Wrought iron fence cost per linear foot typically runs $30-$75 installed, with a national midpoint near $50 per linear foot for standard ornamental metal panels. Custom forged designs, gates, difficult terrain, and regional labor rates can push a project above $100 per foot.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed fence | $30/linear ft | $50/linear ft | $75/linear ft | Standard steel or iron-style panels |
| Materials only | $15/linear ft | $28/linear ft | $45/linear ft | Panels and posts, before installation |
| 150-foot project | $4,500 | $7,500 | $11,250 | Excludes unusual site work and major gates |
Assumptions: 4-foot-high fence, standard black finish, level yard, ordinary access, and no major demolition.
What a 150-foot wrought iron fence usually costs
For a 150-linear-foot boundary, a straightforward installation commonly totals $4,500-$11,250, with many standard projects near $7,500. The installed rate generally includes panels, posts, setting materials, and routine labor. A true hand-forged iron fence is less common and can cost $80-$150 or more per foot, especially for custom patterns.
Most standard quotes cover ornamental steel sold as wrought iron, not individually forged iron. Steel panels provide a similar appearance at a lower price; confirm the metal, coating, height, and included installation in the estimate.
How panels, posts, and installation shape the quote
Materials and labor are the largest quote components. Prices below are typical for standard residential work; gates, removal, and unusual site conditions may be itemized separately.
| Quote component | Typical rate | What it covers | Price effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panels and posts | $15-$45 per linear ft | Standard steel sections, posts, and basic finish | Higher for heavier gauge or custom designs |
| Installation labor | $10-$30 per linear ft | Layout, post setting, panel attachment | Rises with slopes, obstacles, and access limits |
| Concrete and hardware | $3-$8 per linear ft | Post footings, brackets, fasteners | Depends on post spacing and soil |
| Delivery and disposal | $150-$800 per project | Material delivery or removal of old fencing | Varies with distance and demolition volume |
| Gate and latch | $250-$1,500 each | Walk gate or basic driveway gate | Automation can add $1,500-$4,000 |
Ask whether the per-foot quote includes posts, concrete, gate hardware, delivery, and cleanup. A low panel-only price is not comparable with an installed quote.
Which height, finish, and slope raise the price?
Fence height and metal weight have a direct effect on material cost. A 3-foot decorative fence may fall near the lower end of the range, while 6-foot panels often cost 20%-50% more than comparable 4-foot panels. Heavy-gauge steel, closely spaced pickets, spear tops, and custom scrollwork also add to the material bill.
Terrain changes installation time. A mild grade can often be handled by stepping panels or following the slope, but steep or uneven ground may add $5-$15 per linear foot. Rocky soil, buried utilities, or retaining walls can require separate excavation or mounting work.
Measure both the fence height and the actual boundary length before comparing bids. A 200-foot layout costs about one-third more than a 150-foot layout at the same rate, before gate or site-work additions.
Why regional labor rates change installed prices
Labor and delivery make local pricing differ even when the fence product is identical. Dense urban markets and high-cost coastal metros can run 15%-30% above the national midpoint. Suburban markets often land near typical rates, while rural jobs may be 5%-15% less for labor but more expensive when crews travel a long distance.
Local soil and code requirements matter too. Frost-prone areas may need deeper post footings, and some municipalities require permits or inspections. Permit fees commonly range from $50-$300, but local rules vary. Verify permit responsibility and footing depth before treating two regional quotes as equivalent.
How long a residential installation takes
A two-person crew may install 100-150 feet of standard fence in one to three working days, assuming clear access and manageable soil. Layout, digging, setting posts, and concrete curing influence the schedule; gates or a sloped yard can extend the work. Labor pricing may be quoted as a per-foot rate or as roughly $50-$100 per worker-hour.
For example, 24-40 crew hours billed at a combined $100-$200 per crew-hour would equal $2,400-$8,000 in labor, though contractors commonly price the complete installation rather than itemize hours.
Confirm whether the schedule includes old-fence removal and any return visit after posts are set. Concrete cure time can affect when panels or gates are attached.
Three sample quotes for common fence layouts
| Project | Scope and labor | Estimated total | Installed rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small front yard | 80 ft, 4-ft panels, one walk gate, 18-24 crew hours | $3,200-$5,600 | $40-$70/ft including gate allowance |
| Typical boundary | 150 ft, 4-ft panels, level yard, 32-44 crew hours | $6,000-$10,500 | $40-$70/ft |
| Tall sloped yard | 200 ft, 6-ft heavy panels, one gate, 55-75 crew hours | $14,000-$24,000 | $70-$120/ft |
Assumptions: Regional labor rates, ordinary access, and standard gate allowances; custom fabrication or extensive removal can increase totals.
Use the examples as quote checks, not fixed national prices. Ask each contractor to list linear footage, panel specifications, gate charges, and site-work allowances separately.
Where to trim a wrought iron fence budget
Keeping the design simple is usually more effective than choosing an unusually thin or poorly coated product. Standard panel heights, plain pickets, and stock black finishes typically cost less than custom scrollwork, spear details, or special colors. Limit fencing to the necessary boundary rather than enclosing areas that do not need the same security.
Prepare the route by identifying property lines, clearing brush, and marking known utilities; contractors still need to verify underground services before digging. Compare at least three itemized bids, and ask whether an existing fence can be removed separately or handled by the homeowner where permitted.
Price the gate and upgrades independently so they do not obscure the base per-foot rate. A basic manual gate may meet the need without the substantial added expense of an automated system.