How Much Does Fence Installation Cost in 2025?

Fence Installation Cost Factors

Several cost factors influence the total price of installing a new fence. Consider the size, height, number of posts and gates needed, and the style you prefer.

Fence Size

Fencing costs, on average, $20 to $60 per linear foot, including professional installation and materials. The average residential fence height ranges from four to six feet, depending on the fence material and placement. That said, fences can be anywhere from three feet to 12 feet tall. 

Fence Height

The fence height affects the price. A three-foot high fence is standard for most front yards, while a six-foot high fence is typical for most backyards. Increasing your fence to eight feet high can add 25% to 35% to your cost. Check with your local code enforcement agency or homeowners association about fence height restrictions. 

Fence Posts

The posts are set in the ground and act as the support for the fence. For just the post and concrete, you'll spend $5 to $150 per post. Post spacing is usually four, six, or eight feet apart. Your local building code dictates spacing, burial depth, and the amount of concrete needed.

Installing posts below the frost line to avoid upheavals can increase the post's length and the amount of concrete needed. Your local code also dictates whether a corner post or all posts require a concrete setting. 

Gates

Your new fence will likely need a gate, which can cost anywhere from $150 to $600 or more for drive-through varieties. Expect to pay an additional $100 to $250 for labor.

Style

The style you select will determine your fence costs. For example, wood picket fences require more time and care to install correctly. Decorative features like a lattice top also impact overall installation costs. If you want your fence to be a particular color, you’ll also need to pay additional fence painting costs.

Additional Cost Factors

When planning your project, other factors to consider include the cost of permits and surveys, land condition, removing your old fence, what kind of gate(s) you'll need, and the fence style.

Labor 

Labor accounts for about 50% of the total cost of an installed fence. For fence contractors, labor costs range from $30 to $80 per hour. The average 150- to 200-linear-foot fence takes a professional installer 20 to 35 hours to complete. Labor costs vary around the country.

Permits and Surveys

On average, fence building permits cost $40 to $150 if required. To find out if you need a permit, contact your local municipality. It's also worth paying the extra $200 to $1,200 for the cost of a land surveyor to measure your land. If you measure improperly, you may unintentionally build on land that’s not yours, leading to legal issues if there's a dispute.

Land Condition

Flat land with soft soil is best for installing a fence. Expect higher fees if the land is sloped because installation is more complex and time-consuming. Lawn regrading costs about $1,000 to $3,300

Old Fence Removal 

If you're replacing your old fence, you'll have to pay to remove it. Removal can run between $10 and $20 per linear foot or $1,500 to $3,000 for a 150-foot fence, depending on the fence type and how far it needs to be hauled. However, removing the old fence yourself can save you money.

Fence Installation Costs by Material

While there are multiple fencing materials, consider matching style, height, and material with your neighbors to maintain property values. Otherwise, most homeowners opt for wood or vinyl fencing, two affordable and long-lasting options. In addition, chain-link, aluminum, steel, wrought iron, and composite fencing are popular fence types.

Wood

Western red cedar, Douglas fir, pressure-treated wood, and redwood are the most common wood used for fences. Wood fences cost, on average, $20 to $50 per linear foot, including installation. The average 150-foot wood fence costs $5,250 and ranges between $3,000 and $7,500. 

Wood fences are popular because they offer privacy, are easily painted, and fit in with the aesthetics of most neighborhoods. However, they have a limited life span—usually between five and 10 years—and must be painted and maintained regularly to prevent fungus and dry rot.

The price is directly influenced by the type of wood you choose. For materials alone, a basic plank, such as pine, costs as little as $1.50. Cedar can cost $7 to $15 per linear foot, and redwood can cost $17.50 per piece. 

Vinyl

Vinyl fencing costs between $30 and $60 per linear foot, including installation. On average, a 150-foot fence costs $6,750, or between $4,500 and $9,000.

Vinyl fencing is popular because it's virtually maintenance-free, has multiple color options, and is easy to install and clean. However, it isn't suitable for extreme climates and comes with a considerable upfront cost for materials. Installing pre-built fence panels instead of having them built from scratch could significantly reduce costs. Vinyl fences are also made of plastic, so some homeowners dislike the environmental impact.

