How Much Does Composite Fencing Installation Cost?

Average Costs to Install Composite Fencing

Composite Fencing Material Prices

Composite fencing prices start at $9 per linear foot for materials only. Expect to pay up to $43 per linear foot at the high end. The height, style, and type of fence you choose impact the cost of building a fence. An inexpensive, off-brand composite fence that's only 4 feet high costs significantly less than a premium brand, 7-foot privacy fence with an ornate design and a top trellis.

Composite Fencing Installation Costs

The labor to install composite fencing costs $2 to $6 per linear foot. Labor costs are dependent on where you live, accessibility issues, and the terrain type. Challenging installations, such as on particularly uneven ground or a steep incline, will result in higher labor costs per linear foot because of the increased difficulty and time involved.

Costs of Composite Fencing Per Linear Foot

Composite fencing costs $11 to $45 per linear foot with installation. Let's look at some standard fencing lengths and their associated costs.

Costs of Composite Fencing by Type

Different types of fencing use different amounts of materials based on their height and composition.

Picket Fencing

Expect to pay toward the lower end of the range for picket fencing, at around $11 to $15 per linear foot with installation. Picket fencing is usually no taller than 4 feet. It uses fewer materials per linear foot than other composite fencing types because of its style, which has individual pickets spaced a few inches apart.

Privacy Fencing

Privacy fencing with standard board panels comes in at $22 to $34 per linear foot with installation. This mid-range option provides more privacy because it's taller and uses large panels that butt up against one another, blocking the view from the outside. Because it has a greater surface area than picket fencing, it uses more materials per panel, increasing the cost per linear foot.

Premium Fencing

Composite premium fencing costs $28 to $45 per linear foot with installation. Premium fencing includes ornate and decorative panels made from high-end composite materials, often including added details like top-mounted trellises. The extra details, premium base materials, and increased weight of the panels and posts mean this type of fencing costs more per linear foot.

Composite Fencing Cost Factors

Aside from the type of fencing, other factors impact the cost of composite fencing, including height, extra features, adding a gate, and frame type.

Height

The height of the fence determines how much material is used per panel or per linear foot. For example, a 3-foot picket or split-rail fence uses considerably less material than a 7-foot solid panel privacy fence. The more material used per linear foot, the more you'll pay.

Plus, the added height increases the weight and, therefore, the type, size, and strength of the posts you'll need. And the larger and heavier the panels and posts, the more labor required to install them properly.

Extra Features

Extra features, such as a custom top rail, decorative post caps, special slat designs, textured or wood-look finishes, and fancy cutout sections along the tops of the panels, can quickly increase your total project cost. Speak to your local fence contractor about available extra features and their associated costs before you agree to move forward.

Adding a Gate

Installing a composite gate costs $200 to $400 with installation. For larger drive-through gates, you'll pay $600 or more. If you need to add a gate or a walkthrough, it'll cost extra because it takes time and skill to hang a gate securely and correctly.

Frame Type

For the longest-lasting composite fence, you'll also need composite posts and panel frames, which have wood or steel inserts for added strength. However, these are relatively costly.

Many homeowners choose a more affordable solution by using pressure-treated wooden fence posts and frames, which frame the fence panels with the composite slats attached to the wooden frame. The wooden posts are set in the ground, and the frames and slats are then anchored between the posts. The downside is that the pressure-treated lumber has a shorter lifespan than the composite material and is more prone to rot, insect infestation, and other damage.

DIY vs. Hire a Fence Installation Pro

It's possible to install a composite fence if you have the right tools, skills, and plenty of time. Fence installation looks easy on the surface, but it's quite a challenging project, particularly if you need to fence more than a few feet. You'll need to level the ground or learn how to compensate for fencing on uneven terrain or an incline. If you're in any doubt about your abilities, patience, or availability, it's best to hire a professional fencing installer.

FAQs

How much maintenance does a composite fence need?

The upkeep required for composite fencing is minimal. To keep it looking its best, wash it once a year. But other than that, there's no ongoing maintenance.

How many years does composite fencing last?

Composite fencing lasts 30 years or more before it needs extensive repair or replacement.

Will composite fencing fade in the sun?

Yes, composite fencing can fade when exposed to high levels of direct sunlight. However, many brands are fade-resistant. If your composite fence does fade significantly, you can remedy it by painting or staining it with a suitable outdoor-rated product.