How Much Does it Cost to Build a Fence? [2024 Data]
July 17th, 2024
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How Much Does it Cost to Build a Fence? [2024 Data]
Are you considering building a fence and want to know how much it will cost? Here is all you need to know based on 2024 data on how much it will cost to build a fence.
When people consider adding a fence to their property, they always wonder how much it will cost. The fencing cost will vary depending on its size and the materials used to build it. Each person wants something different when building a fence, so understanding the averages can help you better understand how much it will cost you personally.
Adding a fence to your yard has many benefits for your home, such as adding privacy, protection, and improved safety. Installing a quality fence is a great way to add value to your house and boost your curb appeal without completely changing your home.
The average fence cost is about $3,300 but ranges from $1,600 to $7,000. Fences are a great way to add security and value, but when you are considering building one, you need to keep a couple of things in mind so it does not run you into the thousands.
Many people love the idea of saving money. If you want to build a fence but cannot afford to hire a professional, there are many ways you can DIY your own fence to save a lot of money. Keep reading to learn about the average costs and different types of fences, whether you are considering doing it yourself or planning on hiring someone to do it.
According to 2024 data, the cost of building a fence is as follows:
Chapters
1. Fence Installation Cost
One of the largest factors influencing the cost of building a fence is the size of your yard, which will determine how much material you need and the labor required. You also have to pay for it to be installed.
The average installation cost for wood or vinyl is about $4,000 to $12,000 or $20 to $60 per linear foot. Privacy fences will cost about $25-$60 per linear foot, and picket fences will cost about $20-$50. Keep in mind that fence replacement will also cost about $30 to $80 per linear foot.
Below is a chart of the average fence cost for installation per linear foot.
| Fence Length (Linear Feet) | Average Cost Installed |
| 50 | $1K - $3K |
| 100 | $2K - $6K |
| 150 | $3K - $9K |
| 200 | $4K - $12K |
| 300 | $6K - $18K |
| 400 | $10K - $24K |
2. Fence Material Cost
The materials you choose play a huge role in how much you will pay for your fence installation. While pricing will vary based on your property, some averages can help you understand your budget.
- Wood: Wood is durable and ideal for traditional-style homes. This is one of the cheapest materials for a fence, especially when made with basic pine, spruce, or cedar. Prices do increase for pressure-treated wood and hardwoods.
- Metal: Whether it is iron, aluminum, or classical chain link fencing, these materials are very durable and often cost-effective to install.
- Vinyl: Vinyl is an incredibly popular option due to its durability and weather-resistant nature. Many homeowners prefer this option because you do not need annual resealing like wood. Vinyl fences are suited for humid and rainy climates.
- Composite: Composite fencing comes in a range of looks and styles. It is solid and durable, ideal for a designer-inspired home. Most composite fences are more expensive but outlast other options due to their reinforced plastic and fiber design.
- Wrought Iron: Typically the most expensive kind, especially when built with high-quality 99% iron. These fences outlast others and provide good security borders since they are hard to climb, cut, or knock over.
| Material Type | Cost per Linear Foot Installed |
| Wood | $20-$50 |
| Vinyl | $30-$60 |
| Composite | $20-$85 |
| Metal | $20-$85 |
| Wrought Iron | $50-$85 |
3. Types of Fences
There are different types of fences, just like the materials used for them: privacy, picket, and rail.
Privacy
On average, privacy fences cost about $25 to $60 per linear foot for 6' tall wood and vinyl fences. Installing an 8' tall privacy fence will cost you more, $50 to $85 per linear foot. Common privacy fences include a shadow box, board and batten, board-on-board with overlapping slats, and edge-to-edge vertical or horizontal board fences.
Picket
Installing a picket fence will cost you, on average, about $20 to $50 per linear foot. Common materials used for a picket fence include wood, vinyl, and aluminum at 3' to 5' tall heights. Because of the spaced boards, these fences are ideal for front yards and garden borders. You can also customize them for a higher cost.
Rail
Rail fences cost about $15 to $35 per linear foot, depending on the material, number of rails, and length. This rustic-looking fence has 2 to 4 wide rails, typically made of unsurfaced wood. Vinyl rails are also a common option.
People tend to prefer split rail fencing for ranches, farms, and larger properties that need an affordable boundary that does not obstruct property views.
4. Fence Cost Factors
The cost of building a fence depends on many factors, such as materials, style, gates, posts, customizations, and other factors. Understanding these average costs will help you budget when you are considering building a fence.
- Materials: Metal privacy fences are typically the most expensive, while readily available wood costs less. This will also fluctuate according to local supply
- Style: Privacy and shadow fences cost more in material and labor than a simple picket fence
- Gates: Adding multiple gates with automatic openers, security codes, or in custom sizes will increase the total project cost
- Post: Prices vary by the post material, number of posts, type, and installation method. Post set deeper than 3' in concrete cost more
- Customizations: Fence modifications, upgraded hardware, and decorative posts will cost extra
- Terrian: Fence installation will cost more in areas with rocks, steep inclines, and poor soil
- Fence Location: Installations in hard-to-reach areas with obstructions will require more labor and specialized equipment, meaning higher cost
- Labor: The labor cost to build a fence will vary depending on the contractor's expertise, crew size, region, working conditions, and fence complexity
- Delivery: For smaller fences, some installers may offer free delivery within the local area; keep in mind greater distance costs extra
- Survey: A land survey costs about $200 to $1,200 to mark property lines and show where to build a fence legally.
