On this page
- What each fence type costs
- Which price are you looking at?
- What makes one job cost more than another?
- Why do the published guides disagree?
- How the options compare
- Where should you start?
- What a quote should include
- Permits, HOA rules and property lines
- Cost by project size
- How to lower the cost without cutting corners
- How the price changes by region
- What to check before you hire
- Every guide on LocalServiceHQ
- Questions
What each fence type costs
| Job | Low | Typical | High | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wood privacyper linear ft | $22 | $35 | $58 | The only type with a full published range in our index |
| Vinylper linear ft | varies | higher than wood | Panel and post prices move with the profile | |
| Aluminiumper linear ft | similar to vinyl | Usually quoted per panel plus posts | ||
| Chain linkper linear ft | lowest | Galvanised or coated changes the price |
Ranges are installed estimates, not quotes. Full table: the price index.
Which price are you looking at?
| Basis | What it includes | Where you see it |
|---|---|---|
| Installed, per linear ft | Fence, posts, concrete, panels and basic hardware | The number most quotes lead with |
| Panel or picket only | Materials only, no posts or labour | Compare only with another material quote |
| Post and concrete | The hidden line behind the fence | What a cheap quote often leaves out |
What makes one job cost more than another?
Why do the published guides disagree?
Fence guides disagree because they measure different things. One may price a 6 ft wood privacy fence with posts, concrete and a gate; another may price panels only, or a chain link run. Before comparing two numbers, check the height, the material, the post spacing and whether gates and removal are included.
How the options compare
| Option | Installed cost | Typical service life | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood privacy | $22 to $58 per linear ft | 10 to 15 years | Lowest material cost, needs sealing |
| Vinyl | Higher per ft | 20 to 25 years | Low maintenance, colour options |
| Aluminium | Similar to vinyl | 20 to 30 years | Open look, long life |
| Chain link | Lowest per ft | 15 to 20 years | Security and boundaries, not privacy |
Where should you start?
Measure the run, choose the height, then check HOA and permit rules Fencing cost guide
Posts = run length / spacing, rounded up, plus one end post Fence post guide
Hole volume and bag counts by hole size Post concrete guide
Compare the per-foot price and the scope before you sign Fence cost calculator
What a quote should include
| Linear feet and height | The run, the height and the panel or picket type |
| Posts | Spacing, post size, hole depth and concrete |
| Gates | Number, width and hardware |
| Removal | Old fence removal and disposal |
| Finish | Stain or seal, and who applies it |
| Permit and HOA | Who confirms height and setback rules |
Permits, HOA rules and property lines
Fence height and setback rules are local, and many HOAs add their own limits on height, material and colour. Check the rule before you buy panels: a fence that must come down is the most expensive option. Property lines matter too, because a fence built on a neighbour's land is a dispute, not a fence. Ask the building department about permits and ask the HOA for the current design rules in writing.
Cost by project size
| Fence run length (ft) | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | $1,100 | $1,750 | $2,900 |
| 100 | $2,200 | $3,500 | $5,800 |
| 150 | $3,300 | $5,250 | $8,700 |
| 200 | $4,400 | $7,000 | $11,600 |
Multiplies our installed range; gates, removal, permits and unusual access are extra.
A worked example
A 150 ft wood privacy fence at the typical rate is about $5,250 for the run. That assumes a single straight line, standard 6 ft height, posts at 8 ft spacing and concrete at each post. Add gates, a slope with stepped panels, removal of an old fence, or a corner that needs bracing, and the number moves. This is why a per-foot figure is a starting point, not a final price.
How to lower the cost without cutting corners
- Keep the run straight and the height standard; curves and steps add posts and labour.
- Choose a standard panel and post size rather than a custom profile.
- Remove the old fence yourself if it is safe to do so, and save the disposal line.
- Order posts and concrete together with the panels to avoid a second delivery.
- Get three quotes for the same height, material and gate count so the comparison is real.
How the price changes by region
Wood and vinyl prices travel reasonably well between states, but labour does not. A fence in a high-wage metro costs more for the same materials, and rocky or sloped ground adds digging time. Wind exposure also matters: a coastal or open site may need closer post spacing or deeper holes, which adds posts and concrete.
What to check before you hire
| Licence | Ask for the state or local licence where fencing requires one, and the number in writing. |
| Insurance | Ask for a certificate of general liability and workers compensation. |
| Scope | Confirm height, material, post spacing and gate count in writing. |
| Removal | Confirm who removes the old fence and who pays the dump fee. |
| Warranty | Ask for the workmanship warranty separate from the material warranty. |
Every guide on LocalServiceHQ
Questions
How much does a fence cost per linear foot?
Wood privacy runs $22 to $58 per linear foot installed at our October 2026 index, typical about $35. Vinyl and aluminium usually cost more per foot, and chain link less. Gates, removal and access are extra.
How many posts do I need for a 150 ft fence?
At 8 ft spacing, about 20 posts; at 6 ft spacing, 26. The formula is run length divided by spacing, rounded up, plus one end post, then add gate posts.
Is vinyl cheaper than wood?
Not usually. Vinyl has a higher material cost but less maintenance. Wood costs less up front and needs staining or sealing every few years.
Does a fence need a permit?
Depends on height and location. Many jurisdictions require a permit above six feet, and HOAs often have their own rules. Call the building department with the height and location.
How long does a wood fence last?
Published ranges put a treated wood fence at about 10 to 15 years, depending on climate, soil and maintenance. Keeping the posts dry and the wood sealed extends it.
Is it cheaper to build a fence myself?
For a short run on flat ground, materials can cost less than a contractor quote. For a long run with gates, slopes and concrete, the tools, time and mistakes usually close the gap.
How much does a gate add?
A gate is a separate build with two heavier posts, a frame and hardware, so it is priced per gate rather than per foot. Ask for it as its own line.
Installed prices from the price index (checked October 2026), which compares published national cost guides and supplier list prices. Service-life ranges follow published manufacturer and contractor guidance. Permit and HOA rules vary by jurisdiction.
Estimates, not quotes. General information, not legal advice.