How Long Does It Take to Build a Fence?
A 100-ft wood fence typically takes 1–2 days for a 2-person DIY crew. Hired professionals with power equipment can finish the same fence in a single day. The biggest variable is concrete cure time — fast-setting concrete needs 24–48 hours before you can attach rails.
Time Estimates by Fence Style
| Style | 50 ft DIY | 100 ft DIY | 150 ft DIY | Hired |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wood picket | 4–6 hrs | 1–2 days | 2–3 days | 1 day |
| Privacy (board-on-board) | 6–8 hrs | 1.5–2 days | 2–3 days | 1 day |
| Chain link | 3–5 hrs | 6–8 hrs | 1–2 days | 4–6 hrs |
| Split rail | 2–4 hrs | 4–6 hrs | 6–8 hrs | 4–5 hrs |
| Vinyl panel | 3–5 hrs | 6–8 hrs | 1–2 days | 4–6 hrs |
Estimates assume 2 workers, firm soil, and no permit delays.
What Takes the Most Time?
- Post setting & concrete cure: 40–50% of total project time
- Rail and picket/board installation: 30–40%
- Layout and marking: 10–15%
- Each gate adds 1–2 hours
Factors That Add Time
- Rocky or clay soil — doubles digging time; rent a power auger ($80–$150/day)
- Slopes — add 15–30% to installation time
- Permit wait — 1–4 weeks depending on municipality
- Solo work — roughly doubles time vs. 2 people
DIY vs. Hired
| Task | DIY (2 people) | Hired crew |
|---|---|---|
| 100-ft fence | 2 days | 1 day |
| 200-ft fence | 3–4 days | 1–2 days |
| Each gate | 1–2 hrs | 30–60 min |
Sample Day-by-Day Plan for a 100-ft Wood Fence
- Day 1: Mark post locations, call 811, dig holes, set posts in concrete — let cure overnight
- Day 2: Attach rails, hang pickets or boards, install gates and hardware
- Day 3 (optional): Apply stain/sealer, final touch-ups
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to build a 100-foot fence?
1–2 days for a 2-person DIY crew; 1 day for a hired crew of 2–3 workers with power equipment.
Do you have to wait for concrete to dry before continuing?
Yes. Fast-setting concrete needs 24–48 hours to cure before you attach rails. Building on uncured posts risks misalignment and leaning.
How long does it take to install fence posts?
About 20–30 minutes per post by hand; 10–15 minutes per post with a power auger. For a 100-ft fence with 14 posts, expect 3–7 hours just for setting posts.
Is it faster to hire a fence company?
Yes — typically 2–3x faster because professional crews use power augers and have practiced workflows. A 100-ft fence that takes 2 DIY days takes 1 hired day.
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Reviewed by the FenceCalculate.com Editorial Team · Last reviewed: August 2026