Corrugated metal fence cost typically runs $25-$45 per linear foot installed, compared with $20-$40 for a standard wood privacy fence. Total price depends on fence length and height, panel and lumber grade, post installation, site access, and local labor rates.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrugated metal, installed | $2,500 | $3,500 | $4,500 | 100 linear ft, standard 6-ft height |
| Wood privacy fence, installed | $2,000 | $3,000 | $4,000 | 100 linear ft, pressure-treated boards |
| Corrugated metal, per linear ft | $25 | $35 | $45 | Panels, posts, and installation |
| Wood privacy fence, per linear ft | $20 | $30 | $40 | Boards, posts, and installation |
Installed prices for 100 feet of metal or wood fencing
For a straightforward 100-foot project, corrugated metal commonly costs $2,500-$4,500 installed; a comparable wood fence costs about $2,000-$4,000. Metal is often more expensive upfront when the quote includes sturdy posts, framing, and finished edges. A wood design with cedar, decorative caps, or closely spaced boards can cost as much as or more than basic metal.
For a standard 6-foot fence with normal access, budget roughly $3,500 for metal or $3,000 for pressure-treated wood. These estimates assume a typical residential yard, no gate, and no major grading or old-fence removal. Assumptions: U.S. midrange labor rates, standard materials, normal access, and a 100-linear-foot run.
How panels, posts, and labor shape each fence quote
A written quote should separate materials from installation and identify post spacing, framing, and removal charges. Corrugated panels may be attached to wood rails or a metal frame; the frame choice affects both durability and price. Wood quotes should specify board type and whether rails and posts are pressure-treated.
| Quote item | Corrugated metal | Wood privacy | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $10-$20 per ft | $9-$18 per ft | Panel gauge, lumber species, board spacing |
| Labor | $10-$18 per ft | $8-$16 per ft | Post setting, cuts, terrain, crew access |
| Equipment | $100-$400 total | $75-$300 total | Auger, saws, concrete mixing tools |
| Removal and disposal | $3-$8 per ft | $3-$8 per ft | Old fence material and hauling distance |
| Permits and fees | $0-$300 | $0-$300 | Local rules and project scope |
Labor and materials together usually account for most of the installed price. Contractor labor can be estimated with ; for example, a two-person crew working 16-24 hours at a combined $100-$160 per hour costs about $1,600-$3,840 before materials and other charges.
Panel gauge, fence height, and terrain move the estimate
Height and material specifications matter more than the word “metal” on a quote. A 4-foot corrugated fence may cost less than a 6-foot privacy fence, while 8-foot panels require more material and may trigger local restrictions. Heavier-gauge steel, protective coatings, and a welded frame can add roughly 10%-30% compared with basic panels.
For wood, pressure-treated pine is generally less costly than cedar or redwood. Upgrading to cedar may add $5-$15 per linear foot, depending on board dimensions and availability. Sloped yards, rocky soil, tree roots, and concrete or masonry edges can add $5-$20 per linear foot when they require stepped panels, extra cuts, or specialized digging.
Compare quotes using the same height, length, post spacing, and finish. A quote that excludes concrete-set posts or includes thinner panels is not directly comparable to a fully framed installation.
Reduce the price by controlling fence scope and finish
Keeping the fence at 6 feet or below, choosing standard panel sizes, and avoiding unnecessary decorative framing can limit material and labor charges. For wood, pressure-treated pine typically costs less than cedar; for metal, basic coated panels may be less expensive than heavier-gauge or custom-colored options. Confirm whether a less costly finish is suitable for the local weather before choosing it.
Removing an old fence yourself can save $3-$8 per linear foot if the contractor permits customer preparation and disposal is handled safely. Ask for separate pricing for removal, gates, and site leveling. Getting at least three itemized bids for the same scope can reveal whether differences come from labor, material quality, or omitted work.
Keep the specification consistent before comparing bids, then remove optional upgrades rather than essential post support. A gate, for example, may add $150-$600 or more depending on width, hardware, and whether it uses a matching metal frame.
Regional labor rates change the installed price per foot
Labor-heavy markets in major coastal cities can run about 15%-30% above the national midrange, while some rural areas may come in 10%-20% below it. These are broad differences, not guarantees: local material supply, permitting, soil, and contractor availability can outweigh regional averages. Metal panel freight can also affect remote locations or projects requiring specialty colors.
Use local written quotes to set the budget, not a national per-foot figure alone. Check whether the estimate includes sales tax, delivery, concrete, and cleanup, since those items may be listed separately.
Three fence quotes show how length and materials affect totals
| Project | Scope and rate | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|
| Basic metal run | 80 ft at $28-$34 per ft; standard 6-ft panels, simple access | $2,240-$2,720 |
| Midrange wood privacy | 120 ft at $27-$35 per ft; treated boards, one standard gate | $3,240-$4,200 |
| Premium metal installation | 100 ft at $40-$55 per ft; heavier panels, framed finish, uneven ground | $4,000-$5,500 |
These examples use installed pricing and are intended for comparison, not as fixed bids. A gate, removal, or difficult post digging can change totals. The basic metal example assumes no old fence removal; the premium project reflects added material and site work.
Maintenance and replacement costs favor different materials
Corrugated steel needs occasional inspection for damaged coatings, loose fasteners, and rust, particularly at cut edges. Touch-up paint or fastener replacement may cost $50-$300 for a small repair, while extensive corrosion can require panel replacement. Wood may need cleaning, sealing, or staining every few years; professional staining often runs $1-$3 per square foot of fence surface.
Metal can reduce recurring finish work, while wood may be cheaper to repair board by board. Actual lifespan depends on climate, drainage, coating, wood treatment, and upkeep, so a low initial price does not alone determine the lower long-term expense.