2026 Fence Cost by Material (6 ft height, installed)
| Material | Cost/LF | 150 LF Yard | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chain Link | $8 - $18 | $1,200 - $2,700 | 15-20 yrs |
| Pressure-Treated Pine | $15 - $30 | $2,250 - $4,500 | 15-20 yrs |
| Cedar | $20 - $40 | $3,000 - $6,000 | 20-30 yrs |
| Vinyl / PVC | $20 - $45 | $3,000 - $6,750 | 25-30 yrs |
| Aluminum | $25 - $55 | $3,750 - $8,250 | 30-50 yrs |
| Composite | $25 - $50 | $3,750 - $7,500 | 25-30 yrs |
What Affects Fence Installation Cost?
Material choice is the biggest cost driver. Chain link is the most affordable option at $8-$18 per linear foot installed, while wood privacy fences (pine or cedar) are the most popular residential choice at $15-$40 per foot. Vinyl and composite cost more upfront but require virtually no maintenance over their 25-30 year lifespan.
Terrain and soil conditions can significantly impact costs. Rocky soil, tree roots, or steep grades add $3-$10 per linear foot due to extra labor for post holes. Hilly terrain requires stepped panels or racked panels, which increase material waste and installation time by 15-25%.
Property line surveys are essential before installing a fence. A survey costs $300-$800 but prevents expensive disputes with neighbors. Most municipalities require fences to be set back 2-6 inches from the property line. Check local ordinances for height restrictions (typically 4 feet for front yards, 6 feet for back yards) and permit requirements.
Calculate Your Fence Cost
Average backyard: 100-200 linear feet. Full perimeter: 250-500 ft.
Western Red Cedar — 150 linear feet
Fence Length
150 ft
Expected Lifespan
20-30 years
Estimated Total Cost
$3,870.00 – $8,620.00
| Line Item | Low Estimate | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Western Red Cedar Fence (6 feet) | $3,000.00 | $6,000.00 |
| Post Holes & Concrete (~19 posts) | $570.00 | $1,520.00 |
| Gate (1) | $250.00 | $800.00 |
| Permits & Survey | $50.00 | $300.00 |
| Total | $3,870.00 | $8,620.00 |
Money-Saving Tips
- Split the cost with your neighbor - it's common to share fence costs on a shared property line
- Use pressure-treated pine with a quality stain for a cedar look at 30-40% less cost
- Install during winter months when fence contractors offer off-season discounts (10-20%)
- Remove your old fence yourself to save $3-$5 per linear foot in demo costs
- Choose dog-ear pickets over board-on-board for 20% material savings with similar privacy
12,800+ estimates calculated this month
Fence Cost Comparison Guide
Detailed cost comparisons and money-saving strategies for fence projects.
What Is the Cheapest Fence to Install?
Chain link is the cheapest fence at $10–$25 per linear foot installed, followed by basic pressure-treated wood at $15–$25/lf.
- Chain link (4 ft): $10–$25/lf (most affordable, best for utility/pet containment)
- Pressure-treated picket: $15–$25/lf (classic look, requires maintenance)
- Welded wire/hog panel: $8–$15/lf (agricultural/garden, DIY-friendly)
- Split rail: $12–$20/lf (rural/decorative, no privacy)
For privacy on a budget, a 6-ft dog-ear privacy fence in pressure-treated pine is the sweet spot at $20–$30/lf installed.
Key Takeaways
- Cheapest: chain link at $10–$25/lf
- Budget privacy: PT dog-ear at $20–$30/lf
- Welded wire: $8–$15/lf for garden/utility
Wood vs. Vinyl vs. Composite Fence Cost Comparison
Vinyl costs 40–80% more upfront than wood but eliminates maintenance costs over its 20–30 year lifespan.
- Wood (6-ft privacy): $20–$35/lf + $1–$3/lf every 2–3 years for stain
- Vinyl (6-ft privacy): $25–$50/lf + $0 maintenance
- Composite: $30–$55/lf + minimal maintenance (occasional cleaning)
Over 20 years, a 200 lf wood fence costs $8,000–$14,000 (including restaining) vs. $6,000–$12,000 for vinyl — making vinyl the better long-term value.
Key Takeaways
- Vinyl 40–80% more upfront, but $0 maintenance
- Over 20 years, vinyl often cheaper than wood
- Composite: $30–$55/lf, minimal upkeep
How to Save Money on a Fence Project
DIY installation saves 40–60% on labor, and is feasible for wood and vinyl fence projects with basic tools.
