Fence installation costs $25 to $74 per linear foot for a standard wood privacy fence, with most homeowners spending $3,000 to $9,000 on a complete project, according to Angi 2026 cost data. A typical residential privacy fence running 150 to 200 linear feet falls in the $4,000 to $11,000 range. Material choice, fence height, gate count, and whether old fencing must be removed all affect the final cost.
Average Fence Installation Cost Per Linear Foot
Material and labor together produce the per-linear-foot cost that fence contractors quote. Labor for standard fence installation runs $8 to $20 per linear foot, per contractor pricing surveys. The material cost is layered on top. For most homeowners, the installed cost per linear foot is the most useful comparison metric when evaluating multiple bids.
| Fence Material | Installed Cost Per Linear Foot | Typical Lifespan | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chain-link | $15 - $35 (est.) | 20 - 30 years | Low |
| Pressure-treated wood privacy | $18 - $36 (est.) | 12 - 20 years | Medium |
| Cedar wood privacy | $25 - $45 (est.) | 15 - 30 years | Medium |
| Vinyl privacy | $30 - $60 (est.) | 30 - 40 years | Low |
| Aluminum ornamental | $25 - $50 (est.) | 30 - 50 years | Low |
| Wrought iron | $30 - $80 (est.) | 50+ years (with upkeep) | High |
Installed cost estimates from Angi 2026 cost data and contractor pricing surveys. Costs assume a standard six-foot privacy fence height on level ground with concrete-set posts.
Chain-link is the cheapest material per linear foot but provides no visual privacy. For homeowners who need to contain a dog or define a boundary without blocking a sightline, chain-link is a cost-effective solution. For privacy, pressure-treated wood delivers the lowest upfront cost; vinyl has a higher upfront cost but no painting or staining requirement over its 30-to-40-year lifespan.
Fence Cost by Total Linear Footage
Total project cost scales directly with the perimeter you need to fence. For a rough budget, multiply your estimated linear footage by the per-linear-foot cost for your preferred material. The table below shows typical total project costs for common residential projects.
| Project Size | Approx. Linear Feet | Wood Privacy Range | Vinyl Privacy Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small yard, partial fencing | 75 - 125 ft | $1,900 - $5,600 (est.) | $2,800 - $7,500 (est.) |
| Average suburban yard, full perimeter | 150 - 250 ft | $3,800 - $11,250 (est.) | $5,600 - $15,000 (est.) |
| Large yard, full perimeter | 300 - 500 ft | $7,600 - $22,500 (est.) | $11,200 - $30,000 (est.) |
Estimates based on Angi 2026 cost data for wood privacy ($25-$45/lf avg) and vinyl privacy ($37-$60/lf avg) installed. Actual costs vary by region, terrain, and gate count.
Gates add to these totals. A standard walk-through gate in wood or vinyl typically adds $300 to $600 per gate; a double drive gate for vehicle access costs $800 to $2,000 or more depending on material and hardware.
Privacy Fence Cost vs Split-Rail and Picket Fence
Not every homeowner needs or wants a full privacy fence. Split-rail and picket fences serve different purposes at lower cost.
Split-rail fence: $10 to $25 per linear foot installed, per HomeGuide cost data. Two- or three-rail designs provide boundary marking and a rustic aesthetic without blocking views. Commonly used for large rural or semi-rural lots. Little maintenance required for cedar or locust rail.
Picket fence: $17 to $45 per linear foot installed, per Angi cost data. Four-foot picket fences mark a yard boundary without full privacy. Traditional wood pickets require painting or staining every three to five years; vinyl picket requires no maintenance.
Full privacy fence (6 ft wood or vinyl): $25 to $74 per linear foot installed, per Angi 2026 cost data. The only option for homeowners who need visual separation from neighbors or screening of an outdoor area.
Labor Cost to Install a Fence
Labor for fence installation runs $8 to $20 per linear foot, accounting for roughly 30 to 50 percent of total installed cost in most markets. Post-setting is the most labor-intensive phase. Most contractors set posts in concrete in a drilled hole, requiring that the concrete cure before panels are attached. Difficult ground conditions - rocky soil, hard clay, tree roots - extend labor time and cost.
Fence removal and haul-away of an existing fence is typically quoted as a separate line item at $3 to $8 per linear foot, per contractor pricing surveys. If the old fence has concrete footings, removal costs more because the footings must be excavated.
Does Fence Installation Require a Permit?