Chain-Link

Chain-link fences cost about $9 to $30 per linear foot installed. You can expect to pay $2,925 on average for the typical 150-foot fence or between $1,350 and $4,500. Chain-link is a basic, affordable option. It has a long life span with minimal maintenance and is one of the easiest materials to install. However, chain-link fences are see-through, so they don't make good privacy fences. 

Metallic-coated chain-link fencing is the most popular because it's the most economical. A more attractive option is color-coated chain-link fencing, but color-coating increases the cost quickly. For example, black chain-link fencing costs $5 to $25 per foot for materials.

Aluminum 

Aluminum fencing costs $25 to $75 per linear foot with installation. The national average to install an aluminum fence is about $7,500 for a 150-foot fence. Most homeowners pay between $3,750 and $11,250. 

Aluminum fences are popular because they require little maintenance, are corrosion- and rust-resistant, and offer a modern aesthetic and a long life span. However, installation is expensive.

Steel 

Steel fencing costs $20 to $85 per linear foot. The national average to install a steel fence is about $7,875, and most homeowners pay between $3,000 and $12,750. 

Steel fencing is popular because it’s low maintenance and allows the homeowner to simulate wrought iron for a fraction of the price. However, it's also prone to scratches and rust.

Wrought Iron 

Wrought iron fences cost $50 to $85 or more per linear foot. This is considered one of the most attractive fencing materials and can boost your home's curb appeal. However, wrought iron can be prone to rust, dents easily, and is expensive to install and maintain. Like chain-link, some gaps can easily be peered through.

Composite 

"Composite fencing is an eco-friendly alternative to vinyl that costs about the same,” says Cati O'Keefe, Expert Home Building & Sustainability Contributor. “Many composite products are made from recycled materials, including reclaimed wood, sawdust, and recycled plastic." 

Composite fencing costs $20 to $85 per linear foot. The average 150-foot fence costs $7,875. Most homeowners pay between $3,000 and $12,750. Composite fencing is typically made of plastic and wood, creating an eco-friendly alternative to vinyl or metal fences.

How to Calculate the Amount of Fencing Needed

Traditionally, a fence runs the perimeter of a property, so how much you need is determined by how big your property is. The average lot size in metropolitan areas or new developments is about 1/5 acre or 8,712 square feet. This size lot requires about 150 linear feet of fencing. 

To get a more precise estimate for the fence size and materials required for your yard, do the following:

1. Research code restrictions like height, post spacing, and allowable fence types for your area.

2. Find your property lines, utility lines, and where you’d like the fence to be located.

3. Measure the distance where the fence will be.

4. Divide that measurement by the required post spacing, then add two. This is how many posts you’ll need.

5. Multiply that number by two or three for rails.

6. Divide the total length by the width of your pickets for how much wood you need, or add up the number of panels you’ll need for vinyl.

Does Fence Installation Increase Home Value?

Installing a new fence can often raise the value of your home. A well-maintained fence adds curb appeal, making it a more attractive option for potential buyers. It also lets buyers know they won’t have to pay for fence repair costs anytime soon.

When done correctly, a new fence can offer as much as a 70% ROI. To maximize the value of a new fence, work with a trustworthy local fence company to ensure quality work and good placement.

Budgeting for Installing a Fence

Depending on the size and type of fence you want, this project can become expensive. Here are a few ways to reduce the cost of installing a new fence:

• If you’re able, remove your old fence yourself to reduce labor costs.

• If possible, opt for a simpler, more inexpensive fence style. For example, split rail fences cost more than simple wood fences.

• Shop independently for fence materials to see if you can find a better deal for your new fence.

• Balance upfront costs with ongoing maintenance. For example, wood is initially less expensive than composite but requires more costly repairs and upkeep.

• Clear your yard of debris and obstacles before the fence company arrives to minimize site prep labor costs.

• If your new fence is near a neighbor's property line, talk to them about potentially splitting the cost.

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. We surveyed over 30,000 real customers about their project 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.