Privacy Fence Cost

The average 150-foot privacy fence costs $2,750 with a typical range of $1,500 to $8,250. In total, it’ll run you $10 to $55 total per linear foot. You’ll spend $750 to $6,000 on materials and $750 to $2,250 on labor.

Vinyl vs. Wood Privacy Fence Materials Cost Calculator

Wood Privacy Fence Cost

• Wood privacy fences cost $1,000 to $4,500 for 150 linear feet.
• For a high-end wood look, try a metal and wood combination at 4 to 5 times the price. The posts and rails made of aluminum or wrought iron and wood pickets for privacy.
• Most employ some form of wood as the primary material.

Note: Prices at the retail level fluctuate with the market price of raw lumber. Use these figures as a guideline but check with your local lumber yard or a professional for current pricing.

Vinyl and Composite Privacy Fence

• Vinyl fencing costs $3,000 to $6,000 for 150 linear feet.
• Easier to install than wood but comes at a higher material price.
• High-end varieties include decorative elements, colors and textures to mimic a wood look.

Aluminum Privacy Fencing

Aluminum privacy fencing costs $30 to $40 per linear foot. Other aluminum types run quite a bit less. Labor runs another $5 to $15 per linear foot for installation.

Powder coating costs of $2 to $5 per square foot. Many varieties come already coated.

Privacy Fence Installation Labor Costs & Considerations

Labor rates will vary by the type of materials you choose, site prep and your location. Most contractors include both labor and materials in one project price.

• Professional labor: $30-$70 per hour, or about $35 on average
• Average Time: 23 hours
• Removing old fencing: $3-$5 per linear foot

6 Foot vs. 8 Foot Privacy Fences

Add 25% to 35% to your budget to increase from 6 to 8 feet high. Check with your local code enforcement agency or HOA about restrictions on height and acceptable materials.

For a 100-foot long length of wood:

• 6-foot: $1,300-$5,000
• 8-foot: $1,625-$6,750

Fencing Cost Estimator

Though the average fence costs $2,800, you can spend anywhere from $430 to $10,000 or more depending on size and what type and style you choose. Materials alone run $7 to $30 per linear foot. For a standard 150-foot length that comes to $1,000 to $4,500.

Here is a breakdown of expected costs for each major material as well as the pros and cons of each one.

Chain Link Fences

Chain link fences cost $1,200 to $3,100 on average. These basic, affordable structures have a long lifespan with minimal maintenance.

• While functional and long lasting, it isn't aesthetically pleasing.
• One of the easiest materials to install for a DIYer.
• Metallic-coated is the most popular because it's the most economical.
• Color-coated is simply colored material layered on the metal to make it more attractive. Black chain link fencing costs $5 to $25 per foot for materials.

Wood Fences

Wood fences cost anywhere from $1,700 to $4,100. The type of wood chosen directly influences the price of the project.

• Basic plank, such as pine, costs as little as $1.50, but cedar can be as much as $8.
• Redwood: $17.50 per piece. If you want the best-looking materials, this is your best bet. It costs over double the finest cedar, though.
• Cedar: $7-$15 per linear foot to DIY install a six-foot fence, or roughly double that if a pro handles the job.

A mix of privacy, aesthetics and affordability is the most common reason for installing this type.

Pros:

• Blends well with most neighborhood aesthetics.
• Color updates with paint and stains.
• Backyard pool protection from sight, wind and for safety.
• Differentiates different spaces like between a garage and guest house.
• Can be used to hide utility areas or trash cans.
• Half the price of a vinyl fence.

Cons:

• Requires more of a financial investment.
• Less durable than metal or vinyl.
• More expensive than chain link.

Vinyl Fences

Vinyl fencing costs $2,250 to $5,400. This zero-maintenance type has a large up-front price tag of $20 to $40 per linear foot.

Pros:

• Maintenance free.
• Multiple color options.
• Easy to clean.

Cons:

• Expensive initial price.
• Not suitable for extreme climates.

Aluminum Fence Cost

Aluminum or steel fencing costs $2,000 to $5,000 on average. Depending on the type and size, you’ll spend anywhere from $17 to $90 per linear foot total.

Pros:

• Requires little maintenance.
• Corrosion and rust resistant.
• Modern aesthetic.
• Long lifespan.

Cons:

• Expensive installation.
• Powder coating costs extra.

You can hire a professional to powdercoat the metal to add to its weatherized protection.

Steel Fence Prices

Steel fencing costs $10 to $350 per 8-foot section. Most homeowners use steel to simulate wrought iron for a fraction of the price.

Pros:

• Excellent aesthetics for less than wrought iron.
• Easy to install for most DIYers.
• Low maintenance.

Cons:

• Can scratch and rust.
• More expensive than wood.

Wrought Iron Fences

Wrought iron fencing costs $2,800 on average or $30 to $100+ per linear foot. Custom work can run $300 or more per linear foot. Considered the ultimate in classic aesthetics, it has some drawbacks.

Pros:

• Highest aesthetic quality.
• Boosts curb appeal with a stylized look.

Cons:

• Prone to rust.
• Dents easily.
• Expensive to install and maintain.

Wire Fencing

Welded wire costs $1 to $3 per linear foot. It’s sold in rolls and makes excellent protection for small animal areas, gardens and around trees. It keeps out rabbits, stray dogs, and other garden and property pests, while keeping in the family dog.

Available in many different styles, gauges, lengths and heights.

