Instant estimates for wood, vinyl, chain link, wrought iron, and aluminum fencing. Gates, staining, and removal included. 2026 pricing.
Fence pricing is driven by material type, height, terrain, and the number of gates and corners. A straight run on flat ground is the cheapest scenario. Every corner, gate, and slope adds labor time and materials.
Material choice is the biggest variable. Chain link is cheapest ($8–$14/lf installed) but offers no privacy. Wood privacy is the most popular middle ground ($18–$30/lf). Cedar costs 30–50% more than pine but resists rot naturally and needs less maintenance. Vinyl is zero-maintenance but has the highest upfront cost.
Post setting makes or breaks longevity. Every post should be set in concrete, 24–36 inches deep (deeper in cold climates). Skipping concrete saves $10–15/post but leads to leaning fences within 2–3 years. Our calculator includes concrete post setting by default.
Terrain adds up fast. Flat yards are straightforward. Sloped yards require stepped panels (20% more labor) or racking (angling panels to follow the grade). Rocky soil may require an auger or jackhammer for post holes, adding 40%+ to labor costs.
Don't forget gates. Every fence needs at least one gate, and most need two (one walk, one drive). Gates are disproportionately expensive compared to straight fencing because of the hardware, framing, and alignment precision required. Budget $250–$500 per walk gate and $600–$1,200 per drive gate.
A wood privacy fence costs $18–$30 per linear foot installed for pine and $25–$40/lf for cedar. This includes posts, rails, pickets, concrete, and labor. A typical 150 lf backyard fence runs $2,700–$6,000 depending on wood type and terrain.
Chain link is the cheapest at $8–$16 per linear foot installed. Wire farm fencing is even cheaper at $5–$10/lf but isn't suitable for residential yards. For privacy, wood is the most affordable option at $18–$30/lf, significantly cheaper than vinyl ($28–$40/lf) or wrought iron ($30–$50/lf).
Untreated pine: 5–10 years. Pressure-treated pine: 15–20 years. Cedar: 15–25 years. Vinyl: 20–30 years. Wrought iron: 30–50+ years. Chain link: 15–25 years. Proper installation (concrete posts, quality hardware) and maintenance (staining every 2–3 years) significantly extends lifespan.
Most cities require permits for fences over 6 feet in backyards or 4 feet in front yards. Some HOAs have additional restrictions on materials, colors, and heights. Always check local codes and HOA rules before starting. Permit costs are typically $100–$300.
DIY saves 40–50% on labor but requires proper tools (post hole digger/auger, level, saw), knowledge of local codes, and 2–4 days of hard work. Professionals are worth it for rocky terrain, sloped yards, or anything over 100 linear feet. Bad post setting is the #1 cause of fence failure.
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