How Much Does a Fence Cost?
Determining costs for your new fence can be stressful, with our guide we hope to provide you some clarification and stress relief.
Fence Cost 2024
The most common question homeowners are asking is; "how much does a fence cost?" Well, to answer that question we have to discuss the variables that go into the overall cost.
The cost of building a fence can vary widely depending on several factors, including the type of material, the length and height of the fence, labor costs in your area, and any additional features or accessories. One thing to keep in mind is that the total cost of a fence is not just the material cost + the labor cost. Many business expenses are factored into a total fence installation cost such as:
- Transportation fees (gas, tolls, material handling, etc)
- Delivery fees
- Shipping
- Taxes
- Marketing costs
- Commissions
- Payment processing fees
- Software costs
- Internal staff costs
Any business you purchase products or services from have a significant amount of overhead costs, and fence contractors are no exception to this. The larger the company, the more overhead and costs they incur to do business.
One major factor to keep in mind: you get what you pay for. Oftentimes the lowest fence contractor to bid on your project is not the best choice. Be mindful of fence contractors that nickel and dime by getting their foot in the door, giving you a cheap price, then upcharging you for every single detail till you end up paying much more than originally agreed upon. A best practice is to find a fence company that provides a lump sum price with everything included such as taxes, removal of post hole soils, existing fence disposal, etc. Call your local municipality to ensure they are licensed, bonded, and insured otherwise you could end up paying the price later.
Here are some general cost estimates for different types of fences:
We try to answer the following questions:
How much does fencing cost?
How much is fencing per foot?
- Basic wood fence: $30 to $50 per linear foot.
- Cedar or treated pine fence: $40 to $60 per linear foot.
- Privacy fence with additional features: $55 to $70 per linear foot.
- Vinyl fencing: $60 to $80 per linear foot.
- Privacy fence with lattice or decorative elements: $60 to $90 per linear foot.
- Basic chain-link fence: $50 to $70 per linear foot.
- Vinyl-coated chain-link fence: $55 to $75 per linear foot.
- Prices vary based on height
- Wrought iron fence: $25 to $100+ per linear foot.
- Decorative elements and customization can significantly increase the cost.
- Aluminum fence: $60 to $70 per linear foot.
- Decorative features may increase the cost.
- Prices vary based on height
- Aluminum fence is considered ornamental fence so there is a higher cost associated.
- Composite fencing: $100 to $160 per linear foot.
- These fences are made of a combination of wood and plastic materials.
Installation Costs:
- Labor costs vary but can range from $30 to $75 per hour, depending on the region and complexity of the job.
- Some contractors may charge a flat fee per linear foot for installation.
Additional Costs:
- Gates: The cost of gates varies depending on size, style, and material.
- Staining or painting: If you choose a wood fence, you may need to factor in the cost of staining or painting.
What are the Typical Fence Costs?
Before using our fence cost calculator, please review these tips when it comes to fence installation prices.
Fence Pricing
Most average sized back yards are between 150-250 linear feet. Some larger sized yards are 300-400 linear feet.
For a typical sized back yard, costs vary based on the type of material. Here are some approximate project costs (includes 1 gate):
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Average sized yard (150-250 linear feet total)
Chain Link- $6,000 - 10,000
Black aluminum- $8,000 - $14,000
Cedar - $9,000 - $14,000
Vinyl - $10,000 - $17,000
Larger sized yard (250-400 linear feet total)
Chain Link- $10,000 - 16,000
Black aluminum- $14,000 - $20,000
Cedar - $14,000 - $22,000
Vinyl - $17,000 - $26,000
Very large sized yard (400+ linear feet total)
Chain Link- $22,000+
Black aluminum- $20,000+
Cedar - $22,000+
Vinyl - $26,000+
Specialty composite fencing and custom colored vinyl are special order and are typically 50%-100% more in cost than traditional fencing materials.
It's important to obtain quotes from local fence contractors to get a more accurate estimate based on your specific needs and the materials you choose. Additionally, consider any additional costs such as permits, permit administration fees, and property survey fees.
Keep in mind that these are rough estimates, and prices can vary significantly based on your location and the specific details of your project. Always get multiple quotes and carefully compare the materials and services offered by different contractors. There are many "low cost leaders" in every market as well as "high volume" fence contractors which you should stay away from. These types of fence contractors have a churn and burn mentality and use cheap labor and won't stand by their quality of installation.
If you are looking for a professional fence contractor in Chicagoland, give us a call today at 630-349-4420.
To learn more about our pricing, please visit our pricing page.
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