Cost guide
How Much Does a Fence Cost?
Fences are priced by the linear foot, and material choice swings the price 4× or more. Here are the typical US ranges for wood, chain-link, and vinyl — installed and DIY — plus what pushes any quote up or down.
By HowMuchBuild Editorial TeamCalculation reviewedUpdated October 2026
Quick answer: typical fence cost ranges
| Fence type | Typical range (per linear ft, installed) |
|---|---|
| Chain-link | $8–$18 |
| Wood privacy (6 ft) | $15–$30 |
| Vinyl privacy | $40–$70 |
| DIY materials, wood | $7–$14 |
A typical 150-foot wood privacy fence therefore runs about $2,250–$4,500 installed, or $1,000–$2,000 in materials DIY. Vinyl for the same run: $6,000–$10,500 installed — painful up front, nearly free afterward.
What drives the price
- Material. The biggest lever — vinyl runs 2–3× wood per foot installed.
- Height. A 6-foot privacy fence uses taller posts, more pickets, and deeper holes than a 4-foot picket fence.
- Gates. Each gate needs heavier posts, deeper footings, and hardware — budget per gate, not per foot.
- Terrain. Slopes, roots, and rocky soil slow every hole. Flat, clear runs are the cheapest.
- Old fence removal. Tear-out and disposal is billed separately — often $3–$8 per foot (typical range).
- Permits and surveys. A boundary survey costs real money but is cheaper than rebuilding a fence on the wrong line.
Worked example: 150 ft wood privacy fence
- Length: 150 linear ft, 6 ft tall, one walk gate.
- Materials takeoff: run it through our fence calculator for posts, pickets, rails, and concrete per hole.
- DIY materials: 150 × $7–$14 = $1,050–$2,100, plus ~$200–$400 for the gate hardware.
- Pro installed: 150 × $15–$30 = $2,250–$4,500, gate usually included or quoted separately.
Installed vs. DIY: the honest tradeoff
A fence is one of the most DIY-friendly pro-priced projects: the work is simple (dig, set, attach) but brutally repetitive — a 150-foot fence means 20+ holes. DIY saves roughly half the installed price (guidance) at the cost of several weekends and sore everything. The middle path many homeowners take: hire out the post-setting (the skilled, back-breaking part) and hang the rails and pickets themselves. Also read our fence planning guide before you commit — layout mistakes are the expensive kind.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a 150 ft wood privacy fence cost?
As a typical range: $2,250–$4,500 professionally installed (150 linear ft at $15–$30/ft). DIY materials for the same fence typically run $1,000–$2,000. Gates, terrain, and old-fence removal move you within or beyond that band. Prices vary widely by region.
What is the cheapest fence to install?
Chain-link is usually the cheapest installed option per linear foot, followed by basic wood privacy. But compare lifetime cost: wood needs staining and eventual board replacement, while vinyl costs more up front and then nearly nothing (guidance).
How much do fence gates add to the cost?
A walk gate typically adds a few hundred dollars installed; a wide double or driveway gate can add $500–$1,500+ with heavier posts and hardware (typical ranges). Plan gates during layout — adding one later means resetting posts.
Does a sloped yard cost more to fence?
Yes (guidance). Stepped fencing needs more posts and careful layout; racked fencing needs panels that follow the grade. Either way, slopes slow the crew down, and most installers charge extra for significant grade changes.
Should I remove the old fence myself to save money?
Often yes (guidance). Old-fence tear-out and disposal is straightforward labor that contractors bill by the hour. Haul it yourself if you have a truck or trailer — just confirm what's underneath first so you don't discover the old posts were the only thing holding up the neighbor's side.