Total Fence Cost Calculator
2024 material and labor data — includes permit fee estimate by state
📐 Fence Specs
🏙️ Location & Labor
🏘️ Additional Options
Cost Breakdown by Category
Itemized Estimate
2024 Fence Cost Reference Data
| Material | DIY Cost/LF | Installed Cost/LF | Lifespan | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar board-on-board | $8–$14 | $18–$28 | 15–25 yrs | Stain every 3–5 yrs |
| Pressure-treated pine | $6–$11 | $14–$22 | 15–20 yrs | Stain/seal every 3–5 yrs |
| Vinyl / PVC privacy | $15–$25 | $25–$40 | 25–30 yrs | Occasional washing only |
| Aluminum ornamental | $20–$35 | $35–$55 | 30–50 yrs | Minimal; touch-up paint |
| Chain-link (galvanized) | $5–$10 | $12–$20 | 20–30 yrs | Minimal; occasional rust treatment |
| Steel / wrought iron | $25–$45 | $45–$80 | 50+ yrs | Paint every 5–10 yrs |
| Split rail (wood, 2-rail) | $6–$12 | $14–$22 | 10–20 yrs | Stain every 3–5 yrs |
What Drives Fence Cost Variation
The single biggest cost driver is labor — which varies 40–60% between low-cost rural markets and high-cost coastal metros. A contractor-installed 6-foot cedar fence costs $18–$22/linear foot in Tennessee or Alabama and $30–$42/linear foot in the San Francisco Bay Area or Connecticut. Materials cost roughly the same everywhere; labor and permit fees are regional.
Other significant cost factors: terrain (sloped lots add 15–30%); soil type (rocky soil requires equipment rental for post holes); removal of existing fence ($2–$8/linear foot); gate complexity (a double driveway gate with automatic opener adds $800–$2,500); and post setting method (concrete is standard but adds cost over driven posts for chain-link).
Free: Fence Permit Application Checklist (PDF)
Includes a contractor comparison worksheet and questions to ask before signing a fence contract.
⬇ Download Free PDFFrequently Asked Questions — Fence Costs
For most materials, DIY saves 40–55% of total cost — primarily by eliminating labor. A 150-foot 6-foot cedar fence costs roughly $2,700–$4,500 in materials for a DIY build vs. $6,000–$9,500 contractor-installed. The trade-offs: DIY takes significant time (plan for 2–4 weekends for 150 linear feet), requires tool rental ($150–$300 for a post hole digger), and any permit mistakes are yours to fix.
Yes — always get at least 3 written quotes for fence work. Quote variation of 30–50% for the same job is common. Ask each contractor: whether the permit is included in their quote (and who pulls it), what happens if posts hit rock, whether they'll stake the property line before installation, and what the payment schedule is. Never pay more than 30% upfront.
Sloped lots require either "stepped" fence sections (fence runs level in steps) or "raked" fence sections (fence follows the slope). Both add cost: stepped fencing requires additional posts at each step and may require custom-cut panels; raked fencing requires more complex post measurement and isn't possible with all fence styles. Add 15–30% to your estimate for a sloped yard, and confirm with your contractor before signing.