Vinyl Fence Cost Calculator

Vinyl fence costs $10–$40 per linear foot installed, depending on style. Privacy 6ft fence runs $20–$40/lf, semi-privacy $18–$35/lf, picket 4ft $15–$30/lf, and ranch rail $10–$25/lf. A typical 150 linear foot privacy fence costs $3,000–$6,000 installed. Add $200–$600 per gate and $5–$15 per post cap for decorative upgrades.

Vinyl fencing lasts 20–30 years with minimal maintenance. Unlike wood, vinyl won't rot, warp, or need painting. UV-stabilized vinyl resists fading. Most manufacturers offer 20-year to lifetime limited warranties. Cleaning with a garden hose and mild soap once a year keeps it looking new. Extreme cold can make vinyl brittle, but modern formulations handle temperatures down to -40°F.

Vinyl fencing costs more upfront — $20–$40/lf vs. $15–$30/lf for wood privacy fence. However, vinyl saves money long-term because it needs no staining, painting, or sealing. Wood fences require $500–$1,000 in maintenance every 2–3 years. Over 20 years, vinyl typically costs 20–30% less than wood when you factor in maintenance. Vinyl also has higher resale value.

Vinyl fence posts are spaced every 6–8 feet on center, with 8 feet being standard for most styles. For a 150-foot fence with 8-foot spacing, you need about 20 posts (150 ÷ 8 + 1 = ~20). Corner posts, end posts, and gate posts are typically thicker (5x5 instead of 4x4). Each post requires a concrete footing — about 1–2 bags of concrete per post ($5–$10 each).

Yes, DIY vinyl fence installation saves 40–60% on labor costs. Most vinyl fence kits include pre-routed posts and snap-together panels. You'll need a post hole digger or auger ($50–$100 rental), level, concrete mix ($5–$10 per post), and string line. Typical DIY timeline: 1–2 days for 100 linear feet. The hardest part is digging holes and keeping posts level. Hire a pro for slopes or rocky soil.

Most cities require a fence permit, typically $20–$75. Check your local building department before starting. Common regulations: maximum height 6 feet for backyard, 4 feet for front yard, 2-foot setback from property line (varies by city). HOA communities may have additional restrictions on style, color, and height. Call 811 before digging to mark underground utilities — this is free and required by law.

A 6-foot privacy vinyl fence with tongue-and-groove or no-gap pickets provides the most privacy. Costs $20–$40 per linear foot installed. For a balance of privacy and airflow, semi-privacy style ($18–$35/lf) has small gaps between pickets. Lattice-top privacy fences add a decorative element while maintaining seclusion. White is the most popular color, but tan, gray, and wood-grain finishes are available at a 10–20% premium.

Vinyl costs 2–3x more than chain link ($10–$40/lf vs. $5–$15/lf) but offers far more privacy, better aesthetics, and higher property value. Chain link is the cheapest fence option and works well for pet containment. Vinyl requires zero maintenance while chain link may rust over time. For a 150-foot backyard fence: vinyl privacy costs $3,000–$6,000, chain link costs $750–$2,250. Choose based on your budget and whether you need privacy.