Fence Cost Calculator
Estimated Total Cost
$1,500 – $3,750
$10.00 – $25.00 per linear ft (installed)
Material
$750 – $1,800
Labor
$750 – $1,950
Fence Length
150 LF
Fence Type
Chain Link
Tip: Get at least 3 quotes from licensed fence contractors. Check property lines with a survey before building — fence disputes with neighbors are common and costly to resolve.
Chain Link: Most affordable option at $10–$25/LF. Low maintenance and long-lasting (15–25 years). Add privacy slats ($3–$5/LF extra) or vinyl coating for better appearance. Best for pet containment, pool enclosures, and property boundaries.
Disclaimer: Estimates are for budgeting purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, contractor, material availability, and project complexity. Always get professional quotes for exact pricing.
Fence Cost Breakdown
| Fence Type | Material / LF | Labor / LF | Total / LF |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chain Link (4 ft) | $5 – $12 | $5 – $13 | $10 – $25 |
| Wood — Pine/PT (6 ft) | $8 – $16 | $7 – $17 | $15 – $33 |
| Wood — Cedar (6 ft) | $12 – $22 | $8 – $18 | $20 – $40 |
| Vinyl / PVC (6 ft) | $12 – $22 | $8 – $18 | $20 – $40 |
| Aluminum (5 ft) | $15 – $30 | $10 – $25 | $25 – $55 |
* Costs shown for new installation on flat terrain (1.0× labor). Sloped terrain adds 15%, remove & replace adds 20% to labor.
Average Project Costs (New Installation)
| Project | Length | Fence Type | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Yard | 100 LF | Wood (Pine) | $1,500 – $3,300 |
| Average Yard | 150 LF | Wood (Cedar) | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| Large Yard | 250 LF | Wood (Cedar) | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Privacy Fence | 200 LF | Vinyl / PVC | $4,000 – $8,000 |
How We Calculate
Our fence cost calculator estimates project costs based on fence length, material type, and project condition. Material and labor costs are calculated per linear foot, with labor adjusted by a condition multiplier.
How the math works: Material cost = fence length × material price per LF. Labor cost = fence length × labor rate per LF × condition multiplier. Total = material + labor. The condition multiplier adjusts labor: new install on flat terrain is 1.0×, sloped/difficult terrain adds 15% (1.15×), and remove & replace adds 20% (1.2×) for demolition and disposal.
Fence Type Comparison
Chain Link (4 ft) ($5–$12/LF material, $5–$13/LF labor) is the most affordable option. Durable, low-maintenance, and ideal for pet containment, pool enclosures, and property boundaries. Add privacy slats or vinyl coating for better appearance. Lifespan: 15–25 years.
Wood — Pine/PT (6 ft) ($8–$16/LF material, $7–$17/LF labor) is the most popular fence material in the US. Pressure-treated pine resists rot and insects. Requires staining or sealing after 6–12 months. Many style options: privacy, picket, board-on-board, shadow box. Lifespan: 15–20 years.
Wood — Cedar (6 ft) ($12–$22/LF material, $8–$18/LF labor) is naturally rot-resistant and insect-repellent without chemical treatment. Beautiful warm tone that weathers to silver-gray if untreated. Lighter than pine, easier to work with. Lifespan: 20–30 years.
Vinyl/PVC (6 ft) ($12–$22/LF material, $8–$18/LF labor) is the lowest-maintenance fence option. Never needs painting, staining, or sealing. Won't rot, warp, crack, or attract insects. Higher upfront cost but lowest total cost of ownership. Available in white, tan, gray, and woodgrain textures. Lifespan: 20–30+ years.
Aluminum (5 ft) ($15–$30/LF material, $10–$25/LF labor) provides an elegant ornamental look similar to wrought iron. Won't rust, rot, or need painting. Lightweight and easy to install on slopes. Not suitable for privacy. Best for front yards, pool code compliance, and decorative boundaries. Lifespan: 30+ years.
Project Conditions
New install on flat terrain is the baseline cost (1.0× labor). Sloped or difficult terrain adds 15% to labor for stepped or racked panels, extra grading, and more complex post setting. Remove & replace adds 20% for demolishing the old fence, extracting posts and concrete footings, and disposing of debris.
Additional Cost Factors
Our estimates cover fence materials and installation labor at standard heights. Not included: gates ($200–$1,500 each depending on size and type), permit fees ($20–$100), property survey ($300–$800 if boundary lines are unclear), grading or tree removal ($500–$3,000+), concrete for post footings (typically included in labor), stain or sealant for wood ($1–$3/LF), and HOA application fees. Corner and end posts cost slightly more than line posts.
Data Sources
Pricing data is compiled from HomeAdvisor, Angi, fence supply companies, and verified contractor estimates across multiple US regions. Costs reflect standard residential installations. We review and update this data regularly to reflect current material and labor rates.
Last updated: 2026-02-02
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a fence cost? +
Fence costs range from $10–$55 per linear foot installed, depending on material. Chain link is $10–$25/LF, wood (pine) $15–$33/LF, wood (cedar) $20–$40/LF, vinyl $20–$40/LF, and aluminum $25–$55/LF. A typical 150 LF fence costs $1,500–$8,250 depending on material choice.
What is the cheapest fence to install? +
Chain link is the cheapest fence at $10–$25 per linear foot installed. A 150 LF chain link fence costs $1,500–$3,750. For a privacy fence, wood (pine/pressure-treated) is the cheapest option at $15–$33/LF — about half the cost of vinyl or cedar.
How much does a privacy fence cost? +
A 6-foot privacy fence costs $15–$40 per linear foot installed. Pine/PT is $15–$33/LF, cedar $20–$40/LF, and vinyl $20–$40/LF. For a typical 150 LF backyard privacy fence, expect $2,250–$6,000 depending on material. Vinyl costs more upfront but requires no maintenance.
How long does a fence last? +
Fence lifespan varies by material: chain link 15–25 years, pine/pressure-treated 15–20 years, cedar 20–30 years, vinyl 20–30+ years, and aluminum 30+ years. Regular maintenance (staining, sealing, post repair) can significantly extend the life of wood fences.
Do I need a permit for a fence? +
Most municipalities require a permit for fences over 6 feet tall. Some require permits for any fence. Check local zoning laws for setback requirements, height limits, and HOA restrictions before building. Permits typically cost $20–$100. Building without a required permit can result in fines and forced removal.
How much does chain link fence cost? +
Chain link fence costs $10–$25 per linear foot installed for a standard 4-foot residential fence. A 150 LF chain link fence costs $1,500–$3,750. Add $3–$5/LF for privacy slats, $2–$4/LF for vinyl coating, or $5–$10/LF for a 6-foot height upgrade.
Should I repair or replace my fence? +
Repair if damage is limited to a few boards or one section (repair cost: $150–$500). Replace if more than 20% of boards are damaged, posts are leaning or rotting at the base, the fence is past its expected lifespan, or repair costs exceed 50% of replacement cost. Removing and replacing adds about 20% to labor costs.
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