5. Fence Cost Estimation
While it is hard to give an exact number on how much it will cost you to build your fence, you can at least look at average numbers of the things that go into building a fence so you get a good idea of how much it will cost you so you can save up and budget to afford.
Below is a chart based on 2024 data:
| Fence Material | Stated Above |
| Installation Labor | $1,200 - $1,600 (Labor to install, not inspections or permits) |
| Job Supplies | $500 - $1,000 (Standard supplies like screws, post caps, etc.) |
| Equipment Allowance | $50 - $100 |
| Option: Gate Installation | $400 - $800 |
| Option: Fence Removal | $350 - $600 |
| National Average Price | $3,300 |
| Typical Price per Linear Foot | $5 - $55 |
6. Added Cost
When you build a fence on your property, you pay for the cost of the fence, installation, labor, materials, and other costs that many people forget to consider, such as adding gates, land grading, old fence removal, tree/bush removal, permits, painting, and many others.
Here is a breakdown of some added costs to building a fence and the price ranges.
Adding Gates
Gates are considered a specialty feature because they do not require much work and materials. They typically cost $150, but depending on the material and type, they can cost around $400 to $1,200.
Land Leveling
Installing a fence on a slope is more costly and time-consuming, so you will either need to level the land or regrade it. Most homeowners spend about $1,000 to $3,200 to regrade their lawn prior to fence installation.
Fence Removal
If you are replacing a fence, you need to remove the old one, which will cost you about $3-$5 per linear foot. Most people, on average, spend about $450 to $750 to remove 150 feet of fences.
Tree/Bush Removal
You may need to remove any trees or roots that interfere with fence installation. The average cost to remove a tree is about $750, but that does vary depending on the size of the tree.
Painting
Painting and staining a fence can cost about $3.50 to $13 per linear foot for a professional job, which will cost about $750 to $4,250 per project. However, painting a fence is a very easy DIY project that can save you money.
Permits
Permit requirements vary by city and local laws, but you almost always need a permit to put up a fence, especially if you are near property lines. Fencing permits cost about $20- $60, and they don't add much.
7. Average Cost for A Fence
The average U.S. homeowner spends about $3,300 to install a wood fence. However, depending on the material, size, style, and other factors, the cost can range from $1,600 to $7,000. Overall, you can think of paying $10 to $30 per linear foot.
You should also know that, just like the real estate market, there are certain times when fencing is cheaper and more expensive. Overall, the cheapest time to install a fence is during the off-season, which means fall, winter, and early spring. Late spring and summer are usually peak times, and materials and labor can be more expensive since the demand is higher then.
The American Fence Company suggests that pre-made fences are generally cheaper and require less installation time. However, this depends on your yard type and preferences. There are many options to consider when building a fence, so weighing the pros and cons of each to find what works best for you and your budget is important.
Methodology
We used information from different sources and our data about how much it would cost you to build a fence. There were various data to use, so we put them together to guide you on what you should know about the costs of building a fence according to 2024 data.
The sources listed above are a few of the ones we used to gather most of our information about the cost of building a fence.
FAQS
Why is yard fencing so expensive?
Yard fencing can be expensive because materials and labor account for about half of the price per linear foot. Prices are based on the type and style you choose, so adding additional items can increase the cost.
What are some reasonable prices for fencing?
The most affordable fence options currently available are wooden, chain link, vinyl, and bamboo fences. Each is cost-effective, budget-friendly, and provides economical security.
Do fences lower property value?
A fence can increase the value of your home by adding curb appeal if it enhances the visual appeal or some other aspect of your home, like privacy, which many people look for when buying a home.
How Much Does it Cost to Build a Fence? [2024 Data] - The Bottom Line
Installing a fence is often fairly simple and can also be cost-effective if you understand the types. However, you do need to consider other factors that go into building a fence because they have a huge impact on the overall cost.
Installing a fence can be expensive, and there are many ways you can help save money when you are building one. You can choose budget-friendly material, keep it simple, minimize posts, hunt for the best deals, and many other ways. You should also keep in mind that these averages for fence installation vary, especially per state.
Keep in mind that labor may be the most expensive part of building a fence. If you want to save money, there are many ways to build your own fence, which will save you thousands of dollars.
If you are considering moving or selling, contact us or visit our website. Our team at Raleigh Realty is here to help you with any home buying or selling needs.
Ryan Fitzgerald
Hi there! Nice to 'meet' you and thanks for visiting our Raleigh Real Estate Blog! My name is Ryan Fitzgerald, and I'm a REALTOR® in Raleigh-Durham, NC, the owner of Raleigh Realty. I work alongside some of the best Realtors in Raleigh. You can find more of my real estate content on Forbes, Wall Street Journal, U.S. News and more. Realtor Magazine named me a top 30 under 30 Realtor in the country (it was a long time ago haha). Any way, that's enough about me. I'd love to learn more about you if you'd like to connect with me on Facebook and Instagram or connect with our team at Raleigh Realty. Looking forward to connecting!
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