How Much Does Fence Installation Cost?
When looking to make improvements to your home, you might have fence installation on your list of things to get done. While fences can be decorative, they are also used for privacy and security purposes. Millions of fence installations take place every year in the U.S., with these installations running anywhere from a few hundred dollars into the thousands, depending on what fence you choose and where you live.
How Much Does Fence Cost Per Linear Foot?
There are many factors that determine the cost of a fence installation, and one of the biggest is the material that you choose. Nowadays, there a wide variety of fencing materials to choose from. Everything from a classic wood fence to a privacy vinyl fence, and even bamboo!
Chain Link Fence Cost
Aside from wired fencing like barbed or chicken wire, chain link is typically the most affordable and costs around $16-$25 per linear foot. This is perfect for small pets or children, but will not provide privacy like a wood fence or vinyl fences.
Wrought Iron Fencing Cost
Wrought iron is in the range of $35-$45. This material is heavy and durable and will require minimal maintenance like other metal fences.
Wood Fence Cost
For wooden fences, you will be looking in the range of $15-$30 per linear foot. This is the most classic material for a privacy fence, and you can choose from a variety of wood such as cypress, redwood, pressure treated pine, or cedarwood fence.
Vinyl Fencing Cost
Vinyl fence is about the same as wooden coming in between $15-$30 per linear foot. There are also higher grades of both wood and vinyl that can run you upwards of $45-$60. The lower-cost wooden fences will typically be your split-rail or picket fencing, and you can also get vinyl picket fence as well. Vinyl is known to be an extremely durable backyard fence.
Aluminum Fence Costs
Aluminum fence can vary, with cheaper aluminum costing about $20 per linear foot while more expensive material can cost up to $50 per linear foot. This is also something to keep in mind. It is not only the material of the fence but the design as well. Let’s take composite fences for example, which is a mixture of plastic and wood. For a composite picket fence, you are looking at $10-$23 per linear foot, but for privacy fencing of this material that price will increase about $10 respectively.
Ranch Fencing Costs
There are many options you have for your farm fence, most go for something that is a low cost per linear foot as their is a lot of ground to cover. Some choose a wire mesh material, split rail fence, or vinyl fencing. Cheaper materials can be as low as $2 per linear foot, while more expensive fencing materials for a ranch will cost up to $25 per linear foot.
Electric Fence Costs
Electric fences are another cheap option, but obviously these are a specialty fence for certain situations. This will run from about $3-$5 per linear foot. These are great for keeping animals in while also keeping unwanted animals out, but probably not the best idea for a children’s fence!
Bamboo Fencing Costs
This is a new option that is becoming popular for its affordability and unique look. It only costs around $6-$12 per linear foot and makes a great option for a privacy fence.
Of course, privacy fence installation costs are going to be more per linear feet as the fence is designed to be built higher and uses more material. Be sure to check with your state’s requirements before you install fence posts, as there are height limitations that vary from state to state.The Price to Install a Fence
Labor costs will of course increase the price of your fence installation costs. Material and labor costs are typically separate. If you decide to go with professional fence installers, you can expect to pay around $5 to $20 per linear foot as your cost to install. Diy fence cost will definitely be cheaper, but it obviously comes with higher risk. First and foremost, you must make sure you are following local building codes for your privacy fence.
Your material costs may also be higher as you need to buy tools and materials that the professional installation crew would otherwise provide. To install a fence on your own, check with your state laws to see if you need a building permit and also check property lines. Make sure to buy enough material for how much fencing you will need, but obviously don’t overspend and waste materials. You will definitely need a post hole digger and likely a portable concrete mixer.
The Variety of Fence Installation Expenses
With so many variables, you can see that the price range for a fence installation could cost anywhere from $1,000 to upwards of $10,000 or more. According to research, the national average cost is around $2,750. The best way to figure out how much it will cost for you? Give a local fence contractor like us a call and set up a free consultation. We will visit your home, investigate what fence you want and give a free estimate with no obligation.
Due to their being so many different fence materials, whether it be composite fencing, chain link fences, vinyl fencing or wrought iron. And when you consider labor costs versus a DIY project, it’s hard to determine an exact average cost for a fence. The national average cost for a fence installation is around $2,500 to $3,000. However, it can be much less or more expensive depending on the given variables.