Fence Cost & Installation Guide
Per-linear-foot pricing, post spacing, and material comparisons for residential fencing.
How Much Does a Fence Cost Per Foot in 2026?
Fence costs range from $10–$55 per linear foot installed, depending on material, height, and terrain.
- Chain link (4 ft): $10–$25/lf installed
- Wood privacy (6 ft): $20–$40/lf installed
- Vinyl privacy (6 ft): $25–$50/lf installed
- Aluminum ornamental: $25–$55/lf installed
- Wrought iron: $30–$75/lf installed
A typical 200 linear foot fence (average residential yard) costs $4,000–$10,000 installed in wood or $6,000–$14,000 in vinyl.
Key Takeaways
- Wood privacy fence: $20–$40/lf installed
- Vinyl fence: $25–$50/lf installed
- 200 lf yard: $4,000–$14,000 total installed
Fence Post Spacing & Concrete Requirements
Standard fence post spacing is 8 feet on center, with posts set in concrete at minimum 24" deep (below frost line in cold climates).
- Post spacing: 6–8 ft OC (6 ft for high-wind areas or 8-ft tall fences)
- Post hole size: 3× post width (e.g., 12" diameter for a 4×4 post)
- Concrete per post: 1–2 bags (50 lb) per post for 24"–36" deep holes
- Gate posts: Use 6×6 posts (not 4×4) and set 6" deeper than line posts
For 200 linear feet of fencing, you'll need approximately 26 posts (200÷8 + 1 for the end).
Key Takeaways
- Post spacing: 8 ft on center (standard)
- Post depth: minimum 24" (below frost line)
- 200 lf fence = ~26 posts needed
Fence Material Lifespan & Maintenance
Cedar and vinyl fences last 20+ years, while pressure-treated pine lasts 10–15 years without staining.
- Pressure-treated pine: 10–15 years, stain every 2–3 years
- Cedar: 15–25 years, naturally rot-resistant, weathers to gray without stain
- Vinyl: 20–30 years, zero maintenance, won't rot/warp/fade
- Aluminum: 20–30+ years, won't rust, powder-coat finish
- Chain link: 15–25 years, galvanized coating prevents rust
Key Takeaways
- Cedar: 15–25 years naturally rot-resistant
- Vinyl: 20–30 years zero maintenance
- Pressure-treated needs staining every 2–3 years
Fence Permits & Property Line Rules
Most municipalities require a permit for fences over 6 feet tall, and many require permits for any fence in a front yard.
- Setback: Typically 2–6 inches inside your property line (check local code)
- Height limits: 4 ft front yard, 6 ft back/side yard (common residential)
- HOA rules: May restrict materials, colors, and styles — check before buying
- Utility lines: Call 811 before digging — it's free and legally required
Get a property survey ($300–$800) if property lines are unclear. Building on a neighbor's property leads to expensive disputes.
Key Takeaways
- Permit often required for fences over 6 ft
- Set fence 2–6" inside property line
- Call 811 before digging (free, legally required)
How to Use This Calculator
Enter Total Linear Feet
Measure the total length of fence you need in linear feet. Walk the property line or use a satellite map tool to measure.
Select Height and Fence Type
Choose your fence height (4, 6, or 8 ft) and material type. Wood privacy is most common for backyards; chain link is cheapest overall.
Add Gates
Enter the number of gates you need. Standard walk gates are 3-4 ft wide; double drive gates for vehicles are 10-16 ft wide.
Review Materials and Cost
See a complete materials list with posts, rails, pickets, concrete, and gates — plus a low-to-high cost estimate including labor.
Fence Materials Formula
Total = (Linear Feet x Material $/lf x Height Factor) + Gates + Labor + ConcreteWhere:
- Linear Feet
- = Total fence length in linear feet
- Material $/lf
- = Cost per linear foot by type (wood $15-35, chain link $10-25, vinyl $20-45, aluminum $25-55)
- Posts
- = 1 post every 8 feet plus 1 end post, set in concrete
- Rails
- = 2 rails for 4-ft fence, 3 rails for 6-ft or 8-ft fence per section
- Labor
- = Installation labor at $5-15 per linear foot
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to fence a yard?
For a typical 150-200 linear foot residential fence, expect to pay: Wood privacy: $3,000-$7,000, Chain link: $1,500-$5,000, Vinyl: $3,000-$9,000, Aluminum: $3,750-$11,000. These prices include materials and professional installation. The biggest cost variables are fence type, height, terrain difficulty, and local labor rates.
How far apart should fence posts be?
Standard fence post spacing is every 8 feet on center for most fence types. However, 6-foot spacing provides stronger results in high-wind areas. Corner posts and gate posts should be set deeper (minimum 1/3 of total post length below grade) and use larger posts (4x6 or 6x6 instead of 4x4) for added strength.
How deep should fence post holes be?
The general rule is to bury 1/3 of the total post length. For a 6-foot fence using 8-foot posts, dig 24-30 inches deep. For an 8-foot fence, dig 30-36 inches. Post holes should be 3 times the post width (12 inches for a 4x4 post). In frost-prone areas, extend below the frost line to prevent heaving.
How many bags of concrete per fence post?
Use 1-2 bags of 50-lb quick-set concrete per post for a standard 4x4 post in a 10-12 inch diameter hole. For 4x6 or 6x6 corner and gate posts, use 2-3 bags. Quick-set concrete (like Quikrete Fast-Setting) can be poured dry into the hole and wetted — no mixing required. Posts can typically be loaded the same day.
Do I need a permit to build a fence?
Most municipalities require a permit for fences over 6 feet tall, and some require permits for any fence. Common regulations include: maximum height (typically 6 ft for backyard, 4 ft for front yard), setback requirements (often 1-2 ft inside property line), and restrictions in easements or sight triangles near intersections. Always check local codes before building.
Which fence material lasts the longest?
Aluminum and vinyl fences last 30-50+ years with virtually no maintenance. Cedar wood fences last 15-20 years with regular staining every 2-3 years. Pressure-treated pine lasts 15-20 years. Chain link lasts 20-30 years (longer with vinyl coating). For longevity with a wood look, composite fencing lasts 25-30 years but costs $30-$45 per linear foot installed.
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