Fencing types and prices vary from about $8 to $75 per linear foot installed, depending on material, height, terrain, and gates. A typical 150-foot residential fence costs roughly $3,000-$7,500, with wood, vinyl, chain link, aluminum, and wrought iron at different price points.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chain-link fence | $8 per linear ft | $18 per linear ft | $35 per linear ft | Installed, standard residential height |
| Wood privacy fence | $15 per linear ft | $30 per linear ft | $50 per linear ft | Installed; species and height affect price |
| Vinyl fence | $20 per linear ft | $35 per linear ft | $60 per linear ft | Installed, standard panels |
| Metal fence | $25 per linear ft | $45 per linear ft | $75 per linear ft | Aluminum or steel; ornate iron can exceed range |
| 150-foot project | $1,200 | $4,500 | $11,250 | Before unusual access, removal, or gate charges |
Installed fence prices by material and linear foot
For a basic residential project, chain link is usually the least expensive option, while vinyl and decorative metal cost more. A 4-foot fence generally costs less than a 6-foot privacy fence because it uses less material and may require lighter posts. The ranges below include typical installation but assume ordinary soil and access.
For 150 linear feet, a common installed budget is $2,700-$6,000 for chain link or $4,500-$7,500 for wood. Premium materials, complex layouts, and expensive metro labor can raise totals.
| Fence type | Low per linear ft | Typical per linear ft | High per linear ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated wood | $15 | $30 | $50 |
| Cedar privacy | $20 | $38 | $60 |
| Chain link | $8 | $18 | $35 |
| Vinyl | $20 | $35 | $60 |
| Aluminum or steel | $25 | $45 | $75 |
Assumptions: 4- to 6-foot residential fence, standard materials, typical U.S. labor, no major grading.
What materials, labor, and equipment add to a fence quote
Contractors may quote a single installed price per linear foot or separate materials and labor. Component costs vary by material and region; the table gives common ranges for a standard wood or chain-link installation and is not a second total to add to the installed rates above.
| Cost component | Typical range | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $5-$25 per linear ft | Wood grade, panel style, posts, and hardware |
| Labor | $8-$25 per linear ft | Layout, digging conditions, and crew efficiency |
| Equipment | $100-$600 per project | Auger rental, rocky ground, and access |
| Delivery and disposal | $150-$1,000 per project | Distance, old fence volume, and dump fees |
Labor is often the largest variable after the chosen fence material. Crew rates commonly run about $50-$100 per worker-hour, but many installers price the job by footage instead.
How fence height, slope, and gates shift the estimate
Height affects both material quantity and post requirements. Moving from a 4-foot to a 6-foot fence can add roughly 20%-40% to the material portion, depending on design. A 6-foot privacy fence also catches more wind, which can require stronger posts or deeper footings in exposed locations.
Uneven ground may require stepped panels, a custom-cut bottom edge, or grading. These conditions can add $5-$20 per linear foot on difficult sections. A basic walk gate often adds $150-$500; a wider double-drive gate may add $500-$2,000 or more, especially with heavy hardware or automation.
Measure the actual fence line and count gates before comparing bids. A 100-foot straight run is not priced like a 100-foot yard with corners, a slope, and several openings.
Wood versus vinyl versus chain link for a 100-foot run
At 100 feet, chain link commonly totals $800-$3,500 installed, pressure-treated wood about $1,500-$5,000, and vinyl about $2,000-$6,000. These estimates assume standard residential height and exclude major removal or gate work. Cedar and ornamental metal usually land toward the higher end or above it.
Chain link usually wins on initial price, while vinyl trades a higher upfront bill for less routine upkeep. Wood allows flexible styles and repairs, but staining or sealing can add recurring expense. Local rules may limit chain-link visibility or dictate fence height, so check requirements before choosing based only on price.
How many installation hours a residential fence takes
A straightforward 100- to 150-foot installation often takes a three-person crew one to three days. Removing an existing fence, digging through roots, or setting posts in rock can extend the schedule. Labor may account for roughly 35%-60% of an installed quote, depending on the material and site.
Ask whether the quote includes layout, post setting, cleanup, and gate adjustment. The span of work matters: a low per-foot bid may omit old-fence removal or charge separately for difficult digging. Request the footage, gate count, and exclusions in writing.
Fence installation rates in rural, suburban, and city markets
Urban and high-cost coastal markets may run 15%-35% above a national midrange because labor, delivery, and disposal cost more. Rural areas can be 5%-20% below typical pricing, although long material-haul distances may offset savings. Suburban pricing often falls near the middle, with access and soil conditions producing larger differences than the town label alone.
Compare at least three local estimates using the same material, height, footage, and gate specifications. A contractor working in a busy market may charge more during peak spring and summer scheduling periods; off-season availability can improve scheduling, but weather may delay installation.
Where fence removal, permits, and disposal appear on bids
Removing an old fence commonly costs $3-$10 per linear foot, or about $300-$1,000 for 100 feet, depending on whether posts are concrete-set and whether disposal is included. Rocky soil, buried utilities, steep access, or tree roots can bring equipment or labor surcharges. A site visit helps surface these expenses before work begins.
Permit fees vary by city and project, often from $50-$300 when a permit is required. Corner lots, pool barriers, and fences near easements may have additional rules. Confirm who handles permits and utility marking, and whether fees are included in the written quote.
How to lower a fence bill without cutting essential quality
Keep the layout simple, avoid unnecessary height, and choose standard panel sizes to reduce cutting and waste. If the existing posts are sound and code-compliant, ask whether partial repair is possible instead of replacing the entire line. Compare treated pine with cedar or vinyl based on upfront price and the maintenance the owner expects to handle.
Ask each contractor to price the same scope and list optional upgrades separately. Homeowners can clear light brush and mark the planned boundary, but should leave utility locating and post-hole work to qualified professionals. Bundling neighboring projects may reduce mobilization costs, while skipping a gate or decorative finish can lower the quote without compromising the fence structure.