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.
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.
Average 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
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.
Fence installation costs in Poland
Polish fencing costs PLN 80–250 per running meter installed, depending on material. Panel fencing (ogrodzenie panelowe) is the most popular residential option at PLN 80–150/m, including posts and foundation. Wooden fencing costs PLN 100–200/m. Wrought iron (kuty) or aluminum runs PLN 200–500+/m. A typical residential property (50–80 m perimeter) costs PLN 6,000–15,000.
Many Polish properties require a murek (foundation wall/base) under the fence, which adds PLN 50–120/m. Check with your local gmina for building notification requirements — fences over 2.2 m typically need a zgłoszenie budowy (building notification). Boundary fences (on the property line) may require neighbor agreement.
Fence installation costs in the Netherlands
Dutch fencing costs €50–€150 per running meter depending on material and height. Schuttingplanken (garden fence boards) are the most popular option at €60–€100/m for a standard 180 cm height. Betonschutting (concrete post + wood panel systems) cost €80–€130/m and last 20+ years. Metal hekwerk runs €100–€200+/m.
In the Netherlands, erfafscheiding (boundary fencing) up to 2 meters at the rear and 1 meter at the front is typically permit-free (vergunningsvrij). Cost-sharing with neighbors for shared fences is common and legally supported. Always verify the exact kadastrale grens (cadastral boundary) before installation to avoid disputes.
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)
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
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
- Buy materials during sales — big-box stores run regular lumber promotions (spring/summer)
Frequently asked questions
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.