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Fence installation cost in 2026: price per foot by material
A new fence typically costs $2,000–$5,000, about $15–$25 per linear foot installed. Wood, vinyl, chain link, composite and iron compared, plus gates, permits, lifespan and savings.
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Quick answer: A new fence typically costs $2,000–$5,000, or about $15–$25 per linear foot installed on average. Chain link runs $8–$40 per foot, wood privacy about $15–$45, vinyl $15–$40, composite $11–$45 and wrought iron $25–$55. Height, gates, slopes, rocky soil and removing an old fence all add to the price.
Key takeaways
- Measure your linear feet — fence cost is priced by length, not yard area.
- Wood is cheapest for privacy; vinyl costs more upfront but needs almost no upkeep.
- Each gate adds roughly $150–$1,500+ depending on width and material.
- Call 811 before digging to mark underground lines — it's free and required.
- Check permits, HOA rules and property lines before you build.
A fence adds privacy, security and a safe space for kids and pets. This guide shows 2026 costs by material and yard size, what changes a quote, how materials compare over time, and the paperwork you need before the first post goes in.
Fence cost by material
| Fence type | Installed cost per linear foot | 150 ft | 200 ft | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chain link (4 ft) | $8–$40 | $1,200–$6,000 | $1,600–$8,000 | 15–20 years |
| Wood privacy (6 ft, pine/cedar) | $15–$45 | $2,250–$6,750 | $3,000–$9,000 | 15–20 years (cedar longer) |
| Wood picket (3–4 ft) | $10–$30 | $1,500–$4,500 | $2,000–$6,000 | 15–20 years |
| Split rail (wood) | $15.50–$39 | $2,300–$5,850 | $3,100–$7,800 | 15–20 years |
| Vinyl privacy (6 ft) | $15–$40 | $2,250–$6,000 | $3,000–$8,000 | 20–30+ years |
| Composite | $11–$45 | $1,650–$6,750 | $2,200–$9,000 | 25–30+ years |
| Aluminium (ornamental) | $20–$50 | $3,000–$7,500 | $4,000–$10,000 | 30+ years |
| Wrought iron | $25–$55 | $3,750–$8,250 | $5,000–$11,000 | 50+ years with care |
How much fence do you need?
Fencing is priced per linear foot. Measure the perimeter you want to enclose, minus walls of your house or existing fencing.
Example: A 100 × 80 ft backyard fenced on three sides (the house closes the fourth): 80 + 100 + 80 = 260 linear feet. A 6-ft wood privacy fence at about $28 per foot ≈ $7,300, plus two gates ($600 each) ≈ $8,500.
Typical lot sizes:
| Lot | Approx. perimeter | Wood privacy at $28/ft |
|---|---|---|
| ¼ acre | ~400–450 ft | $11,000–$12,600 |
| ½ acre | ~600 ft | ~$16,800 |
| 1 acre | ~840 ft | ~$23,500 |
What changes the price
| Factor | Effect |
|---|---|
| Height | 6 ft costs 20–40% more than 4 ft |
| Gates | Walk gate $150–$600; double drive gate $500–$1,500+; automatic gate $3,000+ |
| Slope | Stepped or racked panels add labor |
| Rocky or hard soil | Post holes take longer; may need augering or core drilling |
| Old fence removal | $3–$5 per linear foot |
| Corners and posts | More corners = more posts and concrete |
| Stain or paint (wood) | $1–$4 per sq ft |
| Permits and surveys | Permit $0–$400; survey $400–$1,000 if property lines are unclear |
Wood vs vinyl vs composite
| Upfront cost | Lowest | Medium | Medium–high |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maintenance | Stain/seal every 2–3 years | Wash occasionally | Wash occasionally |
| Looks | Natural; many styles | Clean, uniform | Wood-like |
| Weak points | Rot, warping, insects | Can crack in extreme cold; fewer colours | Higher price |
| Best for | Budget privacy, DIY | Low-maintenance privacy | Wood look with low upkeep |
Tip: For wood fences, use pressure-treated posts set in concrete with gravel at the bottom for drainage — posts are usually the first part to rot.
Permits, rules and property lines
Before building:
- Check your property line — use your plat/survey or hire a surveyor. Many disputes come from fences a few inches over.
- Call 811 at least a few days before digging — utilities mark buried lines for free.
- Check local rules: many cities limit front-yard fences to 3–4 ft and backyard fences to 6 ft; some require permits for any fence.
- Check HOA rules — materials, colour and height are often restricted.
- Pool fences have special codes: usually at least 4 ft with self-closing, self-latching gates.
- Good neighbour rule: in many places, the "finished" side should face outward.
DIY vs professional installation
| Cost | Materials only (often 40–60% of pro price) | Full price |
|---|---|---|
| Time | Several weekends for 150–200 ft | 1–4 days |
| Hard parts | Digging post holes, setting posts plumb and in line | Done for you |
| Best for | Short runs, picket or split rail, flat yards | Long runs, privacy, slopes, vinyl and iron |
Renting a power auger ($80–$150 a day) makes DIY post holes much faster.
Ways to save
- Get 3 quotes with the same height, material and gates.
- Build in late fall or winter when demand is lower.
- Share the cost with a neighbour for a shared boundary fence.
- Use privacy fencing only where you need it, with cheaper fencing elsewhere.
- Stain the wood yourself after it dries for a few weeks.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a fence cost per foot?
About $15–$25 per linear foot on average, from around $8 for basic chain link to $55+ for wrought iron.
What is the cheapest fence to install?
Chain link and basic wood picket or split rail fences are usually the cheapest.
How much does a 6-foot privacy fence cost?
Wood privacy usually runs about $15–$45 per foot installed; vinyl $15–$40.
Do I need a permit to build a fence?
Often yes, especially for fences over a certain height or in front yards. Check your city and HOA.
How long does a wood fence last?
Typically 15–20 years for pressure-treated pine with maintenance; cedar can last longer.
Is vinyl fence worth the extra cost?
If you want low maintenance and a long life, yes — it rarely needs more than washing.
How long does fence installation take?
Most residential fences take 1–4 days once materials arrive and permits are approved.