Fence Cost Calculator
Estimate your total fence project cost — materials, labor, and gates — in seconds. Based on US national average pricing.
Fence Cost Estimator
Estimates based on US national average pricing. Actual costs vary by region and supplier. Not including permits ($50–$300).
How to Use This Fence Cost Calculator
- Enter your fence length — total linear feet of fence you plan to install. Not sure? Use our fence measurement guide.
- Select your fence style — wood picket, privacy, chain link, vinyl, or split rail. Each has different material and labor costs.
- Choose DIY or contractor — DIY shows materials cost only. "Hire a contractor" adds estimated labor.
- Enter the number of gates — each gate adds $150–$400 for hardware and framing. Leave at 0 if no gates.
What's Included in These Estimates?
- Materials — posts, rails, pickets/boards or mesh, concrete bags, hardware
- Labor (hired mode only) — post setting, framing, board installation
- Gates — basic gate hardware (hinges, latch) and framing labor
Cost Per Linear Foot by Fence Style
| Style | DIY Materials/ft | Installed/ft | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood Picket | $5–$10 | $15–$28 | Front yards, decorative |
| Privacy Wood | $10–$20 | $20–$45 | Backyard privacy |
| Chain Link | $8–$16 | $15–$28 | Large areas, security |
| Vinyl/PVC | $15–$30 | $25–$60 | Low maintenance |
| Split Rail | $4–$9 | $10–$20 | Rural, decorative |
How to Get an Accurate Fence Quote
- Measure your fence line — walk the perimeter and record total linear feet. Mark corner and gate locations.
- Know your style and height — have a clear idea of what you want before calling contractors. Vague requests get vague quotes.
- Get at least 3 quotes — prices for the same job often vary 30–50%. Request itemized quotes showing materials and labor separately.
- Check contractor licenses — verify the contractor is licensed and insured in your state. Ask for proof of liability insurance and workers' compensation.
- Ask about permits — a reputable contractor will handle permit applications. Confirm who is responsible for permits and their cost before signing.
How to Lower Your Fence Cost
- Go DIY — saves 40–60%. Wood picket and split rail fences are the most beginner-friendly.
- Shop off-season — buy materials in January–February before spring demand drives prices up 10–20%.
- Use pine instead of cedar — pressure-treated pine costs $3–$8/ft less and lasts just as long with proper maintenance.
- Reuse existing posts — if your old posts are solid, save hundreds by building onto them.
- Buy from a local lumber yard — typically 10–20% less than big-box stores for the same materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is this fence cost calculator?
This calculator provides national average estimates. Actual costs vary 20–40% based on your US region, local labor rates, material quality, and terrain. Always get 3 contractor quotes before committing to a project.
Does this include permit costs?
No — building permits ($50–$300) are not included in the estimate. Many cities require permits for fences over 6 feet. Check with your local building department before starting.
How much does a 200-foot privacy fence cost?
A 200-foot wood privacy fence costs $4,000–$9,000 professionally installed, or $1,600–$3,600 in DIY materials. Vinyl privacy fence for 200 feet costs $5,000–$12,000 installed.
Is vinyl fence worth the extra cost?
Vinyl fence costs 40–60% more than wood upfront but requires almost no maintenance. Wood fences need staining every 2–3 years ($1–$3/ft). Over 20 years, total costs are often similar — vinyl wins in low-maintenance climates, wood wins where DIY maintenance is easy.
How much does labor cost to install a fence?
Professional fence installation labor costs $10–$30 per linear foot on top of materials. For a 150-foot fence, that's $1,500–$4,500 in labor alone. Labor rates are highest in the Northeast and West Coast, lowest in the Southeast and Midwest.
How long does it take to install a fence?
Professional crews install 100–200 feet per day. DIY installation takes 2–5 days for 100 feet depending on experience and soil conditions. Post setting (concrete curing) requires at least 24–48 hours before attaching rails and pickets.
Cost estimates are based on US national averages as of 2026. Actual costs vary by region, material quality, and site conditions. This calculator is for planning purposes only — always get contractor quotes for accurate project pricing.
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Reviewed by the FenceCalculate.com Editorial Team · Last reviewed: August 2026