Fully installed pricing for 2025–2026, including materials, labor, post setting, and standard hardware:

• Chain link (4 ft): $15–$30/linear ft. The budget option. Functional but offers limited privacy. Vinyl-coated chain link (black or green) costs $3–$5/ft more but looks much better.
• Pressure-treated wood (6 ft privacy): $25–$45/linear ft. The most popular residential fence. Stockade (flat-top) is cheapest; board-on-board and shadowbox styles cost a bit more. Needs staining every 2–3 years.
• Cedar (6 ft privacy): $30–$55/linear ft. Naturally rot-resistant. Weathers to a beautiful gray if left untreated, or can be stained to maintain color. Lasts 15–25 years.
• Vinyl/PVC (6 ft privacy): $35–$60/linear ft. Zero maintenance and long-lasting (20–30 years). Limited style options compared to wood. Can become brittle in extreme cold.
• Aluminum ornamental: $30–$55/linear ft. Great for front yards and pool enclosures. Doesn't rust. Offers zero privacy but excellent aesthetics.
• Wrought iron: $50–$100/linear ft. Premium curb appeal. Heavy and durable but requires periodic rust treatment.
• Composite fencing: $45–$70/linear ft. Low-maintenance like vinyl but with a more natural wood appearance. Growing in popularity.

For a typical 150 linear foot backyard fence (6 ft privacy), expect $3,750–$6,750 for pressure-treated wood or $5,250–$9,000 for vinyl.

These line items are where fence quotes diverge. Make sure you know what's included:

• Old fence removal: $3–$8/linear ft. If you have an existing fence that needs to come down, this is often quoted separately. A 150-ft fence removal runs $450–$1,200.
• Gate(s): $200–$800 each depending on size and style. A standard 4-ft walk gate is $200–$400. A 6-ft double gate (for mower/vehicle access) runs $500–$800. Heavy-duty driveway gates cost $1,500–$5,000+.
• Post holes in difficult soil: Rocky or clay soil can double the labor for post setting. If your area has challenging soil, ask how the contractor handles it and whether there's a surcharge.
• Grading and land clearing: If your fence line runs through brush, slopes, or uneven terrain, site prep adds $2–$10/linear ft.
• Survey/property line verification: A professional survey costs $300–$800 but prevents the nightmare of building a fence on your neighbor's property. Many contractors require one.
• HOA compliance: If you have an HOA, confirm style, height, and setback requirements before signing. Rebuilding a non-compliant fence is entirely on you.

• Post spacing over 8 feet: Standard fence post spacing is 6–8 feet on center. Some budget contractors space posts at 10 feet to save on materials. This leads to sagging and leaning within a few years.
• No concrete footings: Every fence post should be set in concrete, typically 2 bags per post. Posts set in packed dirt or gravel will shift and lean, especially in freeze-thaw climates. This is non-negotiable.
• Shallow post depth: Posts should be set at least 1/3 of their total length below grade. For a 6-ft fence with 8-ft posts, that means 24+ inches deep. In frost-prone areas, posts need to go below the frost line (36–48 inches in northern states).
• No mention of post material: Even on cedar or composite fences, the posts are usually pressure-treated pine (rated for ground contact). If the quote doesn't specify post material, ask. Using the wrong lumber underground leads to premature rot.
• Per-panel pricing with no total: Some contractors quote per panel to make the price seem low, then the total for 25+ panels is a shock. Always get a total price for the complete fence.

• Get a survey first: Knowing your exact property lines prevents disputes and lets contractors quote accurately.
• Consider off-season: Fence installers are busiest in spring and summer. Scheduling for late fall or winter can save 10–15% in many markets.
• Buy materials yourself? Some contractors allow you to supply materials. This can save 15–25% but means you're responsible for ordering the right quantities and quality.
• Check for utility lines: Call 811 (the national "Call Before You Dig" hotline) before any fence installation. It's free and prevents hitting buried gas, electric, or water lines.
• Negotiate gate placement: Fewer gates = lower cost. Plan gate locations carefully to avoid unnecessary gates while maintaining good access.