How much does a privacy fence cost?
How much does a privacy fence cost?
$25 – $60 cost per linear foot installed
$5,000 – $12,000 average cost to build (200 linear feet)
Privacy fence cost
Building a privacy fence costs $5,000 to $12,000 on average. The cost of a 6' tall privacy fence is $25 to $60 per linear foot installed for wood or vinyl materials. A wood privacy fence costs $25 to $50 per linear foot and is the most common type.
| Fence length (linear feet) | Average cost installed* |
|---|---|
| 50 | $1,250 – $3,000 |
| 100 | $2,500 – $6,000 |
| 150 | $3,750 – $9,000 |
| 200 | $5,000 – $12,000 |
| 300 | $7,500 – $18,000 |
| 400 | $10,000 – $24,000 |
| 500 | $12,500 – $30,000 |
*For 6' tall wood and vinyl privacy fences.
Cost of a privacy fence by material
The cost of a privacy fence depends mainly on the material used. The following table shows the privacy fence costs by material type:
| Material | Cost per linear foot installed* |
|---|---|
| Wood | $25 – $50 |
| Vinyl | $40 – $60 |
| Aluminum | $75 – $130 |
| Composite | $55 – $85 |
| Bamboo | $20 – $30 |
| Chain-link with privacy slats | $14 – $48 |
*For up to 6' tall fences. Chain-link prices up to 8' tall.
Wood
A wood privacy fence costs $25 to $50 per linear foot installed. Wooden privacy fence prices vary by the grade of the materials and height. Pine wood fences are cheapest while high-grade redwood and black locust wood panels cost the most.
Different designs of wooden privacy fences include:
Board and batten design
Board-on-board with overlapping slats
Edge-to-edge vertical or horizontal boards
Shadowbox fence with staggered pickets to permit airflow
Vinyl
A vinyl privacy fence costs $40 to $85 per linear foot installed. The close-spaced panel design can obstruct visibility, making them ideal for backyard privacy.
Builders recommend using aluminum posts to stop vinyl privacy panels from blowing over in strong winds.
Aluminum
An aluminum privacy fence costs $90 to $130 per linear foot installed. Alternatively, a privacy fence of aluminum slats added into an ornamental frame costs $75 to $110 per linear foot. Aluminum fences are typically the most expensive and least used material for a privacy fence.
Composite
A composite privacy fence costs $55 to $85 per linear foot installed. This material outlasts low-grade wood due to the strength of its recycled plastic and wood fibers. Composite fencing panels are up to 6' wide with a wood-like texture.
The advantages of composite fencing include:
Resists rot, pests, and water damages
Lasts 25 to 30+ years
Minimal maintenance
Cost-effective in the long run
Bamboo
A bamboo privacy fence costs $20 to $30 per linear foot installed. Prices vary according to the size and quality of the bamboo. Bamboo fencing comes on rolls that cost $100 to $150+ each, which contractors typically mount onto wooden fence posts.
Some people also add bamboo fencing on top of a chain link fence to convert it into a privacy fence.
Chain link with privacy slats
A chain-link fence with privacy slats costs $14 to $48 per linear foot installed. The total cost depends on the slat material, size, and design. Privacy slats are available in various colors and styles in heights up to 8' tall.
Installing a chain-link fence costs $9 to $30 per linear foot. Adding privacy slats costs an additional $5 to $18 per linear foot for materials and labor.
Cost to install a privacy fence by height
Installing a 6-foot tall privacy fence costs $25 to $60 per linear foot. An 8-foot tall privacy fence costs $50 to $85 per linear foot installed. The higher costs for a taller fence are due to more materials and extra post labor.
| Height (linear foot) | Cost per linear foot installed* |
|---|---|
| 6' | $25 – $60 |
| 8' | $50 – $85 |
*For wood and vinyl materials.
A partial privacy fence of 4' tall solid panels costs $30 to $55 per linear foot with materials like vinyl, composite, or wood. However, some 4' tall fencing is the same price as 6' tall types if they have high-quality panels with aluminum frames.
Privacy fence cost calculator
The labor cost to install a privacy fence is $10 to $20 per linear foot, depending on the material.
| Factor | Wood privacy fence (per linear foot)* |
Vinyl privacy fence (per linear foot)* |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $10 – $30 | $30 – $45 |
| Labor | $15 – $20 | $10 – $15 |
| Total cost to install | $25 – $50 | $40 – $60 |
*For 6' tall privacy fences.
