Most homeowners pay $1,900–$4,800 to install a new fence, with a national average of about $3,300. Installed prices usually run $15–$40 per linear foot, from about $10 for basic chain link to $50–$85 for wrought iron or tall privacy fencing (HomeAdvisor, Angi, Fixr and HomeGuide data, as of October 2026).
Updated October 8, 2026. Source: HomeAdvisor + 6 more. National US estimates.
Homeowners usually install a fence for privacy, to keep kids and pets in, to meet pool-barrier rules or to mark a property line. The price depends mostly on how many linear feet you need and the material you choose, followed by height, the number of gates and how hard the ground is to dig.
This guide covers installed prices per linear foot and per project, a line-item breakdown for a typical backyard, what drives the cost up or down, and how to compare quotes. If you have already settled on wood, our wood fence installation cost guide goes deeper into species, styles and staining.
Average cost
Installed costs (labor and materials) for common residential fence projects, national averages as of October 2026:
| Scenario | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic: about 100 linear feet of 4-ft chain link | $1,000–$2,000 | Cheapest option; roughly $10–$20 per linear foot installed |
| Typical backyard: 100–200 linear feet of wood, vinyl or chain link | $1,900–$4,800 | National average about $3,300; most land near $23 per linear foot |
| Large or upgraded: 200 linear feet of 6-ft vinyl, aluminum or composite privacy | $4,000–$12,000 | Includes one or two gates; tall privacy fencing costs $25–$60 per foot |
| Premium: wrought iron, 8-ft privacy or acreage | $10,000–$14,000+ | Wrought iron runs $50–$85 per foot; driveway gates add $1,000–$6,000 |
Fence cost per linear foot by material
Installed prices including posts, concrete and labor. Ranges blend Fixr, HomeGuide and NerdWallet data.
| Material | Installed cost per linear foot | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Chain link (galvanized) | $10–$40 | 4-ft is cheapest ($10–$20); vinyl-coated black costs more |
| Split rail | $10–$35 | Open rural look; does not contain small pets |
| Wood (pine, cedar) | $15–$50 | Most popular for privacy; needs stain or sealer |
| Vinyl (PVC) | $15–$60 | Low maintenance; 6-ft privacy runs about $30–$55 |
| Aluminum | $15–$75 | Common for pools and front yards; rust-free |
| Composite | $20–$85 | Wood look with little upkeep; highest material cost |
| Wrought iron | $25–$85 | Most durable and decorative; slow to install |
Fence cost by length
| Fence length | Average installed cost | Wood or vinyl range |
|---|---|---|
| 50 feet | not reported | $1,000–$3,000 |
| 100 feet | about $2,300 | $2,000–$6,000 |
| 150 feet | about $3,600 | $3,000–$9,000 |
| 200 feet | about $6,900 | $4,000–$12,000 |
| 300 feet | not reported | $6,000–$18,000 |
Cost breakdown: materials, labor, permits and extras
Line-item estimate for about 150 linear feet of 4–6-ft pressure-treated wood fence with one walk-through gate on fairly level ground. Ranges are national, as of October 8, 2026.
| Cost item | Typical range | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Materials (posts, rails, pickets, concrete, hardware) | $750–$2,250 | Wood fence materials run about $5–$15 per linear foot |
| Labor | $1,500–$3,000 | Wood installation labor is about $10–$20 per linear foot; roughly half the job |
| Gate (one standard walk gate, installed) | $200–$600 | Larger, double or automated gates cost much more |
| Permits & survey | $20–$200 | Many towns charge $20–$200; a survey adds $200–$1,200 if lines are unclear |
| Contingency (about 10%) | $250–$500 | Rocky soil, roots, extra posts on slopes |
| Estimated total | $2,700–$6,600 | Before any discounts or rebates |
Labor and materials each account for roughly half the bill. Old fence removal is not included above; add about $3–$7 per linear foot if you are replacing a fence.
What affects the price
- Linear feet. Fences are priced per linear foot, so the total scales with the perimeter. HomeAdvisor reports about $2,300 for 100 feet and $6,900 for 200 feet; longer runs can lower the price per foot because setup costs are spread out.
- Material. Material is the biggest swing factor: chain link starts around $10 per linear foot installed, wood and vinyl usually run $15–$60, and composite or wrought iron can reach $85 per foot.
- Height. Taller fences use longer posts and more boards or panels. A 6-ft wood or vinyl privacy fence runs about $25–$60 per linear foot, an 8-ft one about $50–$85, and going to 8 ft adds roughly 25%–35% to the job.
