Fence Cost Estimator
How to Use the Fence Cost Estimator Enter the total linear footage of fence you need – the perimeter of the area to be enclosed – then select height, material, number of gates, and whether to include labour and old fence removal. The estimator calculates posts needed, material cost, gate cost, and the full installed […]
How to Use the Fence Cost Estimator
Enter the total linear footage of fence you need – the perimeter of the area to be enclosed – then select height, material, number of gates, and whether to include labour and old fence removal. The estimator calculates posts needed, material cost, gate cost, and the full installed total with a realistic project range.
Call 811 (in the US) before digging any post holes. Underground utilities – gas lines, electrical cables, water mains, and sewer lines – must be marked before any excavation. This call is free, legally required in most states, and takes only 2-3 business days to complete.
Fence Material Cost Guide (2025)
Pressure-treated wood at $10-$15 per linear foot is the most affordable privacy fence option. It resists rot and insects and typically lasts 15-20 years with maintenance, requiring repainting or restaining every 2-3 years. Cedar and redwood at $17-$25 per linear foot are naturally rot-resistant without chemical treatment.
Cedar contains oils that repel insects and ages gracefully to a silver-grey if left natural, lasting 20-30 years with care. Vinyl at $20-$35 per linear foot requires no painting, staining, or treatment ever. It will not rot, splinter, or attract insects and is the lowest long-term maintenance cost option, often backed by a lifetime warranty. Chain link at $10-$20 per linear foot is the most economical option for large areas – extremely durable at 30-50 years with minimal maintenance, though it provides no privacy.
Post Spacing and Structural Basics
Standard fence post spacing is 6-8 feet on centre. For a 6-foot privacy fence, 8-foot spacing is the norm. For decorative or shorter fences, 6-foot spacing provides better structural rigidity. Posts must be set at least 1/3 of their above-ground height into the ground. In frost-prone climates, posts must be set below the frost line to prevent heaving. Concrete setting is recommended for permanent installations – a standard 60-lb bag of fast-setting concrete per post is the most common approach.
Gate Planning
Gates are the most structurally demanding part of any fence. The hinge post carries substantial weight and must be set with particular care. A single walk gate (3-4 feet wide) requires one hinge post and one latch post, both set in concrete. A double drive gate (8-12 feet wide) requires a centre support or drop rod when closed. Budget $200-$400 per installed gate for standard wood or vinyl. Plan gate location carefully – changing it after installation requires re-setting posts.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build a fence?
Most US jurisdictions require a permit for fences over 6 feet tall or fences in front yards. HOA rules may be stricter – some require specific materials, heights, and colours, or prohibit certain fence types. Always check with your local building department and HOA before purchasing materials. Fences installed without a required permit can be ordered removed at the homeowner’s expense.
How long does fence installation take?
A professional crew of 2 typically installs 150-200 linear feet of standard wood privacy fence per day. Vinyl fence installs faster at 200-300 linear ft per day because panels are pre-manufactured. Chain link is fastest at 300-400 linear ft per day. DIY installation takes 3-4x longer due to digging and post setting – the most time-consuming part of any fence project is getting posts perfectly plumb and in line before the concrete sets.
How much does a privacy fence cost for a typical yard?
A typical suburban backyard with a 150-200 linear foot perimeter and one gate, fenced in standard cedar at 6 feet tall with professional installation, runs $3,500-$6,000. The same project in vinyl runs $5,000-$9,000 installed. Pressure-treated wood is the lowest-cost option at $2,500-$4,500 installed. These ranges vary significantly by region – labour costs in the Northeast and West Coast are 30-50% higher than in the South and Midwest.