How Much Does a Fence Cost?
Average fence installation costs by material and style, including wood, vinyl, chain link, and aluminum options.
| Item / Category | Low End | Average | High End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood Privacy (6ft) | $15/ft | $25/ft | $35/ft |
| Cedar Privacy (6ft) | $20/ft | $30/ft | $45/ft |
| Vinyl Privacy (6ft) | $25/ft | $35/ft | $50/ft |
| Chain Link (4ft) | $8/ft | $15/ft | $22/ft |
| Chain Link (6ft) | $12/ft | $20/ft | $30/ft |
| Aluminum/Iron (4ft) | $25/ft | $40/ft | $60/ft |
| Post Holes (per hole) | $15 | $30 | $50 |
| Labor (per linear ft) | $5 | $12 | $25 |
Average Costs by Project Size
Fence costs depend heavily on the total linear footage and the material you choose. A small backyard enclosure of 100 linear feet of wood privacy fencing runs $1,500–$3,500 installed. A standard residential lot with 150–200 linear feet averages $2,500–$7,000 depending on material. Large properties requiring 300+ linear feet of fencing can cost $5,000–$15,000 or more. Corner lots and properties with long street frontage tend to have the highest fencing costs due to the extra footage needed.
Factors That Affect Cost
Your final fence cost depends on several key variables:
- Material type: Chain link is the most affordable, followed by pressure-treated wood, cedar, vinyl, and aluminum/wrought iron as the most expensive.
- Fence height: A 6-foot privacy fence costs 30–50% more than a 4-foot fence due to more materials and stronger posts.
- Terrain: Hilly, rocky, or wooded terrain increases labor costs significantly. Rocky soil can double post hole digging costs.
- Gates: Each gate adds $150–$500 depending on size and style. Drive-through gates can cost $500–$2,000+.
- Old fence removal: Removing an existing fence adds $3–$5 per linear foot, or $500–$1,000 for a typical yard.
- Permits: Many municipalities require a fence permit ($20–$200). Some HOAs have additional approval processes and material restrictions.
- Post material: Metal posts last longer than wood but cost more. Setting posts in concrete adds durability but increases labor time.
- Geographic location: Urban areas and regions with high labor costs can be 25–40% more expensive than rural areas.
DIY vs Hiring a Pro
Fencing is one of the most DIY-friendly outdoor projects. Building your own fence saves 40–60% of the total cost by eliminating labor charges of $5–$25 per linear foot. For a 150-foot wood privacy fence, that means saving $1,000–$3,000 in labor costs. Materials alone for a DIY wood fence run about $8–$15 per linear foot.
The most challenging part of DIY fence installation is digging post holes and setting posts plumb and level. Renting a two-person auger ($50–$80/day) makes post hole digging much faster. If you have rocky soil or need to install in tight spaces near property lines, a contractor with specialized equipment may be worth the extra cost. Professional installers also guarantee straight, level results and typically complete a 150-foot fence in 1–2 days vs a weekend or more for DIY.
How to Save Money on a Fence
- Choose pressure-treated pine over cedar: It costs 30–40% less and still lasts 15–20 years when maintained. Stain it to improve appearance.
- Do it yourself: Fence installation is accessible for handy homeowners. Even building one side yourself and hiring out the rest saves money.
- Share costs with neighbors: If the fence sits on the property line, your neighbor may agree to split the cost. Always discuss before building.
- Buy materials in bulk: Lumber yards offer better pricing than big box stores for large orders. Ask about contractor pricing.
- Keep it simple: A flat-top dog-ear design costs less than decorative lattice-top or shadowbox styles.
- Schedule in the off-season: Winter months are slower for fence contractors, so you may get better pricing in November through February.
- Minimize gates: Each gate adds $150–$500. Plan your layout to use the fewest gates that still provide convenient access.
When to Splurge vs When to Save
Splurge on: Material quality for front-yard and street-facing sections where the fence impacts curb appeal and home value. Cedar or vinyl is worth the premium for highly visible areas. Also invest in quality gate hardware and hinges — cheap gate hardware is the first thing to fail and causes sagging gates within a few years.
Save on: Backyard sections that aren't visible from the street. Pressure-treated pine looks good with stain and costs significantly less than cedar. Chain link is a practical and affordable choice for side yards, dog runs, or areas hidden from view. You can also save by using 4-foot fencing where full privacy isn't needed.
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Open Fence Calculator →Frequently Asked Questions
For 200 linear feet, expect to pay $3,000–$7,000 for wood privacy fencing installed, $4,500–$10,000 for vinyl, or $2,000–$4,500 for chain link. DIY wood fence materials alone for 200 feet run about $1,600–$3,000. These estimates assume flat terrain, standard 6-foot height for privacy fences, and include posts, rails, pickets, concrete, and hardware.
Chain link is the most affordable fence option, costing $8–$22 per linear foot installed for a 4-foot height. For privacy fencing, pressure-treated pine is the cheapest option at $15–$35 per linear foot installed. The most affordable DIY option is a basic wire fence with T-posts, which costs as little as $2–$5 per linear foot in materials, though it offers no privacy.
Most municipalities require a permit for fences over 4 feet tall, though rules vary by location. Permits typically cost $20–$200 and require a site plan showing the fence location relative to property lines. You'll also need to call 811 before digging to have underground utilities marked. HOA communities may have additional approval requirements and restrictions on material, color, and height.
A professional crew can typically install 100–200 linear feet of wood or vinyl privacy fence in 1–3 days. Chain link fences go up faster, often in 1–2 days. DIY fence projects take longer, usually 2–4 weekends for 150 feet of wood privacy fencing depending on your experience level and terrain. The most time-consuming part is digging and setting post holes — renting a power auger speeds this up considerably.
Vinyl fencing typically costs less over a 20-year period despite the higher upfront price. A 150-foot wood fence costs about $3,500 initially but needs staining every 2–3 years ($300–$600 each time) and may need board replacements, totaling $7,000–$10,000 over 20 years. A vinyl fence costs $5,000–$7,000 upfront but requires virtually zero maintenance over its 30+ year lifespan, making the 20-year total $5,000–$7,000. Wood may also need full replacement after 15–20 years.