Adjust your property dimensions and preferred fence material below to see live pricing projections.
Tailor your fence run length and material to check estimated material and contractor costs.
Based on average US regional installation rates
Each fencing material offers distinct aesthetics, maintenance requirements, and upfront investment costs.
$22 - $36 / ft
Natural beauty with natural resistance to decay and insect attack. Outstanding grain and aroma for residential privacy.
$24 - $42 / ft
Zero painting or staining needed. Impervious to rot, termites, and moisture. Clean contemporary lines in white or tan.
$28 - $48 / ft
The stately security and prestige of classic wrought iron without the rust or heavy maintenance. Powder-coated finish.
$12 - $22 / ft
The most economical boundary fence for yards, pet containment, and long acreage perimeters. High strength galvanized steel mesh.
$34 - $55 / ft
Engineered from recycled wood fibers and polymers. Authentic hardwood grain aesthetics combined with modern extreme weather resilience.
$14 - $24 / ft
The cost-effective wood favorite. Chemical preservative infusion guards against subterranean termites and moisture damage.
Compare installed pricing across varying property perimeters, including typical gate installations and hardware allowances.
| Fencing Material | Per Linear Foot (Materials Only) | Per Linear Foot (Installed) | 100 ft Suburban Yard | 200 ft Full Perimeter | Expected Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chain Link (Galvanized) | $5 - $10 / ft | $12 - $22 / ft | $1,200 - $2,200 | $2,400 - $4,400 | 20 - 30 Years |
| Pressure-Treated Pine | $7 - $13 / ft | $14 - $24 / ft | $1,400 - $2,400 | $2,800 - $4,800 | 15 - 20 Years |
| Western Red Cedar | $12 - $20 / ft | $22 - $36 / ft | $2,200 - $3,600 | $4,400 - $7,200 | 20 - 25 Years |
| Vinyl (PVC Privacy) | $14 - $25 / ft | $24 - $42 / ft | $2,400 - $4,200 | $4,800 - $8,400 | 30+ Years |
| Ornamental Aluminum | $16 - $30 / ft | $28 - $48 / ft | $2,800 - $4,800 | $5,600 - $9,600 | 40+ Years |
| Composite (Trex / Fiber) | $22 - $36 / ft | $34 - $55 / ft | $3,400 - $5,500 | $6,800 - $11,000 | 35+ Years |
| Wrought Iron (Custom) | $25 - $45 / ft | $38 - $70 / ft | $3,800 - $7,000 | $7,600 - $14,000 | 50+ Years |
Follow these essential industry phases to avoid costly property boundary disputes, permit delays, and contractor overcharges.
Locate property pins or order a boundary survey before digging to ensure zero encroachment on your neighbor's property.
Verify maximum allowable fence heights (typically 4ft front yard, 6ft back yard) and permit or HOA architectural approvals.
Always call 811 free before digging post holes to identify buried gas lines, power cables, fiber optic, and water pipes.
Calculate posts, concrete, rails, pickets, and gates using our precision mathematical suite to establish a firm budget.
Compare itemized quotes against our benchmark rates to verify that materials and labor are fairly priced.
Equations developed using standard architectural and fencing framing codes, including post spacing and wind-load allowances.
Material prices tracked against lumber commodities, steel indices, and Bureau of Labor Statistics residential construction wages.
No contractor referral commissions or lead-generation markups. Just transparent, impartial pricing data for homeowners.
Exhaustive step-by-step installation walkthroughs, repair instructions, and permit checklists reviewed by industry estimators.
Find straightforward answers to the most common fencing pricing and installation questions.
Galvanized chain link is almost always the most cost-effective option, averaging $12 to $22 per linear foot installed ($5 to $10/ft for materials only). If you prefer solid wood privacy, pressure-treated pine is the most economical natural wood choice, ranging from $14 to $24 per foot installed.
Professional installation labor typically accounts for 40% to 60% of the total project invoice, or $7 to $25 per linear foot depending on terrain, soil conditions (rocky/clay), and removal of existing structures. If you tackle the build as a DIY project, you save this entire labor cost, paying only for raw materials, hardware, and tool rentals.
A standard engineering rule of thumb is that at least 1/3 of the total post length should be embedded in the ground (for a 6-foot fence above ground, use an 8-foot post with 2 feet buried). In northern freeze-thaw climates, post holes must extend 6 inches below your local frost line (often 36 to 48 inches deep) to prevent winter frost-heaving.
Most municipalities require a building permit for any fence exceeding 6 feet in height, or for fences installed on corner lots where traffic sightlines could be impaired. Pool safety barrier fences also have strict code regulations. Permit fees typically range between $40 and $180 depending on your jurisdiction.
For a standard 4x4 wooden or 2-3/8" steel pipe post set in a 10-inch diameter hole that is 24 to 30 inches deep, you will typically need two 50-lb or 60-lb bags of fast-setting concrete per post. Corner and heavy gate posts generally require deeper holes and three to four bags for structural rigidity.