Cost factors include:
Length & height – Taller and longer fences increase the total project costs.
Material type – Basic pine and cedar wood fences tend to be the cheapest while aluminum fences are often the most expensive material.
Design – Prices vary according to the use of prefabricated vinyl panels, staggered pickets in a shadowbox style, or end-to-end picket boards.
Posts – The post hole depth increases to 3' deep or more for taller 8' fences to fully reinforce the railings, increasing costs.
Decorative add-ons – Putting lattice panels at the top of the fence or installing custom tops for the fence posts cost extra.
Labor – The hourly labor charges depend on the contractor's skill level, team size, and local rates.
Terrain – Installing fence posts in areas with rocks, hills, and poor-draining soil is more challenging and costly.
Site preparation:
Old fence removal costs $10 to $20 per linear foot extra, including disposal.
Tree removal costs $150 to $500 to uproot a small tree to clear the space.
Tree stump removal costs $100 to $400, depending on the stump size.
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 sloped or hilly land.
Painting or staining – The cost to stain or paint a fence is $2 to $14 per linear foot.
Surveying – A land survey costs $200 to $1,200 to label property lines to indicate where you can legally build a fence.
Permit – A fence permit costs $40 to $150, depending on the area.
Pros and cons
The following table shows the advantages and disadvantages of privacy fences:
| Pros: | Cons: |
|---|---|
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Check out our guide about privacy fence ideas for inspiration.
Privacy fence FAQs
What is a privacy fence?
A privacy fence is a boundary at least as tall as an average person designed to protect your pets in the yard, keep out burglars, and prevent others from observing you outdoors.
When you live next to busy streets, privacy fencing also reduces the noise to make your backyard feel like a safe and peaceful hideaway.
How tall is a privacy fence?
A privacy fence is typically 6 to 8 feet tall to prevent others from seeing into your property. In most residential zones, the height limit is set at 8 feet. A fence up to 4' tall is called a "partial privacy" fence since it doesn't block all views fully.
What is the cheapest type of privacy fence?
Wood is the cheapest material for building a privacy fence but also requires the most maintenance. Aluminum and vinyl privacy fences can cost 2 to 3 times more than wood.
Check out our guide about cheap fence ideas for more inspiration.
Does a privacy fence add value to a home?
A privacy fence adds value to a home's property by enhancing security, boosting its aesthetic appeal, and raising its curb appeal. Additionally, a privacy fence offers some noise reduction.
How long does a privacy fence last?
The lifespan of a privacy fence depends on the material, climate, installation quality, and maintenance frequency. Vinyl lasts 20 to 30 years while wood and aluminum may last up to 50 years.
| Material | Lifespan (years) |
|---|---|
| Wood | 15 – 50 |
| Vinyl | 20 – 30 |
| Aluminum | 30 – 50 |
How long does it take to build a privacy fence?
The time it takes to build a privacy fence varies based on the design and whether it's a replacement or a new build:
| Fence type | Building time (hours)* |
|---|---|
| Standard privacy | 13 – 16 |
| Hand-nailed | 20 – 30 |
| Fence replacements | 19 – 22 |
*Per 100 feet of fence length.
What is the best time to install a privacy fence?
Spring and early fall are the best times to install a privacy fence due to the moderate weather conditions. Digging to set the fence posts requires the ground to be thawed but not flooded with heavy rains.
Can I have a privacy fence in my front yard?
Whether you can have a privacy fence in your front yard depends on the local zoning regulations and homeowner association rules. In many cities, fences in the front yard are typically 3' to 4' tall.
Can I build a privacy fence on my property line?
You can build a privacy fence on your property line, but it requires the neighbors' agreements, adherence to local zoning regulations, and shared costs under certain conditions. Always consult local laws and conduct a property survey.
Getting estimates from privacy fence installers
Before hiring a privacy 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 estimates with the same fence material and size.
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
Select the best privacy fence builder by first asking:
How many years have you been installing privacy fences?
Which privacy fencing types do you specialize in?
Can you show me photos of past projects?
What is the expected timeframe for installation?
How much maintenance will the fence require?
Which material type do you recommend?
Do you offer any warranties or guarantees on your work?
Are there any potential installation problems in my yard that can raise the price?
Can you handle necessary permits and inspections?
Are all materials, labor, delivery, and cleanup fees listed in this estimate?
How will the fence installation affect my landscaping?
Do you call the utility department to mark the underground line locations?
Are all my property lines clear, or will I need a new land survey?
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.