How Much Does a Fence Cost?

Calculate Overall Fence Price with Updated 2025 Data

Fence Cost Estimator

Estimate Your Fence Cost

Getting a new fence installed is exciting, but at what cost?
Use our fence calculator below to find out!

How much does a fence cost?

This is perhaps the most common question that most homeowners want to know when shopping for a new fence installation. How much does a fence cost? It doesn’t have to be such a mysterious number. We pride ourselves on transparency in our entire sales process and fence installation. If you are looking for privacy fence cost or just the costs related to a new fence installation, we provide a comprehensive breakdown of what to expect. Continue reading on to learn more about all the things that go into calculating an accurate price for your next fence project.

Wood Fence Cost Calculator

Wood fencing is a popular choice for fencing, and many homeowners are curious about the costs of wooden fencing. Compared to other fence materials, wood fence cost is right in the middle. It’s not your cheapest (chain link is), but it’s not the most expensive either (composite is). A common misconception is that vinyl is cheaper than wood. That is false. Wood is much cheaper than vinyl fencing, by a significant dollar amount. Pressure treated pine fencing is your cheapest wood option, while cedar fencing is the most common. Wood provides a hardy fence construction material while also helping you meet your price budget.

Wood fences do require maintenance, but without maintenance will give you a solid 15-20 years before giving out. We frequently do fence repairs for wood fences such as post replacements, which is common in the Chicagoland area. The moisture at the base of the fence posts usually gives out and needs to be replaced within 10-15 years. With proper maintenance and staining, you could see up to 20-25 years for your wood fence.

Utilize our wood fence cost calculator below to determine the cost of fence installation for your next wood fence!

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Cedar Fence Pricing

Privacy Fence Pricing

Vinyl Fence Pricing

Chain Link Fence Pricing

Privacy Fence Cost

How Much Does a 6-Foot Privacy Fence Cost Per Foot?

Many new and prospective homeowners are searching online for the price of a new 6 foot privacy fence. There are many variables to be considered. One major factor is the size of your yard. Fences are a large undertaking in terms of the amount of materials needed as well as the amount of labor hours required for a successful project. Check out our privacy fence cost calculator below to start budgeting for your next fence installation!

What are the Typical Fence Costs?

Before using our fence cost estimator, please review these tips when it comes to fence installation prices.

Fence Pricing

Most average sized back yards are between 150-250 linear feet. Some larger sized yards are 300-400 linear feet.

For a typical sized back yard, costs vary based on the type of material. Here are some approximate project costs (includes 1 gate):

Average sized yard (150-250 linear feet total)

Larger sized yard (250-400 linear feet total)

Very large sized yard (400+ linear feet total)

Specialty composite fencing and custom colored vinyl are special order and are typically 50%-100% more in cost than traditional fencing materials.

Fence Cost In 2025

Things to Consider When Pricing Out Your Fence

As mentioned, the size of your yard is the major foundational building block of creating a fence quote. A giant yard will require a significant amount of materials and labor hours, resulting in a cost you may not have anticipated.

Size of Your Yard

Removal of Existing Fence

Are you requiring removal of an existing fence? That could mean an entire day of work for a full crew. Removing chain link fence or an existing wood fence can be a ton of work. All of that old fencing must be uprooted, concrete and all, in order to start installing the new fence material. Removal of existing fence could add another 5-10 dollars per linear foot.

Type of Fence Material

With many options available, not many people realize the significant difference there is in the choice of materials. Here is a breakdown of the costs of the most common types of fence in order of cost:

Traditional galvanized chain link fence (least expensive)
Black chain link fence
Pine fence
Cedar fence
Black aluminum fence
Vinyl fence
Colored vinyl
Composite (most expensive)

Number of Gates

Gates can add another $400-500 on top of your overall fence quote. Double gates are popular for allowing larger machinery such as landscaping equipment to get into your backyard. So consider those costs when attempting to calculate what it will cost for your fence project.

Our Fence Calculator

Use Our Fence Installation Cost Estimator!

STEP 1: Get Linear Footage

Is to use a free measuring app on your phone. If you have an iPhone, its a native app that you can use to measure. Otherwise, there should be apps available on the Google Play Store that will accomplish the same result.

Use Google Earth from your computer and measure from satellite imagery. This is also a free option and is accessible via web browser.

Walk the perimeter of where the new fence will go foot over foot manually. Walk the entire perimeter of the yard while keeping track of each step. Alternatively you could use a tape measure.

Which isn’t as accurate but gives you a ballpark number. Count the number of panels. Panels are the boards between the posts. Typically the posts are 6 – 8′ apart from each other max. Count up all the panels and multiply them by the distance apart they are from one another. So if you have 50 panels, multiple 50 x 6′ and that’s your total linear footage.

STEP 2: Enter Your Results

Enter in your result below under “Total Linear Feet”. Then select the rest of your criteria for your new fence. The calculator will automatically calculate the total as you select different options.

Once you have your linear feet, click below to be taken to our fence cost calculator

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Like the results of the fence calculator? Contact us directly to book your consultation below!

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(855) 469-7742

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info@buyafence.com

Still Unable to Estimate Your Fence Cost?

Fence Cost - Other Considerations

Book Estimate

Determining the cost of installing a fence involves several key factors that directly influence the total expenditure. The process of estimating this cost is multi-faceted, requiring a thorough assessment of materials, labor, fence style, size of the area, and additional features or requirements.

Understanding the Scope and Requirements

The first step in determining the cost of a fence installation is to understand the scope of the project. This involves measuring the total area to be fenced, as the size is a primary factor in calculating the cost. Larger areas require more materials and labor, which significantly increases the price. Additionally, the purpose of the fence (privacy, decoration, security, etc.) can affect the type of materials needed and the design of the fence, both of which influence cost.

Material Costs

Materials constitute a significant portion of the overall cost. Common fencing materials include wood, vinyl, aluminum, and chain link. Each material has a different price point:

Wood: Offers a classic look and is relatively affordable, but requires maintenance.
Vinyl: More expensive than wood, but it's durable and low-maintenance.
Aluminum: Offers a balance between aesthetics and durability, usually at a moderate price.
Chain link: The most cost-effective option, but offers less privacy and aesthetic appeal.

The choice of material not only affects the initial cost but also impacts long-term maintenance expenses. For instance, wood may require regular painting or staining, whereas vinyl and aluminum are more weather-resistant and require less upkeep.

Labor Costs

Labor costs can vary widely depending on the complexity of the installation and the rates of the contractors. Complex designs, difficult terrain, and the need for special tools or equipment can increase labor costs. It’s advisable to get quotes from several contractors to compare prices and understand what is included in their services.

Additional Factors

Several additional factors can impact the cost:

Fence Style: Decorative designs, taller fences, or those with additional features like gates or privacy slats can increase the cost.
Permits and Regulations: Some areas require permits for fence installations, which can add to the total cost. It’s important to check local zoning laws and regulations.
Site Preparation: Clearing land, dealing with rocky soil, or removing an existing fence can add to the overall cost.
Access and Logistics: Difficulty in accessing the site can increase labor costs.

Budgeting and Estimation

Once all these factors are considered, homeowners can start to budget for their fence installation. It’s recommended to add an additional 10-15% to the estimated cost to cover any unforeseen expenses. Getting detailed quotes from contractors that break down the costs of materials and labor is essential for an accurate budget.

Conclusion

Overall, determining the cost of fence installation is a comprehensive process that requires careful consideration of various factors. Material choice, labor, style, size, and additional requirements all play a significant role in the final cost. A detailed assessment and multiple quotes can help ensure that homeowners can budget effectively for their fencing project.