• Light duty, inexpensive, do-it-yourself for shrubs and small gardens to keep rodents out.
• Medium gauge types for pet enclosures.
• High-quality, heavy-gauge wire for security.

Ranch Fencing

Farm fencing costs $1,700 to $2,500 on average. Farms and ranches have wide ranging needs for horses, cattle and other livestock that require specialized materials and installations.

Average Cost of Building a New Fence

You'll want a solid estimate for your project before you begin the build. There are five major considerations:

• Parts: $5-$25 per linear foot: You can either acquire some of them yourself or rely on the fence contractor to get them and be charged later. While they will charge a markup fee, they receive discounts that could make the entire process affordable for you.
  • Chain-link is especially affordable.
  • Vinyl is more expensive than wood or chain-link.
  • Specialty materials such as aluminum and wrought iron are the priciest.
• Labor: $30-$70 per hour. Project pricing and per linear foot charges include both labor and materials.
• Building permits cost $400-$800. You will have to contact your local municipality to see if a permit is required.
• Lawn regrading costs $900-$3,000. Expect higher fees if the land is sloped because it makes installation more difficult and time consuming.
• Call the Dig Line for Utilities. Always call 811 before digging to avoid striking any buried pipes or wires. Not calling could lead to costly utility repairs on the part of the homeowner.

Height: Backyard Fence vs. Fencing Around a House

Always check with your local code enforcement office for height requirements for front and back yards. There are no nationally set requirements.

• 3 feet high is common for most front yards.
• 6 feet high for most back yards.
• Consider matching style, height and material with neighbors to maintain property values.
• Check with your homeowners association for specific requirements.
• Check with a neighbor about splitting costs where it runs along a shared property line.

Costs to Fence in Your Yard by Size

You'll spend anywhere from $1,300 to $10,000 for the most common types depending on yard size. Standard yard sizes used to run about 200 linear feet for about 1/4 acre.

• Plot sizes are shrinking. In urban areas or new developments, expect something smaller, or about 150 linear feet for 1/5 acre.
• Buildings, shared property lines and natural obstacles may increase or decrease actual fence length.

Even if you don't hire an installer, you should still evaluate your project for per linear foot or per square foot pricing.

• It's critical that you properly measure the size of the property. Any miscalculation could have tremendous financial ramifications. You also may wind up short on materials, forcing another trip to the store.
• It's worth it to pay the extra $350 to $700 cost to hire a land surveyor to measure your land. If you measure improperly, you may unintentionally build on a portion of land you don't own. This can lead to legal issues if there is a dispute about property lines.

Average Cost to Install Fence Posts

For just the post and concrete, you’ll spend $5 to $150 per post depending on the materials you choose. You’ll also need to consider code requirements for depth, setting and spacing.

• Depth: code varies by location but usually requires the depth to exceed the frost line to avoid upheavals. This can increase both the length of the post and amount of concrete needed.
• Setting: Code dictates if a corner post or all posts require concrete setting.
• Spacing: Post spacing is usually 4, 6 or 8 feet apart.

Fence Replacement Cost Estimator

Replacement shares all the same costs as installing a new one for an average of $1,000 to $4,000. However, you’ll have to pay for removal of the old one which runs $3 to $5 per linear foot or $450 to $750 for a 150-foot length.

DIY Fence Cost vs. Contractor Prices

This can make a great DIY project if you have 30 to 50+ hours free. It helps to have little experience tracking down building codes, permits and using basic tools like a shovel, post hole digger, hammer, drill and circular saw. Layout, design and measurements are key to a professional looking installation.

• If you don’t already own the equipment and tools needed, professional installation might run the same or less.
• Professionals warranty their work. Any DIY mistakes increase your budget.

Getting Free Fence Installation Quotes

Almost all landscapers and fencing contractors near you give free quotes for their work. Make sure to ask a few questions before choosing an installer.

• Get at least 3-5 quotes.
• Research reviews and references. Inspect previous work if possible.
• Ask about warranties.
• Ask about licenses or trade associations.

FAQs

What is the cheapest fence to install?

Chain link fences are the cheapest residential types at $1,100 to $2,800 overall. It ties with wood for material affordability at $5 to $15 per linear foot for materials. Vinyl has the cheapest labor rate to install at about $7 per linear foot.

How much does it cost to fence in a 1/4 acre yard?

Depending on type, 1/4 acre of fencing would be about 200 feet and run $4,000 to $15,500 assuming only three sides installed with the fourth side bordered by the home. Actual footage varies greatly depending on your yard's shape, topography and the location of trees and structures.

How long does it take to put up a fence?

A professional takes between 20 to 35 hours to put up a fence. It takes a DIYer up to double that time.

How much does It cost to put up a gate?

Gates run anywhere from $150 to $600 or more for drive-through varieties. Expect to pay an additional $100 to $250 for labor.

How much does a cedar fence cost?

A 150-foot cedar fence costs anywhere from $3,000 to $8,000. It weathers well and takes less maintenance than other woods.

How do I calculate how much fencing I need?

To find how much fencing you need either contact a professional or follow these steps:

1. Determine code restrictions like height, post spacing, etc.
2. Find your property lines, utility lines and where you’d like the fence located.
3. Measure the distance where the fence will be.
4. Divide that measure by the post spacing then add two. This is how many posts you’ll need.
5. Multiply that by two or three for rails.
6. For wood – divide the total length by the width of your pickets. For vinyl – simply add up the number of panels you’ll need.