How Much Does Fence Installation Cost in 2025?
The average cost to install a fence is $3,222
Most homeowners spend between $1,857 and $4,766 on fence installation, with an average cost of $3,222.
Length, height, and post count have the most significant impact on what you’ll pay.
Factor in labor, permits, land grading, and old-fence removal, too.
Steel or wrought iron options cost more than wood, vinyl, or chain-link.
A seasoned fence pro will install it correctly, keep it secure, and help it last.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Homeowners pay between $425 and $14,000 for fence installation, with a national average of $3,222. Your final price depends on your location, the size and height of the fence, and the materials you choose. A new fence boosts privacy, security, and curb appeal all at once. Set a realistic budget and hire a professional fence installer to ensure high-quality workmanship and minimize unexpected costs.
Fence Installation Cost Factors
Several factors will influence the price of installing your new fence, including its size, height, the number of posts and gates you need, and the style you prefer.
Fence Size
The longer the fence, the higher the bill. On average, fencing costs between $6 and $50 per linear foot, with most homeowners paying $23 per linear foot for professional installation and materials.
The longer the fence, the more materials and labor required, which increases the overall cost. When planning your fence, consider the dimensions of your property and the specific areas you want to enclose.
| Fence Length (Lin. Ft.) | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 100 | $2,300 |
| 150 | $3,600 |
| 200 | $6,900 |
Fence Height
Fence height also affects your total price. Three feet works for most front yards, while six feet is the backyard norm. Increasing your fence height to eight feet can add 25% to 35% to your cost. Taller fences require more materials and may need additional permits or structural support. Be sure to check with your local code enforcement agency or homeowners association about fence height restrictions.
Fence Posts
Posts are the backbone of any fence. 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 length of the posts and the amount of concrete required. Your local code also dictates whether a corner post or all posts require a concrete setting.
Concrete for post bases costs $0.30 per pound, and post caps cost between $30 and $150 per cap.
Gates
Plan for at least one gate when installing a fence. Basic side gates start at $150 and increase to $400 to $1,200 for premium materials. Automated gates cost significantly more, ranging from several hundred to several thousand dollars.
Style
The style of fence you select will determine your total costs. For example, wood picket fences require more time and care to install correctly. Decorative features, such as a lattice top, also impact your overall installation costs. If you want a specific color, budget $3.50 to $13 per linear foot—or roughly $750 to $4,250 total—for paint or stain.
Additional Cost Factors
Beyond length and material, consider factors such as permits, land condition, removal of old fences, gates, and any style upgrades.
Labor
Labor to install a fence runs $1,600—roughly half of the total project. If you need stump removal or land leveling, your labor tab will climb.
Removing a short tree can cost $200, while removing a tree taller than 80 feet can cost $2,000 or more. Root removal for fence post installation often runs $50 per instance. Stump removal costs $100 to $150, plus an additional $50 for each stump.
Permits and Surveys
On average, fence-building permits cost between $20 and $60. To determine if you require a permit, please contact your local municipality. It's also worth paying the extra $200 to $545 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 a dispute arises.
Land Condition
Flat, soft soil is the easiest—and cheapest—surface for a fence. Sloped or rocky yards require more time and often incur higher costs. Building-regrading permits cost $3,200. If you need to remove the old fence first, the price ranges from $3 to $5 per linear foot, or $450 to $750 for 150 feet, depending on the material and method used.
Removing your old fence yourself can save you money. Replacing a fence costs between $1,775 and $4,565, depending on the type and scope of the replacement, which is higher than the cost of simple repairs.
Fence Installation Costs by Material
While there are multiple fencing materials, consider matching the 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 that offer a classic look. Additionally, chain-link, aluminum, steel, wrought iron, and composite fencing are among the most popular types of fences.
| Fence Material | Average Price Range |
|---|---|
| Wood | $2,100–$9,400 |
| Vinyl | $3,150–$8,300 |
| Chain-link | $1,650–$8,300 |
| Aluminum | $3,550–$18,800 |
| Steel | $3,550–$18,800 |
| Wrought iron | $5,250–$11,400 |
| Composite | $2,250–$9,400 |
| Electric | $420–$850 |
| Concrete (cinder block) | $2,100–$6,250 |
Wood
Western red cedar, Douglas fir, pressure-treated wood, and redwood are the most commonly used woods for fences. Wood fences cost, on average, $2,100 to $9,400, including installation.
