How Much Does a Fence Cost in 2024?

Wondering how much a fence cost for different materials?

Depending on what type of fence and materials you use, as well as the length and height of the fencing, you could be spending anywhere between $15 to $40 a linear foot for fencing material and $15-$40 for labor, resulting in a total end cost of about $3,000 to $20,000 per yard.

In this article we’ll break down how much a fence costs and share five examples of different fence materials to use.

Of course, these numbers are based on building a new fence and purchasing all brand-new materials. The rest of this article will discuss the top five most popular fencing materials, how much they cost to install, and a few ways you can cut costs with repurposed materials.

You can also look at the cheapest fence to build if you need to keep your budget even lower.

Top 5 Fencing Materials with Average Cost

Determining what fence material to use and how much will be spent comes down to what you are trying to achieve with the fence.

• Do you want to block out the nosey neighbor?
• Keep children and pets safely contained in the backyard.
• How long do you want the fence to last before you have to replace it?
• How often do you want to maintain the fence to keep it in good condition?

These questions and the average cost of materials will help you make your decision much simpler.

Most of these calculations are for a new fence project. If you have to worry about old fence removal or taking out old fence posts, most fence contractors will add a removal section in their quote.

How Much Does a Wood Fence Cost

Wood privacy fences are the most attractive option and a great option if you want/need privacy. Wood fences will not have to be replaced for at least 20 years if properly maintained.

The average price of a wood fence costs between $20 to $50 per linear foot installed. The cost is greatly affected by the species of wood you choose to use as well as the style of fence. The most popular are pressure treated pine, cedar, and redwood.

Horizontal slat wood fences cost more than a vertical slat wood fence. The price will double if you hire a contractor vs building it yourself.

Cedar is the best wood to build a fence due to the cedar oil in the wood. Cedar oil is naturally resistant to moisture, insect infestation, and decay. If you choose a cheaper wood, you’ll have to treat it with a waterproofing sealant yearly.

Most people prefer a wood fence because it adds nice curb appeal and the project costs are reasonable.

How Much Does a Chain Link Fence Cost

A chain-link fence can be the cheapest fencing material to choose from. Even with all the metal stakes, posts, gates, brackets, and tie wires, the cost will be less than other fencing materials.

The average cost for a chain link fence is $10 to $20 per linear foot. Most homeowners end up paying around $2,083 on average, or between $1,153 – $3,008 in total.

The cost can drastically change if you want taller, thicker gauge fencing. Chain link fencing is rather unattractive but does a great job at keeping children and pets safe.

A great cheap way to make your chain link fence look better is to add a great smelling vine, like star jasmine. The jasmine will cover the entire fence for more privacy and smell intoxicating when it blooms.

How Much Does a Vinyl Fence Cost

Vinyl fencing is made from PVC that is combined with special ingredients that make it strong, durable, and weatherproof. Compared to wood, a vinyl fence is non-porous and easy to clean, allowing it to last a lot longer with little to no maintenance.

Installing a vinyl fence costs about $30-$50 per linear foot on average. Depending on the size of the yard, a typical household would spend $500 to $10,000 in total for a vinyl fence.

The style of vinyl fence you choose will also impact the cost. But overall, its increased longevity and low maintenance will pay for itself in the long run. There’s no need to stain your fence every 5-10 years.

How Much Does a Composite Fence Cost

Composite fencing combines recycled wood and plastic designed to resemble wood. It is similar to vinyl, being a great low-maintenance and durable option but can warp, expand, or shrink in extreme weather.

On average composite fencing costs $40 to $60 per linear foot.

The cost for a composite fence is definitely on the high end. Even so, it can last over 20 years, requires little to no maintenance, and comes in various colors and styles, making it a worthwhile investment in the long run.

How Much Does Wire Fencing Cost

Wire fencing, like barbed wire, hog wire, or welded wire fencing, is more utilitarian than privacy fencing. Its use is more common for households on large properties with livestock. 

Installation of a wire fence can range between $1 to $7 per linear foot, with end costs around $1,254 to $5,852 per acre.

If you are looking for more functionality rather than privacy, then wire fencing is a good way to cut some of the costs of installing a fence.

• Hog wire fencing ranges in price, from $0.75 to $3.25 per foot, and is becoming more popular due to its affordability and attractive wood frame.
• Welded wire fencing costs, on average, about $1.48 to $1.58 per foot. It is commonly used around farms and is much safer but more expensive than barbed wire fencing. It is also harder to install and maintain.
• Barbed wire costs $1.25 to $1.48 to install and is great for fencing long distances and keeping animals in or out. The downsides are it’s unattractive, can easily be cut, and can be dangerous to children.

Other Fence Materials and Their Costs

There are many more fencing options to choose from than just the ones listed here. The ones listed above are the most common and budget-friendly.

You could also do the following:

• Electrical fence
• Aluminum fence
• Wrought iron fence
• Steel security or metal fence
• Stone or concrete fence

Other Fence Cost Considerations for a Backyard Fence

Figuring out what style of fence to use is only the first step to building your fence. Before you start, the first step would be to get a fence permit, if needed.

Building a fence that is 6 feet or under usually doesn’t need a permit, but it is still wise to check with your local planning and zoning office or your HOA (if you have one).

A fence permit can cost between $25 to $50. But it can a lot more if you didn’t apply for one before you started the project.

Other things to consider that will affect the overall fence cost:

• Hole digging labor and post hole diggers
• Slope leveling labor and equipment
• Additional equipment if the ground is soggy
• Job complexity (no way to get equipment or materials in backyard)
• How much does it cost to install a gate? Gates add anywhere between $150 to $500 per gate.
• Do you want an extra-long or extra-high fence? That could add 20%-30% to your installation costs.

Like with most projects, always consider the project’s full scope and not just a quick average calculation of length/price.

How to Cut Fencing Cost with Repurposed Materials and DIY Labor

No matter what fence style you choose for your landscaping project, using repurposed materials to build your fence is a great way to do both. In this day and age, ingenuity around creating something new with something old is highly encouraged.

There are countless examples of people doing so across the internet. Some examples are an old door fence, wine bottle fence, ceiling tin fence, shipping pallet fence, or even a fence made of old metal roofing. The possibilities are endless.

VERY IMPORTANT Be sure to know what side of the fence is yours vs your neighbors. If you repair or replace before finding this out, it could cost way more in legal fees, if its considered their fence!

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