How Much Does a Deer Fence Cost in 2025?

Average Cost to Install a Deer Fence

Deer Fence Cost Factors 

In estimating your deer fence installation cost, you need to consider several pricing factors, such as fence material, length, height, labor, and other expenses. 

Fence Length

The larger the area you need to cover, the more your deer fence costs. Longer fences require both more material and more labor. If you want to protect a large and varied property from deer and other animals, metal wire or plastic wire fences are among the most affordable. They ship in 100-foot partitions. For chain-link and wood fences, you typically pay per linear foot for materials plus an hourly rate for labor.  

Fence Height

Deer can easily hop over many obstacles, so typical deer fences are usually at least six feet tall, if not even higher. Typical deer fences ship in heights of six feet, eight feet, 10 feet, and 12 feet. Your cost of deer fencing goes up as you choose higher and taller fences.  

Materials

The materials cost of deer fencing ranges significantly, from $0.85 to $45 per linear foot or more. You can get cheaper fencing materials if you aren’t concerned with aesthetics.

Metal Wire

Woven wire fences cost $1.30 to $3 per linear foot. They come in rolls, which simplifies the installation process. Metal wire rolls usually unfurl to around 100 feet each at varying heights. Metal wire is the most common material for a deer fence. They last around 30 years, are fairly nondescript, and are relatively inexpensive. 

PVC-coated metal wire fences are better for inclement weather. Metal wire may not be the most aesthetically pleasing choice, but it is functional and long-lasting. Most metal wire fencing material has an opening size of two inches. 

Plastic Wire

You’ll pay $0.85 to $3 per linear foot of plastic wire. Like metal wire, plastic wire comes in rolls of about 100 feet at varying heights with two-inch openings. Plastic wire deer fence material tends to be UV-resistant, though long-term sun exposure could weaken it.

Plastic wire lasts 15 to 25 years on average, less than metal wire material. It is an extremely economical option, but it is also easier for deer to chew through, so you may have to absorb fence repair costs sooner.

Chain-Link 

If your budget allows for a slightly higher deer fence installation cost, you may choose to invest in chain-link fences. Chain-link fences cost around $5 to $20 per linear foot and offer a good lifespan of around 30 years without requiring significant regular maintenance. Color-coated chain-link fencing can cost up to $25 per linear foot.

Chain-link fencing is functional and long-lasting, effectively dissuading deer from entering your property if you choose a high enough fence. As it’s more durable, you may not need to pay for chain-link fence repairs as frequently as plastic wire. It is also an aesthetic upgrade in most cases, especially if you invest in more attractive coatings.

Solid Wood

Solid wood fences are among the most expensive options. A standard wood fence costs $17 to $45 per linear foot, including labor and materials. Choosing a solid wood privacy fence as your primary deer deterrent offers several benefits. 

These fences are attractive and suit most outdoor decor schemes. You can paint or stain it for more aesthetic appeal. Also, you won’t have to go quite as high as other fence types because deer can’t see through solid wood and are wary of encountering predators. However, solid wood fences are more difficult to install compared to other fence types and are less durable than metal wire.

Opening Size

The opening size can play an important role in determining the effectiveness of your chosen animal barrier and the overall cost of deer fencing. Smaller openings provide superior protection but require more material and drive up expenses. Typical mesh sizes range from two to four inches; smaller openings cost about 25% more than similar fence designs with larger openings. 

It may be worth investing in tighter designs if your property encounters a lot of deer, while more open landscapes may allow for more economical fences with larger openings. Local fencing companies can recommend the best option for your property and budget. 

Strength

The strength of your fence relates directly to your choice of materials and, in turn, how much your deer fence installation costs. High-tensile wire fences can offer good protection. You can usually expect stronger fences to provide better deer deterrence, reduced maintenance, and a longer useful lifespan. 

