One of the most common questions we’re asked as fence installers is: how much does a fence cost?
While it may seem like a pretty simple and straightforward question, it’s not.
The cost of a new fence installation is influenced by a number of factors that need to be taken into account.
Below are some examples of the factors that influence the cost of installing a fence:
- Fence Material [i.e. wood, metal, vinyl, composite, etc]
- Size of Installation
- Height of Fence
- Labor
- Permits
- Gates
That list could go on, but I think you get the point that there isn’t a straightforward answer to how much a fence costs.
To provide you with a satisfactory answer to the cost of a fence, we put together this guide to explain what goes into fencing costs.
Our aim isn’t to sell you anything, but rather to provide you with the knowledge and understanding of fencing costs and the factors that influence them.
We want to empower you to make an educated and informed decision when considering installing a fence.
First, let’s take a look at the average costs of installing a fence.
How Much Does A Fence Cost?
Trying to find a consistent answer to this question online is pretty difficult, as every site has different fencing costs.
The fence costs throughout this article will be for a typical fence installation size of 150 linear feet.
Installing a new fence will typically cost between $1,330 and $5,500.
That may seem like a ridiculously large range, but as mentioned above there are numerous factors that play a role in determining the cost of a fence.
According to Lawn Starter, the national average cost to have a fence installed by a professional fence contractor is around $3,440
Broken down, that’s approximately $8 to $46 per linear foot, including materials and professional labor costs, for an average of $27 per linear foot.
National Average Fence Cost: $3,440
Typical Price Range: $1,330 – $5,500
Low-End Fence Cost: $400
High-End Fence Cost: $10,000
Fence Cost By Size
The biggest factor in determining the cost of installing a fence is the size of the project.
Fencing in larger areas requires more materials and more labor.
To get a quick approximation of the price of your fencing project, you can use the national average fence cost per linear foot, which as mentioned above is $27.
With different fence materials varying significantly in cost, you could pay as little as $8 per linear foot or as much as $46 per linear foot.
Let’s look at a few examples:
Small 500 Sq. Ft. Backyard = $1,782
Average 2,000 Sq. Ft. Backyard = $3,564
Large 3,500 Sq. Ft. Backyard = $4,779
New Fence Cost Per Linear Foot
As mentioned above, the most significant factor in determining the cost of a new fence installation is the project size.
A new fence will cost as little as $8 per linear foot and upwards of $46 per linear foot.
Most homeowners will spend $10 – $18 per linear foot for materials and labor.
To give you an idea of how much different fence materials cost, a privacy fence ranges from $13 – $19 per linear foot, while a vinyl fence costs $15 – $30, and a wood picket fence will run from $10 – $14.
The table below provides an overview of fencing cost per linear foot of different types of fencing for a typical 150 linear foot installation.
FENCE COST PER LINEAR FOOT
| TYPE OF FENCE | COST PER LINEAR FOOT | AVERAGE COST OF 150 LF |
| Wire | $1 – $7 | $150 – $1,050 |
| Post & Rail | $6 – $16 | $900 – $2,400 |
| Bamboo | $6 – $12 | $900 – $1,800 |
| Wood Picket | $10 – $14 | $1500 – $2,100 |
| Panel | $11 – $13 | $1,650 – $1,950 |
| Pool Fence | $12 – $16 | $1,800 – $2,400 |
| Chain Link | $9 – $30 | $1,350 – $3,900 |
| Split Rail | $12 – $17 | $1,800 – $2,550 |
| Shadowbox | $12 – $16 | $1,800 – $2,400 |
| Privacy | $13 – $19 | $1,950 – $2,850 |
| Board on Board | $16 – $22 | $2,550 – $3,300 |
| Wood | $15 – $30 | $2,550 – $3,300 |
| Vinyl | $23 – $37 | $2,850 – $3,300 |
| Composite | $26 – $57 | $3,900 – $8,550 |
| Aluminum | $24 – $32 | $3,600 – $4,800 |
| Metal | $24 – $32 | $3,600 – $4,800 |
| Wrought Iron | $24 – $44 | $3,600 – $6,600 |
Now that you have an idea of the cost of installing a new fence, let’s take a look at some of the factors that influence the costs.
Factors That Influence Fence Costs
While the size of a project is the biggest factor in calculating the cost of installing a fence, there are a number of factors that play an important role.
These factors are the reason a fence can cost less than $1,000 or cost upwards of $10,000 or more.
Below we’ll take a closer look at each of these factors to help you understand the role they play in determining fencing costs.
Material
Modern fences are made from a lot of materials, each of which has it’s own price range.
On the lower end, a simple wire fence will cost $1 – $4 per linear foot, including professional installation.
At the other end of the pricing spectrum, is composite fencing, which typically costs around $26 – $57 per linear foot.
The most popular type of fence is traditional wood fencing, which falls in the middle price range of around $15 – $30 per linear foot.
