We will price each material per foot, expose the hidden add-ons, and show you when the cheapest fence is the most expensive one.
The Short Answer: Cost Per Linear Foot
- Chain-link, 4-6 ft ($8-$18/ft): Cheapest installed option. Functional, not pretty. Best for large lots, dog runs, and side yards.
- Wood privacy, 6 ft ($15-$30/ft): The classic backyard fence. Cedar costs more than pressure-treated pine but lasts longer and looks better.
- Vinyl privacy ($25-$45/ft): Highest upfront cost among common options, near-zero maintenance. Never paint or stain again.
- Aluminum / ornamental ($30-$55/ft): The wrought-iron look without the rust. Great for front yards and pool enclosures.
- Composite ($30-$50/ft): Wood-look boards from recycled materials. Premium price, minimal upkeep.
Real Project Budgets: The 150-Foot Backyard
Most residential backyards need 120 to 200 linear feet. Here is what a 150-foot, 6-foot fence with one walk gate and one double drive gate actually costs:
- Chain-link: $1,800 to $3,500 total
- Pressure-treated pine privacy: $3,000 to $5,500 total
- Cedar privacy: $4,000 to $7,000 total
- Vinyl privacy: $5,500 to $9,000 total
- Aluminum ornamental: $6,000 to $10,500 total
Each gate adds $200 to $600 depending on width, material, and hardware. A double drive gate with a steel frame is at the top of that range.
Wood vs Vinyl: The Honest 10-Year Math
Vinyl looks expensive until you count the maintenance. Here is a 150-foot cedar fence versus vinyl over 10 years:
- Cedar: $5,500 installed. Stain every 3 years at $800 to $1,200 per application (or your weekends). Replace 5 to 10 percent of pickets over the decade. 10-year total: roughly $8,000 to $10,000.
- Vinyl: $7,500 installed. Occasional wash with a hose. 10-year total: roughly $7,500 to $8,000.
Vinyl wins the decade math for most homeowners, and it is not close if you value your weekends. Wood wins on upfront cost and natural looks. Pressure-treated pine is the cheapest wood option but expect 10 to 15 years of life versus 15 to 25 for cedar.
7 Things That Quietly Add to Your Fence Bill
1. Old fence removal ($3-$5 per foot)
Tear-out and disposal of an existing fence is rarely in the headline quote. For 150 feet, that is $450 to $750. Always ask.
2. Gates ($200-$600 each)
Every gate is a mini-project: posts, hinges, latches, and alignment. Wide drive gates need steel frames to prevent sagging. Count your gates before comparing bids.
3. Rocky or sloped terrain
Straight, flat ground is the baseline. Rock, roots, and slopes add 20 to 50 percent. Stepped fences on hills use more material and labor than racked ones.
4. Permits ($50-$200)
Most cities require a fence permit. Some HOAs require design approval first, which can take weeks. Start the paperwork before you book the installer.
5. Property survey ($300-$700)
If you are unsure where your line is, a survey is cheap insurance against building on your neighbor's land. Some fence companies require one.
6. Utility locates (free, but mandatory)
Call 811 before anyone digs. It is free and legally required. Hitting a gas line turns a fence project into a disaster.
7. Staining and sealing ($3-$8 per foot)
Often quoted separately for wood fences. Both sides of a 150-foot fence is 1,800 square feet of staining. Decide upfront whether the installer or you handles it.
DIY vs Hiring a Pro: Real Numbers
A 150-foot wood privacy fence costs $1,500 to $2,500 in materials if you build it yourself. A pro charges $3,000 to $5,500 for the same fence. The $1,500 to $3,000 difference buys you two things: speed (a crew finishes in 2 to 3 days versus your 2 to 3 weekends) and straight lines. Fence posts must be plumb, evenly spaced, and set below the frost line. Crooked DIY fences are visible from the street forever. If you DIY, rent a two-person auger ($75 to $150 per day) and do not skimp on concrete: one 50-pound bag per post minimum.
How to Get a Fair Fence Quote
- Measure your linear footage first. Walk the line with a measuring wheel or a phone app. Contractors respect homeowners who know their footage.
- Specify the exact material and height. "Wood fence" is not a spec. Cedar vs pine, 6 ft vs 4 ft, picket style, and post treatment all change the price.
- Ask about post installation method. Concrete-set posts last longest. Driven or gravel-set posts are cheaper but shift sooner. Get it in writing.
- Confirm what is included: removal, gates, hardware, staining, cleanup, and permit handling. The cheapest bid usually excludes the most.
- Check the warranty. Look for at least 1 to 3 years on workmanship. Material warranties come from the manufacturer.
- Talk to your neighbor first. Shared boundary fences are often split 50/50 by local custom or ordinance. A conversation can cut your bill in half.
Price Your Fence Project
Measure your footage and run it through our free fence cost calculator for an instant budget, then compare quotes from experienced fence contractors in your area. And call 811 before anyone puts an auger in the ground.
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