Guides & advice · Fencing
Fencing: costs, choices and hiring advice
Privacy, a safe yard for kids and pets, and a clean property line. Here is what to know before you get quotes.
What it costs
$1,860–$4,843
Fences are priced by length and material. Most homeowners pay around $23 per linear foot installed.
- 150 ft. of 6-ft. wood privacy fence + 1 gate$3,250–$8,350
- 100 ft. of 4-ft. aluminum fence + 1 gate$2,750–$8,350
- 200 ft. of 4-ft. chain-link$1,800–$6,000
Choices that change the price
- Wood or vinylWood costs less up front but needs staining or sealing and eventually board replacement.
- Privacy or decorativeSolid 6-ft.
- Chain-link or aluminumChain-link is the most affordable way to contain pets or kids.
Problems and hidden costs to watch for
- Property lineBuilding on a neighbor’s land is expensive to fix.
- HOA and local rulesMany HOAs and towns limit height, style and placement, especially in front yards and near corners.
- Slopes and rockSloped yards need stepped or racked panels, and rocky ground makes post holes harder to dig.
- Utility linesCall 811 before digging.
Upkeep and lifespan
- WoodStain or seal every few years and replace boards as they weather.
- Vinyl and aluminumWash periodically.
- Chain-linkTighten fabric and check for rust on older galvanized fences.
Hiring and comparing quotes
- How deep will posts be set, and in concrete or gravel?
- Who confirms the property line, pulls the permit and calls 811?
- Are old fence removal and haul-away included?
- How will you handle the slope in my yard?
All fencing guides
Repair, replace or choose
- Fence Repair vs. ReplacementFence repairs average about $611. When fixing posts, panels or gates makes sense, and when a new fence is the better value.
Materials and methods
- Wood vs. Vinyl Fencing: Cost, Upkeep and LifespanWood costs $20–$50 per foot installed; vinyl $30–$60. Compare upfront cost, maintenance, looks and how each handles weather.
Hiring and comparing quotes
- How to Compare Contractor Estimates (With an Annotated Example)Line up scope, quantities, allowances, exclusions and warranty terms so you compare the same job, not just the bottom line.
- Questions to Ask Before Hiring a ContractorA practical checklist for the first call, the estimate visit and before you sign, plus links to project-specific questions.
- How to Verify a Contractor's License and InsuranceWhere to look up a license, how to confirm insurance with the insurer, and what each check does and does not tell you.
- Quote comparison worksheetLine up up to three quotes side by side
Budget tools
Fence budget estimatorSee a budget range for your fence length, height, material, gates and tear-out.Contractor quote comparison worksheetLine up up to three quotes side by side: price, scope, exclusions, warranty and payment schedule.
Cost figures are national ranges from the sources listed in the cost guide. They are not a quote from FixFinch or any contractor.