How much does fence installation cost?
How much does fence installation cost?
$20 – $60 cost per linear foot installed
$4,000 – $12,000 average cost to build (200 linear feet)
Fence installation cost
New fence installation costs $4,000 to $12,000 on average or $20 to $60 per linear foot for wood or vinyl. Fence replacement costs $30 to $80 per linear foot. A privacy fence costs $25 to $60 per linear foot. A picket fence costs $20 to $50 per linear foot.
| Fence length (linear feet) | Average cost installed* |
|---|---|
| 50 | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| 100 | $2,000 – $6,000 |
| 150 | $3,000 – $9,000 |
| 200 | $4,000 – $12,000 |
| 300 | $6,000 – $18,000 |
| 400 | $8,000 – $24,000 |
| 500 | $10,000 – $30,000 |
*For new fence installations.
Cost of fencing by material
The following table shows the various costs of fencing by material:
| Material type | Cost per linear foot installed |
|---|---|
| Wood | $20 – $50 |
| Vinyl | $30 – $60 |
| Composite | $20 – $85 |
| Aluminum | $25 – $75 |
| Metal | $20 – $85 |
| Chain-link | $9 – $30 |
| Wrought iron | $50 – $85 |
| Barbed wire | $3 – $6 |
| Invisible dog fence | $2 – $7 |
Wood
A wood fence costs $20 to $50 per linear foot installed. Wood is one of the cheapest materials for a fence, especially when made with basic pine, spruce, or cedar. Prices increase for pressure-treated wood and hardwoods. The most popular wood fencing types are privacy and picket designs.
For wood fencing on rural properties, ask the builder about discounted pricing for a wooden split rail fence.
Vinyl
A vinyl fence costs $30 to $60 per linear foot installed. Many homeowners prefer prefabricated vinyl fencing panels because they don't need annual resealing like wood. Vinyl suits humid or rainy climates. White vinyl picket fences are common front yard borders. Some vinyl privacy fences have a wood-like texture and color.
Vinyl privacy fences can blow over in high-wind areas.
Composite
A composite fence costs $20 to $85 per linear foot installed. Most composite fencing is more expensive than vinyl panels, except for a simple post and rail design less than 6' tall. A composite fence outlasts plain vinyl fencing due to its reinforced plastic and wood fiber design.
This material doesn't require sealing and is resistant to rotting and pests. Plus, this fencing comes in many styles that can mimic stone or wood privacy borders.
Aluminum
An aluminum fence costs $25 to $75 per linear foot installed. Aluminum fencing is popular to build the required security borders around outdoor pools. Aluminum split rail fences are cheapest while aluminum ornamental and privacy fences are the most expensive.
Most aluminum fences come with a black coating and naturally resist rust.
Metal / steel
A metal fence costs $20 to $85 per linear foot installed for steel, aluminum, or wrought iron fences. A steel fence costs $20 to $80 per linear foot. Common steel fence options include corrugated steel, galvanized steel, stainless steel, and steel palisade. Metal fences are durable but expensive.
Chain-link
A chain-link fence costs $9 to $30 per linear foot installed. Prices are cheapest for 4' tall fences with plain galvanized-steel mesh, while 8' to 10' tall chain-link fences in aluminum are the most expensive. This fence type is durable and suits high-wind areas.
Alternatively, a black chain-link fence costs $10 to $34 per linear foot installed and features a vinyl coating that protects against rust.
Wrought iron
A wrought iron fence costs $50 to $85 per linear foot installed. This fencing is typically the most expensive kind, especially when built with high-quality 99% iron. Wrought iron alloys outlast most other fences and serve as good security borders since they're hard to climb, cut, or knock over.
Barbed wire
A barbed wire fence costs $3 to $6 per linear foot installed. Prices vary according to the wood or metal posts used and the fence height. Barbed wire fencing is the cheapest type and repels intruders. However, barbed wire doesn't offer privacy and is illegal in many metropolitan neighborhoods.
Discount rates are available for installations of barbed wire fencing over multiple acres.
Invisible dog fence
An invisible fence costs $2 to $7 per linear foot installed with a buried cable along the perimeter and a collar that detects when the pet approaches the boundary. The collar emits a warning sound and then a static sensation to repel pets from the border.
This budget-friendly fencing allows panoramic property views.
Discounted options are available for wireless and GPS-enabled systems that are cheaper than an underground wire perimeter.
Training sessions are essential for the pets to understand how the fence works.
