**Average fence installation cost**: **$15-$50 per linear foot** installed (material + labor), with total project costs ranging **$1,500-$10,000+** depending on fence type, length, and terrain. **Cost breakdown by fence material (2025)**: **1.

Wood fencing** ($10-$30/linear foot installed). **Types**: Cedar: $20-$30/ft (most durable, naturally rot-resistant, 15-20 year lifespan).

Pressure-treated pine: $10-$20/ft (budget option, 10-15 years with maintenance).

Redwood: $25-$35/ft (premium, 20-25 years, rich color).

Composite wood: $25-$45/ft (low-maintenance, 25+ years, looks like real wood). **Pros**: Natural appearance, customizable height/style (privacy, picket, split-rail). **Cons**: Requires staining/sealing every 2-3 years, vulnerable to rot/termites. **Best for**: Privacy fences, traditional aesthetic, DIY installation. **Example**: 150 linear feet cedar privacy fence (6 ft height) = $3,000-$4,500 (material + labor). **2.

Vinyl/PVC fencing** ($20-$40/linear foot). **Types**: Privacy vinyl: $25-$40/ft (6-8 ft height, solid panels).

Picket vinyl: $20-$30/ft (3-4 ft height, decorative).

Ranch rail vinyl: $15-$25/ft (2-3 rails, open style). **Pros**: No maintenance (never needs painting/staining), 20-30+ year lifespan, resistant to rot/insects/weather. **Cons**: Higher upfront cost, can crack in extreme cold, limited color options (mostly white/tan). **Best for**: Low-maintenance homeowners, coastal/high-humidity areas, HOA restrictions. **Example**: 100 linear feet vinyl privacy fence = $2,500-$4,000. **3.

Chain link fencing** ($8-$18/linear foot). **Types**: Galvanized chain link: $8-$15/ft (standard silver finish, 15-20 years).

Vinyl-coated chain link: $12-$18/ft (black/green/brown coating, 20-25 years). **Height**: 3-6 ft typical (6-8 ft for commercial). **Pros**: Most affordable, durable, low-maintenance, good for large areas. **Cons**: No privacy, industrial look, not suitable for front yards in most neighborhoods. **Best for**: Dog runs, backyards, perimeter fencing for large properties, commercial/industrial. **Example**: 300 linear feet chain link (4 ft height) = $2,400-$5,400. **4.

Aluminum fencing** ($25-$45/linear foot). **Styles**: Ornamental aluminum (decorative posts/finials): $30-$45/ft.

Pool code compliant (self-closing gates, 4ft+ height): $35-$50/ft. **Pros**: Rust-proof, low-maintenance, elegant appearance (mimics wrought iron), 20-30 year lifespan. **Cons**: No privacy (open pickets), higher cost, can dent with impact. **Best for**: Pool fencing (meets safety codes), front yards, decorative boundaries. **Example**: 80 linear feet aluminum pool fence (5 ft height) = $2,000-$3,600. **5.

Wrought iron fencing** ($30-$60/linear foot). **Types**: Pre-fabricated wrought iron: $30-$45/ft (standard designs).

Custom wrought iron: $50-$100+/ft (ornate designs, hand-forged). **Pros**: Extremely durable (50+ year lifespan), high-end aesthetic, strong security. **Cons**: Most expensive, requires rust prevention (paint every 3-5 years), no privacy. **Best for**: Historic homes, luxury properties, front yard decorative fencing. **Example**: 50 linear feet custom wrought iron = $2,500-$5,000. **6.

Composite fencing** ($25-$45/linear foot). **Materials**: Wood-plastic composite (recycled wood fibers + plastic). **Pros**: Looks like wood, zero maintenance, 25-30+ year lifespan, eco-friendly. **Cons**: Higher upfront cost, heavier than wood (harder to install). **Best for**: Environmentally conscious, high-end projects, low-maintenance needs. **7.

Split-rail fencing** ($10-$25/linear foot). **Materials**: Cedar/pine split rails (2-3 horizontal rails). **Pros**: Rustic look, affordable, easy DIY, good for large perimeters. **Cons**: No privacy/security, requires large property to look proportional. **Best for**: Ranch/farm properties, decorative boundaries, horse paddocks. **Additional cost factors**: **1.

Labor** (35-50% of total cost). **Professional installation**: $5-$20/linear foot labor (varies by region, complexity). **DIY savings**: Save 40-60% by self-installing (wood/chain link easiest, wrought iron hardest). **2.

