Fencing Cost Calculator & Price Guide

A fence project is priced by the linear foot, so the total depends mostly on how much fence you need and what it is made of. Height, terrain, gates, and the labor involved all change the number. The tables here let you work from either direction: a typical total by material, or a rate per linear foot that you can multiply by the length of your property line.

Figures come from This Old House, Lawn Love, and a cost guide that compiles contractor quotes, with a check date of Oct 13, 2026. Use them as planning ranges, not quotes.

Totals below describe a typical installed project for each material. They assume an average residential job, not a very small or very large one.

Chain link is the lowest-cost option, wood sits in the middle, and vinyl, metal, and masonry cost more.

The per-foot rate lets you scale a quote to your property. Measure the run of fence, including gates, and multiply.

Masonry has a much wider range than other materials, since stone, brick, and block vary greatly in cost and in the structural work they need. Chain link also spans a wide range because height and finish change the price.

Labor is a large part of the bill. The cost guide below reports labor for chain link, which is a good baseline because the work is straightforward.

Taller fences, uneven ground, rocky soil, and slopes raise labor costs, and so does removing an old fence first.

• Material. Chain link, wood, vinyl, metal, and masonry differ widely in price.
• Length. More feet cost more in total, even if the per-foot rate drops slightly on bigger jobs.
• Height. A six-foot privacy fence costs more than a short decorative one.
• Terrain. Slopes, rocks, tree roots, and wet ground slow the work.
• Gates. Walk gates and driveway gates are priced as separate items.
• Old fence removal. Tearing out and hauling away an existing fence adds cost.
• Permits and surveys. Many places require a permit, and a property survey helps confirm where the line is.
• Finish. Stains, coatings, and decorative styles raise the price.
• Location. Local labor and material costs vary across the country.

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

Wood. Natural look and good privacy, with a cost between chain link and vinyl. It needs sealing or staining over time, and boards can warp or rot if neglected.

Vinyl. Low maintenance and long lasting, but costs more at the start and can crack in extreme cold or impact.

Metal. Aluminum, steel, and wrought iron look polished and offer security. Costs rise with the style and finish, and some metals need rust protection.

Masonry. Durable and strong, with the highest price and the heaviest installation needs, including a proper footing.

A typical total can differ by source because each one makes different assumptions about fence length, height, and style. One guide may base its average on a modest backyard, while another uses a wider mix of jobs. Chain link rates in particular vary with height and coating, and a source that includes vinyl-coated mesh will report higher numbers than one that only prices bare galvanized fabric. Some ranges also include gates or old fence removal, and some do not.

Before you hire anyone, check your local rules. Many cities limit fence height and require permits, and some require setbacks from the property line. A homeowners association may restrict materials and colors. Confirm where your boundary sits, ideally with a survey, since a fence built on a neighbor's land can be costly to move. Call your utility locating service before any digging, as posts require holes in the ground.

Doing it yourself saves labor, but fences take careful layout, post holes set to the right depth, and level, plumb panels over long distances. Mistakes are visible. A professional crew has the tools to dig and set posts efficiently and may know local code and utility rules. For tall fences, retaining-wall situations, or any job near a boundary dispute, hire a licensed fence contractor.

• Does the price include materials, labor, gates, and hardware?
• Will the crew remove and haul away an old fence?
• Who pulls the permit and arranges the utility markout?
• What height and style are quoted, and how deep are the posts set?
• What is the warranty on materials and workmanship?