Fence Cost (Fence + Installation Cost) per Linear Foot VS Cost per Panel

Before starting a fence project, you need to know the upfront cost.

The type of fence and quality of the materials will determine the cost. 

This article will discuss the cost of fences, installation costs with different yards, as well as estimating fence costs. This will also answer common fence cost questions. 

Fence cost per linear foot installed (fence + installation labor) 

As mentioned earlier, the type of fence you want to install and the material you want to use will determine the cost per linear foot.

How Much Does A Vinyl Fence Cost?

• Vinyl Fence –Vinyl fences are durable and can last for decades.
• They are available in different designs and colors and they are easy to maintain.  
• The installation cost of a vinyl fence is around $25 – $40 per linear foot. You can cut the cost by installing pre-built panels. 

How Much Does A Chain Link Fence Cost?

Chain link fence- Chain link fences are popular because they are low maintenance. The metal can last up to two decades without rotting. 

Chain link fences are safe for pets and children.

The see-through feature of a chain link can be a deal-breaker, especially if privacy is the priority.  

Installation may cost between $15-$30 per linear foot. 

How Much Does A Wood Fence Cost?

Wood Fence- Wood can be used as a privacy fence or as a sectional fence. Because wood fences are prone to termite attacks and rot, they require a lot of maintenance. 

Wood fences cost around $15 and $35 per linear foot depending on the type of wood. 

How Much Does A Metal Fence Cost?

Metal Fence- Metal fences are usually made from steel or aluminum. You can assemble them off-site and install them on-site. 

Metal fences usually require less maintenance, though they are prone to rust. 

A metal fence usually costs anywhere from $35 to $60 per linear foot. 

What does the fence cost include? 

Some other expenses also contribute to the price of fence installation. 

According to the American Fence Association, labor and material costs can contribute to over 50% of overall fence costs. 

The size of the fencing area also affects cost. 

If you are installing your fence in an area with large debris and rocks, you may need to spend more money on digging the posts. 

Check if you will need to apply for a permit before starting. 

Permits– Permits are one of the building costs of a fence. 

Although applying for a permit comes at no extra cost to you, you may have to pay an approval fee in rare cases. This is usually common when you want to install a fence in secluded locations. 

You may spend between $400 and $800 on a building permit. 

Cost of Labor- Property fencing is time-sensitive.

That’s why labor contributes to 50% of the cost. 

Labor rates are usually determined by the fencing material and the complexity of the task. 

You should prepare between $30-$80 per hour for labor costs.

Professional contractors can install a 200 linear feet fence within 35 hours.

Trees may need to be removed on rare occasions, which will incur an additional cost. Even the root system of the removed tree will require more labor effort when digging, which may result in a higher cost. 

The same also applies to concrete floors when you have pre-existing concrete. 

Similarly, if the contractor detects bedrock when digging the post, he may need specialized equipment to remove it, which is another additional cost. 

Does it include removing my old fence?

Yes, you need to remove the old fence panel to install a new one.

You may tear the old fence, but an iron or stone fence may require additional support (equipment) to remove. 

This is where an expert comes in at an average of $3-$5 per linear foot. 

What is the cheapest wooden fence to install? 

The cost of wood fences varies. However, treated pine fences are usually among the cheapest. 

According to Home Advisor, a 6-foot tall fence of treated pine costs between $1 to $5 per linear foot. 

Pressure-treated pine is more durable than normal pine. Although it costs a little more, the investment is quite worth it. 

Redwood and cedar are expensive options to pine, with the material cost increasing by approximately 20%-50%. 

How much does a wooden cedar fence cost?

The cost of cedar fences usually ranges between $15 to $30 per linear foot (installation inclusive). 

That’s between $2,250-$4,500 for 150 linear feet. 

Remember that pressure-treated pines are used for the posts.

A larger privacy fence will be costlier than small picket fences. The price can also be influenced by factors like ground conditions, local rates, and season. 

For additional designs, such as a scalloped top, pressure-treated pine typically costs around $2 per linear foot.

You may spend an extra $3-$6 per linear foot to remove the old fence. 

How much does a wooden pine fence cost?

The cost of a pressure-treated pine ranges between $20-$25 per linear foot with installation. 

If your backyard measures 150 linear feet, which is the standard measurement of most backyards, you should expect to spend anywhere from $1500 to $3750. 

Is vinyl fence more expensive than composite and wood?

Composite fencing is usually less expensive than wood fencing but costs more than vinyl. 

Woods in composite fencing may cause a few drawbacks.

Changes in humidity cause the wood in composite fencing to contract, which eventually results in warping. 

Vinyl fencing is more expensive than wood fencing but can last for a longer time. 

Who installs fences the cheapest?

You can choose to do the installation yourself if you are handy. 

However, you have to have good knowledge of the installation process. If not, you may need professional help. 

Alternatively, you can use the help of a handy friend or neighbor, especially someone with a similar experience. 