Wood fences are popular because they offer privacy, are easily painted, and complement the aesthetics of most neighborhoods. However, they have a limited life span—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.
Vinyl
Vinyl fencing costs between $3,150 and $8,300, including installation.
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 building them from scratch could significantly reduce costs. Vinyl fences are also made of plastic, which some homeowners dislike due to their environmental impact.
Chain-Link
Chain-link fences cost an average of $1,650 to $8,300 to install. 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; however, color coating increases the cost quickly.
Aluminum
Aluminum fencing costs between $3,550 and $18,800, including installation. Aluminum fences are popular because they require little maintenance, are corrosion- and rust-resistant, and offer a modern aesthetic and a long lifespan.
Steel
Steel fencing costs an average of $3,550 to $18,800. Steel fencing is popular because it’s low-maintenance and allows homeowners to simulate wrought iron for a fraction of the price. However, steel fences are prone to scratches and rust.
Wrought Iron
Wrought iron fences cost $5,250 to $11,400 to install. This material is considered one of the most attractive fencing options and can significantly enhance your home's curb appeal. However, wrought iron can easily be prone to rust and dents, and is expensive to install and maintain. Like chain-link, some gaps can easily be peered through.
Composite
Composite fencing costs $2,250 to $9,400. Composite fencing is often made of a combination of plastic and wood, creating an eco-friendly alternative to vinyl or metal fences. Many composite products are made from recycled materials, including reclaimed wood, sawdust, and recycled plastic, making them an eco-friendly alternative to vinyl.
How to Calculate the Amount of Fencing Needed
A standard 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 1/5 acre or 8,712 square feet. This size lot requires 150 linear feet of fencing.
To get a more precise estimate of the fence size and materials required for your yard, follow these steps:
Research the code restrictions for your area, including height, post spacing, and allowable fence types.
Find your property lines, utility lines, and where you’d like the fence to be located.
Measure the distance where the fence will be.
Divide that measurement by the required post spacing, then add two. This is how many posts you’ll need.
Multiply that number by two or three for rails.
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 enhances your home's curb appeal, making it more attractive to 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 your 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 costly. Here are a few ways to reduce the cost of installing your new fence:
Tear down the old fence yourself to shave off labor.
Pick a straightforward style—a basic wood panel costs less than a decorative split-rail.
Think long-term. Wood is cheaper upfront than composite, but it requires more maintenance later.
Clear debris and obstacles before the crew arrives to cut site preparation time.
Discuss with neighbors the possibility of sharing costs when the fence is located on the property line.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most professionals can install a fence on a standard lot in two to four days. The timeline shifts with material choice, fence height, ground slope, and the number of hands on deck. You’ll also need time for permits, site prep, and material delivery. Steeper slopes or taller fences add a day or two, but careful planning keeps the project moving and the finished structure sturdy.
A fence’s life span comes down to material and upkeep. Vinyl holds up for 20 to 30 years, aluminum can last up to 50 years, and well-maintained wrought iron may outlast you. Wood delivers five to 10 good years before it needs deeper TLC, while chain-link and barbed wire rust out sooner. No matter what you choose, a quick rinse, fresh paint, and periodic hardware checks will stretch those numbers.
Legally, you don’t have to tell your neighbors you’re putting up a fence, but staying on your side of the property line is non-negotiable. Double-check records—or hire a surveyor—to confirm boundaries before digging. A quick heads-up to the folks next door can spare you headaches, save cash, and keep the neighborhood vibe friendly.
Pick a height based on purpose. Privacy fences run six to eight feet to block sight lines, livestock fencing ranges between three and six feet, and decorative front-yard options usually hover at three feet. Wood panels often sit at six feet; chain-link or wrought iron fences come in closer to three feet. Local codes cap the maximum height, so check with your city or homeowners' association (HOA) before you begin.
Most fence crews slow down in late fall and winter, so that’s when you’ll snag the best rates and the most open calendars. Dormant landscaping also means less risk to plants, and cooler temps can keep the crew comfortable. Just make sure the ground isn’t frozen solid before digging starts.
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