Wrought iron fence cost is usually $25-$65 per linear foot installed, with a typical 150-foot residential project averaging about $6,750. Price depends on fence height, metal quality, decorative detail, terrain, and whether old fencing or gates must be removed.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed fence | $25 per linear ft | $45 per linear ft | $65 per linear ft | Standard residential panels and installation |
| 150-foot project | $3,750 | $6,750 | $9,750 | Excludes major grading and extensive gates |
| Walk gate | $300 | $650 | $1,200 | Price varies by width and ornamentation |
| Old fence removal | $3 per linear ft | $6 per linear ft | $12 per linear ft | More for concrete-set posts or difficult access |
What a typical wrought iron fence installation costs
For a straightforward project, installed pricing commonly runs $25-$65 per linear foot. A basic 4-foot fence with standard panels and limited site preparation may land near the low end; a 6-foot ornamental design, custom fabrication, or challenging layout can approach or exceed the high end. A 100-foot run typically totals $2,500-$6,500, while 200 feet may cost $5,000-$13,000.
These estimates assume a residential property, ordinary soil, accessible work areas, and a professional installation. Some products sold as “wrought iron” are actually steel or aluminum; confirm the material and finish before comparing quotes. Assumptions: U.S. residential labor, standard black finish, normal access, and no major retaining-wall work. For an average 150-foot installation, budgeting about $6,750 is a practical starting point.
How panels, posts, and installation shape the quote
Fence bids may combine materials and labor or list them separately. Ask whether the quote includes post holes, concrete, hardware, coating, and cleanup. The ranges below are typical budget allowances, not fixed national rates.
| Quote component | Typical price | What changes the charge | Common billing basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal panels and posts | $15-$40 | Steel gauge, height, finish, and ornament | Per linear ft |
| Installation labor | $10-$25 | Layout, digging, slope, and crew access | Per linear ft |
| Concrete and hardware | $3-$8 | Post spacing, soil, and fastener type | Per linear ft |
| Gate and latch | $300-$1,200 | Opening width, design, and hardware | Per gate |
| Removal and disposal | $3-$12 | Old material and post footing removal | Per linear ft |
Labor may be estimated by crew hours or by the finished footage. For an uncomplicated run, installers may complete roughly 40-80 linear feet per day, though digging conditions and gate work can slow progress. Comparing the labor scope—not just the total—helps reveal whether bids include concrete, cleanup, and removal.
Fence height, grade, and steel details that raise prices
Height is a major cost driver: moving from a 4-foot to a 6-foot fence can add roughly 15%-35%, due to additional metal and stronger posts. Heavy steel, closely spaced pickets, custom curves, finials, and hand-forged details can add 20%-60% over a plain panel design. Specify height and panel style when requesting estimates so each contractor prices the same scope.
Slope and soil also affect the work. A level 100-foot run may use standard panels, while a yard with more than 12 inches of elevation change across a panel span may require stepped sections, rackable panels, or custom fitting. Rocky ground, buried utilities, and concrete or masonry attachments can add $5-$20 per linear foot in difficult locations. Confirm the fence’s height, metal specification, and slope plan before approving a quote.
How long installation takes and what crews charge
Professional installation commonly takes one to three days for a 100-200-foot residential fence, excluding custom fabrication lead time. A small crew may charge labor equivalent to $50-$100 per worker-hour, but many contractors quote a per-foot project price instead. The rate depends on local wages, crew size, equipment, and whether the job includes demolition or detailed layout.
Custom panels can take several weeks to fabricate, while standard stock panels may be available sooner. Post setting may require concrete to cure before gates are adjusted or the fence is loaded. Ask the contractor to separate fabrication, installation, and gate-adjustment timing. Short, accessible runs tend to install faster than long layouts with slopes, corners, or multiple openings.
Regional labor rates can shift a 150-foot estimate
Prices are often higher in major coastal cities and dense metro areas than in rural markets, reflecting labor, delivery, and operating expenses. As a broad planning adjustment, a large Northeast or West Coast metro may run 10%-25% above a national midrange estimate; rural areas in lower-cost regions may be 5%-15% below it. Local material availability and contractor demand can override these patterns.
For a 150-foot job estimated at $6,750 in a mid-cost market, a 15% regional increase would bring the estimate to about $7,760; a 10% decrease would put it near $6,080. These adjustments are budgeting examples, not guaranteed regional prices. Get at least three local bids using identical measurements and panel specifications.
Gates, old posts, and site work that add to the bill
A walk gate often adds $300-$1,200, while a wide double-drive gate can cost $1,000-$3,500 or more. Automatic gate operators are separate, commonly adding $1,000-$4,000 depending on gate weight, power, safety devices, and controls. Removing old fencing may cost $3-$12 per linear foot; concrete footings, dense brush, or narrow equipment access can increase the charge.
Surveying, utility marking, and permits may also affect the budget. Permit fees vary widely by city, often from $50-$300, and some jurisdictions require inspections or height and setback compliance. Verify property lines and local rules before installation; correcting a misplaced fence can cost more than checking the layout beforehand. Request separate prices for gates, demolition, disposal, permits, and difficult digging.
Wrought iron versus aluminum and steel fence pricing
Aluminum fencing commonly costs $20-$55 per linear foot installed and is lighter and less prone to rust, but it may not match the strength or appearance of heavy steel. Ornamental steel is often priced similarly to wrought iron, around $25-$65 per foot, with custom work higher. True hand-forged wrought iron may exceed $75 per foot because fabrication is labor-intensive.
For a 150-foot run, aluminum could total about $3,000-$8,250, compared with $3,750-$9,750 for typical wrought iron or steel. Compare panel thickness, coatings, warranty, and repair availability—not just the material name. Aluminum can reduce the initial price, while custom wrought iron offers design detail at a higher fabrication cost.
Lower the fence price through scope and material choices
Keep the layout simple by limiting custom curves, decorative caps, and closely spaced pickets. Standard panel widths and a consistent height can reduce fabrication and installation time. If security needs allow, using 4-foot sections along less visible boundaries and reserving 6-foot panels for specific areas may control material costs.
Prepare the fence line by clearing brush and identifying property corners, but leave excavation and utility-sensitive work to qualified professionals. Compare quotes that use the same linear footage, metal, finish, gate count, removal scope, and warranty. Avoid replacing a serviceable fence solely for cosmetic issues when localized panel or coating repairs are feasible; repair pricing depends on damage and can range from $150-$600 for a small repair. Standardized design and apples-to-apples bids are the most reliable ways to trim the installed price.