Fence quotes from contractors can range from $3,000 to $15,000 for what seems like the same job. Without understanding the cost components, you have no way to evaluate whether a quote is fair or inflated. The math is straightforward once you know the variables.
Linear feet, not square feet
Fences are priced by linear foot (the total length of the fence), not square feet. A 100-linear-foot fence that is 6 feet tall costs the same labor as a 100-linear-foot fence that is 4 feet tall -- the difference is only in material cost for the extra height.
Typical residential properties need 150-300 linear feet of fencing, depending on lot size and whether all sides are fenced or just the backyard.
Cost components
Posts: Every 6-8 feet, depending on material and local codes. Posts are the structural foundation and the most labor-intensive part.
- Wood 4x4 posts: $10-20 each
- Metal posts (for chain link): $15-30 each
- Vinyl posts: $25-60 each
- Post holes: $15-30 each for labor (hand digging) or $5-15 each with a power auger
Rails: Horizontal members connecting posts. Typically 2-3 rails per section.
- Wood 2x4 rails: $5-10 per 8-foot section
- Vinyl rails: $15-30 per section
Pickets/panels: The visible fence surface.
- Wood pickets (dog-ear cedar): $2-5 each
- Pre-built wood panels (6x8 feet): $50-100 each
- Vinyl panels: $60-150 each
- Chain link fabric: $5-15 per linear foot
- Composite panels: $80-200 each
Hardware: Brackets, screws, nails, gate hardware.
- Budget $50-150 for a typical residential fence
Concrete: For setting posts.
- 1-2 bags per post at $5-7 per bag
Gates: Significantly more expensive per linear foot than fence sections.
- Single walk gate: $100-300
- Double drive gate: $300-800
- Vinyl or ornamental gates: $200-1,000+
Calculating total cost
For a 200-linear-foot wood privacy fence at 6 feet tall:
Posts (every 8 feet): 26 posts x $15 = $390
Post holes and concrete: 26 x ($20 + $12) = $832
Rails (3 per section, 25 sections): 75 rails x $7 = $525
Panels (25 sections): 25 x $75 = $1,875
One walk gate: $200
Hardware: $100
Materials total: $3,922
Labor: Typically $20-40 per linear foot for installation.
200 feet x $30/ft = $6,000
Total estimate: $9,922
This breaks down to approximately $50 per linear foot installed, which is in the normal range for professional wood fence installation.
Material comparison
Per linear foot installed:
| Material | Cost per LF | Lifespan | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chain link | $15-30 | 20+ years | Low |
| Wood (pine) | $25-45 | 10-15 years | Stain/seal every 2-3 years |
| Wood (cedar) | $30-55 | 15-25 years | Stain/seal every 3-5 years |
| Vinyl | $35-65 | 25-30 years | Very low (cleaning only) |
| Composite | $45-80 | 25+ years | Very low |
| Wrought iron | $60-120 | 50+ years | Rust prevention |
| Aluminum | $35-75 | 30+ years | Very low |
Cedar at $40/LF for 20 years costs $2/LF/year. Vinyl at $50/LF for 30 years costs $1.67/LF/year. The higher upfront cost of vinyl is offset by longer lifespan and lower maintenance.
The calculator
For estimating your fence project cost based on perimeter, material, height, number of gates, and local pricing, I built a fence calculator that generates a detailed materials list and cost estimate you can use to evaluate contractor quotes.
I'm Michael Lip. I build free developer tools at zovo.one. 500+ tools, all private, all free.
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