How much does it cost to install a fence in 2026?
Most residential fences run $12 to $60 per linear foot installed in 2026, with the national average around $20-$45. Material is the biggest swing: chain-link at $10-$25/lf is the cheap end, wrought iron at $30-$80/lf the high end.
| Project | Length | Material | Installed cost |
|---|
| Backyard chain-link | 150 lf | Galvanized chain-link | $1,500 – $3,750 |
| Backyard PT wood | 150 lf | Pressure-treated pine | $2,250 – $4,500 |
| Cedar privacy | 200 lf | Cedar | $4,000 – $8,400 |
| Vinyl privacy | 300 lf | Vinyl | $9,000 – $18,000 |
| Aluminum decorative | 150 lf | Aluminum | $3,750 – $8,250 |
| Wrought-iron estate | 400 lf | Wrought iron | $12,000 – $32,000 |
What drives fence cost
- Material — chain-link $10-$25/lf vs wrought iron $30-$80/lf is a 3-8x range.
- Height — 6 ft is the residential standard; 8+ ft tall fences add 15% to material cost.
- Posts — one post every 8 ft + 4 corner/end posts. Concrete and labor add $40-$90 per post.
- Gates — walk-through $200-$600 each, double-drive $300-$1,200, automatic $1,900-$6,000+.
- Site conditions — sloped terrain adds $3-$10/lf; brush clearing $2-$6/lf; old-fence removal $3-$8/lf.
- Region — California and New York labor 30-35% above national average.
Choosing the right fence material
Pressure-treated wood pine
$15-$30/lf installed. Cheapest wood option. Lasts 15-20 years with annual sealing/staining. Boards may warp or split over time. Standard 6 ft dog-ear privacy panels are widely available.
Cedar
$20-$42/lf installed. Naturally rot-resistant and insect-repellent. Ages to silver-gray; stain to keep warm tone. 20-30 year lifespan. Common in board-on-board, shadowbox, and split-rail styles.
Vinyl / PVC
$30-$60/lf installed. Zero maintenance — no painting, sealing, or staining ever. 25-30+ year lifespan. White is most common; tan and gray available. Brittle in extreme cold; can crack.
Aluminum
$25-$55/lf installed. Powder-coated aluminum tubes; ornamental look. Mostly decorative (not great privacy). Long lifespan, no maintenance.
Chain-link
$10-$25/lf installed. Cheapest residential option. Galvanized steel mesh on metal posts. 4-6 ft heights typical. Vinyl-coated black or green available. Functional, not pretty.
Wrought iron
$30-$80/lf installed. Heavy steel ornamental fencing; security plus aesthetic. 50+ year lifespan with rust touch-ups. Common around pools and estates.
Composite
$30-$55/lf installed. Mix of recycled wood and plastic. Looks like wood but doesn't rot. 20-30 year lifespan.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to install a fence in 2026?
Most residential fences run $12-$60 per linear foot installed. Chain-link is cheapest at $10-$25/lf, wood privacy $15-$42/lf, vinyl $30-$60/lf, aluminum $25-$55/lf, wrought-iron $30-$80/lf.
Do I need a permit to build a fence?
Most municipalities require fence permits. Permit fees range from $25 to $150. Front-yard fences are typically limited to 3-4 ft, side and back yards 6-8 ft. Always check with your local building department before digging post holes.
What's the cheapest fence material?
Chain-link at $10-$25 per linear foot installed is the cheapest residential option. Pressure-treated wood pickets at $15-$30/lf are next. Vinyl, aluminum, and composite all run $25-$60/lf.
How long does a fence last?
Pressure-treated wood: 15-20 years. Cedar: 20-30. Vinyl: 25-30+. Aluminum: 30-50. Chain-link: 20-30. Wrought iron: 50+ with maintenance.
How deep should fence posts be set?
2.5 ft deep for 6 ft fences in stable soil; 3 ft for 8 ft+ fences or in frost-line regions (must extend below frost depth). Set in concrete with a 4-6 in gravel base for drainage.
Can I put a fence on my property line?
Most jurisdictions require fences to be set back 4-12 inches from the property line. A fresh boundary survey ($300-$700) is wise if you're not sure where your line is. Disputes with neighbors over fence placement are common and expensive.
How much does a gate add to the cost?
Walk-through (pedestrian) gate: $200-$600. Double drive gate (vehicles): $300-$1,200. Automatic gate with opener: $1,900-$6,000+. Material matches your fence.
Should I DIY a fence?
For chain-link or simple PT wood under 100 lf on flat ground — yes, DIY can save 40-50% on labor. For longer runs, slopes, or harder materials (vinyl, aluminum, wrought iron), the labor savings often aren't worth the time and tool rental.
Why does the calculator show a price range?
Fence prices vary 30-60% by region, season, and contractor. Material brand selection alone can move a quote 20%. A range gives an honest planning estimate.
