How Much Does It Cost to Build a Fence in 2026?

Fence costs vary more than almost any other home improvement project — from $8 per linear foot for a basic wire fence to $50+ per linear foot for wrought iron or composite. The most common choice — a 6-foot cedar privacy fence — runs $15–$35 per linear foot installed, or $1,500–$3,500 for a 100-foot run. Here's the complete breakdown.

Fence Cost by Material (per Linear Foot, Installed)

Fence Type	Material Cost	Labor Cost	Total Installed	Lifespan
Wood privacy (cedar)	$8–$18/lf	$8–$15/lf	$15–$35/lf	15–20 years
Wood privacy (pressure treated)	$5–$12/lf	$8–$15/lf	$12–$28/lf	10–15 years
Split rail	$4–$8/lf	$5–$10/lf	$9–$18/lf	15–20 years
Chain link (standard)	$5–$12/lf	$5–$10/lf	$10–$22/lf	20–30 years
Chain link (vinyl coated)	$8–$18/lf	$5–$10/lf	$13–$28/lf	20–30 years
Vinyl / PVC privacy	$15–$30/lf	$8–$15/lf	$22–$45/lf	20–30 years
Aluminum (ornamental)	$20–$35/lf	$10–$20/lf	$30–$55/lf	25–40 years
Wrought iron	$25–$50/lf	$15–$25/lf	$40–$80/lf	50+ years
Composite (wood-look)	$25–$45/lf	$10–$20/lf	$35–$65/lf	25–30 years

Fence Cost by Length (6 ft Cedar Privacy, Installed)

Fence Length	Low Estimate	High Estimate	Average
50 linear feet	$750	$1,750	$1,250
100 linear feet	$1,500	$3,500	$2,500
150 linear feet	$2,250	$5,250	$3,750
200 linear feet	$3,000	$7,000	$5,000
300 linear feet (avg backyard)	$4,500	$10,500	$7,500

What Drives Fence Costs Up

Terrain and grade changes: Sloped yards require stepped or raked panels that take more time to install — add 20–40% for significantly sloped properties.

Rocky or root-heavy soil: Digging post holes in rocky ground requires a hydraulic post driver or breaking through rock — adds $5–$15 per post in labor.

Old fence removal: Removing and disposing of existing fencing adds $3–$8 per linear foot. Metal fencing like chain link is more labor-intensive to remove than wood panels.

Gates: A basic wood gate costs $200–$500 installed. Double drive gates run $400–$1,000. Automatic gates start at $1,500–$3,000 for a basic electric opener.

Permits: Most fence projects require a permit ($50–$200) and must comply with local height, setback, and style restrictions. HOA approval adds another layer. Always check before starting.

DIY vs. Professional Installation

Labor accounts for roughly 40–50% of fence installation cost. DIY fence installation can save $800–$2,000 on a 100-foot run. The key investment is a power auger for post holes — rent one for $80–$120/day. Setting posts correctly (plumb, concrete-set, below frost line) is the most critical skill; everything else is straightforward.

Best for DIY: simple straight runs of wood privacy fence on flat ground with accessible soil. Hire a professional for: long runs on sloped ground, chain link with tension wire, ornamental aluminum or wrought iron, and any fence requiring significant grading.

Fence Material Comparison

Cedar: The premium DIY choice. Naturally rot-resistant, no preservatives needed, takes stain well, lasts 15–20 years. Costs more upfront than pressure-treated but is preferred for food gardens and doesn't require the chemical considerations of PT lumber.

Pressure-treated pine: The most affordable wood option. Modern ACQ treatment (green-tinted lumber) is the standard — safe for most applications. Plan to stain or seal within the first year. Lasts 10–15 years with maintenance.

Vinyl/PVC: Zero maintenance — never needs staining, sealing, or painting. Higher upfront cost but lower lifetime cost. Can look plasticky up close. Not suitable for very hot climates where plastic becomes brittle.

Chain link: The most cost-effective durable fence. Functional, long-lasting, but not private. Vinyl-coated versions look better and resist rust longer than galvanized steel.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a 6-foot privacy fence cost per foot? A 6-foot cedar privacy fence runs $15–$35 per linear foot installed. Pressure-treated wood runs $12–$28 per linear foot. Vinyl privacy fence runs $22–$45 per linear foot.

How much does it cost to fence a quarter acre? A quarter acre lot is roughly 10,000 sq ft. If square, that's about 400 linear feet of perimeter. At $20/lf average for cedar, a full perimeter fence runs $8,000. Most homeowners fence only the backyard — typically 150–200 linear feet — for $3,000–$7,000.

Do I need a permit to build a fence? In most US jurisdictions, yes — especially for fences over 4 feet on the front yard or over 6 feet anywhere. Permit fees run $50–$200. Check with your local building department before starting, and call 811 to locate underground utilities before digging.

How long does it take to install a fence? A professional crew installs approximately 150–200 linear feet of privacy fence per day. A 100-foot fence takes one crew one day. DIY installation for the same length takes an experienced team a full weekend.