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Fence Installation Cost per Foot (2026)

Most homeowners spend $2,000 to $5,000 on a new fence. Cost per linear foot for wood, vinyl, chain link, composite and iron, plus how to measure.

Published Oct 27, 2026. 2 min read.

Before and after: leaning gray wood fence replaced with a new cedar privacy fence

Most US homeowners spend about $2,000 to $5,000 on a new fence, with simple jobs from about $500 and large or premium fences over $10,000. Fences are priced per linear foot, so measuring your fence line is the first step.

Cost per linear foot by fence type

Fence typeInstalled, per linear foot
Picket (wood, vinyl or metal)$5 – $30
Chain link$8 – $40
Composite$11 – $45
Vinyl privacy panels$15 – $40
Wood split rail$15.50 – $39
Wrought iron$25 – $55

How to estimate your fence

  1. Measure each side you want fenced, in feet. A typical backyard is 150 to 250 linear feet.
  2. Multiply by the per-foot price for your material and height.
  3. Add gates — each gate costs more than a regular section.
  4. Add old fence removal if needed.

Example: 180 ft of wood privacy fence at $25/ft is $4,500, plus a walk gate and a drive gate.

What else changes the price

  • Height: a 6-ft privacy fence costs more than a 4-ft fence.
  • Slope and soil: hills, rock and roots slow down post holes.
  • Posts set in concrete last longer than posts in dirt.
  • Labor: about $25 to $80 per hour.
  • Season: spring is busiest and often priciest.

Before you build: property line, permits, HOA, 811

  • Confirm the property line — a survey costs money, but rebuilding a fence on a neighbor's land costs more.
  • Many cities need a permit and limit fence height.
  • Check HOA rules on style and color.
  • Call 811 before digging so underground utilities are marked for free.

Get a price range in our fence cost estimator and use the fence quote request template so each installer quotes the same length, height and gates.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cheapest fence to install?

Chain link and simple wood picket fences are usually the least expensive per foot. Vinyl and composite cost more up front but need less upkeep.

How long does a wood fence last?

Typically 15 to 20 years for pressure-treated pine and longer for cedar, depending on climate and maintenance.

Who pays for a fence between neighbors?

It depends on state and local law and any agreement between neighbors. Get any shared-cost agreement in writing.

Sources

Prices are national ranges for planning only. Your price depends on your home, your region and the contractor. This guide is general information, not professional, legal or insurance advice.

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