Fence Installation Cost Calculator
Estimate installed fence cost from run length, material, height, and gates — with an optional tear-down line for an old fence. Click any i for detail.
Your fence
Run length (lf)
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Run length
Measure the fence line in linear feet — sides you will enclose, not the lot area. Gates sit inside this length; we price gate hardware as extras below. |
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Material
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Material
Wood privacy is the common backyard pick. Vinyl costs more and needs less staining. Chain link is the budget security option. Aluminum ornamental is a premium open-style look. |
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Height
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Height
Six feet is the usual privacy height. Four feet suits many front yards or pools with local code limits. Eight feet needs more material and labor and may need permits. |
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Gates
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Gates
Count walk gates (and wide driveway gates as one unit each). Gate kits and posts cost more than the same width of panel fence. |
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Your state
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Your state
Scales labor and material midpoints for typical state-level costs versus the U.S. average — not an on-site fencing bid. |
Options
How to use this calculator
- Enter the linear feet of fence line you want built.
- Choose material and height.
- Add how many gates you need.
- Toggle old-fence removal if a tear-down is part of the job.
Results explained
The large number is an installed midpoint for panels/posts along your run, adjusted for height and state, plus flat gate adders. Removal is a separate line when enabled.
Quick reference: fence cost per linear foot
U.S.-average installed midpoints at a 6 ft baseline before state scaling. Height adjusts ×0.85 (4 ft) or ×1.22 (8 ft).
| Material | Per lf (6 ft) | Gate adder | Notes |
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| Chain link | $18 | $280 | Budget security / side yards |
| Wood privacy | $32 | $450 | Most common backyard privacy |
| Vinyl privacy | $42 | $550 | Higher up-front, less staining |
| Aluminum ornamental | $48 | $650 | Open-style premium look |
Old fence removal in this model ≈ $6/lf. Stain/seal not included.
How the estimate is built
At a 6 ft baseline, installed midpoints are about $32/lf wood, $42/lf vinyl, $18/lf chain link, and $48/lf aluminum. Four-foot work uses ×0.85; eight-foot uses ×1.22.
Gates add about $280–$650 each depending on material. Old fence removal adds about $6/lf. Your state scales the U.S.-average midpoints. The band is roughly 80%–128% of the midpoint.
Example scenario
A 150 lf, 6 ft wood privacy fence with one gate at U.S. average pricing is about $4,800 of fence + $450 for the gate ≈ $5,250. Add tear-down (~$900) and you are near $6,150.
FAQ
Are permits included?
No. Many cities care about height, setbacks, and pool barriers. Budget permit fees and possible survey pins separately.
What about hills or rocky soil?
Stepped panels, retaining toes, and rock digging can raise labor well above these midpoints. Try a higher-cost state as a stress test, then get an on-site bid.
Does wood include staining?
No. This model is install-focused. Stain or seal is often a follow-on DIY or painter cost a few weeks after construction.