Installing 400 feet of fence typically costs $4,000-$24,000, with many standard projects landing near $10,000-$12,000. The 400 feet of fencing cost depends mainly on material, height, gates, labor rates, terrain, and whether an old fence must be removed.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 400-foot installed fence | $4,000 | $11,000 | $24,000 | Common residential materials and standard access |
| Installed price per linear foot | $10 | $27.50 | $60 | Material, height, and labor affect rate |
| Gate allowance | $150 | $700 | $2,500 | Per gate; size and hardware vary |
Assumptions: 4-6-foot residential fence, 400 linear feet, standard access, and no unusual permitting or retaining work.
What 400 Linear Feet Costs by Fence Material
For 400 feet, chain-link is usually the lowest-cost installed option, while vinyl, ornamental metal, and premium wood can raise the total considerably. Typical estimates include posts, standard hardware, and installation, but may exclude gates, old-fence removal, and major grading.
| Fence type | Installed rate | 400-foot total | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic chain-link | $10-$20 per linear ft | $4,000-$8,000 | Durable boundary, limited privacy |
| Pressure-treated wood | $18-$35 per linear ft | $7,200-$14,000 | Privacy or traditional yard fence |
| Vinyl privacy | $25-$50 per linear ft | $10,000-$20,000 | Low-maintenance solid panels |
| Aluminum ornamental | $30-$60 per linear ft | $12,000-$24,000 | Open view and decorative finish |
A 6-foot privacy fence generally costs more than a 4-foot open fence because it uses more material and can require stronger posts. Regional labor, fence grade, and layout can shift these ranges.
How Posts, Panels, and Installation Shape the Quote
A contractor’s quote typically combines materials, labor, equipment, and any delivery or disposal charges. For 400 feet, the following breakdown is a planning estimate for a mid-range wood fence; actual bids may group line items differently.
| Quote component | Typical amount | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $3,200-$6,000 | Posts, rails, pickets or panels, concrete, fasteners |
| Labor | $2,400-$5,000 | Layout, digging, setting posts, assembly |
| Equipment and delivery | $300-$1,000 | Auger, hauling, and material transport |
| Removal and disposal | $400-$1,600 | Taking down and hauling an existing fence |
| Permits or inspections | $50-$500 | Local application or inspection fees, when required |
Labor is often priced into the per-foot rate, but it can be compared using . A crew of two or three may spend 3-6 workdays on a straightforward 400-foot installation.
Ask whether the estimate includes concrete, post spacing, cleanup, and disposal before comparing totals. Those details can explain why two apparently similar quotes differ.
Which Height, Soil, and Slope Changes the Price
Fence height and design have measurable effects. Moving from a 4-foot to a 6-foot privacy fence can add roughly 15%-35% to material and labor costs. A 400-foot run with many corners or short segments also needs more posts and labor than a straight boundary.
Rocky soil can add $5-$15 per linear foot when crews need specialized drilling or extra digging time. Steep slopes may add 10%-25% for stepped panels, custom cuts, or more complex layout. A fence over 6 feet may trigger different local rules or construction requirements.
Confirm the measured boundary and finished height before accepting a per-foot quote. A change of even 20 feet alters materials, post count, and the final bill.
How Long a 400-Foot Fence Installation Takes
A clear, mostly level property can take a two- or three-person crew about 3-6 working days, including post setting and installation. Removal of an existing fence, extensive grading, or difficult digging can extend the schedule by one or more days.
Labor rates vary by market, but contractors may charge roughly $50-$100 per worker-hour when labor is itemized. Weather and concrete curing can affect when panels are installed. Get the expected crew size and workdays in writing if a bid includes a separate labor allowance.
How Local Labor Rates Shift a 400-Foot Estimate
Prices in high-cost metro areas can run 15%-30% above a national-style estimate because of labor, travel, and overhead. Rural areas may be 5%-15% lower for accessible sites, but limited contractor availability or long delivery distances can reduce or erase those savings.
Material prices also differ by supplier and region. Compare at least three local, itemized estimates for the same height, material grade, gate count, and removal scope. Use local installed bids rather than a national per-foot average as the final budget benchmark.
When Gates, Old Fence Removal, or Rock Add Extra Charges
A basic walk gate commonly adds $150-$500, while a wide driveway gate may cost $500-$2,500 or more, before automation. Removing and hauling an old fence often adds $1-$4 per linear foot, or about $400-$1,600 for 400 feet.
Rock, buried concrete, tree roots, and utility conflicts can prompt extra charges after digging begins. Ask how the contractor prices unforeseen obstructions and whether utility locating is included. Clarify gate width, latches, post reinforcement, and disposal in the written scope.
Which Choices Reduce the 400-Foot Fence Bill
Choosing chain-link instead of vinyl privacy can save several thousand dollars, while pressure-treated wood may balance upfront price and screening. Keeping the line straight, limiting gates, and selecting a standard height and panel style can reduce labor and material waste.
Homeowners can lower labor time by clearing brush and movable items before installation, if the contractor permits it. Compare equivalent bids rather than choosing by total alone, and avoid upgrades that do not solve a specific need. Preserve safety and property-line accuracy; savings from skipped layout or inadequate posts can lead to costly repairs.