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.
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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.
Fence prices vary significantly by region. Labor rates, material availability, soil conditions, and local permit requirements all play a role. Here's how a standard 150-foot pressure-treated wood privacy fence compares across different parts of the country:
| Region | Installed Cost (150 ft) | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast (Boston, NYC, Providence) | $3,200 – $6,500 | High labor rates, rocky soil common |
| Southeast (Miami, Atlanta, Dallas) | $2,400 – $4,800 | Year-round install season, lower labor |
| Midwest (Chicago, Denver, Minneapolis) | $2,600 – $5,000 | Frost depth increases post hole costs |
| West Coast (LA, Seattle, Portland) | $3,000 – $6,000 | High material costs, strict permitting |
Coastal areas anywhere in the country face an extra consideration: salt air accelerates wood rot and metal corrosion. If you're within a few miles of the ocean, vinyl or aluminum will last significantly longer than wood or steel. The upfront premium pays for itself when you don't have to replace a rotted fence after 8–10 years.
Check what contractors are charging in your area on our local contractor quotes pages.
Lumber prices have stabilized in 2026 after years of volatility. Pressure-treated pine is roughly 10–15% cheaper than its 2022 peak, which makes wood fencing more affordable than it was during the post-pandemic surge. Vinyl and aluminum prices have stayed flat, with no major changes expected through the end of the year.
Labor costs, on the other hand, continue to climb. Skilled trades are in high demand across the country, and fence installers are no exception. Expect labor to run 5–8% higher than last year in most markets. The net effect: total fence project costs are roughly flat compared to 2025 for wood fences, while vinyl and metal fences are up slightly due to the labor increase.
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.
A well-maintained fence can increase home value by 2% to 5%, depending on the material and your local market. Privacy fences add the most value in suburban neighborhoods with families. Chain link adds little to no value. The return is strongest when the fence improves curb appeal and creates usable outdoor space, like a safe area for kids or pets.
Most municipalities require a permit for fences over 4 feet tall, typically costing $50 to $300. Some towns require permits for any fence regardless of height. You may also need a property survey to confirm boundary lines. HOA communities often have additional approval requirements for material, height, and color. Check with your local building department before scheduling.
Decks cost $4,500–$18K+ by material. Often paired with fence projects.
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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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