🏡 Fence Installation Cost: Every Material Compared

You have got a fence quote and you are not sure if $8,500 for 200 linear feet is reasonable. It depends entirely on what you are getting. Here is a complete breakdown of fence costs by material.

Fence Cost per Linear Foot (Installed)

Chain link (residential, 4 foot): $15 to $30 per linear foot.

Chain link (6 foot with privacy slats): $20 to $40 per linear foot.

Wood privacy fence (6 foot, pressure treated): $20 to $45 per linear foot.

Cedar or redwood privacy fence: $30 to $55 per linear foot.

Split rail (2 or 3 rail): $12 to $25 per linear foot.

Aluminum fence (ornamental style): $25 to $50 per linear foot.

Steel/wrought iron fence: $30 to $80 per linear foot.

Vinyl privacy fence (6 foot): $30 to $60 per linear foot.

Composite fence: $40 to $75 per linear foot.

For a standard backyard fence of 150-200 linear feet with one or two gates, the total installed cost should fall between $4,500 and $12,000 for most materials, with vinyl and composite at the higher end.

Gates Add Up

Gates are typically priced separately and add $200 to $1,200 per gate depending on material and width. A double-wide drive gate can run $800 to $2,000. If your quote includes several gates, make sure they are itemized and priced reasonably.

Post Setting: Concrete vs. Drive Post

Posts should be set in concrete footings, period. In most climates, post holes should be 24-36 inches deep to get below the frost line. Drive-posting (hammering posts into the ground without concrete) is a shortcut that results in posts heaving and leaning within a few years. Ask specifically: "Are posts set in concrete?"

Post size matters too. Wood privacy fence should use 4x4 posts minimum, 5x5 for gates. Vinyl fence uses hollow posts (this is normal for vinyl) but they should still be concreted in.

Wood Fence: Pressure Treatment Grade

Pressure treated wood for ground contact should be rated UC4A or UC4B. Standard above-ground treatment (UC3B) will rot at the base when set in ground. Ask specifically what treatment rating the posts and boards are. A fence that rots in 5 years instead of 20 is not a deal no matter what it cost.

Red Flags in Fence Quotes

No mention of post depth or concrete. This is the most common quality shortcut in fence installation.

Very fast installation timeline for large jobs. A quality 200-foot wood fence with proper post setting takes a crew at least one full day, usually two. "We can do it tomorrow in 4 hours" should raise questions about how carefully the posts are being set.

Price per linear foot without a site visit. Any fence quote given without physically walking your property is a rough estimate at best. Slope, rocky soil, obstacles, and existing structures all affect the real cost significantly.

No permit discussion. Most municipalities require permits for fences over 4 feet tall. A contractor not mentioning permits either does not pull them (leaving you with a potential violation) or plans to pass the cost to you as a surprise.

What a Fair Fence Quote Looks Like

A fair quote specifies material brand and grade, post size and depth, concrete footer specifications, inclusion of all gates and hardware, permit handling, and a cleanup scope. It comes after a physical site visit, not over the phone.

Upload your fence quote to QuoteScore for an instant fairness check against real installation data.