What Is the Cost of a Steel Fence in 2025?

Steel Fence Cost Factors 

Aluminum fences are highly versatile and customizable to meet the needs of every homeowner. With that versatility comes variation in both appearance and price. Fence size, thickness, and gate design will all affect prices. You’ll also have to consider the cost of labor, permits, and additions.

Fence Size

Residential steel fences come in various heights, though most are between two and a half and six feet tall. Taller fences are available, but most neighborhood zoning laws restrict fence height. You’ll typically pay between $7 and $32 per foot or between $700 and $3,200 per 100 feet. 

Steel fences often come preassembled in panels ranging from four to eight feet long to three to six feet tall. The larger the fence, the more tools, materials, and labor you’ll need, increasing fence installation costs.

Thickness

Fences come in different gauges or thicknesses. The pickets on most residential aluminum fencing panels have around 3-13/16-inch spacing between them. However, homeowners may decide to install different sizes, and each provider has different thicknesses and sizes that can increase installation costs. Thinner steel is easier and less expensive to install but also less durable.

Gates

The standard width size ranges from 32 to 36 inches and can cost as little as $100 and as much as $4,000 to $6,000. Gates vary in price by style, and the type of gate you need usually depends on your fence’s purpose. Pool gates are generally small and simple, costing as little as $100. Driveway gates can range from simple to ornate, and optional high-end security features, such as keypads or automatic openers, can bring your total costs up to $7,500.

Labor

Labor is one of the most significant factors in the cost of installing a fence. You’ll typically pay between $6 and $30 per linear foot for labor alone. Most local aluminum fence installers charge by time, costing between $30 and $90 per hour. 

Permits

Before starting your project, check with your local municipality to see if you need a building permit to install a fence in your yard and whether there are any restrictions on fence height. Permit fees can range from $20 to $400. Professional fence installers should be aware of the local laws and be able to obtain permits for you, building the cost into their fees.

Additional Costs

You may incur additional costs if you have steep hills, existing fencing, or large trees and bushes where you plan to install aluminum fencing. Each situation requires extra services to prepare your property for the new fencing installation. Below are examples of such services and the additional costs to expect on top of fencing materials and installation labor.

Steel Fence Cost by Type 

There are several types of steel fences to choose from, each varying in price, durability, and function. Standard powder-coated fences are often the most budget-friendly, starting at $11 per linear foot, while custom ornamental fences can reach up to $100 per linear foot.

Black Aluminum 

A single 4-by-6-foot panel of black aluminum fencing costs $60 on average. Some fencing systems come with panels that lock securely into place without brackets or screws, offering a simple, seamless installation. Suppliers also sell black aluminum fencing that contours to the slope of your yard and resists rust.

Ornamental 

Ornamental steel fences run between $15 and $48 per linear foot, with high-end rates reaching nearly $100 per foot. While not as strong or visually appealing as ornamental steel or wrought iron, improved manufacturing technology has increased the strength and style of ornamental aluminum over time without driving up costs.

Aluminum Pool Fence

A standard 4-by-6-foot panel of residential aluminum fencing costs $60. These panels feature strong aluminum and titanium alloys and multi-layer color coatings to ensure weather resistance, making them a sturdy, elegant choice for a pool enclosure. Local ordinances usually require pool fences to be at least 48 inches tall, so standard-sized panels are the perfect height.

Powder-Coated 

Steel fences with a rust-resistant protective powder coating usually cost about $11 to $29 per linear foot when purchased as standard-sized 4-by-6-foot panels. Alternatively, a professional can apply a powder coating to an existing metal fence for $6 to $8 per foot. Exact pricing depends on the size of your fence, with larger fences incurring higher labor costs.

Privacy

Six-foot-tall steel privacy fence panels can cost anywhere from $27 to $36 per linear foot. 100% aluminum panels, powder-coated panels, and fences with other custom features are also on the higher end of the cost spectrum. Privacy fences are the least popular type of metal fence, with solid panels blocking noise and views.

Pros and Cons of Metal Fencing 

Steel is a versatile fencing material with many advantages. However, like any material, it does have its flaws. Below is a list of the pros and cons to help you decide whether steel fencing is right for your project.

Pros

• Strong and durable

• Corrosion-resistant

• Ideal for damp, humid, or ocean-side conditions

• Not affected by sprinklers, lawn chemicals, or other residential factors

• Usually comes with a lifetime guarantee

• Requires little to no maintenance

• Available in a variety of styles

Cons

• Its heavy weight results in elevated shipping and handling costs

• It’s more expensive than other materials like wood or vinyl

• May develop rust without proper maintenance

• Prone to scratches and dents

Does Installing a Steel Fence Increase Home Value?

Depending on your location, the design, and the installation quality, installing a steel fence can increase the value of your home. Metal fences offer added privacy and security, which can be an attractive feature to potential buyers. They’re also highly durable and typically require little maintenance, meaning buyers don’t often have to worry about the cost of steel fence repairs or replacements.

Budgeting for a Steel Fence

Steel fence prices vary greatly depending on the style, type, and size you choose. To keep your project as cost-effective as possible, consider the following tips:

• Choose the smallest fence suitable for your property.

• Compare prices from at least three local contractors to find the best deal in your area.

• Opt for a simple, standard design rather than custom or ornamental models.

• Check local hardware stores or online retailers for sales on fencing materials.

• Place the fence in an area that requires minimal landscaping to avoid additional fees.

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 thousands of 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.