased at local pet stores for between $150 and $350. Also, the fence receiver collar costs $50 to $80 each. Electric fences can also be used as a security measure or to contain horses and cattle on a ranch.
Average Cost To Build A New Fence
The average cost to build a new 150-foot fence is $2,250 for wood, $3,000 for a chain-link, $3,750 for vinyl, and $5,250 for wrought iron. When calculating your final cost, here are the main factors to evaluate:
Materials – Fencing materials range from $5 to $35 per linear foot depending on the materials selected, with most homeowners spending around $8 to $15 per foot.
Labor – On average, labor costs to install a new fence range from $5 to $15 per linear foot. If you've already purchased the materials, you can hire fencing professionals at $50 to $70 per hour on average.
Permits – Fence building permits cost $40 to $150 on average. Check with your local building department, and also with your homeowner’s association to see if permits are required. Most good contractors will be on top of the regulatory compliance issues in the area and will be able to tell you if one is required and handle the process for you.
Buried Utilities – Since your contractor will have to dig holes in the ground to secure the fence posts, you will need to make sure the locations of any buried utilities are known and clearly indicated to avoid damage and interrupted service. From anywhere in the country, you can call 811 and talk to an operator to begin the process.
Land Survey – A land surveyor will come out for an average cost of $380 to $540 to mark your property lines and show you exactly where you can legally build your fence.
Landscape Grading – If you have unlevel terrain issues, that will mean the ground needs to be leveled or flattened before a fence can be installed appropriately. The cost to regrade a yard is $0.40 to $2.00 per square foot.
Fence Removal – There will be an additional charge of $100 to $1,000 with an average price of $500 to have an existing fence removed. Sometimes, your contractor will include this in their quote.
Number of Gates – Each fence gate will costs $100 to $650 to add depending on the materials, style, and size. For a high-end driveway gate, expect to pay as much as $6,500.
Lighting & Accessories – You can add solar or post cap lights to your fence for an additional cost. Also, a keypad entry with an automatic entry would make a great addition to a high-end iron fence with brick posts.
Backyard Fence vs. Fencing Around a House
If permits are required in your area, many times there are restrictions on the type of materials, fence height, and even fence design. Check with your local building department, and also with your homeowner’s association to get the building guidelines. A safe way to go is to match the materials, style, and height of your neighbors to create a consistent look.
Regulations and standard height measurements for residential fences are:
Front yard - 3 feet
Backyard - 6 feet
Pool fence - 4 feet
Deer fence - 8 feet
Costs To Fence In A Yard By Size
For a typical 1/5 acre lot, it will require 150-feet to fence in your yard at prices ranging from $1,950 to $4,050 for a 6-foot tall wood privacy fence. If you decide to go with vinyl, it costs $3,750 to $5,400 for materials and professional installation.
| Fence Length (Linear Feet) | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 50 | $650 – $1,250 |
| 100 | $1,300 – $2,500 |
| 150 | $1,950 – $3,750 |
| 200 | $2,600 – $5,000 |
Fence Replacement Cost Estimator
The average cost to replace a fence is the same as installing a new one at an average price of $12 to $25 per linear foot, not including removing your existing fence for an extra $3 to $5 per linear foot. Fence installation costs estimates depend on the length of your fence, height, the number of posts, and which fencing materials are used.
How Do I Calculate How Much Fencing I Need?
The best way to calculate how much fencing you need is to contact a professional. If you decide to calculate an estimate yourself, follow these steps:
Check with your homeowner’s association to determine all building requirements and restrictions.
Hire a land surveyor to stake your property lines.
Measure the perimeter of your lot.
Divide the total perimeter by 8, then add two to get the total amount of posts you need for an 8-foot spacing.
To find out how much lumber you need, divide the total perimeter by the width of the pickets or panels.
Average Cost to Install Fence Posts
Hiring a handyman to install fence posts costs $40 to $150 per post on average, depending on the depth, setting, and spacing. Most fencing professionals will not replace or repair fence posts and will only install them if it's part of a new fence installation. Most fence posts are set in concrete at 8-foot spacing for wood fences, and 6-foot spacing for vinyl fencing depending on the contractor.
How Much Does It Cost to Install A Gate?
The average cost to install a fence gate is $100 to $650 per gate depending on the size, quantity, style, and materials used. If fencing your backyard, you will need at least one gate on either side of your house, and for the front yard, you will need either a single or double gate for your driveway and possibly one more for foot traffic. If you have a picket fence along the front, you may need stronger posts to hang the gates from. For the materials alone:
$100 – $650+ for a pedestrian access gate
$250 – $6,500 for a high-end driveway gate
Additional Fencing Costs & Options
Cost Of Land Survey For Fence
The average cost of a land survey to build a fence ranges from $380 to $540. A land surveyor will stake out your property lines with ribbons on each corner to guide you on where you're legally able to build your fence.
Fence Removal Cost
Unless this is already included in your quote from your contractor, there will be an additional charge of around $100 to $1,000 to have an existing fence removed with most homeowners spending $500. National Estimator Magazine quotes $2.99 to $3.59 per foot to remove chain link or board fence and cemented posts to 6’ high for disposal. The cost will cover the time and effort to dismantle or knock down the existing fence, load up the materials onto a truck, and dispose of per local laws.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cheapest Fence to Install?
The cheapest fence to install is a wood fence built with pressure-treated pine for a typical cost of $12 per linear foot for both materials and professional installation. Chain-link fences start at $15 per linear foot installed, while wire fencing can cost as little as $2 per foot but does not work well in residential applications.
How Much Does it Cost to Fence In a ¼ Acre Yard?
To install a fence in a ¼ acre yard will take around 200-feet of fencing at an average cost of $2,600 to $5,000 for labor and materials. Your pricing depends mainly on the type of materials selected.
How Long Does it Take to Install a Fence?
For a typical wood privacy fence, a professional fence contractor will take an average of 15 hours to install 100 linear feet.
How Much Does a Cedar Fence Cost?
A cedar wood fence costs $4 to $8 per linear foot for just the materials and an additional $5 to $10 per linear foot for professional installation. In total, you can expect to spend between $1,800 and $2,700 for a 150-foot long Cedar fence, which will last between 16 and 20 years.
DIY Fence Cost vs. Contractor Prices
In addition to the materials at an average cost of $8 to $15 per linear foot, expect to spend at least a full week of labor installing your fence. Also, you will need to pay a one-time fee of $200 to $500 for all the equipment such as a drill, hammer, saw, auger, or post hole digger, and a measuring tape.
When hiring a fencing installer near you, they can get the job done in half the time with labor costs between $5 and $15 per linear foot, which includes a warranty. For a 150-foot fence, labor will cost between $750 and $2,250 in total. The real question is, is one full week of your time worth that amount to have a professional install the fence for you?
Getting Free Fence Installation Quotes
To pick the best contractor, you will need to identify contenders who can make it onto your shortlist of 3 to 5 contractors. Look for contractors that:
Have great online reviews on Google and HomeGuide
Are licensed, insured, and have been in business for 5+ years
Include setup and complete cleanup costs in the quote
Provide excellent communication from your first phone call or e-mail
Have a portfolio of recent projects that have been done in the area
Provide a good warranty on materials and labor
