Cost to Install Fence Calculator
Cost to install fence per foot ranges from about $15 for basic chain link to $100 for composite privacy. This cost to install fence calculator separates the material and labor portions (labor cost to install fence per foot is usually 40-60% of the total) and adjusts for height, terrain, old fence removal, and regional labor rates so you can budget or compare a contractor quote line by line.
Cost to Install Fence per Foot (2025)
Installed cost per linear foot at 6 ft height, national averages:
| Fence Type | Cost per Foot | 150 LF Project |
|---|---|---|
| Chain link | $15-35 | $2,250-5,250 |
| Wood pressure-treated pine | $22-38 | $3,300-5,700 |
| Wood cedar | $28-50 | $4,200-7,500 |
| Vinyl / PVC | $35-70 | $5,250-10,500 |
| Aluminum ornamental | $45-75 | $6,750-11,250 |
| Composite (Trex, SimTek) | $55-100 | $8,250-15,000 |
Labor Cost to Install Fence per Foot
Labor cost to install fence per foot is typically 40-60% of the total. Breakdown by type:
- Chain link: labor $7-15/ft (fastest to install, minimal cut work)
- Wood pine / cedar: labor $11-22/ft (standard post-set + picket install)
- Vinyl: labor $19-38/ft (post sleeves, precise cutting of prefab panels)
- Aluminum: labor $25-40/ft (section install, similar to vinyl)
- Composite: labor $33-60/ft (heaviest material, detailed fitting)
Labor Cost to Install Privacy Fence
Labor cost to install privacy fence averages $12-25 per linear foot for wood, $20-35 for vinyl, and $30-50 for composite. A standard 150 LF cedar privacy fence takes a two-person crew 2-3 days. Add a full extra day for any of: sloped lot, more than 2 gates, old fence removal, or concrete post footings in hard ground.
Cost to Install Fence per Foot Calculator - What Moves the Price
- Height: 8 ft fences cost 40% more per foot than 6 ft. 4 ft cost 25% less.
- Terrain: sloped lots add 10-20% to labor; rocky / hardpan adds 20-30%.
- Old fence removal: $3-8 per linear foot for demo and haul-off.
- Gates: walk gate $200-500, double walk $500-900, drive gate $800-2,000.
- Permit: $25-300 depending on jurisdiction.
- Post footings in concrete or asphalt: add $10-30 per post.
- Corners and turns: labor bumps 5-10% because more posts are set.
Wood vs Chain Link vs Vinyl
For a 150 ft perimeter at 6 ft height:
- Chain link: $3,300 installed, 10-15 year lifespan, no privacy
- Cedar wood: $5,250 installed, 15-25 years with stain, full privacy
- Vinyl: $7,500 installed, 25-30 years, full privacy, no maintenance
- Composite: $11,250 installed, 30+ years, full privacy, zero maintenance
Vinyl and composite cost more up front but the lifetime cost per year is often lower than cedar.
DIY Savings
DIY cuts labor completely (40-60% of total). For a 150 LF cedar fence: materials $1,800-2,800 vs $4,500-7,500 installed. Expect 2-3 weekends for a two-person DIY team. You need a post hole digger, level, string line, and access to a truck for lumber.