- Gates. A basic walk-through gate costs about $150–$600 installed, premium gates $400–$1,200, and a driveway gate $1,000–$6,000. Automatic openers add several hundred to several thousand dollars more.
- Terrain. Slopes, rocky or clay soil and tree roots slow post-hole digging and may require stepped or racked panels. Sources give no fixed surcharge, but related site work adds up: yard grading runs $500–$3,000 and tree removal $400–$1,200 per tree.
- Permits and removal of the old fence. Permits usually cost $20–$200 (up to about $500 in some cities), and many towns cap height or require setbacks. Tearing out an old fence typically adds $3–$7 per linear foot, or about $600–$800 for 100–200 feet.
Ways to save
- Get at least three written quotes priced per linear foot for the same material, height and number of gates, so you can compare like for like.
- Choose a standard height and stock panels or pickets; custom heights, curved tops and 8-ft sections raise both material and labor costs.
- Limit gates to what you need. Each walk gate adds $150–$600, while a driveway gate can add $1,000 or more.
- Split the cost with neighbors on a shared property line. Check your HOA and local rules first so the fence meets height and setback requirements.
- Remove the old fence yourself if it is a simple wood or chain-link run; contractors charge about $3–$7 per linear foot for removal and haul-away.
- Schedule in late fall or winter, when many fence companies have more openings and may offer better pricing than in spring.
Related questions people ask
What is the cost of fence installation per foot?
The cost of fence installation is usually $15–$40 per linear foot, with most homeowners paying around $23 per foot. Chain link can come in near $10 per foot, while wrought iron and 8-ft privacy fencing can top $80.
How much does Home Depot fence installation cost?
Home Depot does not publish a flat national installation price; it sends a local licensed installer for a free in-home estimate. Its own cost guide reports an average fencing job of about $6,300 (2024 data), and lists materials such as pressure-treated wood panels at $63–$94 and vinyl panels at $72–$111 each. Compare its quote with at least two local fence companies.
How to get an accurate quote
Ask at least three licensed, insured fence contractors for written, itemized quotes. Give each of them the same details:
- The total linear footage (measure each side) and a sketch showing corners, gates and where the fence ties into the house.
- Material, style and height for each section, plus the number, width and type of gates.
- Ground conditions: slopes, rocky soil, trees, shrubs or an old fence that must come out.
- Ask who pulls the permit, who calls 811 to mark utilities, whether a survey is needed, and what the labor and material warranties cover.
FAQ
How long does fence installation take?
Most residential fences of 100–200 linear feet take 1–4 days to install once materials arrive. Concrete-set posts may need a day to cure before panels go on, and permits can add a week or more beforehand.
Do I need a permit to build a fence?
Many cities and counties require one, especially for fences over 6 ft, pool barriers or front-yard fences. Fees typically run $20–$200. Your HOA may also have its own approval process and style rules.
What is the cheapest type of fence to install?
Galvanized chain link is the cheapest common option at about $10–$20 per linear foot for a 4-ft fence. Split rail and basic wood picket fencing are also budget-friendly, while vinyl, aluminum and composite cost more upfront but need less upkeep.
Is a fence a good investment?
A fence adds privacy, security and pet containment, which many buyers value. Low-maintenance materials such as vinyl or aluminum cost more upfront but avoid the restaining that wood needs every few years. If you are also planning outdoor living space, see our guide to the cost to build a deck.
More Decks, Pergolas & Fences costs
Sources
- HomeAdvisor — How Much Does Fence Installation Cost in 2026? (updated Jun 20, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
- Angi — How Much Does Wood Fence Installation Cost? [2026 Data] (updated Aug 3, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
- HomeGuide — How Much Does Fence Installation Cost? (2026) (Feb 3, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
- HomeGuide — How Much Does a Chain-Link Fence Cost? (2026) (Aug 4, 2025). Checked October 8, 2026.
- Fixr — Cost to Install Fence (updated Jan 31, 2025). Checked October 8, 2026.
- NerdWallet — How Much Does It Cost to Install a Fence in 2026? (updated Jul 10, 2025). Checked October 8, 2026.
- The Home Depot — Fence Installation Cost Guide (accessed Oct 2026 (2024 average job data)). Checked October 8, 2026.
Prices are estimates and vary by location and provider. See our methodology and editorial policy. Browse all yard & pests cost guides.