What does a new fence actually cost? Real numbers from 110 contractor quotes, broken down by material and the factors that move the price.
Fence installation in our database averages $6,894, but the median is $3,550 — a reflection of how many projects are straightforward wood privacy fences. The average gets pulled up by wrought iron installations and longer property runs that push material costs higher.
Here's what different fence types cost, based on 110 real contractor quotes in our database:
| Fence Type | Cost per Linear Foot | Typical Total (150 ft) |
|---|---|---|
| Chain Link (4 ft) | $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/Steel | $30 – $70 | $4,500 – $10,500 |
| Wrought Iron | $50 – $100+ | $7,500 – $15,000+ |
The material you pick is the single biggest factor, but several other things can push your total higher than expected:
Chain link is the cheapest option by a wide margin. Wood privacy fencing sits in the middle and accounts for the majority of residential installations. Vinyl costs more upfront but requires almost no maintenance. Wrought iron and ornamental steel are at the top, they're the reason our average is nearly double the median.
More linear footage means more materials and labor. Going from a standard 4-foot fence to a 6-foot privacy fence increases the cost per foot by 30–50% because of the additional material and the larger post holes required. Corner lots and full-perimeter fencing can quickly push a project into the $8,000–$15,000 range.
Flat, clear yards are the easiest and cheapest to fence. Slopes, rocky soil, tree roots, and uneven ground all add labor time and sometimes require stepped or racked panels. Rocky ground can add $5–$15 per post for extra digging work.
A standard walk gate adds $150–$400 to the project. A double-wide gate for vehicle access runs $300–$800 depending on the material. If you need a gate, plan for it upfront, adding one after the fence is built costs more.
Most municipalities require a permit for new fences, typically $20–$75. Removing an existing fence adds $3–$5 per linear foot to the project. Some contractors include removal in their quote; others charge it separately, so ask.
Before you sign a contract, check two things: your local building codes and your HOA rules (if you have one). Many HOAs restrict fence height, material, and color, and some require approval before installation. Building codes typically regulate setback distances from property lines and maximum heights. Getting this wrong can mean tearing out a brand-new fence, so spend 30 minutes checking before you commit.
The most popular choice for privacy fencing. Cedar and redwood look great and resist rot naturally, but cost more than pressure-treated pine. A wood fence typically lasts 15–20 years with staining every 2–3 years. If you skip maintenance, expect closer to 10 years. Wood gives you the most design flexibility, you can customize the height, board spacing, and cap style.
Vinyl costs 25–40% more than wood upfront but needs almost zero maintenance, no painting, staining, or sealing. It won't rot, warp, or attract termites. The tradeoff is fewer style options and a look that some homeowners find too uniform. Vinyl fences last 20–30 years. Extreme heat can cause warping, so it's less common in very hot climates.
The budget option. Chain link is functional, durable (20–30 years), and fast to install. It doesn't provide much privacy on its own, though you can add slats or mesh screening. It's a practical choice for containing pets or defining property boundaries without spending a lot. Vinyl-coated chain link in black or green costs a bit more but looks better than bare galvanized.
Ornamental metal fencing gives you the look of wrought iron at a lower price point. Aluminum won't rust and works well around pools. Steel is stronger but needs a powder coat or galvanized finish to prevent corrosion. These fences last 30+ years and need very little maintenance. They don't provide privacy, though, they're more about curb appeal and boundary definition.
The premium option. True wrought iron is hand-forged and can last 50+ years. It looks great and adds real value to a property. The downsides are the high upfront cost and the need for periodic rust treatment and repainting. Most "wrought iron" fences installed today are actually ornamental steel made to look like wrought iron, which brings the cost down while keeping most of the aesthetic.
Fence installation averages $6,894 with a median of $3,550. For a typical 150-linear-foot project, chain link runs $2,250 to $4,500, wood privacy $3,000 to $6,750, vinyl $3,750 to $8,250, and wrought iron $7,500 to $15,000+.
Chain link is the cheapest option at $15 to $30 per linear foot installed. For a 150-foot fence, that comes to $2,250 to $4,500. Pressure-treated pine privacy fencing is the next cheapest at $20 to $45 per linear foot.
A 6-foot wood privacy fence costs $20 to $45 per linear foot installed. For a typical 150-foot fence, that's $3,000 to $6,750. Cedar and redwood cost more than pressure-treated pine but resist rot naturally. Wood fences last 15 to 20 years with regular staining.
Vinyl costs 25 to 40% more than wood upfront at $25 to $55 per linear foot. However, vinyl needs almost zero maintenance over its 20 to 30 year lifespan, while wood requires staining every 2 to 3 years. Over time, the total cost is often comparable.
Most residential fence installations take 1 to 3 days depending on length, material, and terrain. Flat yards with clear access are fastest. Slopes, rocky soil, or old fence removal add extra time. Permit approval may add a week or more before work begins.
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