Wood fence removal typically costs $3-$8 per linear foot, or about $450-$1,200 for 150 feet; the average job is around $750. Fence height, post footing depth, disposal distance, access, and whether posts are removed all affect the quote.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Removal per linear foot | $3 | $5 | $8 | Labor and basic cleanup |
| 150-foot fence | $450 | $750 | $1,200 | Standard access and materials |
| Post and concrete removal | $2 | $4 | $8 | Additional per linear foot |
| Disposal | $50 | $150 | $400 | Depends on load and local fees |
What a 150-foot wood fence removal usually costs
For a standard 4- to 6-foot wood fence, contractors commonly charge $3-$8 per linear foot to dismantle sections and clear ordinary debris. A 100-foot run may cost $300-$800, while 200 feet may run $600-$1,600. The average assumes a straightforward backyard job, reusable access for hauling, and no unusual site or footing work.
Budget about $5 per linear foot for basic removal, then confirm whether posts, concrete, and disposal are included. Prices tend to rise for tall privacy fences, tightly packed boards, difficult access, or posts set in large concrete footings. Rates in higher-cost metro areas may exceed these broad U.S. estimates.
Assumptions: standard wood fence, typical U.S. labor rates, normal access, and no hazardous-material handling.
How labor, post extraction, and disposal shape the quote
A written estimate should separate dismantling from hauling and any work below grade. Some contractors quote one all-in rate; others charge for concrete removal or disposal separately. The ranges below are common planning figures, not fixed national rates.
| Quote item | Typical price | Pricing basis | What changes it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fence dismantling | $2-$5 | Per linear foot | Height, fasteners, condition |
| Post removal | $1-$4 | Per linear foot | Post count and footing size |
| Concrete extraction | $20-$75 | Per post | Depth, diameter, soil |
| Hauling and disposal | $50-$400 | Per job | Volume, distance, dump fees |
| Equipment or minimum charge | $75-$250 | Per job | Small jobs, machinery needs |
Concrete and disposal can turn a low per-foot quote into a substantially larger total. Ask whether the price includes loading, landfill or transfer-station fees, nails and hardware, and site cleanup.
Fence height, concrete depth, and access change removal rates
Height and construction affect how quickly a crew can take apart a fence. A 4-foot picket fence with reachable fasteners is generally less labor-intensive than a 6- to 8-foot privacy fence with closely spaced boards. A double-sided or reinforced fence may also take longer to dismantle.
Post footings are a major variable. Pulling a post set 18-24 inches into soil can be simpler than breaking out a 30-inch-deep concrete footing. If there are 20 or more concrete-set posts, extraction can add hundreds of dollars. Narrow gates, steep slopes, dense landscaping, or a long carry to the truck may add 10%-30% to labor.
Get the number of posts and footing depth reflected in the quote, not just the fence length. A contractor may leave concrete below grade if the owner approves, but buried remnants can interfere with new fence placement, landscaping, or future digging.
What three common removal quotes look like
These examples show how scope affects a final estimate. They assume ordinary residential conditions and local disposal access; actual rates vary by region and contractor.
| Job example | Work included | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|
| 80-foot, 4-foot picket fence | Two workers, about 4-5 hours, basic haul-away | $350-$650 |
| 150-foot, 6-foot privacy fence | Three workers, about 7-9 hours, post removal and disposal | $800-$1,500 |
| 200-foot fence with concrete footings | Three workers, about 10-14 hours, mechanical extraction and hauling | $1,500-$3,000 |
Compare quotes only after aligning the included footage, post work, hauling, and cleanup. If a quote is far below the others, check whether it excludes concrete, disposal, or final debris pickup.
How crew size and hourly labor affect the schedule
A small, accessible fence may take two workers half a day; a long privacy fence with concrete footings can require a three-person crew for one or two days. Labor commonly prices out to about $50-$100 per worker per hour, although many companies use a per-foot bid or minimum service charge instead.
Removal time includes taking apart rails and boards, pulling or cutting posts, loading debris, and travel to disposal. A machine can speed up heavy post extraction but may require a wider gate and firm ground. Ask whether equipment, travel, and minimum labor hours are already included.
Confirm the expected crew size and work hours when comparing hourly estimates. A higher hourly rate may still produce a lower total if the crew has suitable equipment and completes the job faster.
Regional disposal fees and access can shift the total
Urban projects often cost 10%-25% more than comparable rural jobs because of higher labor rates, parking limits, and extra hauling time. Rural work may have lower labor charges but a longer drive to a disposal site. In high-cost coastal metros, quotes can run 20%-40% above national planning ranges, especially when access or local disposal charges are difficult.
Wood that is clean and untreated may be accepted at some recycling or yard-waste facilities, while painted, stained, or treated lumber may require different disposal. Fees vary by location and load size. Demolition debris containing old coatings may need special handling if local rules or the material condition require it.
Ask which disposal facility will be used and whether its fee is included. A narrow side yard or stairs can add labor even when the fence is short, because workers may need to carry pieces by hand rather than load them directly.
Which removal choices can lower the fence bill?
Keeping the job focused is usually the most direct way to control cost. Mark the exact sections to remove, clear movable items and vegetation near the fence, and arrange access for the crew. Do not cut or pull posts before the contractor inspects them; damaged or buried utilities and unstable footings can create safety problems.
If a new fence will follow the same line, ask whether old posts must be fully extracted or whether any can remain without obstructing the new layout. Leaving concrete may reduce removal labor, but it is not a good trade if the replacement needs new post locations. Compare removal-only bids with combined removal-and-installation quotes, while checking that each includes the same disposal scope.
Request at least three itemized quotes and compare the total after add-ons. Scheduling during a contractor’s less busy period may help with availability, but avoid choosing a lower price that omits haul-away, cleanup, or required site protection.