How Much Does Vinyl or PVC Fencing Cost to Install?

There are a variety of reasons why an individual might want to install fencing around their property. Fences can create a more private environment for everyday life, and they can make it safer for children and pets to play in the garden or backyard without getting too close to the street or driveway. Fences can also act as a tool of separation between neighboring properties or as a barrier to keep unwanted animals out. Whatever the reason for wanting a fence, homeowners beginning such a project will need to choose from the multiple materials on the market. Vinyl (PVC) fencing is a popular option, and this guide will explain its benefits and the types of vinyl fencing that can be selected.

On This Page:

1. Vinyl Material Costs
2. Additional Cost Factors
3. Labor Costs
4. Pros & Cons of Vinyl Fences

Determining The Cost Of A Vinyl Fence

When determining the cost to install a vinyl fence, the first thing to consider is the price of materials. The cost of supplies usually falls between $20 per linear foot for a picket fence to $40 per linear foot for a privacy fence. Labor may cost an additional $35-$50 per hour. Most homeowners spend $3,490 to have a vinyl fence professionally installed.

Vinyl (PVC) fencing needs posts that are utilized as the vertical supports for the remainder of the fence, and concrete must be poured at the base of the posts to secure them into position. In addition, vinyl fencing includes bottom rails and top rails to hold the individual pickets in place. For some installations, caps for the posts are included. Otherwise they are available for an additional charge.

The other material costs that should be considered with vinyl (PVC) fence installation are the finishing touches that the consumer may wish to add to the fence such as gates. Since gates need a certain type of hardware for proper operation such as hinges and latches these particular estimates can vary widely based on the types of styles chosen. Other finishing touches may include the choice of colors, texture, picket design and post cap design.

Vinyl/PVC Picket Fences: $15 - $20 per linear foot

Arguably the most popular variety of vinyl (PVC) fencing on the market today, the picket-style shape of fence that many homeowners know and love can create instant curb appeal outside of a home. The look is very traditional, but it can be updated with unusual textures or colors if desired. Vinyl picket fences tend to be quite short, which means that they may not provide all of the privacy that residents require. However, this fence style works perfectly for those who want to keep pets in a safe environment, create boundaries between their property and the neighbor's land or show children where they can safely play away from vehicles.

Vinyl/PVC Privacy Fences:$20 - $30 per linear foot

Unlike vinyl picket fences, which have large gaps between each slat, vinyl (PVC) privacy fences don't allow users to see through the material. Instead, slats form a solid wall of vinyl that keeps prying eyes out of the yard or home interior. These larger fences can also be a great way to reduce noise for those who live along a busier road or intersection. Vinyl privacy fences may be as high as 6 feet tall or even taller depending on individual preferences. These fences can also have decorative features at the top of the fence; some of the most popular options include:

• Horizontal patterns
• Lattice effects
• Criss-Cross patterns

Not sure which is right for you? Ask a fencing professional today.

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Additional Cost Factors for PVC/Vinyl Fencing

Textures and Colors

The final factor in choosing the right vinyl fence is the color and texture. While the most popular color is plain white, that is not the only option available. Most suppliers offer a variety of beige, brown and red hues, but specialty providers can also create bolder color choices according to the needs of the buyer. It is also possible to purchase vinyl fencing that looks like it is made from another material entirely; a realistic wood grain fence is a popular option. From a reasonable distance, it looks just like wood, but residents won't have to deal with the maintenance of actual wooden fencing. Other upscale options, budget permitting, include:

• Faux-granite style
• Stone style
• Textured fences
• Decorative touches on the tops of slats
• Embellishments on the posts

Homeowners who want to make their property more private or even simply create a clear boundary between properties can benefit from one of the many different styles of vinyl fencing available.

Choosing Thickness and Hardware

Along with choosing between picket and privacy fences, buyers should also give some thought to the fencing thickness that best meets their needs as well as the style and durability of the hardware. Some very inexpensive vinyl (PVC) fencing might seem like a great deal at first, but it could be thin material of sub-par quality. Spending just a little bit more can get buyers vinyl or PVC fencing of a more durable thickness. This slight difference can go a long way in preventing damage in strong winds, it can ensure that repairs are needed less often, and it can prevent dents because the fencing itself is stronger when thicker. In addition, buyers should choose vinyl (PVC) fencing that includes metal supports at the bottom of each fence post as well as metal hardware. Unstable wooden posts can cause the fence to sway in the wind during storms, so homeowners are better off with stainless steel or galvanized steel hardware, which can prevent the fence from rusting over time. This is especially true in places where rain is frequent or the humidity is high for much of the year.

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Labor Prices

Labor costs are a significant part of the vinyl (PVC) fence construction and are often nearly as much as the cost of the actual materials. However, this is money well spent as a fencing company or contractor can help to ensure that a professional job is completed on the installation. Although the labor costs vary, consumers can expect to pay about $35 to $40 per hour on the direct labor expenses to install a vinyl fence. These labor costs include the estimates for preparation and cleanup.

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Pros and Cons

Vinyl (PVC) fencing has become a popular alternative to traditional wood picket fences or metal rail fences. Vinyl fence is constructed from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is combined with unique ingredients that provide excellent impact strength, weather-ability and durability. In fact, vinyl fencing is up to five times more durable and four times more flexible than wood fences, which makes it able to handle the impact from tree limbs and lawn mowers. In addition:

• Vinyl fences can last for as long as 10 years.
• It requires much less care than other fence materials. A vinyl fence will not split, rot, warp or blister like a traditional wood picket fence, and it will not rust, corrode, chip or peel like an aluminum style fence.
• It is a safer choice for consumers with families and pet owners because it is non-toxic. Wood fences are frequently treated with chemicals to safeguard the fence from weathering.
• It will not harm animals or children.
• The materials used in vinyl fences are environmentally friendly as it is completely recyclable. It is an eco-friendly alternative to the huge supply of trees that are used for wood fences.

One of the biggest benefits of vinyl fencing is how little maintenance it requires in order to look great for many years to come. While alternatives like wooden fences might need to be sanded down or repainted every six months, vinyl fences simply need to be hosed down or washed with a simple soap solution. For individuals who want the attractive look or benefits of fencing without the hassle, vinyl fencing is an obvious solution.

The primary disadvantage to installing a vinyl fence is that the initial estimate is greater than that of a traditional wood picket fence. The concrete that keeps the posts in place for vinyl fencing requires time to harden before the installation can be completed. Therefore, if the location of the fence is not planned properly, it will be difficult to undo the mistakes. Some styles of vinyl fencing may have mildew issues due to an exposure to moisture over time. Consumers who are using sprinklers in their yard should ensure that the water does not reach the fencing. If a vinyl fence is damaged, it may be very difficult to repair by the average consumer. The work of a professional contractor would be required, which is normally a fairly expensive solution.

If you're not sure about vinyl fencing, ask a fencing pro for their opinion.

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