How Much Does It Cost To Install A Fence?

Installing a fence can enhance the overall aesthetic and curb appeal of your home. It is an excellent way to get some privacy and solitude even if you live in a neighborhood with other houses, or would need to be sure your kids or pets are kept in a safe place. 

Naturally, if you are planning to add a fence around your house, the first thing you would like to know about is the cost of fence installation. This guide will help you so you can make an educated decision. 

The average cost of installing a backyard fence, of about 140 linear feet (common for standard lots), for your home, is about $3,440. The usual price range for all types of fences is $1,330 to $5,550, which equates to $8 to $46 per linear foot.

However, you cannot determine the exact cost of fence installation as it depends on various factors.  You have tons of different options of fences for your yard, each with a particular purpose, appearance, and pricing range. So, in this guide, I will discuss various types of fence installation costs, along with some other information that you might find helpful.

Average Cost of Fence Installation for Backyard

Depending on the materials and the design you prefer, the cost of fence installation can range from $1 to $45 per linear foot. So, the overall average cost of fence installation for your backyard is approximately $1,500 to $5,500.

Let’s discuss different types of fences and their installation costs:

It is not only inexpensive and quick to install, but it is also low maintenance. Though wire fences are affordable, durable, and easy to install and customize, they can be highly risky for children, and generally are not permissible in a land that is zoned for residential use.

Chain Link fence, also known as hurricane fence, is an affordable, low-maintenance, and long-lasting fence option. It is a versatile fence type that commercial properties commonly utilize, but you can also see it in domestic properties.

Installing chain-link fencing costs about $12 to $35 per linear foot, with the average homeowner spending $1,350 to $3,900. However, the cost of your fence is determined by its height, which might be 4, 6, or 8 feet.

If you are looking for something more secure than a wire fence at an affordable rate, chain link fencing can be a good option for you. This is a fantastic option for designating property lines for a large area, and keeping in your pets but it is not very gorgeous as a border. That said it is approved in most residential

Building a wood fence will provide your home extra seclusion while also improving its curb appeal. A wood fence is a practical and popular alternative for upgrading an existing fence or starting from fresh with new construction.

Wooden fences provide excellent appearance and function at a reasonable price. To put it another way, this sort of fence offers a lot of bang for your buck. The average cost for installing a wooden fence is about $14 to $31. However, wood fencing costs vary depending on the type of wood used. Redwood, pine, oak, and cedar are the most popular types of wood for fencing.

Well, wood fences are very attractive looking and durable. But they require frequent maintenance, staining, and painting due to weathering.

A vinyl fence is a good long-term investment because it is low-maintenance and lasts considerably longer than wood. Vinyl fences don't shrink, rot, or crack like wood fences, and they don't have the oxidation and corrosion issues that metal and some chain link fences do.

However, it is not highly secured since it cannot withstand attempts to cut through it. Moreover, some people consider vinyl fences to be unattractive.

The typical cost of installing a wrought iron fence is $24 to $56 per foot. Estimated costs range around $3,500 to $6,500 for an average yard of 150 linear feet. However, the installation costs might be higher in complex setups, such as several corners or gates. Though the price is a bit higher than aluminum fencing, it is a better option as a wrought iron fence will last for a lifetime.

Well, wrought iron fences are generally not much prone to rusts. But it would be best if you apply the rust-inhibiting spray to the fences regularly as it can develop rust depending on the weather and climate of your area. Overall, it is an excellent security fence for individuals seeking a high level of protection because it is extremely difficult to break.

Getting the Right Type of Fence

The Best Fencing Material

In my opinion, composite fences are the best overall fence. They will give you the elegance of wood fences, while also providing a long lifespan. They are also low-maintenance. So, you won’t have to worry much after installing the fence. Moreover, they offer high durability and are less expensive than wrought iron and glass fences.

However, if you are looking for something more durable, you can go for wrought iron fences. But keep in mind that they might not appear as attractive as composite fencing to you and they are more expensive too.

The Cheapest Fence Materials

The cheapest fence materials are wire fences such as woven wire, barbed wire and so on. Chain Link fence is also pretty cheap. So, if you are looking for something cheap, you can go for wire fences or chain link fences. 

Best Fence Material For Privacy

Wood fences are one of the most common options for privacy. You can choose a high-quality wood fence such as cedar for privacy. However, woods require frequent maintenance. So, if you are looking for something low-maintenance and budget-friendly, vinyl fences can be a great option for you.

Well, if you want a good long-term investment, I would recommend you to go for wrought iron or composite fencing. They will provide you excellent durability, along with the privacy and security you need.

Factors That Drive Fence Installation Cost

Some factors drive fence installation costs such as material, height, length, and location. The labor cost and condition of your backyard also have an impact on the cost.

Here are some of the factors that drive cost:

Each type of fence has a different pricing range. A simple wire fence is the least costly choice, costing about 1$ to 4$ per linear foot, while a composite fence costs approximately $26 to $57 per linear foot. Traditional wood fences are perhaps the most common, with prices ranging from 14-31$ per linear foot depending on the type of wood.