Permit requirements for fences vary significantly by municipality. As a general rule:
- Fences over six feet tall typically require a permit in most US jurisdictions
- Fences along a street-facing property line are more likely to require a permit than rear yard fences
- HOA rules may impose stricter height, material, and color requirements than local building code
Call your local building department before installation begins. Some jurisdictions also require neighbor notification for fences on shared or adjacent property lines. Your contractor may pull the permit on your behalf, but confirming the requirement and associated fee is your responsibility as the property owner.
Call 811 Before Any Post Is Set
Underground utility lines - gas, electric, water, and cable - can run anywhere on your property, including along fence lines. Call 811 (the national US utility notification service) at least two business days before any digging begins. The utility companies will send locators to mark the lines at no charge. Installing a fence post through a buried gas line or electrical conduit creates a life-safety hazard and can result in significant repair liability. This is not optional.
What Is Included in a Fence Installation Quote?
A complete fence installation quote should specify: (1) material type, grade, and height; (2) total linear feet; (3) post material, diameter, and set method (concrete vs. ground-drive); (4) number and type of gates with hardware specifications; (5) whether old fence removal is included; (6) who is responsible for pulling any required permit; and (7) a written warranty on workmanship.
Quotes that omit gate count, specify only "wood fence" without grade, or exclude old-fence removal are incomplete. Ask each contractor to confirm scope in writing before you allow comparison across bids.
How to Hire a Fence Contractor: Key Questions to Ask
Before hiring a fence contractor, verify that they carry general liability insurance and workers compensation coverage. Fence installation is not typically a licensed trade in most states, which means the bar for entry is low and quality varies. Verify insurance directly - ask for a certificate of insurance naming you as an additional insured. See How to Vet a Contractor's License and Insurance for the verification steps.
Get at least three written, itemized quotes. A significant price spread across quotes often signals that contractors are assuming different scopes (with or without removal, different post sizes, different hardware). Ask each bidder to clarify exactly what is and is not included.
For how to evaluate what the contract should contain once you select a contractor, see How to Read a Contractor Contract. For the broader quote-comparison process, see How to Get Accurate Contractor Quotes.
If you are also budgeting for an outdoor deck in the same project, see Deck Building Cost for cost ranges that complement fencing in a backyard improvement project.
Frequently asked questions
Does a fence require a building permit?
Whether a fence requires a permit depends on the municipality, the fence height, and how close it sits to a property line or a street. Most jurisdictions require a permit for fences taller than six feet. Many also have HOA rules or local ordinances governing fence materials and height. Contact your local building department before installation begins - your contractor may pull the permit, but confirming the requirement is your responsibility.
How long does it take to install a fence?
A two-person fence crew can typically install 150 to 200 linear feet of standard wood privacy fence per day under normal ground conditions. A typical residential project of 150 to 300 linear feet takes one to two days. Gates, corners, and grading challenges slow progress. Concrete-set posts require a 24-to-48-hour cure time before panels are attached, which can extend a project by one day.
What is the most affordable privacy fence material?
Pressure-treated wood is the most affordable material that provides true visual privacy, typically running $18 to $36 per linear foot installed for a six-foot privacy fence, per Angi cost data. Chain-link fence is cheaper per linear foot but provides no privacy. Vinyl privacy fence costs more upfront than wood but requires no painting, staining, or sealing over its lifespan, which can make the total cost of ownership comparable.
Does a fence add value to a home?
A well-maintained fence adds modest value in most markets, particularly in suburban neighborhoods where privacy fencing is a buyer expectation. The Remodeling Magazine Cost vs Value report does not include fence installation as a tracked category, so specific ROI data is limited. Privacy fencing in a yard with children or pets is typically viewed as a functional feature that can broaden the buyer pool, rather than a high-return investment.
How close to the property line can I build a fence?
Most jurisdictions require fences to be set back one to six inches from a property line, though some allow placement directly on the line with neighbor consent. Exact setback rules vary by municipality. Before installing, confirm your property boundaries - a plot plan or survey document from your purchase records typically shows the boundary lines. Installing on a neighbor's property creates a legal dispute that can require costly removal and reinstallation.
Can I remove an old fence myself before the installer arrives?
Yes, and self-removal can reduce your quote if the contractor was including removal as a line item. Before removing, check whether any posts are set in concrete - concrete post removal requires more effort than the fence panels themselves. Also verify no utilities run near the fence line; call 811 (US Dig Safe) to have underground utilities marked before any post removal or new post digging.