A 2026 price guide for every major fencing material — with material costs, labor rates, and DIY vs. professional breakdowns.
A fence is one of the biggest single investments you can make in your yard. The total cost per linear foot swings dramatically depending on the material you choose, the height of the fence, your terrain, and whether you install it yourself or hire a fencing contractor.
This guide breaks down the 2026 cost per foot for six common fencing materials — wood, vinyl, chain link, aluminum, wrought iron, and composite — along with the hidden costs that catch most homeowners off guard, like permits, gates, old fence removal, and difficult terrain.
All prices reflect national averages for a standard 6-foot residential fence. Coastal and urban markets tend to run 10-20% higher, while rural areas may come in lower.
$10 – $20 / ft
$10 – $25 / ft
$20 – $45 / ft
The most popular fencing material in the US. Cedar is naturally rot-resistant and weathers to a silver-gray patina. Pressure-treated pine is cheaper but needs staining or sealing every 2-3 years to prevent rot.
$15 – $30 / ft
$12 – $30 / ft
$27 – $60 / ft
Zero-maintenance and never needs painting or staining. Resistant to rot, insects, and fading. Higher upfront cost but virtually zero maintenance cost over its life. Available in white, tan, gray, and woodgrain textures.
$5 – $12 / ft
$8 – $18 / ft
$13 – $30 / ft
The most affordable option for large perimeters. Galvanized steel resists rust for decades. Available in vinyl-coated colors (black, green, brown) for a better appearance at a slight premium. Not a privacy fence unless you add slats.
$18 – $35 / ft
$15 – $35 / ft
$33 – $70 / ft
Elegant ornamental look without the weight or cost of wrought iron. Will not rust or corrode. Ideal for front yards, pools, and decorative boundaries. Not suitable for privacy since it uses open pickets.
$25 – $55 / ft
$20 – $45 / ft
$45 – $100+ / ft
The premium option with the longest lifespan. Extremely durable and secure. Requires periodic rust treatment and repainting every 3-5 years. Custom designs and ornamental details can push costs significantly higher.
$20 – $45 / ft
$15 – $35 / ft
$35 – $80 / ft
Made from a blend of wood fibers and recycled plastic. Offers the look of real wood without the maintenance. Will not rot, warp, or splinter. Eco-friendly and increasingly popular, but the highest material cost after wrought iron.
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Standard 4-foot fences cost 20-30% less than 6-foot privacy fences. An 8-foot fence can cost 50-70% more than a 4-footer due to the extra material and stronger post requirements.
Slopes, hills, and rocky ground increase labor costs significantly. Stepped fencing on a slope can add 20-50% to the total. Racked (angled) panels cost even more due to custom cutting.
A standard walk gate adds $150-$500. A double drive gate for vehicles adds $400-$1,500 depending on material and width. Automatic gate openers add $1,500-$4,000 on top of the gate cost.
Rocky, clay, or root-heavy soil requires more time and possibly a powered auger ($50-$100 rental). Each post typically needs 1-2 bags of concrete ($5-$8 per bag). Frost line depth in northern states means deeper holes.
Most municipalities require a fence permit ($20-$250). Some HOAs have additional restrictions on height, material, color, and setback distance. Violating these can result in forced removal at your expense.
Removing and disposing of an existing fence costs $3-$5 per linear foot, or $500-$1,500 for an average backyard. Concrete post footings add to disposal costs and effort.
DIY saves 30-50% on labor costs. If you are comfortable with post-hole digging, leveling, and basic carpentry, a DIY wood or chain link fence is very achievable. You will need a post-hole digger or power auger ($50-$100 rental), a level, concrete mix for posts ($5-$8 per post), string line, and a helper for setting posts and hanging panels or rails.
Professional installation adds $8-$35 per foot in labor. A fencing contractor handles the full job — permits, utility locating (811 call), post setting, panel installation, and gate hanging. Most pros include a workmanship warranty of 1-5 years. For a 200-foot fence, labor alone typically runs $1,600-$7,000 depending on the material and complexity.
Best materials for DIY: Chain link and pre-assembled wood panels are the most DIY-friendly. Vinyl panels install quickly but require precise post spacing — if posts are off by even half an inch, panels will not fit. Aluminum and wrought iron are best left to professionals due to welding and precise alignment requirements.
When to hire a pro: Consider professional installation if your yard has significant slope, rocky soil, underground utilities near the fence line, or if the fence exceeds 300 linear feet. Scheduling in fall or winter (off-peak season) can save 10-15% on labor.
Enter your address to measure your property perimeter — so you can get accurate fence cost estimates for any material.
Then use our fence calculator to get exact material and cost estimates. Also see our property survey guide for understanding boundary lines.