Find out average fence installation costs by material and length in 2026. Wood, vinyl, chain link compared. Free fence cost guide.
Fence installation costs $15-$50 per linear foot installed — meaning a standard 150-foot yard perimeter costs $2,250-$7,500 depending on material. Wood fencing is most popular but requires maintenance every few years. Vinyl costs more upfront but needs minimal maintenance for 20-30 years. Our guide covers all fence types with real installed costs.
Material cost comparison: Chain link: $15-$25/linear foot. Lowest cost, functional not decorative. Wood privacy fence (6 ft): $20-$35/linear foot. Most popular, needs staining every 3-5 years. Vinyl privacy fence (6 ft): $25-$45/linear foot. Low maintenance, 20-30 year lifespan. Aluminum or steel: $25-$40/linear foot. Decorative, low maintenance. Cedar or redwood: $30-$50/linear foot. Premium wood, naturally rot-resistant. Composite: $30-$50/linear foot.
Complete project estimates: Small yard (100 linear feet): $1,500-$4,500 wood, $2,500-$4,500 vinyl. Average yard (150 linear feet): $2,250-$5,250 wood, $3,750-$6,750 vinyl. Large yard (300 linear feet): $4,500-$10,500 wood, $7,500-$13,500 vinyl. Additional costs: Gate: $200-$600 each. Permit: $50-$200 (required in most cities). Old fence removal: $500-$2,000. Difficult terrain (slopes, roots): add 20-30%.
Fence installation timeline: 100-150 linear feet: 1-2 days with crew. 200-300 linear feet: 2-4 days. Factors affecting time: digging post holes (rocky soil takes longer), number of gates, terrain complexity. Permit approval: add 1-4 weeks before work starts. Do NOT skip permit — unpermitted fence may need to be removed before selling home.
Fence permits required in most cities. Typically required for: fences over 4-6 feet tall, fences on corner lots, fences near property lines. Check before building: local building department, HOA rules (often stricter than city), property survey to confirm property lines. Building on neighbor's property: a common costly mistake — fence must be removed. Cost to survey property: $400-$1,000 but worth it for expensive fencing.
5-year cost comparison for 150 linear feet: Wood privacy fence: Install $4,000, staining year 3 $500, total $4,500. Vinyl privacy fence: Install $5,500, maintenance $0, total $5,500. 10-year comparison: Wood: $4,000 + 2 stainings + possible repairs = $5,500. Vinyl: $5,500. 20-year comparison: Wood likely needs partial replacement costing $2,000-$4,000. Vinyl still going strong. Long-term: vinyl often better total value in wet climates.
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