How Much Does Fencing Cost in 2026? (Wood, Vinyl, Chain Link)
Complete fencing cost guide for 2026. Average prices per linear foot for wood, vinyl, chain link, and aluminum fencing, plus installation costs and DIY vs pro comparison.
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A new fence transforms your property — adding privacy, security, and curb appeal. But costs vary wildly depending on material, height, and terrain. Here's what fencing actually costs in 2026.
Average Fencing Costs by Material
| Material | Cost per Linear Foot | 150 ft Fence |
|---|---|---|
| Wood privacy (6 ft) | $25 - $45 | $3,750 - $6,750 |
| Cedar privacy (6 ft) | $30 - $55 | $4,500 - $8,250 |
| Vinyl/PVC (6 ft) | $35 - $60 | $5,250 - $9,000 |
| Chain link (4 ft) | $12 - $22 | $1,800 - $3,300 |
| Chain link (6 ft) | $15 - $28 | $2,250 - $4,200 |
| Aluminum (4 ft) | $25 - $45 | $3,750 - $6,750 |
| Wrought iron | $30 - $60 | $4,500 - $9,000 |
| Composite | $35 - $65 | $5,250 - $9,750 |
Most popular: Treated pine privacy fence at $25-35 per linear foot installed. Best value for privacy and appearance.
What's Included in Fencing Quotes
A professional fencing quote should include:
- Materials: Posts, rails, pickets/panels, concrete, hardware
- Post hole digging: Typically 6-8 ft apart, 2-3 ft deep
- Installation labor: Setting posts, attaching rails and pickets, leveling
- Gate installation: $200-500 per gate depending on size
- Old fence removal: $3-8 per linear foot if needed
- Permit fees: Some areas require permits for fences over 4 ft
Factors That Affect Price
Terrain: Slopes, rocks, and tree roots increase labor significantly. Expect 20-40% more for hilly or wooded properties.
Height: A 6-ft fence costs 30-50% more than a 4-ft fence due to more material and deeper post holes.
Gates: Each gate adds $200-500. Double gates for vehicle access run $400-800.
Post material: Wood posts are cheapest but rot over time. Metal posts in concrete last 30+ years and add $5-10 per linear foot.
Getting Fencing Estimates
Get 3 quotes from licensed fencing contractors. Compare materials (wood species, post type, hardware quality) not just price. Modern contractors use apps like thecontractor.app to generate itemized fencing quotes with per-linear-foot pricing in about 60 seconds.
Wood vs Vinyl: Which Is Better?
Wood fence:
- Cheaper upfront ($25-45/ft vs $35-60/ft)
- Natural appearance
- Easy to repair individual boards
- Needs staining every 2-3 years
- Lifespan: 15-20 years
Vinyl fence:
- Higher upfront cost
- Zero maintenance
- Won't rot, warp, or fade
- Limited color options
- Lifespan: 25-30 years
Long-term winner: Vinyl. When you factor in staining costs ($1-2/ft every 2-3 years), vinyl's total cost of ownership is often lower over 20 years.
Bottom Line
Most homeowners spend $3,500-7,000 on a new fence. Get itemized quotes, compare material quality, and don't forget to budget for gates. The cheapest quote isn't always the best value — a well-installed fence should last 15-30 years.