How Much Does Fence Installation Cost?
Fence installation costs $15–$50 per linear foot in the US, with a typical 150–200 ft residential fence costing $2,500–$8,000. Wood privacy fences are the most popular choice ($20–$35/ft), while chain-link is cheapest ($10–$20/ft) and wrought iron the most expensive ($30–$60+/ft). In Poland, expect PLN 80–250 per running meter; in the Netherlands, €50–€150 per running meter. Material, fence height, terrain, and local permit requirements all affect the final price.
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Browse providersAverage fence costs by material
| Fence material | Cost per linear foot (USD, installed) |
|---|---|
| Chain-link (4 ft) | $10–$20 |
| Chain-link (6 ft, privacy slats) | $15–$30 |
| Wood privacy (6 ft cedar) | $20–$35 |
| Wood privacy (6 ft pressure-treated) | $15–$30 |
| Vinyl/PVC privacy (6 ft) | $25–$45 |
| Composite (6 ft) | $30–$50 |
| Aluminum ornamental | $25–$45 |
| Wrought iron | $30–$60+ |
| Split rail | $10–$20 |
| Farm/ranch wire (field fence) | $3–$8 |
Sources: HomeAdvisor 2025, Angi contractor pricing, lumber cost indexes.
What affects the cost?
- Material — the single biggest factor; vinyl and metal cost 2–3× more than basic wood or chain-link
- Fence height — 6 ft privacy fences cost 30–50% more than 4 ft fences
- Total length — longer runs reduce per-foot cost by spreading post-hole and gate costs
- Terrain — slopes, rocks, and tree roots add labor time and may require stepped panels
- Gates — each gate adds $200–$600+ (standard) or $1,000–$3,000 (driveway/double)
- Old fence removal — removing an existing fence adds $3–$5 per linear foot
- Permits — many municipalities require permits ($50–$250) and have setback/height rules
Costs by country
Fence installation costs in the United States
The average US fence installation costs $2,500–$8,000 for a typical 150–200 ft residential lot. Wood privacy fences (the most popular) run $20–$35/ft for 6 ft cedar and $15–$30/ft for pressure-treated pine. Vinyl costs more upfront ($25–$45/ft) but requires zero maintenance and lasts 20–30 years vs 10–15 for wood. Chain-link is the budget option at $10–$20/ft but offers no privacy.
Before installing, call 811 (national utility locate) to mark underground lines — it's free and required in all 50 states. Check your HOA rules and local building codes for material restrictions, height limits, and setback requirements. Most fence installers can pull permits on your behalf.
How to save on fence installation
- Choose pressure-treated pine over cedar — saves 20–30% on materials with similar lifespan when maintained
- Install in the off-season — fall and winter pricing is 10–20% lower in most regions
- Get 3+ quotes — fence installer pricing varies 20–40% for identical specifications
- Share costs with neighbors — splitting a boundary fence is standard practice in many areas
- Skip unnecessary gates — each gate adds $200–$600; limit to what you actually need
- Remove the old fence yourself — saves $3–$5 per foot in labor
- Buy materials during sales — big-box stores run regular lumber promotions (spring/summer)
Frequently asked questions
How much does a fence cost per foot?
Chain-link: $10–$20/ft installed. Pressure-treated wood privacy (6 ft): $15–$30/ft. Cedar privacy (6 ft): $20–$35/ft. Vinyl/PVC privacy: $25–$45/ft. Composite: $30–$50/ft. Wrought iron: $30–$60+/ft. A typical 150–200 ft residential fence runs $2,500–$8,000 total depending on material.
What's the cheapest type of fence to install?
Chain-link is cheapest at $10–$20/ft installed. For privacy fencing, pressure-treated pine ($15–$30/ft) is the most affordable option. Split rail fencing ($10–$20/ft) works for property lines where privacy isn't needed. Farm/ranch wire is the absolute cheapest at $3–$8/ft but offers no security or privacy.
How long does a wood fence last?
Pressure-treated pine: 10–15 years. Cedar: 15–20 years. Redwood: 20–25 years. All wood fences last longer with regular staining or sealing every 2–3 years. Vinyl/PVC fences last 20–30 years with zero maintenance. Metal fences (aluminum, wrought iron) last 30–50+ years with periodic rust treatment.
Do I need a permit to build a fence?
Most US municipalities require permits for fences over 6 ft tall, and many require them for any fence. Permits typically cost $50–$250. You'll also need to respect setback rules (distance from property line), height limits (usually 6 ft backyard, 4 ft front), and HOA restrictions. Always call 811 before digging to locate underground utilities — it's free and legally required.