How Much Does a Steel Fence Cost in 2025?

This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

The national average cost to install a steel fence is about $4,610. Most homeowners pay between $2,434 and $6,789, with high-end expenses reaching up to $12,000. The final price will largely depend on the fence’s height, style, strength, and installation difficulty, among other factors. 

Steel Fence Cost Factors

Steel fences are versatile and easy to customize, but that flexibility also means a wide range of prices. The fence’s size, thickness, and gate design all play a role, and you’ll also want to factor in labor, permits, and extras.

Fence Size

Most residential steel fences stand 2½ to 6 feet tall. You’ll typically pay between $7 and $32 per foot or between $700 and $3,200 per 100 feet.

Steel fences often come preassembled in panels ranging from 4 to 8 feet long to 3 to 6 feet tall. The larger the fence, the more tools, materials, and labor you’ll need, increasing fence installation costs.

Thickness

Steel fences come in different gauges or thicknesses. The pickets on most residential aluminum fencing panels have around 3-13/16-inch spacing between them. However, homeowners may decide to install different sizes, which can increase prices. Thinner steel costs less and goes up faster, but it won’t hold up as long.

Gates

A standard 32- to 36-inch gate can run anywhere from $100 up to $4,000 to $6,000. Gate prices vary depending on the style, and the type of gate you need usually depends on your fence’s purpose. 

Pool gates are small and simple, costing as little as $100. Driveway gates can range from simple to ornate, and optional high-end security features, such as keypads or automatic openers, can bring your total costs up to $7,500 .

Labor

Labor is one of the most significant factors in the cost of a steel fence. You’ll typically pay between $15 and $40 per linear foot for labor. Most local aluminum fence installers charge between $40 and $90 per hour.

Permits

Before starting your project, check with your local municipality to see if you need a building permit to install the fence, plus whether there are any restrictions on fence height. Building permit costs often range from $20 to $60. Most pros know the local rules and can pull the permit for you, rolling the fee into their quote.

Additional Costs

Expect higher costs if the crew has to work around steep slopes, existing fencing, or big trees and bushes. Each of these adds prep work—and extra dollars—to your final bill.

Steel Fence Cost by Type

There are several types of steel fences to choose from, each varying in price, durability, and function. Standard powder-coated fences are the most budget-friendly, starting at $11 per linear foot, while custom ornamental fences can reach up to $100 per linear foot .

Black Aluminum

A black aluminum fence typically costs $15–$55 per linear foot. Some fencing systems come with panels that lock securely into place without brackets or screws, offering a simple, seamless installation. Suppliers also sell black aluminum fencing that contours to the slope of your yard and resists rust.

Ornamental

Ornamental steel fences run between $15 and $55 per linear foot. While not as strong or visually appealing as wrought iron fences, improved manufacturing technology has increased the strength and style over time without driving up costs.

Aluminum Pool Fence

A standard aluminum pool fence costs $15–$25 per linear foot. These panels feature strong aluminum and titanium alloys and multi-layer color coatings to ensure weather resistance, making them a sturdy, elegant choice for a pool enclosure. Local ordinances usually require pool fences to be at least 48 inches tall, so standard-sized panels are the perfect height.

Powder-Coated

Steel fences with a rust-resistant protective powder coating usually cost about $11 to $29 per linear foot when purchased as standard-sized 4-by-6-foot panels. Alternatively, a professional can apply a powder coating to an existing metal fence for $6 to $8 per foot . Exact pricing depends on the size of your fence, with larger fences incurring higher labor costs.

Privacy

Six-foot-tall steel privacy fence panels can cost anywhere from $27 to $36 per linear foot. One-hundred percent aluminum panels, powder-coated panels, and fences with other custom features will be on the higher end of the cost spectrum. Privacy fences are the least popular type of metal fence, with solid panels blocking noise and views.

Does Installing a Steel Fence Increase Home Value?

Where you live, the fence design, and the quality of the install affect how much value a steel fence can add to your home. Metal fences offer added privacy and security, which can be an attractive feature to potential buyers. They’re also highly durable and typically require little maintenance, meaning buyers don’t often have to worry about the cost of steel fence repairs or replacements.

Budgeting for a Steel Fence

Steel fence prices vary widely based on the style, type, and size you pick. To keep your project as cost-effective as possible, consider the following tips:

• Choose the smallest fence suitable for your property.

• Compare prices from at least three local contractors to find the best deal in your area.

• Opt for a simple, standard design rather than custom or ornamental models.

• Check local hardware stores or online retailers for sales on fencing materials.

• Place the fence in an area that requires minimal landscaping to avoid additional fees.

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 thousands of 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.