The average cost of fencing per metre in the U.S. is about $140 installed, with common projects ranging from roughly $50 to $330 per metre. Fence material, height, terrain, gate count, and removal of an old fence have the biggest effect on a quote; U.S. contractors usually price by the linear foot.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed fence per metre | $50-$90 | $100-$200 | $220-$330 | Material and site conditions change the rate |
| Installed fence per linear foot | $15-$27 | $30-$61 | $67-$100 | One metre equals about 3.28 feet |
| 50-metre residential run | $2,500-$4,500 | $5,000-$10,000 | $11,000-$16,500 | Before unusual access or extensive removal |
What a typical residential fence costs per metre
For a standard 4- to 6-foot residential fence with professional installation, budget approximately $50-$330 per metre. Chain-link and basic wire generally sit near the low end; common wood styles often fall around $100-$200 per metre, while vinyl, ornamental metal, and complex designs can exceed $220 per metre.
A practical planning figure for a midrange fence is $140 per metre, or about $43 per linear foot. That estimate assumes ordinary soil, straightforward access, standard materials, and no major gate or demolition work. A 50-metre run at that rate is about $7,000 before extras.
Assumptions: U.S. residential installation, standard fence height, typical access, and midrange materials; local labor and material prices vary.
How posts, panels, and installation shape the quote
Installed prices include more than the visible fence. Quotes may combine posts and panels, digging and setting posts, hardware, delivery, removal, and contractor overhead. Ask whether the price covers gates, corner bracing, haul-away, and sales tax.
| Quote component | Typical price | What changes it |
|---|---|---|
| Fence materials | $20-$180 per metre | Wood grade, vinyl thickness, metal finish, or mesh gauge |
| Labor and installation | $25-$100 per metre | Post spacing, ground conditions, layout, and crew access |
| Posts, concrete, and hardware | $8-$35 per metre | Post depth, spacing, wind exposure, and slope |
| Old fence removal | $10-$40 per metre | Fence type, buried concrete, and disposal distance |
| Gate and delivery allowance | $150-$1,200 per gate; $50-$400 delivery | Gate width, hardware, and supplier distance |
Labor and site preparation can rival the material bill on short or difficult runs. A contractor may also apply a minimum charge, so a small project can have a higher per-metre rate than a long, open boundary.
Why fence height, soil, and gates move prices
Height affects both material quantity and installation effort. Moving from a 4-foot to a 6-foot fence can add roughly 15%-35%, depending on the material and local rules. A 7- to 8-foot privacy fence may require heavier posts, deeper footings, or additional approval.
Terrain is another major variable. A level 50-metre run is usually cheaper than the same length across a steep slope, rocky ground, or tree roots; difficult digging can add $10-$40 per metre. A walk gate commonly adds $150-$600, while a wide double-drive gate may add $500-$1,200 or more. Count gates and measure the actual boundary before comparing per-metre bids.
For a labor check, a typical crew of two or three may install about 15-30 metres of straightforward fence in a day. Rocky soil, tight access, or frequent corners can lower production substantially.
Where U.S. fence installation runs higher or lower
Labor rates, permits, freight, and local demand create regional differences. As a broad comparison, dense coastal metros can run 10%-25% above a national midrange estimate, while lower-cost rural markets may come in 10%-20% below it. These are planning adjustments, not fixed regional price lists.
Remote properties may pay more for delivery even where labor is cheaper. In cold regions, frost depth can require deeper posts; in windy areas, stronger posts and bracing may be needed. Check local setback, pool-barrier, and height rules before accepting a quote, since code-required changes can alter both materials and labor.
Three sample fence quotes for a 50-metre boundary
These examples use approximate installed rates and show how material selection changes the total. Actual estimates depend on site inspection, gate placement, and local pricing.
| Project | Rate and scope | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|
| Basic chain-link | $65-$100 per metre; 50 metres, no gate | $3,250-$5,000 |
| Midrange wood privacy | $120-$190 per metre; 50 metres, one gate | $6,150-$10,100 |
| Vinyl privacy | $180-$280 per metre; 50 metres, one gate | $9,150-$14,600 |
Compare quotes using the same measured length, fence height, material specification, and gate count. A bid that excludes removal or concrete may look lower while leaving a substantial expense outside the quoted total.
When repair or a simpler fence can save money
Replacing a few damaged boards, rails, or posts can cost less than rebuilding an entire wood fence. Small repairs commonly run about $100-$500, while replacing several posts or a larger section may reach $500-$1,500. Repair is less attractive when posts are broadly loose, rot is widespread, or the fence is near the end of its useful life.
For new work, choose the minimum height and privacy level that meet the purpose, and compare pressure-treated wood with vinyl or metal using full installed prices. Standard panel sizes and fewer corners can reduce cutting and labor. Keep the scope simple, prepare access, and request itemized bids before choosing upgrades.
How to lower the per-metre fence price
Confirm property lines before installation to avoid paying for a misplaced run or a dispute-driven rebuild. Clear brush and move stored items from the work area if the contractor permits owner preparation. Ask whether old-fence removal can be excluded when lawful disposal is manageable independently.
Request at least three written estimates that separate materials, labor, gates, removal, delivery, and permit-related charges. Compare the same material grade and post specifications rather than choosing solely by the lowest total. Scheduling during a contractor’s less busy period may help, but weather, regional demand, and material availability can limit discounts.