Fence Installation Cost Calculator & Price Guide

Fence pricing comes down to length and material. A short run of chain link and a long run of wrought iron are different projects, and the cost per linear foot shows it. Gates, slopes, old fence removal, and local permit rules then adjust the total.

Several figures in this guide come from fence companies that publish their own pricing, so they reflect what an installer in that business reports charging. Prices carry a check date of Oct 11, 2026. Use them as a benchmark for comparing local quotes.

The rates above are installed prices, so they include labor as well as materials. Chain link is the budget option, and composite, wrought iron, and steel sit at the top. Wood and vinyl overlap across most of their ranges, which is why the choice usually comes down to upkeep and appearance rather than price alone.

To estimate your own fence, measure the perimeter you want to enclose, subtract any sections that already have a fence or a wall, and multiply by the rate for your material. Then add gates, removal, and permits.

Chain link. The least expensive choice and quick to install. It offers little privacy unless slats are added, and the look is utilitarian.

Wood. A common choice for privacy and a natural look. It needs staining or sealing over time, and boards can warp, rot, or be damaged by insects if left unprotected.

Vinyl. Low upkeep and available in several styles. It can crack in severe cold or impact, and it is harder to repair in sections than wood.

Aluminum. Light, rust resistant, and good for decorative or pool fencing. It does not provide privacy and is not as strong as steel.

Composite. A blend of wood fibers and plastic that resists rot and needs little maintenance. It is usually among the pricier options.

Wrought iron or steel. Strong and long lasting, and the right look for some properties. It is the most expensive and may need rust treatment and repainting.

Replacing a fence adds the work of taking the old one down. Removal is often priced per foot, and haul-away is sometimes listed as its own line.

Some of the old posts may be reused if they are sound, but many installers set new posts so the whole line is consistent.

Permit rules vary by city and county. Many places limit fence height, require a setback from the property line, or have separate rules for pools. If you belong to a homeowners association, check its rules before you buy anything.

• Length. Total linear feet is the biggest driver.
• Material. Chain link and wood sit well below composite and ornamental metal.
• Height. A taller fence uses more material and often needs stronger posts.
• Terrain. Slopes, rock, tree roots, and wet ground slow the work.
• Gates. Each gate adds hardware and labor, and wider drive gates cost more.
• Old fence removal. Taking down and hauling away an existing fence adds cost.
• Permits and surveys. A property survey may be needed if the boundary is unclear.
• Labor rates and demand. Prices differ by region and season.

A fence installer's published pricing and a general home services marketplace may sample different jobs. One may focus on its own product lines and local market, while another averages quotes across many contractors.

The two sources share the same low and midpoint, but the high end differs. That gap likely comes from how many premium materials each includes. Check what each range assumes before you compare it with a quote.

The sources used for this guide cover new installation and replacement, so no repair figure is listed. Repair costs depend on the damage. Replacing a few boards or one post is a short job, while a leaning section may point to rotted or loose posts that call for a larger fix. Ask a fence contractor whether repairing or replacing the section makes more sense, especially for older wood fences.

A straightforward wood or chain link fence on level ground is a project some homeowners take on. The hard parts are setting posts straight and at the right depth, and getting the line right. Before digging, call 811 so underground utilities are marked. Errors with property lines or permits can force you to take the fence down, so confirm the boundary first. A professional install makes more sense for long runs, slopes, vinyl or metal systems, and pool enclosures.

• Is the price per foot installed, and does it include gates and posts?
• Does the quote include removal and disposal of the old fence?
• Who pulls the permit, and is the fee included?
• What post depth and spacing will be used?
• What warranty covers the materials and the labor?

Get a few written quotes and compare the same height, material, and gate count.