Cost to install a fence by type
The following table shows the cost to install a fence by the design type:
| Fence design type | Cost per linear foot installed |
|---|---|
| Privacy | $25 – $60 |
| Picket | $20 – $50 |
| Rail | $15 – $35 |
Privacy
The cost to install a privacy fence is $25 to $60 per linear foot on average for 6' tall wood and vinyl fences. Installing an 8' tall privacy fence costs $50 to $85 per linear foot, but these sizes are less common.
| Height | Cost per linear foot installed* |
|---|---|
| 6' | $25 – $60 |
| 8' | $50 – $85 |
*For wood and vinyl materials.
Common privacy fence designs include shadowbox, board and batten, board-on-board with overlapping slats, and edge-to-edge vertical or horizontal board fences.
Picket
Installing a picket fence costs $20 to $50 per linear foot on average. Common materials include wood, vinyl, and aluminum at heights of 3' to 5' tall. These fences are ideal for front yards and garden borders due to their spaced vertical boards. Custom designs have higher costs.
Rail fence
A split rail fence costs $15 to $35 per linear foot installed, depending on the material, number of rails, and length. This rustic-looking fence has 2 to 4 wide rails only, typically with unsurfaced wood. Vinyl rails are also a common option.
People often prefer split rail fencing for ranches, farms, and larger properties that need an affordable boundary that doesn't obstruct property views.
Fence cost estimator
The labor cost to install a fence depends on the size, style, material, and whether it's a new fence or replacement.
| Factor | Average cost per linear foot* |
|---|---|
| New installation | $20 – $60 |
| Replacement | $30 – $80 |
*For common wood and vinyl fences.
Cost factors to fence a yard include:
Materials – Metal privacy fences are typically the most expensive while readily available wood materials cost less. Building material prices fluctuate greatly according to the local supply.
Style – Privacy and shadowbox fences cost more in materials and labor than a simple picket or split rail fence installation.
Gates – Adding multiple gates with automatic openers, security codes, or in custom sizes will increase the total project cost.
Posts – Prices vary by the post material, number of posts, type, and installation method. Posts set deeper then 3' in concrete cost the most.
Customizations – Fence modifications, upgraded hardware, and decorative posts or caps cost extra.
Terrain – Fence installation will cost more in areas with rocks, steep inclines, and poor soil than a yard with well-draining soil and easy access.
Fence location – Installations in hard-to-reach areas with obstructions may require more labor and specialized equipment, increasing the cost.
Labor – The labor cost to build a fence depends on the contractor's expertise, crew size, region, working conditions, and fence complexity.
Prep work:
Old fence removal and disposal costs $10 to $20 per linear foot, depending on the fence type and hauling distance.
Fence repair costs $250 to $750.
Tree removal costs $150 to $500 to uproot a small tree.
Tree stump removal costs $100 to $400.
Shrub and bush removal costs $25 to $150 per bush.
Tree moving costs $300 to $700 per tree.
Yard grading costs $500 to $3,000 to level the ground.
Delivery – For smaller fences, some installers may offer free delivery within the local area. Hauling materials over greater distances will cost extra.
Surveying – A land survey costs $200 to $1,200 to mark property lines and show where to legally build a fence.
Permit – A fence permit costs $40 to $150, depending on the boundary size.
Painting – The cost to paint or stain a fence is $2 to $14 per linear foot.
Ensure the contractor marks the locations of buried utilities before digging fence post holes to prevent damages. Call 811 nationwide to start this process.
Cost to fence 1 acre
The cost to fence an acre depends on the border type, material, and terrain conditions. The cheapest option is a barbed wire fence while a wood or vinyl fence costs the most. An acre needs 850 to 900 linear feet or more of fencing, depending on the land shape.
| Fence type | Cost per acre* |
|---|---|
| Barbed wire | $2,000 – $2,200 |
| Chain-link | $7,500 – $25,000 |
| Split rail | $8,300 – $11,500 |
| Wood | $17,000 – $45,000 |
| Vinyl | $25,500 – $54,000 |
*Pricing per acre decreases on bigger properties with multiple acres.
Fencing material prices
The following table shows fencing prices for different materials:
| Material type | Material cost per linear foot* | Pros and cons |
|---|---|---|
| Wood | $10 – $30 |
|
| Vinyl | $25 – $45 |
|
| Composite | $30 – $60 |
|
| Aluminum | $15 – $50 |
|
| Chain-link | $4 – $15 |
|
| Wrought iron | $35 – $60 |
|
| Barbed wire | $0.05 – $0.15 |
|
*Average material prices for the most common fences. Does not include installation.
