Fence Cost Calculator

Estimate the cost to install a fence in 2026. Compare wood, vinyl, chain link, aluminum, and more. Includes gates, add-ons, and regional pricing. Toggle between DIY and professional installation.

200 ft
50 ft600 ft
Walk Gate (3-4 ft)$400 each
1
Drive Gate (10-12 ft)$1,200 each
0

Estimated Installed Cost

$6,400

Range: $5,440$7,360

Based on Midwest pricing

$32/lf · 200 linear feet

Cost Breakdown

Fence$6,000 (94%)
Gates$400 (6%)

DIY Alternative

Save $3,000 (47%) by installing the fence yourself

DIY estimate: $3,400

Material Comparison

OptionEst. Costvs. Cheapest
Chain Link (4 ft)
$2,800Lowest
Chain Link (6 ft)
$4,000+$1,200 (+43%)
Wood Privacy (Pine)SelectedPopular
$6,000+$3,200 (+114%)
Vinyl / PVC
$7,600+$4,800 (+171%)
Cedar
$8,000+$5,200 (+186%)
Aluminum Ornamental
$8,000+$5,200 (+186%)
Composite
$9,000+$6,200 (+221%)
Wrought Iron
$11,000+$8,200 (+293%)

How We Calculate Fence Costs

Our fence calculator uses 2026 contractor pricing data for professional installation and current material prices for DIY projects. The base cost is calculated per linear foot based on your selected material and fence height.

Gate costs are added as flat fees — a standard walk gate runs about $400 and a double drive gate about $1,200 installed. Add-ons like old fence removal ($5/lf), staining ($5/lf for wood), and permits ($150) adjust the total.

DIY estimates include materials only (roughly 50% of professional cost). Professional estimates include all labor, materials, concrete for posts, and cleanup. Regional multipliers adjust for local labor rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to fence a backyard in 2026?
The average cost to fence a backyard ranges from $3,000 to $10,000 for 150-200 linear feet. Wood privacy fencing costs $30/lf installed, vinyl runs $38/lf, and chain link is the cheapest at $14-$20/lf. Total cost depends on material, length, height, gates, and your region.
What is the cheapest fence to install?
Chain link is the cheapest fence at $14/lf (4 ft) or $20/lf (6 ft) installed. For privacy fencing, pressure-treated wood is the most affordable at about $30/lf installed. Vinyl costs more upfront ($38/lf) but requires zero maintenance, often making it cheaper over 20+ years.
Is vinyl fencing cheaper than wood?
Vinyl costs 15-25% more upfront than wood ($38/lf vs $30/lf). However, wood requires staining every 2-3 years ($5/lf each time) and has a shorter lifespan. Over 20 years, vinyl typically costs less when you factor in maintenance. Break-even is usually around year 7-10.
How much does it cost to replace an old fence?
Add $3-$7 per linear foot for removing the old fence on top of new fence installation costs. For a typical 200-foot wood privacy fence replacement, expect $7,000-$12,000 total including removal, disposal, and new fence installation.
Do I need a permit to build a fence?
Most cities require permits for fences over 4 feet tall, typically costing $25-$500. Many HOAs have additional approval requirements for height, material, and color. Always check local building codes and property lines before starting — building on your neighbor's property can be costly to fix.
How long does a fence last?
Fence lifespan varies dramatically by material: chain link lasts 25-30 years, wood privacy 15-20 years, cedar 20-30 years, vinyl 30-50 years, aluminum 30-50 years, composite 25-30 years, and wrought iron 50-100+ years. Proper installation and maintenance extend life significantly.
Can I install a fence myself to save money?
DIY fence installation can save 40-50% of the total cost. Wood and chain link are the easiest to DIY. However, you'll need to rent tools ($200-$500), dig post holes, set posts in concrete, and ensure level alignment. A 200-foot fence typically takes 40-60 hours of work. Most DIY failures are from posts not being set deep or straight enough.

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