Fence height**: 4 ft fence: 20-30% cheaper than 6 ft (less material, easier installation). 6 ft privacy fence: Standard residential height. 8 ft fence: 30-50% more expensive (commercial-grade posts, more material). **3.

Terrain/obstacles**: **Sloped/uneven ground**: +15-30% cost (requires stepped/racked fence panels, extra labor). **Rocky soil**: +10-20% cost (harder to dig post holes, may need jackhammer). **Tree roots/obstacles**: +$200-$500 per obstacle for removal/navigation. **4.

Gates**: Single walk gate (3-4 ft wide): $150-$600 (depending on material).

Double drive gate (10-16 ft wide): $500-$2,500.

Automatic gate opener: $850-$3,500 (including installation). **5.

Permits**: **Required**: Most municipalities require permits for fences 4-6 ft+ height. **Cost**: $50-$400 (varies by city). **HOA approval**: May require architectural review ($0-$200 application fee). **6.

Old fence removal/disposal**: Removal cost: $3-$8/linear foot ($300-$800 for 100 ft fence).

Disposal fee: $100-$400 (landfill/hauling). **7.

Concrete for posts**: Standard installation: Posts set in concrete (included in labor).

Heavy-duty posts (gates, corners): Extra $10-$30/post for larger concrete footings. **8.

Staining/sealing** (wood fences): Initial staining: $1-$3/linear foot ($100-$300 for 100 ft fence).

Re-staining every 2-3 years: Same cost recurring. **9.

Regional labor variations**: **High-cost regions** (CA, NY, MA): $20-$35/ft installed. **Mid-cost regions** (TX, FL, CO): $12-$25/ft installed. **Low-cost regions** (rural South, Midwest): $8-$18/ft installed. **Sample total project costs (150 linear feet, 6 ft privacy fence)**: **Cedar wood**: Material: $1,800 ($12/ft × 150).

Labor: $1,500 ($10/ft × 150).

Gate: $400 (single 4ft gate).

Permit: $150.

Old fence removal: $600. **Total: $4,450**. **Vinyl**: Material: $3,750 ($25/ft × 150).

Labor: $2,250 ($15/ft × 150).

Gate: $600.

Permit: $150. **Total: $6,750** (no staining needed, saves $300 every 2-3 years). **Chain link**: Material: $1,350 ($9/ft × 150).

Labor: $1,050 ($7/ft × 150).

Gate: $300.

Permit: $150. **Total: $2,850**. **Cost-per-linear-foot calculator example**: **Inputs**: Fence length: 200 linear feet.

Fence type: Pressure-treated pine wood (privacy, 6 ft).

Material cost: $12/ft.

Labor: $8/ft.

Gates: 1 walk gate ($350) + 1 double drive gate ($1,200).

Permit: $200.

Old fence removal: 150 ft existing fence × $5/ft = $750. **Calculation**: Material: 200 × $12 = $2,400.

Labor: 200 × $8 = $1,600.

Gates: $350 + $1,200 = $1,550.

Permit: $200.

Removal: $750. **Total: $6,500** ($32.50/linear foot all-in). **ROI and property value impact**: **Fence adds 50-75% of cost to home value** (varies by market). **Example**: $5,000 fence → Adds $2,500-$3,750 to home value. **Best ROI fences**: Cedar/vinyl privacy fences in family neighborhoods (buyers value privacy/security for kids/pets).

Aluminum pool fences (insurance/safety requirement, appeals to buyers with children). **When fence installation makes sense**: Increasing privacy from neighbors/roads.

Containing pets/children safely.

Defining property boundaries (prevent encroachment disputes).

Required for pool (legal in most states for pools with >18-24 inch depth).

Improving home security/curb appeal.

HOA requirement (some require front yard fences of specific materials).

**DIY vs professional fence installation comparison**: **DIY installation** (save 35-55% on labor costs). **Best fence types for DIY**: **1.

Chain link** (easiest DIY fence): Skill level: Beginner.

Tools needed: Post hole digger, level, wrenches, pliers, come-along (fence stretcher tool).

Time: 2-3 days for 100 linear feet (2 people).

Difficulty: 3/10 (simple assembly, no cutting/measuring precision required). **Savings**: $700-$1,500 labor savings on 100 ft fence. **2.

Wood privacy fence** (moderate DIY difficulty): Skill level: Intermediate (basic carpentry skills).

Tools: Post hole digger, circular saw, level, drill, tape measure, string line.