The following table shows how the price ranges of different fencing materials vary from each other:

If you are on a budget, a brick fence is another cost-effective option. Color bond, on the other hand, is a premium material. Although it is expensive, it is exceptionally long-lasting.

 Not only there are many fence materials, but there are also numerous different fence styles. Some fence styles require more material or experience to install, whereas others are less complicated and thus less expensive.

Rail fencing or ranch fencing is the most common fence style for larger ranches and farmland. It is a less expensive style because it requires less material per linear foot, that's why it is popular for use on large properties. Privacy is another popular style of fencing that costs about $15 to $35 per linear foot.

 Not only there are many fence materials, but there are also numerous different fence styles. Some fence styles require more material or experience to install, whereas others are less complicated and thus less expensive.

Rail fencing or ranch fencing is the most common fence style for larger ranches and farmland. It is a less expensive style because it requires less material per linear foot, that's why it is popular for use on large properties. Privacy is another popular style of fencing that costs about $15 to $35 per linear foot.

No wonder adding gates also has a significant impact on fence installation costs. In fact, gates are more expensive to install than standard fence sections. The majority of fences require gates. The cost of installation varies based on the gate's width, design, and material. The cost of construction is also affected by the number of gates you want to build.

A normal gate installation costs approximately $150 to $550 per gate. Gates can have a practical or ornamental purpose or both. You can install a 4' x 4' chain link gate for $55 or a 4' x 4' aluminum, stylish, metal fence entrance for $350. However, hiring a professional to install the gate can add more to the cost. 

Standard gate size is 36” wide, however, even in residential fence installations, a wider gate that can accommodate riding lawn mowers, or make it easier to move large items in and out is something that most homeowners value and appreciate.  We would suggest spending the money on at least a 42” wide gate, or double gate.

Extra-long and extra-high fences cost more since they require more boards to construct the desired size. Besides, having fence planks cut will add extra labor charges. 

Though fence boards are available in 6 feet and 8 feet height, you have to look into zoning laws regarding fences taller than the typical 6-foot height. You might be able to set up an eight-foot fence if your locality allows it. Added weight and increased length can add around 20% to 30% to both labor and material costs. 

Because materials and employees must be carried from afar, installing a fence in a remote area usually costs more. Some materials are also more expensive in certain areas. Moreover, there might be additional fines for site obstruction if a fence is installed in a difficult-to-reach spot. 

So, the location and region where the fence will be installed are important factors here. If the price of fence materials and labor costs is expensive in your area, the installation cost will automatically increase.

 The more difficult the work is because of site conditions, the more it will charge. The installation personnel will have to work much harder if your property is rocky or has various impediments like trees or gravel. 

Overgrown trees, tight spaces, and parked automobiles can hamper the accessibility too. It can even necessitate the employment of specialized equipment to do the task properly. Generally, wet, rocky, and clay land increases the expenses of the project. 

In the cost of installing a fence, labor is also a key factor. Because labor costs vary depending on the area, your costs may be greater or cheaper. Even though most contractors include labor in their prices, anticipate spending between $30 and $50 hourly for each worker on the job.

You can save money on labor by putting up the fence yourself, which is doable for most home handymen. However, I would recommend you to hire a professional if you want to install fences in a large area so that you won’t have to spend much on the repair or maintenance cost in the future.

If you wish to build a fence on a hillside or other uneven ground, the fence installer will have to work harder. Contractors might face difficulty working on uneven soil or higher-grade places. It also implies that the project and its deliverables would not be easy. So, contractors must instead adapt components to meet the grade, which increases the cost.

In most cases, installers need to regrade the land, which can cost about $900 to $3,000 depending on the required amount of labor. 

As a general rule of thumb fence installation will require a permit.  It is not recommended to try and skirt the law here.  Typically what we find is that unpermitted fences are not built to the local code/zoning requirements and have to be removed after discovery.   This usually happens when a neighbor has to change or alter their fence ideas to comply with local ordinances, or when you sell the property.

Permit fees vary by location and are generally determined by the project's size and scope. Your city, municipality, or county's ordinances and guidelines will specify which types of fences require a building permit and which do not. 

A fence permit, if required in your location, might cost anywhere from $200 to $600. Because of the property change, this type of project nearly always necessitates a permit from the local councils.

In most cases, some type of survey will need to be done.  It may be a survey showing the proposed fence submitted to the building department before approval, along with a survey after completion to finalize the permit.   Plan on another $500 - $1,000 to the project for the survey.  

The Project Process for Fence Installation

Whether you'll be opting for a DIY or will hire a contractor, it is very important to know the set of procedures that is involved with fence installation. 

If you're opting for the latter, we recommend HomeAdvisor as we find contractors that participate in their network are typically more responsive and provide more competitive quotes.

The following is the step-by-step process for fence installation:

Important Considerations

Before finalizing your deal with the contractor, you have to consider a few things. For example, choosing the fence type, getting permits and approval, learning local building codes, land clearing, etc. 

Let’s discuss a few important things to consider before starting the fence installation process:

Frequently Asked Questions