Fence Installation Cost
National planning range, installed: $15–$45+ per linear foot depending on material. A typical 200-foot privacy fence runs $5,000–$12,000. Here's the breakdown.
Cost by material, per linear foot installed
| Material | Installed /ft | 200 ft total | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chain-link | $15–$25 | $3,000–$5,000 | 15–20 yrs |
| Wood privacy (pine/cedar) | $25–$45 | $5,000–$9,000 | 10–15 yrs |
| Vinyl privacy | $35–$60 | $7,000–$12,000 | 20–30 yrs |
| Aluminum ornamental | $40–$65 | $8,000–$13,000 | 20+ yrs |
What drives the price
- Gates are the surprise. Each walk gate adds $300–$800; double drive gates run $800–$2,000+. Count gates before comparing quotes.
- Terrain and access. Slopes, roots, rocky soil, and narrow access for equipment add 10–30%.
- Old fence removal. Tear-out and haul-away runs $5–$15/ft — confirm whether quotes include it.
- Height and style. 6-ft privacy costs notably more than 4-ft picket; board-on-board and cap/trim upgrades add up.
- Permits and surveys. $50–$300 for permits; a boundary survey ($300–$700) is cheap insurance against neighbor disputes.
Wood vs vinyl: total-cost truth
Wood wins upfront; vinyl usually wins at 15 years. A $7,000 wood fence plus two stain cycles ($1,500 each) and earlier replacement often exceeds a $10,000 vinyl fence that needs only washing. Choose wood for natural look and lower entry cost; choose vinyl for install-and-forget.
Quote rule: get three written quotes specifying material, height, linear footage, gate count and sizes, tear-out inclusion, and warranty. Compare with our contractor quote guide.
Quick answers
How much does fence installation cost?
$15–$45+/linear foot installed: chain-link cheapest, vinyl and ornamental priciest. Budget $5,000–$12,000 for 200 feet.
What is the cheapest fence?
Chain-link installed — but factor maintenance and lifespan; vinyl often wins long-term cost.