- DIY post holes: Rent an auger ($50–$100/day) vs. hand-digging
- Split costs with neighbors: Property-line fences benefit both parties — split 50/50
- Off-season install: Late fall/winter pricing can be 10–15% lower
- Buy materials in bulk: Lumber yards give 5–10% discount on full-project orders
Key Takeaways
- DIY saves 40–60% on labor costs
- Split boundary fence costs with neighbors
- Bulk lumber orders save 5–10%
Complete Guide to Fence Costs in 2026
A new fence adds privacy, security, curb appeal, and can increase your property value by 2-5%. Whether you need a simple chain link enclosure for pets or an elegant cedar privacy fence, understanding the full cost picture helps you budget accurately and choose the right material for your needs and climate.
Wood Fencing: The Most Popular Choice
Wood remains the most popular fencing material in America, accounting for roughly 60% of residential installations. Pressure-treated pine is the most affordable wood option at $15-$30 per linear foot installed, while Western red cedar costs $20-$40 per foot but naturally resists rot and insects without chemical treatment. For maximum privacy, board-on-board style eliminates gaps between pickets but uses 30% more material than standard dog-ear.
Vinyl and Composite: Low-Maintenance Alternatives
Vinyl (PVC) fencing costs $20-$45 per linear foot installed but comes with the advantage of virtually zero maintenance. It will not rot, warp, splinter, or need painting or staining over its 25-30 year lifespan. Composite fencing ($25-$50/lf) blends recycled wood fibers and plastic, offering a more natural appearance than vinyl with similar low-maintenance benefits. Both materials perform well in humid climates where wood fences tend to deteriorate faster.
Metal Fencing: Durability and Elegance
Aluminum ornamental fencing ($25-$55/lf) provides an elegant, open look similar to wrought iron but without the rust and maintenance concerns. It works well for front yards, pool enclosures, and properties where you want security without blocking the view. Chain link ($8-$18/lf) is the most economical option and is commonly used for pet enclosures, utility areas, and commercial properties. Adding vinyl slats to chain link ($3-$6/lf extra) provides some privacy at a fraction of the cost of a solid fence.
Height and Terrain Considerations
Standard residential privacy fences are 6 feet tall, which is the maximum allowed in most backyard zoning codes. Front yard fences are typically limited to 3-4 feet. Going from 6 feet to 8 feet adds approximately 30-40% to your material costs. Hilly or sloping terrain requires either stepped panels (which leave triangular gaps at the bottom) or racked panels (custom-angled to follow the slope), both of which increase labor costs by 15-25%.
Gates: An Often-Overlooked Cost
Gates are one of the most expensive components per foot of a fence project. A standard 4-foot walk gate costs $250-$600 installed, while a 10-16 foot double drive gate for vehicle access costs $500-$2,000. Automated gate openers add $800-$3,000. Plan your gate locations carefully, as adding gates after installation costs significantly more due to the need to cut panels and add new posts.
Before You Build: Critical Steps
Before starting any fence project, complete these essential steps: (1) get a property survey to confirm your exact property boundaries ($300-$800), (2) check local zoning codes for height limits and setback requirements, (3) call 811 to mark underground utility lines (free and required by law), (4) discuss your plans with neighbors on shared boundaries, and (5) submit permit applications where required. Skipping these steps can result in costly fence relocation, fines, or neighbor disputes.
How to Use This Calculator
Compare materials in the cost table
Start by reviewing the cost comparison table showing installed price per linear foot, total cost for a typical 150-foot yard, and expected lifespan for each fence material.
Measure your fence line
Measure the total linear feet of fencing needed. For a full backyard enclosure, add up all sides minus the house width. Most backyards require 100-200 linear feet of fencing.
Enter your project details
Input your linear footage, select a fence material, choose height, number of gates, and terrain type to get a customized cost estimate with a detailed line-item breakdown.
Review the cost breakdown and tips
See the itemized estimate covering fence panels, post holes, gates, and permits. Apply the money-saving tips to optimize your budget without sacrificing quality.
Fence Cost Formulas
Total Cost = (Linear Feet × Cost/LF × Height Factor × Terrain Factor) + Gates + Post Holes + Permits
Post Quantity = Linear Feet ÷ 8 (standard post spacing)
Concrete per Post = 2-3 bags (50 lb) for 6 ft fenceWhere:
- Chain Link
- = $8-$18 per linear foot installed (6 ft)
- Wood (Pine)
- = $15-$30 per linear foot installed (6 ft)
- Vinyl
- = $20-$45 per linear foot installed (6 ft)
- Gates
- = $250-$800 each for standard walk gates
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Frequently Asked Questions
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