What does a new fence actually cost in 2026? Real per-foot prices by material, total project estimates, and the line items that move the price.
Last updated: July 2026
The national average fence project runs about $3,274, with most homeowners paying $1,860 to $4,840. That range is wide because material choice and linear footage drive the total more than anything else. A 150-foot chain link fence and a 150-foot cedar privacy fence are completely different jobs at completely different price points.
Here's what each material costs per linear foot, installed, in 2026:
| Fence Type | Cost per Linear Foot | Typical Total (150 ft) |
|---|---|---|
| Chain Link (4 ft) | $15 – $25 | $2,250 – $3,750 |
| Pressure-Treated Wood (6 ft) | $13 – $30 | $1,950 – $4,500 |
| Cedar Privacy (6 ft) | $25 – $45 | $3,750 – $6,750 |
| Vinyl/PVC | $30 – $60 | $4,500 – $9,000 |
| Aluminum | $27 – $36 | $4,050 – $5,400 |
| Wrought Iron (4 ft) | $30 – $50 | $4,500 – $7,500 |
| Wrought Iron (6 ft security) | $60 – $100 | $9,000 – $15,000 |
For a pressure-treated wood privacy fence (the most common residential job), here's what to expect at different property sizes:
| Fence Length | Materials Only | Installed Total |
|---|---|---|
| 100 linear feet | $650 – $1,500 | $1,300 – $3,000 |
| 150 linear feet | $975 – $2,250 | $1,950 – $4,500 |
| 200 linear feet | $1,300 – $3,000 | $2,600 – $6,000 |
These numbers don't include gates, old fence removal, or permits, which can add $500 to $2,000+ depending on the job. For a breakdown of what those line items should look like on a quote, see our fence quote breakdown.
Labor is roughly half the total on a fence job. Expect $10-$30 per linear foot for labor alone, depending on your region. Urban and coastal markets run 40-60% higher than rural areas. The other half is materials, posts, and hardware. When you're comparing quotes, make sure each one breaks these out so you can see where the real differences are.
| Add-On | Cost |
|---|---|
| Walk gate | $200 – $600 |
| Double drive gate | $600 – $1,500 |
| Old fence removal (standalone) | $3 – $8/ft |
| Old fence removal (bundled with install) | ~$1/ft |
| Permit | $50 – $300 |
Material is the biggest line item, but it's not the only thing that moves the number:
Chain link is the cheapest at $15-$25/ft. Pressure-treated wood ($13-$30/ft) and cedar ($25-$45/ft) handle most residential privacy jobs. Vinyl ($30-$60/ft) costs more upfront but you skip the staining. Wrought iron tops out at $60-$100/ft for 6-foot security fencing.
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.
Gates are where people underestimate costs. A walk gate runs $200-$600 depending on material and hardware. Double-swing driveway gates jump to $600-$1,500, and if you want an automatic opener, add another $500-$2,000 on top of that. Plan your gates before the fence goes in. Retrofitting a gate opening into an existing fence is awkward and costs more than doing it right the first time.
Wood posts set in concrete are the standard for wood fences. They work fine and cost less, but they rot at the ground line after 10–15 years, even pressure-treated ones. Metal posts (steel or galvanized) set in concrete last much longer, 25+ years easily, and some contractors use them for wood fences as a hybrid approach. That upgrade adds $10–$20 per post but can extend the fence's life significantly. For vinyl and aluminum fences, metal posts are standard and already factored into the per-foot price.
Most municipalities require a permit for new fences, typically $50-$300. Removing an existing fence runs $3-$8 per linear foot as a standalone job, but a contractor already there for the install should bundle it for around $1/ft. For a 150-foot run, that's the difference between $450-$1,200 and $150. Some contractors include removal in their quote, others charge it separately. Always ask. For more on reading a fence bid, see our fence quote breakdown.
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.
If you're in Rhode Island or southeastern Massachusetts, there are a few things worth knowing that don't apply everywhere. For broader context, see our guide to home improvement costs in New England.
Many RI towns require a property line survey before you can pull a fence permit, especially if there's any question about boundaries. That runs $300–$500 and is money well spent. In Providence and Cranston, older neighborhoods tend to have irregular lot shapes that make surveying more involved, sometimes pushing the cost higher.
Most Rhode Island municipalities require permits for fences over 4 feet tall. The permit itself is usually $25–$75, but the process can add a week or two to your timeline. Check with your town's building department before scheduling the install.
Coastal areas like Narragansett, Warwick, and Westerly have a salt air problem. Wood fences corrode faster near the coast, and even pressure-treated lumber deteriorates quicker than it would inland. Vinyl and aluminum hold up much better in salt air and are the better long-term investment if you're within a few miles of the water. We see a lot of homeowners in those areas go with vinyl specifically to avoid replacing a rotted wood fence every 8–10 years.
If you're looking for fence contractors in the Providence area, check our Providence contractor quotes page to see what local pros are charging.
The national average fence project costs about $3,274, with most homeowners paying $1,860 to $4,840. Per linear foot: chain link runs $15-$25, pressure-treated wood $13-$30, cedar $25-$45, vinyl $30-$60, and wrought iron $30-$100. Labor is roughly half the total.
Chain link, at $15 to $25 per linear foot installed, or $2,250 to $3,750 for 150 feet. Pressure-treated pine is next at $13 to $30 per linear foot. Both last 15 to 20+ years with minimal maintenance.
A 200-foot fence costs $2,600 to $12,000+ depending on material. Chain link runs $3,000 to $5,000, pressure-treated wood $2,600 to $6,000, cedar $5,000 to $9,000, vinyl $6,000 to $12,000. Add $200 to $600 per gate on top of that.
Pre-built panels are cheaper for most homeowners. A 6-foot wood privacy panel costs $50 to $90 at a big box store, while building board-by-board runs $70 to $120 in materials alone. Board-by-board gives you more design control and works better on uneven ground, but the labor cost is higher. For a standard flat yard, panels save money.
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.
Decks cost $4,500–$18K+ by material. Often paired with fence projects.
Read guideDriveway paving runs $3K–$15K+. Another common exterior project to tackle at the same time.
Read guideSiding costs $5K–$20K+. Complete your home's exterior with new siding.
Read guideGet the full fence installation cost guide in a printable format with pricing tables, regional data, and a contractor checklist.
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