Metal Fence Cost Calculator
Metal fencing ranges from $15 per linear foot for basic chain link up to $120 for heavy wrought iron. This metal fence cost calculator estimates the total installed price from your fence length, metal type, height, gates, and region so you can compare contractor bids or set a realistic budget before hiring. It works for aluminum ornamental, steel, wrought iron, corrugated panel, and galvanized chain link.
Metal Fence Cost by Material (2025)
Installed cost per linear foot at 6 ft height, standard prep, average region:
| Metal Type | Material/LF | Labor/LF | Installed/LF |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chain link (galvanized) | $12 | $5 | $15-35 |
| Corrugated / galvanized panel | $22 | $10 | $25-45 |
| Aluminum ornamental | $32 | $16 | $35-65 |
| Steel ornamental / tubular | $42 | $23 | $50-85 |
| Wrought iron | $55 | $38 | $70-120 |
What Goes Into a Metal Fence Cost Estimate
A full metal fence cost estimate has four components:
- Material cost: dollars per linear foot times net fence length (minus gate openings)
- Labor cost: 40-70% of material depending on metal type and install method
- Gate cost: walk gates $300-900 each; drive gates 3-4x a walk gate
- Removal cost: $4-8 per LF to tear out and haul away an existing fence
Add the four together for total installed price. Divide by linear feet for cost per foot.
Aluminum Fence Cost
Aluminum is the most common ornamental metal fence today because it does not rust, comes in pre-assembled panels, and is lighter than steel. Aluminum fence cost averages $35-65 per linear foot installed at 6 ft, or $30-50 at 4 ft. A 150 LF aluminum ornamental fence with one walk gate costs $5,500-$9,500 installed in 2025. Powder-coated black is standard; bronze, green, and white run the same price.
Steel Fence Cost
Steel ornamental (tubular steel) is heavier, stronger, and 15-20% more expensive than aluminum. Expect $50-85 per linear foot installed at 6 ft. Steel offers the same ornamental look as aluminum with better resistance to impact. The tradeoff is rust: steel needs a proper galvanized or powder-coated finish, and touch-ups every 5-10 years in humid climates.
Wrought Iron Fence Cost
True wrought iron is the premium metal fence option. Wrought iron fence cost runs $70-120 per linear foot installed, with custom welded sections at the top end. For a 100 LF wrought iron fence with one walk gate, expect $8,000-$14,000 installed. Labor is higher than other metal fences (60-70% of material) because on-site welding, custom spears, and finials are labor-intensive.
Corrugated Metal Fence Cost
Corrugated or galvanized panel fencing is the low-cost modern metal option. Costs run $25-45 per linear foot installed at 6 ft. It uses flat or ribbed metal panels mounted between wood or steel posts. Popular for modern ranch, industrial, and farm-style fencing.
Chain Link Fence Cost
Chain link is the cheapest metal fencing option at $15-35 per linear foot installed at 6 ft galvanized. Vinyl-coated (black or green) adds $5-7 per LF. A 150 LF galvanized chain link fence with one walk gate costs $2,500-4,500 installed.
Metal Fence Cost Drivers
These push the installed price up:
- Height: 8 ft adds 45% over 6 ft; 4 ft saves about 25%
- Slope and rocky terrain: adds 15-30% to labor (extra post-hole work)
- Post holes in concrete or asphalt: adds $20-40 per post
- Permits: $25-300 depending on jurisdiction
- Old fence removal: $4-8 per LF
- Custom ornamentation: spears, finials, rings add 10-20%
- Automatic drive gate opener: $1,500-$4,000 above the gate itself
DIY vs Pro Metal Fence
Chain link and corrugated panel fences are the most DIY-friendly metal options; ornamental aluminum is moderate; wrought iron requires welding skills or bolt-together kits from a manufacturer. Labor is 40-70% of pro install cost, so DIY saves meaningfully on any metal fence over 100 LF. Expect 2-3 weekends for 150 LF of ornamental aluminum with two helpers, a post-hole digger, and concrete mixer.