Time: 3-5 days for 100 linear feet (2 people).

Difficulty: 6/10 (requires precise post spacing, cutting/fitting boards, gate installation). **Savings**: $1,000-$2,000 labor on 100 ft fence. **3.

Split-rail fence** (easy DIY): Skill level: Beginner-intermediate.

Time: 1-2 days for 100 linear feet.

Difficulty: 4/10 (simple mortise-and-tenon assembly). **Savings**: $500-$1,000 labor. **Difficult DIY fences** (hire professional recommended): **Wrought iron/aluminum**: Requires welding skills + specialized tools ($2,000+ equipment investment). **Vinyl**: Heavy panels (100+ lbs), requires 3-4 people, specialized brackets. **Concrete block walls**: Requires masonry skills, heavy equipment (mixer, trowels, scaffolding). **Sloped terrain**: Requires stepped/racked panels (advanced carpentry, precise angle calculations). **DIY fence installation steps** (wood privacy fence example): **Step 1: Check codes/permits** (1 day).

Call 811 (free utility locate) - **MANDATORY** before digging (avoid hitting gas/electric/water lines, $10,000+ fines).

Obtain building permit ($50-$400).

Check property survey/boundaries (avoid building on neighbor's land, $5,000-$20,000 lawsuit risk).

HOA approval (if applicable).

Verify local setback requirements (fences typically must be 2-6 inches inside property line). **Step 2: Mark fence line and post locations** (2-4 hours).

String line between corner stakes (perfectly straight fence line).

Mark post holes every 6-8 feet (8 ft is standard for 8-ft fence panels).

Corner posts: Mark first, use 6×6 inch posts (stronger than 4×4 line posts). **Step 3: Dig post holes** (1-2 days). **Depth**: 1/3 of post height + 6 inches gravel base. 6 ft fence = 2 ft hole depth. 8 ft fence = 3 ft hole depth. **Diameter**: 3× post width. 4×4 posts = 12-inch diameter holes. 6×6 corner posts = 18-inch diameter holes. **Tools**: Manual post hole digger ($30-$50, slow but cheap).

Gas-powered auger rental ($75-$150/day, fast for 20+ posts). **Tip**: Dig all holes before setting posts (inspect full fence line, adjust spacing). **Step 4: Set corner/end posts in concrete** (4-8 hours).

Mix fast-setting concrete (50-lb bags, $5-$8 each, need 1-2 bags per post).

Add 6 inches gravel to hole bottom (drainage, prevents rot).

Insert post, check plumb with 4-ft level on two sides (critical - crooked posts ruin entire fence).

Fill with concrete, taper top for water runoff.

Brace posts with 2×4 scrap wood (keep plumb while concrete cures 24-48 hours). **Step 5: String line between corner posts** (1 hour).

Attach mason's line at top of corner posts (guide for line post height). **Step 6: Set line posts** (1-2 days).

Set posts in concrete (same as Step 4).

Align top with string line (all posts uniform height).

Space 6-8 ft apart (match panel/board length). **Step 7: Install rails** (horizontal 2×4 boards, top/middle/bottom of fence) (4-8 hours).

Toe-nail or screw rails into posts (3-4 inches from top, middle, bottom).

Use galvanized/coated screws (prevent rust streaks on wood). **Step 8: Attach fence boards/panels** (1-2 days). **Privacy fence (vertical boards)**: Nail/screw boards to rails (start at corner post, work toward other end).

Leave 1/4-inch gaps between boards (wood expands in humidity, prevents warping). **Pre-fab panels**: Attach panels to posts with brackets (faster but less custom). **Step 9: Install gates** (2-4 hours).

Use heavy-duty hinges (rated for gate weight + 50% safety margin).

Install gate latch (self-closing latch for pool fences - required by code).

Check swing clearance (gate shouldn't hit fence/ground). **Step 10: Stain/seal wood** (optional but recommended, 4-8 hours).

Wait 2-4 weeks for wood to dry after installation.

Apply penetrating stain/sealer (protects from moisture, UV, extends life 5-10 years).

Re-apply every 2-3 years. **Professional installation advantages**: **1.

Speed**: Pros install 100 ft fence in 1-2 days (vs 3-5 days DIY). **2.

Warranty**: 1-5 year workmanship warranty (covers post failure, sagging, gate issues). **3.

Quality**: Perfectly plumb posts, straight lines, professional gate installation. **4.

