Fence Cost Calculator: What a New Fence Really Costs in 2026

A new fence is one of those projects where the price range is enormous — and most of the difference comes down to choices you make before the first post hole is dug. Here's what fences actually cost, what drives the price, and where the smart savings are.

The quick answer: cost per linear foot (installed)

| Material | Per linear foot | 100 ft fence (approx.) | |---|---|---| | Chain link (4 ft) | $10–$20 | $1,000–$2,000 | | Pressure-treated wood | $20–$40 | $2,000–$4,000 | | Cedar wood | $30–$55 | $3,000–$5,500 | | Aluminum / steel | $40–$80 | $4,000–$8,000 | | Vinyl (PVC) | $45–$70 | $4,500–$7,000 | | Composite | $50–$90 | $5,000–$9,000 |

These are installed prices for a standard 6 ft privacy-style fence (4 ft for chain link), including materials and labor. DIY cuts roughly 40–50% off — you pay for materials only.

What drives the price up (or down)

1. Material choice is the biggest lever. Chain link vs. composite on the same 100 ft run: $1,500 vs. $7,000+. Pick the material that fits the job — chain link for a dog run, cedar or vinyl for curb appeal.

2. Height matters. Going from 4 ft to 6 ft adds roughly 25–35% to material costs — taller pickets, longer posts, deeper holes. Check local codes first: many areas cap residential fences at 6 ft (4 ft in front yards).

3. Gates are expensive. A single walk gate adds $150–$400 installed. A double drive gate: $400–$1,000+. Each gate needs heavier posts, hinges, and hardware — budget for them separately.

4. Terrain and access. Flat, clear ground: standard pricing. Slopes, rocky soil, tree roots, or a yard the delivery truck can't reach — add 10–30%. Stepped or racked panels on slopes cost more in both materials and labor.

5. Old fence removal. Tearing out an existing fence runs $3–$8 per linear foot. Some contractors include it; always ask.

6. Permits. Many municipalities require a fence permit: typically $50–$200. Some HOAs require approval too — check before you buy materials.

DIY vs. contractor: honest math

100 ft cedar privacy fence, 6 ft tall:

DIY materials:

• Pickets (~240): $1,200–$1,800
• Posts (14 × 4×4): $200–$350
• Rails (26 × 2×4): $150–$250
• Concrete (14 bags): $70–$100
• Hardware, screws, stain: $200–$400
• Tool rental (auger): $75–$150
• Total: ~$1,900–$3,050 + 2–3 weekends

Contractor installed: $3,000–$5,500, done in 2–4 days.

The breakeven is real: if your time is limited or the ground is rocky, a contractor's auger and crew earn their money fast. Straightforward flat yards are the best DIY candidates.

5 ways to save without building a bad fence

1. Do the demo yourself. Even if you hire the build, tearing out the old fence yourself saves $300–$800 on a typical yard.
2. Keep the design simple. Every jog, angle, and gate adds cost. A straight run is the cheapest fence per foot.
3. Buy materials yourself (if hiring labor-only). Contractors mark up materials 10–20%.
4. Share with neighbors. A shared boundary fence split two ways is the oldest trick in the book — many neighbors are happy to split it.
5. Stain later, not never. Pressure-treated pine is cheap upfront but needs stain within a year. Budget $200–$400 for stain or the "cheap" fence rots early.

What about maintenance costs?

The sticker price isn't the whole story:

• Pressure-treated wood: restain every 2–3 years (~$200–$400 each time for 100 ft)
• Cedar: stain/seal every 3–5 years, lasts 15–20 years total
• Vinyl: wash occasionally, lasts 20–30 years, near-zero maintenance
• Chain link: minimal maintenance, lasts 15–20 years
• Aluminum: powder-coat lasts decades, rinse occasionally

A $2,500 wood fence + 15 years of staining can cost more over its life than a $5,000 vinyl fence. Run the long math before deciding on "cheap."

Quick estimate formula

Total ≈ (linear feet × per-foot rate) + (gates × gate cost) + permit + removal

Example — 120 ft cedar privacy, one walk gate, DIY: (120 × $28) + $250 + $100 = ~$3,710

Same fence, contractor installed: (120 × $45) + $350 + $100 = ~$5,850

Want your exact numbers? Our free fence calculator builds the full material list — pickets, posts, rails, and concrete — from just your fence length.