Fence Installation Costs: The Complete Guide | EverFence

Fence Installation Costs: The Complete Guide

What does it cost to secure your peace of mind—to know that your children or pets can play safely in your yard without fear of wandering off? 

In essence, it’s the cost of a fence.

 A fence isn’t just a physical barrier that provides your yard with a defined boundary. There are many benefits of fencing including that it can enhance the privacy, security, and aesthetic appeal of your home. But as you contemplate the logistics of installing this valuable feature on your property, you're likely wondering, "How much does fencing cost?"

 Unfortunately, there’s no clear-cut answer, seeing as fence installation costs are highly variable. The final price tag hinges on a spectrum of factors, ranging from the choice of materials and the size of the area to be fenced, to fence type and who installs it

.To that end, this guide will help you weigh the various fence installation cost factors so that you can smartly budget, plan, and execute your next home renovation project.

How Much to Install a Fence?

A professional contractor will typically charge between $1,500 on the lower end to $10,000 on the higher end to install a new fence. That’s a range of $7-$45 per linear foot, and that estimate typically covers both labor and material costs. 

The average yard in the US measures about 150 total linear feet, making the total national average price approximately $3,300. (1)

Fence Installation Cost Factors 

As evidenced by the wide pricing range from low-end estimates to high-end estimates, several factors impact expected pricing, including: 

#1 Yard Size

A sprawling backyard may be a homeowner’s dream, but it can also carry a much heftier price tag when it comes to fencing. The larger the yard, the more it will cost to fence in terms of both labor and materials. 

So, how do we quantify this fencing installation cost? 

Most cost estimates will hinge on one of two possible size metrics: linear feet and acreage. 

Linear Feet

Linear feet measure your yard’s perimeter—i.e. the total distance around the property. But gauging this figure can be difficult, especially for irregularly-shaped lawns or yards. In such cases, it helps to divide the yard into smaller, geometrically simple sections to make the calculation manageable.

Here’s a look at the potential costs based on linear feet:

Acreage 

For larger properties, acreage might be a more useful measurement. To give you a frame of reference, a yard with a 150 linear foot fence equates to approximately ⅕ acre. Naturally, once you venture into multiple acreage territory, your costs will likely scale up into tens of thousands of dollars. 

Here are some estimates based on acreage:

#2 Fence Materials 

When the time comes to plan and build your fence, materials will play a significant role in the decision. They don’t just impact the functionality and aesthetics of the fence, but the cost of the fence installation project as well. Each material carries its own set of benefits and, of course, a corresponding price tag.

The current economic climate has amplified the impact that the choice of material has on overall costs. For instance, widespread inflation and supply chain disruptions have caused the price of common materials like wood to soar in recent years. 

For context, consider this: in 2019, the average price for lumber was $372 per thousand board feet. By 2021, these prices skyrocketed to an unprecedented high of $872. While prices have somewhat stabilized since then, they remain elevated, averaging at around $411 per thousand board feet, a figure still significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels. (2)

So, navigating this post-pandemic pricing landscape calls for a clear understanding of the cost of different materials. Let's explore some popular types of fences and their respective costs: (3)

• Wire fencing ($1–$7 per linear foot) – A budget-friendly option, perfect for homeowners looking to fence large areas without breaking the bank. Wire fencing is versatile, durable, and requires little to no maintenance; however, this fence type offers limited privacy and security.
  
  
• Bamboo fencing ($6–$12 per linear foot) – An eco-friendly solution that can create a unique, natural aesthetic, bamboo is relatively durable and offers a fair amount of privacy. However, it can require regular maintenance to prevent decay over time.
  
  
• Wood fencing ($17–$22 per linear foot) - The classic wood fence offers the perfect balance of aesthetics, privacy, and affordability. This fence style is also relatively easy to install and customize. However, the type of wood will impact prices. For instance, a cedar fence could cost twice as much in terms of materials as a pine fence. 
  
  
• Chainlink Fencing ($9–$30 per linear foot) – A chainlink fence is a durable, low-maintenance, low-cost option for securing your property, especially if you don’t prioritize privacy. 
  
  
• Vinyl Fencing ($15–$30 per linear foot) – Touted as a high-end alternative to traditional wood, vinyl fences are a popular, long-lasting fence material. The durability and weather resistance of the vinyl fence makes it an appealing fence style for homeowners who are willing to shoulder their higher upfront costs in exchange for little to no maintenance. 
  
  
• Composite Fencing ($23–$37 per linear foot) – A mix of plastic and wood, composite fences provide the aesthetic appeal of wood with the durability and lower maintenance of plastic or vinyl. 
  
  
• Aluminum Fencing ($30–$50 per linear foot) – An aluminum fence is lightweight, rust-resistant, and available in various styles that typically require minimal maintenance. 
  
  
• Wrought Iron Fencing ($24–$44 per linear foot) – Wrought iron is among the most expensive and elegant of fencing materials. A wrought iron fence, including its similar counterpart the ornamental iron fence, is sturdy, elegant, and can be styled to suit your design preferences. 
  
  
• Custom fencing (TBD) – Some property owners prefer for their fencing to act as a statement piece for the yard. But a custom fence has no set pricing as it hinges entirely on the homeowner's preferences and requirements. From combining different types of materials to creating one-of-a-kind architectural statements—custom fences open up a world of design possibilities, at a higher fencing installation cost.

#3 Labor Costs 

To create an accurate estimate for the fence installation costs you must factor in labor. The high-quality materials you selected for the fence won’t install themselves. As a general guide, labor costs will likely range from $30 to $100 per hour depending on various factors, including: 

• Local labor rate – Different regions have different labor rates. Generally speaking, areas with a higher cost of living typically have higher labor rates.
  
  
• Skill level – A skilled contractor with years of experience in fence installation will likely charge more than a less experienced fence installer. 
  
  
• The complexity of installation– If your property is on a slope, if the fence installation includes complex elements, or if it’s a custom job, the labor costs will likely be higher.

#4 Extraneous Factors

Aside from the big three factors in the fencing cost equation, several other elements can impact a fence installation estimate, including: 

• Removing an existing fence – Do you have an old fence on the property that you want to upgrade? If so, you’ll need to factor in the cost of fence removal and disposal before your fence installation project can commence. 
  
  
• Fence height– The average fence height is around six feet. However, if you want a taller fence, you’ll pay more in terms of materials and labor. 
  
  
• Landscaping – Often, a fence is accompanied by landscaping renovations, which add to the final price tag. 
  
  
• Permits – Certain areas may require a home or commercial property owner to pull permits before they begin building, especially for a larger fence. Be sure to check local regulations and factor any potential permit costs into your budget before you begin any work. 
  
  
• Slope and shape of the yard – Topography can also play a pivotal role in the fence installation cost. Constructing a fence on a flat, uniform plot is not just simpler, but also more cost-effective compared to a sloping or irregularly-shaped yard.
  
  
• Type of gate – Do you plan on adding a gate to the yard fence line? That will cost more. Although, how much more depends on the type of gate. For instance, an automated electric gate will cost significantly more than a conventional gate. 

Protect Your Property with EverFence

Installing a fence around your property is one of the simplest ways to enhance a home’s security, privacy, and curb appeal. Just how much the fence installation will cost depends on the size of your yard, the chosen fence materials, and the labor costs. If you are struggling with calculating the cost of your preferred fence installation, we can help.

At Everfence, our instant quote feature gives you a real-time price estimate after you plug in your property and the exact type of fence you are looking for. Whether you want a vinyl, wood, ornamental iron, chainlink, or custom fence, receive an instant quote that includes both installation services and supplies. Design your dream fence today!