Summary: Summary: Fence installation in 2026 costs about $15 to $30 per linear foot for wood privacy fencing installed, $30 to $60 for vinyl, and $8 to $18 for chain link. A typical 150-foot backyard in pressure-treated pine runs $3,750 to $5,250 with one gate. Gates add roughly $250 each, sloped or rocky ground adds about 20 percent, and permits run $50 to $200 in most cities. Measure your line, check your property survey, and get three written quotes.
How fence contractors price your job
Fence pricing starts with a single number: total linear feet. Walk your property line with a measuring wheel or a phone GPS app and count the footage, then subtract existing structures. Multiply by the installed per-foot rate for your material: $15 to $30 for wood privacy, $30 to $60 for vinyl, $8 to $18 for chain link. That product is 80 percent of your quote. Everything else is adjustments.
The adjustments: gates at roughly $150 to $400 each depending on width and material, a terrain premium of 15 to 25 percent for slopes or rocky digging, old-fence tear-out at $3 to $5 per foot, and permits at $50 to $200. Labor is 30 to 50 percent of a fence project, lower than roofing because materials dominate. Two identical 150-foot wood fences can still bid $1,000 apart on post depth, concrete, and hardware quality, so compare the specs, not just the totals.
Picking the right material for your yard
Pressure-treated pine is the budget privacy choice: $15 to $30 per foot installed, 8 to 12 years of life, and it needs staining every 2 to 3 years. Cedar costs more ($25 to $45 per foot) but lasts 15 to 25 years and ages to a handsome gray if you let it. Vinyl is the low-maintenance play at $30 to $60 per foot with 25 to 40 years of life: never stain it, just rinse it, but know it can blow over in high-wind areas if posts are shallow.
Chain link at $8 to $18 per foot is the value pick for pet containment and large lots, especially vinyl-coated for looks. Ornamental aluminum and steel ($30 to $70 per foot) suit pool surrounds and front yards where looks matter. Match the material to the job: privacy means wood or vinyl, security with visibility means chain link or aluminum, and curb appeal means cedar or ornamental metal.
2026 fence installation cost by material
Installed per-linear-foot ranges from HomeGuide and contractor pricing data. Totals assume a 150-foot backyard with one gate. Download this table as CSV.
| Material | Installed $/linear ft | 150 ft total | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated pine privacy | $15-$30 | $2,500-$4,750 | 8-12 yr |
| Cedar privacy | $25-$45 | $4,000-$7,000 | 15-25 yr |
| Vinyl (PVC) privacy | $30-$60 | $4,750-$9,250 | 25-40 yr |
| Chain link (galvanized) | $8-$18 | $1,450-$2,950 | 15-20 yr |
| Ornamental aluminum/steel | $30-$70 | $4,750-$10,750 | 25-50 yr |
| Each gate (typical) | $150-$400 | per gate | n/a |
Fence cost guides
- Privacy fence cost per linear foot: what the per-foot number includes and how to measure
- Wood vs vinyl vs chain link: the full cost and maintenance comparison
- Does a fence increase home value?: ROI data and which fences buyers actually pay for
- Fence permit requirements: when you need a permit, HOA rules, and setback basics
- How long fence installation takes: typical timelines from quote to finished fence
Related tools
- Tree Removal Cost Calculator: clearing trees along the fence line? price the removal first
- Roof Replacement Cost Calculator: the other big-ticket exterior project to budget
- Home Warranty Cost Calculator: compare the fence cost against a year of home protection
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a privacy fence cost per linear foot?
- Installed, $15 to $30 per linear foot for pressure-treated pine, $25 to $45 for cedar, and $30 to $60 for vinyl in 2026. A 150-foot backyard in pine typically totals $3,750 to $5,250 with one gate.
- What is the cheapest fence to install?
- Chain link at $8 to $18 per linear foot installed, or barbed wire at $1 to $6 per foot for rural acreage. For privacy on a budget, pressure-treated pine is the cheapest solid fence.
- Do I need a permit for a fence?
- Often yes. Most cities require a permit for fences over 4 to 6 feet, and many HOAs have their own approval process. Permits typically cost $50 to $200. Check before you dig.
- How long does a wood fence last?
- Pressure-treated pine lasts 8 to 12 years with staining every 2 to 3 years. Cedar lasts 15 to 25 years. Vinyl lasts 25 to 40 years with almost no maintenance.
Data current as of October 2026. Sources: HomeGuide and contractor pricing data. Estimates only, not a quote. Always get multiple written quotes from licensed local fence installers.