Fence installation costs $10–$25 per linear foot for chain link, $15–$35 for wood, $25–$45 for vinyl, and $35–$70 for wrought iron in 2025 national averages, per Modernize 2025 data. A typical 150-linear-foot fence project runs $1,500–$7,500 depending on material. The full project total for an average yard (300–400 linear feet) ranges from $3,000 to $15,000.
Cost Per Linear Foot by Material (Installed, 2025)
| Fence Type | Cost/Linear Ft (Low) | Cost/Linear Ft (High) | 150 Linear Ft Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chain link | $10 | $25 | $1,500–$3,750 |
| Wood (pressure-treated pine) | $15 | $30 | $2,250–$4,500 |
| Wood (cedar) | $20 | $40 | $3,000–$6,000 |
| Vinyl | $25 | $45 | $3,750–$6,750 |
| Composite | $30 | $60 | $4,500–$9,000 |
| Aluminum | $25 | $50 | $3,750–$7,500 |
| Wrought iron | $35 | $70+ | $5,250–$10,500+ |
Source: Modernize 2025 installed cost data.
What Drives Fence Cost
Material. Wood and chain link anchor the budget. Wrought iron and composite are the premium tier. A vinyl fence costs more upfront but requires essentially no maintenance for 20+ years.
Height. A 4-foot fence uses less material than a 6-foot fence. Pricing typically reflects this with 20–30% premium for each additional foot of height above 4 feet.
Post quantity and concrete. Posts are set every 6–8 feet, so a 150-foot fence needs 20–26 posts. Each post requires 1–3 bags of concrete. On a long fence, post costs add up—see concrete-for-fence-posts for the concrete math.
Number and size of gates. Gates are the most labor-intensive parts of a fence installation and are priced separately by most contractors.
Terrain. A fence on flat ground costs less than one on a slope, which requires stepped or raked sections. Rocky soil requires rock hammers or blasting to set posts ($50–$200 per problem post).
Location and labor market. Rural areas typically run 15–30% below the national average. Coastal metros can run 30–50% above.
Worked Budget: 200 Linear Feet of 6-Foot Wood Privacy Fence
Assume pressure-treated pine on flat terrain with one 4-foot walk gate:
| Cost Item | Quantity | Unit Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Posts (4×4 PT pine, 8 ft) | 27 posts | $12 each | $324 |
| Concrete (2 bags/post × 80 lb) | 54 bags | $7/bag | $378 |
| Rails (2×4 PT, 3 per 8-ft bay) | ~75 rails | $8 each | $600 |
| Pickets (6-ft × 5.5 in, tight board) | ~440 pickets | $2.50 each | $1,100 |
| Hardware (screws, brackets, post caps) | Lump | — | $150 |
| Walk gate (prefab, wood) | 1 | $200 | $200 |
| Labor (contractor at $25/linear ft) | 200 linear ft | $25/lft | $5,000 |
| Total contractor job | $7,752 | ||
| Total DIY (no labor line) | $2,752 |
The DIY total of ~$2,750 compares favorably against the $7,750 contractor bid—a $5,000 savings in exchange for 2–3 weekends of work with a helper.
Fencing Material Comparison
| Material | Upfront Cost | Maintenance | Lifespan | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chain link | Lowest | Minimal | 20–30 yrs | Security, utility |
| Wood (PT pine) | Low | Stain/seal every 2–3 yr | 15–20 yrs | Privacy, DIY-friendly |
| Wood (cedar) | Medium | Seal every 3–4 yr | 20–30 yrs | Appearance + longevity |
| Vinyl | Medium-high | None (hose off) | 30+ yrs | Low-maintenance privacy |
| Aluminum | Medium-high | Minimal | 30+ yrs | Decorative, no rust |
| Wrought iron | High | Paint every 5–10 yr | 50+ yrs | Curb appeal, security |
Use the fence calculator to estimate post count, concrete bags, pickets, and rails for your specific fence length and spacing. For post depth requirements, see fence-post-depth. For picket layout, see picket-spacing.
Factors That Add Unexpected Cost
Difficult soil. Rocky soil requires pneumatic rock hammers to set posts ($50–$200 per problem post) or switching to a driven-post anchor system. Clay soil can make post-hole digging very slow; power auger rental ($150–$250/day) is worthwhile.
Permit and HOA fees. Fence permits run $25–$200 in most municipalities. HOA architectural review fees vary. Factor in 2–4 weeks of approval time if your HOA requires it.
Removal of old fence. Fence removal costs $3–$6 per linear foot when contracted out, per Angi 2025 data. If you are replacing an existing fence, budget $300–$900 for a 150-foot removal on top of new installation costs.
Corner posts. Corner posts require larger, deeper holes and more concrete than line posts. Budget 50–100% more concrete per corner post versus a standard line post.
Cost-Saving Tips
- Buy materials yourself and hire labor only. Many contractors mark up materials 15–30%. Buying lumber and hardware direct from a big-box store can save $500–$1,500 on a typical job.
- Reuse old posts if they are sound. A treated wood post has a 20+ year life; if it has been in the ground fewer than 10 years and shows no rot, it may be worth keeping.
- Get three contractor bids. Fence installation quotes vary widely. A $1,000 spread between the lowest and highest bid on a 200-linear-foot fence is common.
- Time the project for off-season. Winter and early spring are slower periods for fence contractors in most markets; you may negotiate 10–20% off peak-season rates.
Permit and HOA Timing
Budget 2–6 weeks for permits and HOA approvals before your project start date. Most municipalities require a permit for fences over 6 feet, and some require permits at 4 feet. Permit applications typically need a site plan showing your property line, the fence location, and setback dimensions. HOA approval, where required, runs on a monthly review-board schedule — missing a meeting pushes approval out another 30 days.
Some jurisdictions require you to survey property lines before pulling a permit for a fence. A boundary survey costs $400–$1,500 depending on lot size and complexity. If you are near a property line dispute or your lot corners have never been physically located, include survey cost in your project budget.
For permit requirements, call your local building department directly — do not rely on contractor assurances that a permit is not needed. The homeowner is responsible for permit compliance even when a contractor handles installation, and an unpermitted fence may have to be removed at the owner’s expense if discovered during a property sale or complaint.