Permits/code compliance**: Contractor pulls permits, ensures code compliance (setbacks, height limits, pool safety). **5.

Liability**: Contractor insured for injuries/property damage (DIY = you're liable). **6.

Complex terrain**: Pros handle slopes, rocky soil, obstacles (DIYers often give up mid-project). **When to hire professional**: **1.

Vinyl/aluminum/wrought iron**: Heavy/specialized installation, requires 3-4 person crew. **2.

Sloped yard** (>10% grade): Requires stepped or contoured panels (advanced carpentry). **3.

Large projects** (300+ linear feet): Time savings worth labor cost (3-5 day DIY vs 1-2 day pro). **4.

Rocky/difficult soil**: Pros have hydraulic post drivers, jackhammers for caliche/bedrock. **5.

Complex gates**: Automatic gates, double drive gates (require precise alignment, electrical work). **6.

HOA/permit requirements**: Contractors familiar with local codes, handle inspections. **Cost-saving strategies** (save 20-50% without sacrificing quality): **1.

Buy materials yourself**: Contractor markup: 15-30% on materials. **Savings**: Buy direct from lumber yard/big box store. **Example**: $2,500 materials from contractor = $1,875 if you buy ($625 saved). **Negotiate**: "I'll supply materials, you provide labor-only quote." **2.

Remove old fence yourself**: Removal cost: $3-$8/linear foot ($300-$800 for 100 ft).

DIY removal: Rent dumpster ($300-$500), spend 1-2 days removing old fence. **Savings**: $200-$500. **3.

Choose cheaper materials strategically**: **Privacy fence**: Use pressure-treated pine ($10-$15/ft) instead of cedar ($20-$30/ft) → Save $1,000-$1,500 on 100 ft. **Tip**: Stain pine to look like cedar (add $150, still save $850+). **Chain link instead of wood**: $8-$15/ft vs $15-$30/ft → Save $700-$1,500 on 100 ft. **Trade-off**: No privacy, but add privacy slats ($1-$3/ft) for semi-privacy at total $10-$18/ft. **4.

Reduce fence height**: 4 ft fence vs 6 ft: Save 25-35% on materials + labor. **Example**: 100 ft fence: $2,500 (4 ft) vs $3,500 (6 ft) → Save $1,000. **Use case**: Front yard decorative fencing (4 ft sufficient), backyard privacy (need 6 ft). **5.

Install in off-season** (November-February in most regions): Contractor demand low → Negotiate 10-20% discount. **Example**: $5,000 summer quote → $4,000-$4,500 winter pricing. **6.

Get 3-5 quotes**: Quotes vary 20-40% between contractors for same job. **Example**: $4,500 / $5,200 / $6,000 for identical 150 ft cedar fence → Choose $4,500 (save $1,500 vs highest). **7.

Use pre-fab panels vs custom boards**: Pre-fab wood panels: $50-$150 per 8-ft panel (faster installation, lower labor).

Custom board-by-board: $80-$200 per 8-ft section (higher labor, more customization). **Savings**: $500-$1,000 on 150 ft fence. **8.

Partial DIY** (hire for complex parts): **DIY**: Set posts, install rails (saves 50% labor). **Hire pro**: Install gates, finicky angle cuts on slopes (saves your time/frustration). **Savings**: 25-40% vs full professional install. **9.

Share fence cost with neighbor**: **Split cost 50/50** if fence on property line (benefits both properties). **Legal**: Get written agreement (who owns fence, maintenance responsibilities). **Savings**: 50% of total cost ($2,500 becomes $1,250). **10.

Use alternative materials creatively**: **Cattle panels + wood posts**: $200-$400 for 100 ft (farm-style, sturdy, unique look). **Bamboo fencing**: $8-$15/ft (eco-friendly, fast-growing, 10-15 year lifespan). **Living fence** (hedges): $5-$20/ft for arborvitae, boxwood (takes 3-5 years to mature, but permanent + natural). **Red flags when hiring contractors**: **1.

No license/insurance**: Ask for contractor license #, liability insurance certificate. **2.

Cash-only payment**: Indicates tax evasion, no paper trail (you can't dispute quality later). **3.

Full payment upfront**: Standard: 10-25% deposit, 50% mid-project, 25% upon completion. **Scam**: 100% upfront = contractor disappears. **4.

No written contract**: Must have scope of work, materials list, timeline, payment schedule, warranty. **5.

Pushy sales tactics**: "Discount expires today" = pressure to sign without comparing quotes.