Related services
Contractors may offer discounts for combining fence installation with related projects:
The cost to build a patio is $2,000 to $14,000 on average. Putting in concrete fence-post anchors for a pool fence is much easier during a new concrete patio installation.
Landscape design plans cost $700 to $3,000.
Outdoor lighting installation costs $80 to $300 per fixture.
Landscaping costs $50 to $100 per hour.
Landscapers charge $25 to $85 to plant a shrub.
Sod installation costs$1 to $2 per square foot.
Planting hedges costs $10 to $45 per linear foot.
The cost to plant a tree is $200 to $700 on average.
Building a retaining wall costs $40 to $300 per linear foot.
The cost to build a pond is $2,900 to $15,600 on average.
Building a custom fire pit costs $325 to $2,000.
Fence installation FAQs
What is the cheapest fence to install?
The cheapest fences to install are chain-link and split rail fences. While these fences don't give privacy, they create a barrier for your yard. Cheap fence materials include untreated pine, spruce, or cedar wood. Barbed wire is the cheapest fencing for large farms.
How long does it take to install a fence?
Installing a fence takes 2 to 4 days on average, depending on the fence type, length, material, and whether it's a new installation or replacement. When setting posts in cement, allow 1 to 4 days for the concrete to cure, unless using Quikrete that sets in less than 1 hour.
| Fence type | Installation time (hours)* |
|---|---|
| Picket or privacy | 13 – 16 |
| Split rail | 10 – 12 |
| Chain-link | 6 – 10 |
| Fence replacements | 19 – 22 |
*Per 100 feet of fence length.
Setting posts in holes with compacted gravel instead of cement speeds up the installation time.
How long does a fence last?
Most fences last 15 to 30 years while metal types can last longer. The lifespan of a fence depends on the quality of the materials, installation method, maintenance frequency, and climate conditions.
| Material / type | Lifespan (years) |
|---|---|
| Wood | 15 – 50 |
| Vinyl | 20 – 30 |
| Aluminum | 30 – 50 |
| Composite (recycled plastics + wood fibers) |
25 – 30 |
| Underground invisible dog fence | 20 – 30 |
| Barbed wire | 20 – 50 |
| Wrought iron | 50 – 100 |
| Chain-link (galvanized steel & aluminum) |
15 – 20 |
| Metal (various grades of steel) |
20 – 50 |
Does a fence add value to the home?
A well-maintained fence adds to a home's value by bolstering privacy, improving security where break-ins are common, and creating more curb appeal.
How do I calculate how much fencing I need?
To calculate how much fencing you need, measure the perimeter to get the total length. If you're ordering premade fence panels, divide the total fence length by the width of each panel to see how many panels to order.
Keep in mind you'll also need to add one fence post for every 6' to 8' of length.
Remember to subtract the width of any gates you're adding from the total length of fencing.
What is the best time to install a fence?
The best time to install a fence is during spring or early autumn when the weather is moderate and the ground is softer. Digging holes for fence posts is especially difficult in winter when the ground freezes.
Do you tip fence installers?
Fence installers don't expect you to tip, but they do appreciate it. Consider tipping $15 to $20 per person if they worked in unpleasant weather conditions or went above and beyond basic fence building.
Who installs fences?
People who install fences include:
Professional fencing companies
Fence contractors affiliated with home improvement stores
Builders and landscapers
Handymen or general contractors
Carpenters
Getting estimates from fence contractors
Before hiring a fence installer near you, be sure to:
Read their online reviews on Google and HomeGuide.
Confirm they have licenses, insurance, and have been in business for 5+ years.
Avoid choosing the cheapest bid that typically results in low-quality work.
Ask for a list of references.
Compare 3 to 5 fence quotes made after they've seen your property.
Ask for a written contract and workmanship warranty before the work starts.
Don't make your last payment until after the fence is complete.
Questions to ask
Ask the following questions when getting quotes from fence companies:
How many years have you been installing fences?
Which fencing types do you specialize in?
How deep will the fence-post anchors need to be?
What are my material choices for the posts?
Can you show me photos of past projects?
What is the expected timeframe for installation?
How much maintenance will the fence require?
Which material types are best for my property?
Do you offer any warranties or guarantees on your work?
How many people will install the fence?
Are there any potential challenges with my property?
Can you handle necessary permits and inspections?
Are all materials, labor, delivery, and the cleanup fee listed in this estimate?
Will the fence installation affect my landscaping?
Do you call the utility department to mark underground lines before digging?
Can you give me a list of references to contact?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.