How Much Does Fence Installation Cost in 2025?

Whether you’re considering repairing an old fence, installing a new one, or adding fence posts (or even barbed wire!), several factors impact the final cost, including materials used, project scope, labor fees, and more.

This guide will discuss the elements that affect the average fence installation costs in the U.S., how to save money on fence installation, and the benefits of hiring a professional for the job. We’ll also share tips on gate and fence maintenance to keep your fence in top shape for years to come.

Average Fence Installation Costs

The materials used in your fence installation project along with the size of your yard influence the price you’ll pay. The national average for a fence installation job is $4,000, with $1,000 on the lower end and about $7,000 on the higher end.

Factors that Impact Fence Installation Cost

Figuring out how much a fence installation job will cost depends on a variety of factors. Some elements that can affect the cost of your fence project include:

Fence materials

Are you using wood, vinyl, chain link, aluminum, PVC, or composite materials? Each type of material has a different price point based on availability and the effort required to produce it.

Common fence materials include:

• Wood: Wood is a popular fence material that costs about $10-$45 per linear foot to install.
• Vinyl: A vinyl, aka polyvinyl chloride (PVC), fence is a synthetic, durable, and water-resistant option that costs about $15-$40 per linear foot.
• Steel: This is one of the most durable yet expensive fencing materials to install, costing between $17-$90 per linear foot.
• Chain link: With a price tag between $8-$40 per linear foot, chain link fences are often the most affordable option in most metropolitan areas.
• Wrought iron: This is another highly resilient and fairly costly material, costing around $25-$55 per linear foot. Its complex production process can contribute to its high price tag.

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Fence size and height

The size of the area you want fenced in and how tall you want your fence will play a large role in your installation cost. Fencing in a larger area will increase material and labor costs.

For example, installing a wood fence can cost about $10-$45 per linear foot on average. If your project is about 100 linear feet, you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $4,500. Fences are between 6 and 8 feet tall on average, so opting for a shorter fence can reduce your expenses.

Labor

If your installation project requires a lot of labor, it will likely increase your cost, especially when dealing with large fence panels that require two or more people to install. Heavy equipment like a backhoe or excavator will also increase the overall costs.

Fence contractors often charge by the hour or per linear foot. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, fence contractors charge a mean of $22.43 per hour across the United States.

Fence complexity

As with all home assembly projects, fence installation becomes more costly with complex designs. For example, adding a gate to a fence is a relatively intricate process that requires additional materials and labor. You could pay between $400 and $1,200 based on the size and scale of the gate. Building a fence on a hilly or sloped yard will also be more costly than working on a flat surface.

Custom features

Special fence features, such as smart security functions and rare materials, will also drive up the cost. For instance, you can add motion sensor lights to your fence for $50-$100 per light. Painting or staining a fence with custom colors and designs can also cost $3.50-$13 per linear square foot.

Location

Location plays a vital role when determining how much fencing costs. Everything from labor rates to the availability and pricing of materials fluctuates from one city or state to the next. Fence contractors can charge $50 per hour on average in the U.S. Check with local contractors in your area for a more accurate quote.

Additional Cost Considerations

If a lot of debris needs to be removed (shrubs, bushes, and/or trees) or an existing fence needs to be removed, this will increase the overall expenses.

Some areas require a permit to install a fence, so it’s best to check before any work is started. If permits are required, your contractor can add the amount of the permit (typically between $20 and $60) to your total project estimate.

How To Save Money on Fence Installation

If you have concerns about the average fence replacement cost or the price of installing a new one, we have good news! Some ways to save money on your project include:

• Do the site prep and old fence removal (if necessary) yourself.
• Select a less expensive fence material like vinyl or wood.
• Fence in a smaller area or do it in sections over a period of time.
• Try to hire a contractor during their off-season (typically winter).
• Consider installing a shorter fence.
• Recycle usable materials from previous projects, like reusing wooden planks from a table.
• Skip the fancy designs and stick with a simple fence.

If you’re willing to do some of the work, select a lower-grade material, and fence your property in sections, you can save some money on the initial costs. Speak with a professional fence installer first, get a quote, and then discuss options on how to lower the price.

The Benefits of Hiring a Professional

If time, skill, and experience are not on your side, it’s best to find a local professional like Mr. Handyman®. A professional will have the expertise and equipment needed to get the job done quickly and efficiently.

Saving yourself the headache of figuring it all out is worth the costs to replace or install a new fence or fence posts. Service professionals will also be familiar with the different types of fence material and styles and can suggest which type is best suited for your needs. This peace of mind and assurance that the job will be done right is well worth the price of your new fence.

Find Fence Installation Services Near You

The experienced team at Mr. Handyman has the expertise and tools needed to get the job done right the first time. Plus, all Mr. Handyman projects are backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise™, which ensures your satisfaction. If you’re ready to install a beautiful new fence or replace an old one, request service today!

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. Mr. Handyman is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact your local Mr. Handyman location for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.

Fence Installation FAQs

Mr. Handyman has been helping homeowners repair, maintain, and enhance their spaces for over 25 years! We are the one-stop solution for everything on your to-do list. This includes answering your questions about home repairs, maintenance, and improvements. Here are answers to some of your most frequently asked questions about fence installation.

How do you calculate labor costs for fencing?

Multiply the total estimated hours to complete a project with the average labor costs in your area to calculate your expenses. You can also multiply your yard’s linear footage by the projected labor costs per linear foot in your neighborhood. Speak with multiple contractors in your city and use online labor cost calculators to get a more accurate estimate.

What is the cheapest fence to have installed?

Chain link fences have the lowest cost and are easy to maintain over long periods of time. It costs $8-$40 per linear foot to install this type of fence and they normally last for 20 years or more with proper maintenance.

Electric fences are technically the cheapest option, but they only work as pet containment tools and lack the security and privacy that physical fences provide.

Will adding a fence increase home value?

Installing a fence can potentially increase a home’s curb appeal and add a greater sense of security and privacy to a property. A well-made fence can recover 50% to 70% of its installation cost when you resell the home.

What questions should I ask a contractor?

When you’re shopping around for fence installation services, ask the following questions:

• Do you need a deposit before you can get started?
• Which materials are best suited for my climate?
• How do you decide how many posts are needed for this project?
• How long do you think this project will take?
• Can you give me a cost estimate?