The first step in determining an accurate budget for your fence installation is to decide on the fence material you want.
Height
Most backyard fences are 6 feet tall, but there are plenty of other options available when it comes to the height of your fence.
Some homeowners opt for an 8-foot tall fence in their backyard, while front yards are usually fenced with 4-foot tall fences.
As you might expect, taller fences are more expensive and shorter fences are less expensive.
To determine how much a taller or shorter fence would impact your costs, first determine the budget for a standard 6-foot fence using the price estimates above.
As a general rule of thumb, an 8-foot tall fence will add 25% – 35% to your budget.
For a 4 foot tall fence, subtract 25% – 35% from your budget.
Gates
Installing a gate is more expensive than installing regular fence panels.
It should be factored into your costs, as you will probably want one for accessibility.
Just as fences come in different materials, styles, and sizes, gates come in an equally wide variety and costs vary significantly.
The location of your fence and what kind of gate you want will affect how much you will pay to have it installed.
For example, an automated aluminum driveway gate is going to be a lot more expensive than a simple wooden walk-through gate.
The cost of installing a gate will typically add $175 – $1,200 to your fence’s overall cost.
Style
Fences don’t just come in a variety of materials but in an endless variety of different styles.
Different styles of fences use more or less material, which influences the cost.
Additionally, some fence styles require more skill to properly install, resulting in a higher cost.
Fences with a simple and straightforward style are generally easier to install and are therefore cheaper.
Slope of Land
If you are planning to have a fence built on a hill or uneven terrain, you can expect some additional costs.
Not only does it mean more work for the fence installers, but the land may also need to be regraded to allow for the fence to be properly installed.
Regrading a landscape can cost between $900 – $3,000 depending on how much work is required to prep the area.
Old Fence Removal
Removal of old fencing also tacks on the cost of the Spokane Valley fence installation project.
Homeowners may opt to tear down an old wooden or chain link fence themselves, but metal and iron fences usually require specialty equipment to effectively remove.
Expect a cost of $3 to $5 per linear foot for fence removal and disposal.
Permits & Surveys
You can ask your fence contractor or check local regulations to find out if your HOA or municipality requires you to obtain a permit to build a fence.
Good contractors will be on top of the regulatory compliance issues in the area and will be able to tell you if one is required and handle the process for you.
Fence building permits can cost anywhere from $50 – $500 if required.
We recommend getting your land measured by a land surveyor.
If you don’t have the correct measurements of your property, you run the risk of building the fence on land that isn’t yours, which can lead to legal issues if a dispute arises.
A land surveyor will cost $400 – $750 to measure your property.
Fence Cost By Material
The cheap fencing materials are wire with metal posts and wood, but even within those categories are many varieties of fence material costs.
For example, if you need a wooden fence for your backyard, which wood will be the cheapest and last the longest?
Compare fence prices in our list below.
Keep in mind our prices do not include post holes & posts, gates, or other hardware.
Wood Fence: How Much Does A Wood Fence Cost?
Wood is the most common material for backyard fencing and can last for 20 years.
Installing a wood fence costs $15 – $30 per linear foot on average.
The average cost to build a typical 150-linear-foot wood fence is $3,041.
Expect the total price to range between $1,732 and $4,352, with the most significant cost factors including the fence length, height, and wood type.
Most people account for the expense of posts, pickets, and rails, but they may fail to consider the additional cost of gates, hardware, and paint or stain.
The cost of wood fencing depends on the species of wood chosen with the most popular being pine, cedar, and redwood.
Cedar is one of the best woods for fencing because of the cedar oil contained within.
It will naturally resist moisture, insect damage, and decay.
Using cheap wood fencing will require yearly treatment to protect it from moisture and insect damage.
Pros & Cons of Wood Fences
Pros: Gives privacy, strong and versatile.
Cons: Can be expensive, needs yearly maintenance.
Vinyl Fence: How Much Does A Vinyl Fence Cost?
Vinyl fences have become extremely popular in recent years as they provide an aesthetically pleasing fence that’s easy to maintain.
Installing a new vinyl fence will cost $15 – $30 per linear foot or around $20 per foot on average.
For a typical yard, expect to spend $2,800 to $5,500 depending on the size and height.
One of the reasons for the popularity of vinyl fences is the numerous styles and colors they come in.
The most popular types of vinyl fences are traditional white vinyl and faux wood.
Typical styles of vinyl fencing include variations of picket and privacy fences with heights ranging from 3 to 12 feet but most fall in the 4- to 6-foot-tall range.
Vinyl is a step up from wood and is a long-term investment since the materials are generally low-maintenance and last much longer than wood.
Vinyl fences are made from PVC plastic that is combined with other elements that make it strong and durable.
Vinyl doesn’t warp, rot, or split like a wood fence might, and they are free from the rust and corrosion problems that come with metal or some chain link fences.
Pros & Cons of Vinyl Fences
Pros: Strong, durable, eco-friendly, easy to install, and private.
