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March 27, 2026 · 10 min read

How to Estimate Fencing Jobs (2026 Pricing Per Linear Foot)

Fencing is one of the most straightforward trades to estimate — it's mostly linear feet × price per foot. But the details matter. Post spacing, gate count, terrain, and material choice can swing a bid by thousands. Here's how to nail it every time.

The Fencing Estimate Formula

Total = (Linear Feet × Cost/LF) + Gates + Demo (if any) + Overhead & Profit

2026 Fence Pricing by Material (Installed)

All prices include materials, labor, posts, concrete, and hardware. 6-foot height unless noted.

Wood Fencing

  • Cedar privacy (dog-ear): $25–$35/LF
  • Cedar privacy (board-on-board): $30–$45/LF
  • Cedar privacy (cap & trim): $35–$55/LF
  • Pine (treated): $18–$28/LF
  • Redwood: $35–$50/LF
  • Cedar picket (4 ft): $18–$28/LF

Cedar is king for residential fencing. Pine is budget-friendly but needs staining within 1 year.

Vinyl/PVC Fencing

  • Privacy (6 ft): $30–$50/LF
  • Semi-private: $25–$40/LF
  • Picket (4 ft): $20–$35/LF
  • Ranch rail (3 or 4 rail): $15–$25/LF

Higher upfront cost, but zero maintenance. Sells itself on lifetime cost.

Chain Link

  • Galvanized (4 ft): $12–$20/LF
  • Galvanized (6 ft): $15–$25/LF
  • Vinyl-coated (black/green, 6 ft): $18–$30/LF
  • Privacy slats (add-on): $3–$6/LF

Wrought Iron / Ornamental Metal

  • Aluminum ornamental: $30–$55/LF
  • Steel ornamental: $35–$65/LF
  • True wrought iron (custom): $50–$100+/LF

Composite & Modern

  • Composite (Trex, SimTek): $35–$60/LF
  • Horizontal slat (modern): $40–$70/LF
  • Corrugated metal panels: $30–$50/LF

Gate Pricing

Gates are always priced separately because they're disproportionately expensive per foot:

  • Single walk gate (3-4 ft): $200–$450
  • Double drive gate (10-12 ft): $500–$1,200
  • Sliding gate (manual): $800–$2,000
  • Automatic gate opener (add-on): $800–$2,500
  • Steel/iron driveway gate (custom): $2,000–$8,000+

Step-by-Step Fencing Estimate

Step 1: Measure the Perimeter

Walk the property line with a measuring wheel. Don't trust property surveys alone — measure where the fence will actually go. Note:

  • Total linear feet
  • Number and width of gates needed
  • Corners (each corner = an extra post)
  • Elevation changes and slopes
  • Trees, rocks, or utilities in the fence line
  • Existing fence to demo

Step 2: Calculate Posts

Posts = (Linear Feet ÷ Post Spacing) + 1 + Corner Posts + Gate Posts

Standard spacing: 8 feet for wood, 6-8 feet for metal. Each post needs 2 bags of concrete (80 lb each).

Step 3: Material Takeoff

For a wood privacy fence, per 8-foot section you need:

  • 1 post (4×4 or 4×6) — $12–$25 each
  • 2-3 rails (2×4) — $8–$12 each
  • 12-16 pickets (1×6 or 1×4) — $3–$6 each
  • 2 bags concrete — $5–$7 each
  • Screws/nails — $0.50–$1 per picket
  • Post caps (optional) — $3–$8 each

Real Example: 200 LF Cedar Privacy Fence

Project: 200 LF cedar board-on-board privacy fence, 6 ft, 1 walk gate, 1 drive gate

  • Demo
  • Remove existing wood fence (200 LF): $800
  • Disposal: $350
  • Materials
  • 4×4 cedar posts (27): $540
  • 2×4 cedar rails (75): $750
  • 1×6 cedar pickets (500): $2,250
  • Post caps (27): $135
  • Concrete (54 bags): $324
  • Hardware (screws, brackets): $280
  • Walk gate hardware: $85
  • Drive gate hardware: $175
  • Labor
  • Fence install (2-person crew, 3 days): $2,880
  • Gate fabrication & install: $640
  • Subtotal: $9,209
  • Overhead & profit (30%): $2,763
  • Total: $11,972 ($59.86/LF including gates)
  • Without gates: ~$48/LF

Slope & Terrain Adjustments

Sloped yards add complexity and cost:

  • Stepped fence (follows grade in steps): Add 10-15% for extra cuts and posts
  • Racked fence (follows slope continuously): Add 15-25% — requires custom-cut pickets
  • Rocky soil: Add $10-$20/post for drilling vs. digging
  • Narrow access (hand carry materials): Add 20-30% labor

Common Fencing Estimate Mistakes

  1. Not checking property lines. Build a fence 6 inches onto a neighbor's property and you might have to tear it down. Always verify the survey or get a new one ($300-$500).
  2. Forgetting the demo. Old fence removal is $3-$5/LF plus disposal. It adds up on a 200 LF job.
  3. Underpricing gates. A double drive gate costs as much as 25-30 LF of fence. Price them separately and prominently — clients understand gates cost more.
  4. Ignoring HOA requirements. Many HOAs require specific materials, heights, and styles. Confirm before quoting — a surprise change order kills your margin.
  5. Not offering stain/seal as an add-on. A $600-$1,200 stain add-on on a $10,000 fence job is easy profit and the client probably wants it anyway.

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