Why do fences cost so much?

Fence pricing varies and it is determined by several factors which include:  

• Yard size– Obviously, a fence installed on a larger yard will cost more than the one installed on a smaller yard. 
• Material used- Fencing materials vary in quality and price. Your choice will affect the overall cost of fence installation. 
• Fence style- Some fence styles require special tools, proper installation, and time, which may influence the overall price of your installation. 
• Labor- Areas like trenches and hills will require more labor-intensive applications which can affect the installation price. 
• Geography– the price of fence installation varies depending on location. Climate and rough terrain may increase installation prices. 

How to estimate fence material?

Before you install a fence, you need a rough estimate or a general idea of how much you may likely spend. 

The difference in quantity and type will greatly impact your budget. 

Here’s how to estimate your fence material: 

• Estimate the length measurement- Measure the perimeter and lineal feet of your fence. 

A little tech knowledge can help here. Instead of walking the distance yourself, you can use the satellite feature on Google Maps’ distance app to check your property. 

Use the app to measure your property boundary.

The app provides a rough estimate of your linear foot, which is more important for a larger area. 

• Get the height measurement- Determine the height of the fence. 

Is it a short fence with around 32 feet or a tall fence with up to 8 feet? Tall fences require more material and labor investment than short fences. 

• Estimate the Gates– How many gate openings will you likely need?

Of course, the number of gates will determine the number of posts to be installed. 

Again, decide if you will go the DIY way to install your gate or get a prefabricated gate kit. Prefab gates already have their focal points professionally crafted, which is a huge advantage over the DIY approach, especially if you are not a pro. 

Nevertheless, measure the width of the gate opening. 

• Make a quick sketch- Sketch the proposed shape of your property on paper.

It doesn’t matter whether or not it scales; what matters is to have the numbers of corners included.

Put down the length of individual sections of the fence. That way, you can easily estimate the total number of posts required for the project. 

• Checks for hills and slopes- Do you have an area in your yard with higher steepness than the rest? 

Mark them in your sketch because it may influence the number of lumber needed for your installation. 

• Attached or freestanding? Do you want a fence attached to your building or the stand-alone version? 

Your choice will affect the number of posts needed for the project. 

• Choose your style- Do you have a style in mind?

From a beautiful horizontal fence to a short picket fence and board fencing style, remember that these styles require different materials, lengths, and heights.

You can also study other styles of fences around you as you drive downtown.

Take some pictures (of course, with permission) of the fence for inspiration.

Your contractor can easily identify which one suits your needs and meets your budget. If you have no ideas where to start from, you can visit a nearby lumber yard for more inspiration. 

• Get your width right- Assuming you’ve clarified your fencing style, you should know the exact width of your fence plank. 

Check the gap size of each board to know what number of lumber to use. 

• Calculate- Now that you have the necessary information to start, it is time to do the math. 

If your short fence will have linear feet of 100 with 6 inches wide boards without gaps, it means you will need 2 boards per unit, making 200 boards. 

Follow similar procedures for other parameters. 

FAQs

What does it cost to fence a 1-acre lot?

Based on a national average, fencing a 1-acre lot will cost anywhere between $2,000 and $37,000. 

Wooden fences are the most expensive because they are difficult to install. They also require expert attention. 

Chain-link fences are the most cost effective type of fence. You can have them installed at $15 to $30 per linear foot, including the cost of labor. You can cut down the cost if you do it yourself. 

Barbed wire is usually more cost-effective but not so beautiful and can be unsafe if handled wrongly. 

However, the fact that you will only spend between $1 to $2.5 per linear foot makes it a considerable option among homeowners, especially those living on farms.

What is the cost to fence for a 0.5 acre?

The typical cost of fencing on 1/2 acres is $9,000. 

This includes the cost of labor, installation, and material. 

The average cost is around $23 per linear foot. 

You may also spend up to $18,000 on fencing one acre of land with the cost of composite fences averaging $35 per linear foot. 

What is the cost to fence in ¼ acre?

The typical cost of fencing on ¼ acres is $4,500. This includes the cost of labor, installation, and material. The average cost is around $13 per linear foot. 

You may also spend up to $18,000 on fencing one acre of land with the cost of composite fences averaging $35 per linear foot. 

How much does Home Depot charge to install a fence?

Home Depot Fence charges the least amount for chain-link installation, which is about $200 for every 50 feet ($4 per linear foot) besides $10-25 per fence post. 

The most expensive fencing option is the composite fence where Home Depot Fence charges between $285-$320 for every 8ft wide panel or between $35-$40 for each foot. 

How much does Lowe’s charge to install a fence?

Lowe’s charges the least amount for chain link installation, which is about $75-$200 for every 50 feet ($1.5-4 per linear foot) in addition to $10-$25 per fence post. 

The most expensive fencing option is the composite fence, which Lowe’s charges between $280-$300 for every 8ft wide panel or between $32-$38 per foot).