Cons: Not the best choice for security.
Chain Link Fence: How Much Does A Chain Link Fence Cost?
Installing a chain link fence costs $9 – $30 per linear foot on average.
Most homeowners will pay between $1,700 to $5,000.
For most residential projects, expect to pay $5 to $25 per linear foot for materials.
Labor runs an additional $8 to $20 per linear foot or an average of $30 per hour.
However, adding height, a thicker gauge mesh, or installing it on difficult terrain can increase the price to over $7,500.
Chain-link fencing comes in 3′ to 12′ heights with galvanized steel or black vinyl-coated steel.
A black vinyl-coated chain-link fence costs $10 to $34 per foot or 10% more at than the standard galvanized steel.
This type of fence is nearly impervious to moisture and corrosion.
While it won’t last much longer than its more affordable galvanized counterpart, it will suffer less rust and discoloration.
Wrought Iron Fence: How Much Does A Wrought Iron Fence Cost?
The cost to install a wrought iron fence is between $30 – $50 per linear foot.
For a 150 linear foot wrought iron fence, expect to pay between $4,500 and $7,500.
On average, 75% of your costs are attributed to materials alone.
Wrought iron fencing can have custom designs, be used to enclose pools, or be mixed with brick columns to create a luxury look.
Decorative additions can raise the total to more than $10,000.
Add a matching gate for $300 to $9,000, including installation.
Although this material can be expensive, it is more durable than other options like aluminum.
It is not useful for privacy fences but is ideal for custom creations and historic restorations.
Because of its custom nature, hiring a fencing pro is crucial for both material purchasing and installation.
Despite the strength that an iron fence delivers, it will still need maintenance that includes the need to sand and repaint every 24 to 36 months, to ensure corrosion is kept at bay.
Aluminum Fence: How Much Does An Aluminum Fence Cost?
A 4-foot tall aluminum fence costs between $24 to $32 per foot to install on average, whereas a 6-foot costs $35 to $50 per foot.
Most homeowners spend $3,600 to $4,800 to fence a 150 linear foot yard.
Aluminum fencing is an economical alternative to the look of wrought iron and is widely used as a secure pool fence enclosure.
Available in a variety of picket or privacy styles and can also be ordered with aluminum as the frame around vinyl inserts.
It’s available in a wide assortment of colors to match the current landscaping and curb appeal.
Pros & Cons of Aluminum Fences
Pros: Lightweight, economical, and appropriate for a large number of applications.
Cons: Not as durable as wrought iron. Less expensive brands can rust. Not the best choice for security.
Composite Fence: How Much Does A Composite Fence Cost?
Composite fencing costs $11 to $45 per linear foot for both materials and installation, averaging $28 per linear foot.
Costs vary significantly based on the type and quality of the fence you choose and any extra features, such as a top-mounted trellis.
Supplies required to install PVC fencing include materials, fasteners, post concrete, and connectors.
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.
PVC doesn’t rot, or decay, isn’t subject to damage from insects, doesn’t grow mold or mildew, and doesn’t need to be repainted.
Most PVC fences that are installed professionally should last as many as 15 years or longer.
How to Get the Best Price on Fence Installations in Spokane Valley, WA
Research helps uncover the best fence type for your home and keeps costs in check.
There are many ways to research fencing options and contractors.
Don’t sell yourself short and use all of the techniques to find a Spokane Valley fence company that works for your needs.
Here are a few ideas to help get the best price on fence installation in Spokane Valley.
Ask Around
Friends, family, co-workers, and other trusted people can provide information about fence contractors in Spokane Valley.
This information can help find the best in business and help keep you away from the rest.
Research Online
Head online to check out reviews customers have posted.
Check out social media pages and other online information about a fence installation company.
It’s all free and can save headaches during the selection process.
Compare Costs
Comparing costs with several fence installers helps find the best installation price.
No two companies charge the same price to install a fence which makes comparisons important to anyone looking to save money.
Compare costs of fencing materials, installation, and other fees to ensure you get the best deal possible.
Spending time comparing the costs of these items can help save a tremendous amount of money on your Spokane Valley fence installation project.
Compare companies, looking for a provider that’s licensed, bonded, and insured.
Other important characteristics a worthwhile fencing company offers include open communication, free estimates, guarantees on all work, experience, and professionalism.
Spokane Valley Fence Installers offers these qualities and more.
Request estimates from at least three fence installation companies.
Keep in mind the lowest price doesn’t always mean the worst service just as the highest prices do not reflect the best work.
Wrapping Up Our Guide to Fence Cost & Pricing
When it comes to fencing, there are a seemingly endless variety of variables and choices to consider..
Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs and budget.
For help in making this decision, feel free to contact us or give us a call: (509) 213-2700 to discuss your decking needs.
Spokane Valley Fence Installers is one of Easter Washington’s leading installers of fences and decks and we’re happy to answer any questions that you have.
