The average vinyl fence costs $3,800, but it varies depending on length, height, and style
The average vinyl fence costs $3,800, though it ranges between $2,230 to $5,400, depending on the style, labor needs, and the total length of the fence. A fenced-in yard is a must if you have small kiddos or a pup running around—and vinyl fencing (also referred to as PVC) can be a great choice.
| Low Cost | Average Cost | High Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $2,230 | $3,800 | $5,400 |
Vinyl Fence Installation Cost Breakdown
To calculate your vinyl fencing costs, you’ll need to zero in on what purpose your fencing serves: aesthetics, security, privacy—or a mix of all three. Vinyl fencing is priced by linear foot; the taller the fence, the higher the fence installation costs—something to think about if you have a dog with Houdini skills, especially if they can scale a standard 6-foot privacy fence.
And it’s not just length and height that influence your vinyl fence installation costs. Consider these key factors to help avoid going over budget.
Costs Per Linear Foot
The costs for vinyl fencing include the fencing materials and the labor required for installation. For standard 4- or 6-foot vinyl fencing, you’ll spend $15 to $40 per linear foot. Materials are $10 to $30 per linear foot, and labor charges add up to about $5 to $10 per linear foot. Depending on the condition of your property, how level your lawn is, the style of fence you choose, and add-ons such as extra gates, labor costs can increase to an additional $35 to $50 per hour.
Vinyl Fence Installation Costs by Linear Foot
| Linear Foot | Cost |
|---|---|
| 4 feet | $15–$25 |
| 6 feet | $25–$40 |
| 8 feet | $30–$45 |
| 10 feet | $35–$50 |
| 12 feet | $40–$60 |
Fence Height
Height has a significant impact on the cost of vinyl fence installation. A 6-foot vinyl fence is $25 to $40 per linear foot. Weigh your need for curb appeal, privacy, and safety to figure out which fence height fits your needs.
Number of Fence Posts
Vinyl fence posts average around $25 each. Wider fence panels might cost more than standard varieties, but they work out better value overall because they need fewer posts. For a 100-foot fence, you’ll likely need 14 posts when using 8-foot panels and 18 posts for 6-foot panels.
And it’s not just the cost of the posts themselves that drives the price up. Digging more post holes and filling them with cement means extra labor and materials.
Be aware that local building codes can influence fence post pricing. You might have to comply with specific spacing and burial rules.
Vinyl Fence Gates
Vinyl fence gates are $300 to $1,500 to purchase and install, in addition to the fence. If you choose a gate with high-end features, or it’s difficult to match your gate to the existing fence, the price increases.
Vinyl Fence Add-Ons
Moving away from a standard plain white vinyl fence can set you back a pretty penny. Vinyl fence installation costs can increase by $1 to $30 per linear foot if you're adding upgrades.
Boost your budget if you’re thinking about any of these enhancements:
Color: A manufacturer's standard white line might cost $25 per linear foot, whereas their unusual wood-grain or black finishes could be $40 to $60 per linear foot.
Thickness: Typically, residential vinyl fences are 0.135 to 0.150 inches thick. While thinner ones cost less, they don’t always last as long and might not survive in strong winds.
Hardware: Opting for designer-grade rather than builder-grade handles, hinges, and posts pumps up prices. They won’t typically be more functional, but they might look sleeker.
Decorative embellishments: If you want a polished, unique finish, you might want to shell out for design elements like latticework, woven patterns, lights, or post caps.
How Much Does a Vinyl Fence Cost By Style?
After filling Pinterest boards with custom vinyl fence choices, you’re ready to invest in a fencing system—but you need to know how much the perfect vinyl fence for your yard costs. Each manufacturer has various styles, but the privacy, three-rail (also known as horse fence), and picket fence are the most popular vinyl fencing choices.
Privacy Fence
A privacy fence conceals what is on each side of the fence and provides the most separation and security because the panels are solid or the slats have little space between them. The cost of a vinyl privacy fence per linear foot is $25 to $60, and the average price is $3,000 to $18,000.
Three-Rail or Horse Fence
Three-rail vinyl fencing is distinctive because of the three horizontal rails running between posts. This style remains popular because of affordability, and the charming appearance adds a homey feel to your property. Three-rail fencing costs $15 to $25 per linear foot and, on average, ranges from $1,500 to $7,500 total.
Picket Fence
To instantly add a classic Americana look to your home with vinyl picket fencing, you’ll spend $15 to $20 per linear foot or about $1,500 to $4,500. Typically 3 to 4 feet tall, the picket fence is one of the most popular front-yard fence styles.
Additional Vinyl Fence Costs to Consider
Depending on your yard set up, you might have to pay for some prep work, and don’t forget to factor in ongoing upkeep expenses.
Removing an Old Fence
Are you replacing an old fence in your yard? If you’re not a weekend warrior with the time, skills, and energy to spare, you’ll be looking at spending $3 to $5 per linear foot for its removal.
Removing Trees or Stumps
Is there an old tree stump in the line of your new fence? Pros will charge around $100 to $150 to take it away. Full tree removal costs an average of $750.
Cost to Paint a Vinyl Fence
Vinyl fences don’t need the additional layer of protection wooden ones might. But, if you want to give your fence a facelift, the average cost to paint a fence is $1,700. You can save over 50% by painting your vinyl fence yourself. Just don’t forget to invest in a primer to help the paint adhere to the vinyl better.
Maintenance and Repairs
Even if you select the best materials and installers, strong winds and time can take their toll. If you want to set aside some funds for unexpected patch-up work, vinyl fence repairs cost an average of $30 per foot.
Ridding your fence of grime, mold, and mildew build-up maximizes its longevity. The average cost to pressure wash a fence is $225.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Vinyl Fence Yourself?
You’ll save the labor fees on a DIY vinyl fence. Doing it yourself can cut costs down to $5 to $10 per linear foot or $35 to $50 per hour, but unless you're a perfectionist with plenty of spare time, it might be better to call a vinyl fence company near you.
Vinyl installation requires extreme precision. The vinyl pieces are purchased pre-cut, which leaves little room for error. A mistake will send you back to the home improvement store (probably more than once) to finish the job.
Costs of a Vinyl Fence vs. a Wood Fence
You could save money on a DIY fence project if you install a wood fence. The costs of a vinyl fence vs. a wood fence are similar, but you’ll save on labor if you properly plan and research the necessary skills. Plus, the learning curve is less steep than with vinyl fencing, making mistakes affordable and easy to correct.
Frequently Asked Questions
Vinyl fencing stays popular with homeowners because it’s low maintenance, has a life span of 10 to 30 years, and offers privacy. Homeowners also pick vinyl for their fence because of the high return on investment, about 60%, depending on your location.
The best vinyl fence style for your yard depends on your needs, form and function-wise. For example, a classic vinyl picket fence in your front yard helps contain kids and canines while offering views of your neighborhood. But a more expensive privacy fence creates a secluded backyard oasis for family gatherings. Opt for a ranch-like post and rail vinyl fence if you want to carry on your rustic farmhouse vibes.
There is no best color for a vinyl fence, as it truly depends on a homeowner’s aesthetic preference. Classic white is the most popular and widely available of all the vinyl fence colors. However, contemporary black, warm browns, and natural grays are becoming more mainstream. One perk of darker-colored fences is that they are easier to “keep clean,” as in, dirt and debris don’t show up as easily as they would on lighter-colored fences. So if you don’t plan to give your fence regular washings, a dark color like black, gray, or brown would be the best choice.
