Fencing Quotes & Costs
Chain link, wood privacy, vinyl, and more, see what fencing projects actually cost before you start collecting quotes.
What does fencing actually cost?
It depends almost entirely on the material you pick. A basic chain link fence and a custom wrought iron fence are different universes when it comes to price. Here's what you can expect to pay for a typical 150-linear-foot fence installation.
| Fence Type | Cost per Linear Foot | Typical Total (150 ft) |
|---|---|---|
| Chain Link | $15 – $30 | $2,250 – $4,500 |
| Wood Privacy (6 ft) | $20 – $45 | $3,000 – $6,750 |
| Vinyl/PVC | $25 – $55 | $3,750 – $8,250 |
| Aluminum | $30 – $70 | $4,500 – $10,500 |
| Wrought Iron | $50 – $100+ | $7,500 – $15,000+ |
Based on 110 real fencing contractor quotes in our database. Median project cost: $3,550.
What affects the price of a fence?
Material is the biggest driver, but it's not the only one. Here are the factors that push fencing quotes up or down.
- Material: Chain link is the budget option. Wood privacy fences hit the sweet spot for most homeowners. Vinyl costs more upfront but needs almost zero maintenance. Wrought iron is premium.
- Linear footage: Fencing is priced by the foot, so the perimeter of your yard is one of the biggest cost factors. Measure carefully, even rough estimates help you compare quotes more accurately.
- Terrain:Slopes, rocky soil, and tree roots make post installation harder. Expect a 10–25% premium if your yard isn't flat and clear.
- Gates: Every gate adds $200–$800+ depending on the size and style. A single walk-through gate is cheap. A double-wide driveway gate with hardware can run well over $1,000.
- Old fence removal:If you're replacing an existing fence, removal and disposal typically adds $3–$5 per linear foot to your project.
Don't forget HOA rules and permits
Many HOAs have strict rules about fence height, style, and even color. Before you get quotes, check your community's covenants, a beautiful fence doesn't help if you have to tear it down.
Most municipalities also require a fence permit, especially for fences over 4 feet tall. Permits usually cost $50–$200 and may require a property survey. Your contractor should handle this, but make sure it's included in the quote.
How to compare fencing quotes
Fencing quotes can vary by thousands of dollars for the same project. Here's how to make sure you're comparing apples to apples.
- Make sure every quote specifies the same material, height, and total linear footage. A quote for 4-foot chain link and one for 6-foot cedar aren't comparable.
- Check whether the quote includes post holes, concrete, and hardware, or if those are line-item extras.
- Ask if old fence removal and disposal is included. Some contractors quote this separately.
- Confirm the contractor pulls the permit. If they expect you to handle it, factor in the time and cost.
- Look for warranty details on both materials and labor. Most wood fences carry a 1–5 year workmanship warranty; vinyl often comes with a lifetime manufacturer warranty.
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