Wire gauge is one of the biggest factors affecting fence strength; thinner wires are less expensive but are more prone to damage. Galvanized steel is also more durable but more costly. Additional reinforcement techniques can further bolster the strength of your deer fence. 

Coatings and Rust Resistance

It may be worth the upfront investment in protective coatings on your deer fence. While a galvanized coating may add about 10% to 15% to your material costs, it can also extend the fence’s lifespan by up to 10 years. Adding rust resistance also means you’ll have less maintenance.

Premium options like powder coating or polymer treatments can increase your deer fence costs by 25% or more, but they offer better protection from corrosion and environmental damage. Your local climate conditions, like higher humidity or frequent rainfall, influence which protective treatments you might choose. 

Other Deer Fence Cost Factors

Along with the cost of materials, you must consider several more deer fence cost factors when estimating your budget for this project.

Labor 

About half of your deer fence installation costs are attributed to the cost of labor. Fencing contractors charge anywhere from $30 to $80 per hour, and the number of hours needed depends on the type of fence and the size of your property. 

Installing a deer fence is exacting work. A 200-linear-foot fence takes a professional around 20 to 35 hours to complete. A roll-out metal wire or plastic wire fence should only take a pro around five to 10 hours of work, putting the installation cost at $150 to $800. 

Contractors could also charge by the project. Installing chain-link fences costs $1,000 to $3,000 for 150 linear feet because they take more work. Chain-link fences need to be built out and not just laid down like mesh fences. Solid wood fences can take dozens of hours to finish, costing $4,000 to $9,000 for 150 linear feet, including labor and materials. 

Building Permits

The cost of building permits depends on your jurisdiction and the scope of the project. At $20 to $60 per permit, deer fence permits are on the cheaper side when compared to other types of building permits. Confirm details with your local building department or your hired contractor. 

Additional Features

Extra features can add more to the cost of deer fencing, but they may be worth the initial investment if you are already adding a fence to your property. 

Tensioning Kit

For around $300, a tensioning kit includes a monofilament wire to place along the fence, clips, tighteners, guide clamps, and all the necessary tools. 

Ground Stakes

For added security and durability, consider using ground stakes in addition to tensioning kits. Ground stakes cost $20 to $35 for a 20-pack, depending on the materials used. Ground stakes increase stability and prevent deer from digging below the base. 

Gate Kit

Depending on the height, you can also buy a gate kit that integrates with a metal wire or plastic wire deer fence for $150 to $250. You may want a gate or another type of entrance along the deer fence so people can easily enter and exit. Count on adding $200 for labor to install the gate. 

Warning Banners

Warning banners cost around $5 for a pack of 20. Deer have poor eyesight and could run into any fence you install. To prevent injury, add warning banners at regular intervals throughout the fence, placing them along the fence at intervals of around 10 meters. 

Does Installing a Deer Fence Increase Property Value?

Installing a deer fence can positively impact value, especially in rural, suburban, or agricultural areas with significant wildlife presence. The direct return on investment (ROI) varies, but a well-constructed deer fence can signal proactive property maintenance to potential buyers. This may increase marketability and boost perceived property value, reducing the risk of crop or garden damage.

Choosing higher-quality materials with a professional installation can add to a property's aesthetic and functional qualities.

Budgeting for Deer Fencing

There are numerous ways to reduce expenses when budgeting for deer fence installation costs while maintaining the quality and effectiveness of the wildlife barrier: 

• Compare quotes from at least three local contractors to get a sense of the going price in your area.

• Consider different deer fence materials and finishes, opting for mid-range options to balance cost, effectiveness, and aesthetic appeal.

• Calculate the exact linear footage to avoid over-purchasing materials, but budget for 10% to 15% in wastage. 

• Secure all required building permits before starting to avoid potential issues with local governing bodies.

• Bundle your deer fence installation with other landscaping projects to negotiate for package deals.

• Prepare the fence installation area yourself by clearing brush and other obstacles before your contractor arrives to reduce labor costs. 

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.