How Much Does It Cost To Install A Fence?

Fence installation cost calculator

It costs anywhere between $2,000 to $8,000 to have a professional build you a new fence. Of that cost, you’ll pay between $1,000 to $1,500 in labor, though that number may differ depending on your location and specific needs.

Fence installation costs are done by linear footage. To ascertain this, you’ll need to measure the perimeter of the fence or the continuous line on which you’ll erect the fence. This will give you the total footage needed. The fence height and number of posts can affect the price. Keep in mind that your location may have restrictions on all these factors, so be sure to double-check. 

Once you know your footage, you can multiply it by the cost per linear foot for the type of fence you want to be installed.

Read below to learn about the various types of fencing and their average costs per footage. Be sure to check out the fence installation cost estimator. You can also ask professionals for estimates (their labor is calculated by the hour). They should be able to break down how many hours it’ll take and the rough material cost. Having a few estimates will give you a solid idea of your expected costs. Take a look at the fence cost calculator for a quick estimate.

Installing a fence cost per foot

The average cost to install a fence is $25 per linear foot, with the exact cost depending on the type of material you choose. The prices range between $5 and $45 per linear foot, including material and labor costs. For a project of 125 square feet, the average cost is $3,125 with a range between $625 and $5,625.

The following table shows the average cost per linear foot:

When you're searching for a new fence, you may want to research the various materials that are available. Depending on where you live, certain materials will last longer than others. For example, a wood fence won't hold up as well if you live in a moist or humid climate due to rot. Vinyl fencing may crack and fade if you live in a hot region with a lot of sunshine. Consider the material for your fence carefully so you can be sure you're making the right choice for your needs.

Installing a new fence cost by type

Below are the most common materials used for residential fences, along with the average national costs. All fencing is sold per linear foot.

Chain link fence

Chain link has a long lifespan, requires minimal maintenance, and is relatively easy for the DIY enthusiast. Chain link is usually a metallic grey, but if you want to spend more, you can have it colored. It offers little privacy, but most chain link fences are affordable. It comes in heights of four, five, or six feet and ranges between $5 to $15 per foot.

Wood picket fencing

A wood picket fence is charming and affordable. This classic fence brings a rustic vibe to your home and is cheaper compared to other options. They tend to come in either cedar or redwood, and you can stain or paint the fence as you choose. They don’t offer much for security in exchange. These fences cost between $5 to $15 per foot.

Wood privacy fencing

Wood privacy fencing is often six feet tall and usually fits in with a neighborhood aesthetic. It can be painted to suit your taste and requires basic maintenance over its ten-year lifespan. Prices largely depend on wood type and range from $10 to $30 per foot, though $12 per foot is the average cost.

Vinyl fence

Vinyl fencing is an ideal option for a clean, maintenance-free choice. You have the option of both a picket and a privacy style and can choose whatever color you like. Vinyl costs more upfront, between $25 to $35 for picket and $30 to $55 for privacy fencing. Despite its price tag, people tend to gravitate to this fence for its longevity and look.

Aluminum fence

Aluminum fences are a sleek, modern option. It costs between $20 to $45 per foot, and what makes these fences so popular is the view and how little maintenance they require. They’re quite resistant to corrosion and rust and have a long lifespan.

Bamboo fence

Bamboo is an option for a natural-looking fence material. It is very eco-friendly but does require regular staining and sealing to prevent it from rotting, which adds up over time. It isn’t readily available everywhere, so you may have to order it, which can raise costs. You can expect bamboo fencing to cost between $3 to $5 per foot.

Fence replacement cost

If you’re replacing a fence, you’ll need to consider what to do with the original. Whether it's worn out, damaged, or just no longer what you want, you’ll have to ensure you discard it in a responsible manner. If you don’t want to deal with that, you can build removal into your fence replacement cost by adding $2 to $5 per foot. Removing a 100-foot fence should cost between $200 to $500, which is in addition to the cost of installing your new fence.

Labor cost to install a fence

When you get an estimate for fence installation costs, most contractors will give you a price per foot, which includes the materials and labor involved. Some people prefer to shop for their own materials in hopes of a good deal, but will still hire a professional for installation. You’ll likely pay between $30 to $80 per hour in labor costs. A 200-foot fence could take between 20 to 35 hours to complete. The hours involved depend upon your yard, season, and materials. The labor cost is likely higher when the contractor is in demand.

Fencing cost factor estimates

Material, footage, and labor are not the only factors to consider when building a fence. The more specialties required for a fence, the more it will cost. Check below to see the common factors that add to fence costs.

Size and Length

The length of the fence largely determines the cost. A longer fence will cost more than a smaller one for time and materials. Odd-shaped fences (anything that isn’t square or rectangular) will cost more, as each corner requires additional labor and posts. A 200-foot fence should cost an average of $3,200 (at $16 per foot).

Height

Privacy fences can be ideal if you have kids, pools, pets, or just love privacy. You should know your local ordinances around fencing, as different counties, states, and even neighborhood associations will have specific rules on fencing. The average height of a backyard fence is six feet. A privacy fence tends to be eight feet. The extra height means extra materials, and you can expect a 20 to 30% increase in your average cost.

Gates

A gate is a great access point to any yard. The size will play a factor in the average cost. If you need a gate that provides access to a car or truck, it’ll use more materials than a gate for a single person or lawn equipment. Gates tend to cost an additional $200 to $600 each, or roughly 25% more than a regular panel of the same fence.

Sealing, staining, and painting

If your fence is wood, it’ll require a sealant to protect it. Exterior sealant costs roughly $150 for five gallons, which should be enough to cover a 150-foot fence. You’ll want to apply a sealant to a wooden fence every six months. A gallon of paint costs between $15 to $30, which covers roughly 33 feet of fencing. Painting, staining, or sealing costs are factored by the square footage. For staining and painting, you can expect to pay $1 to $3 per square foot.

Lattice

Latticework is a beautiful touch to the top of your fence. This decorative addition can come with your fencing panels or as toppers after the fact. Each material has its own latticework. On average, a panel of fencing with lattice work costs double that of one without. Be sure to check your zoning regulations about the height. Adding a latticework separately adds labor time to your cost, so be sure to grab estimates and know your options.

Post caps and toppers

There are a number of toppers you can get for your fence posts, which give an elegant, finished design to any fence. Many toppers are made of vinyl or wood, but you can go more ornate with copper or even solar panel light toppers. Expect to pay between $15 to $50 per topper, depending on how extravagant you want to go.

Special fencing for horses and livestock

Farm or ranch fencing costs between $2 to $20 on average per foot for materials. Most commonly, you’ll purchase split rail fencing to surround a pasture or a farm so your animals don’t roam away. An electric fence is another option for many farmers to consider.