Estimate total fence installation cost for wood, vinyl, chain link, aluminum, or composite fencing. This tool calculates post count, concrete footing needs, gate pricing, and labor cost side by side so you can compare DIY and contractor-installed budgets before buying materials.
| Material | Installed Cost per Linear Foot | Typical Post Spacing | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chain link | $10 to $28 | 10 ft | 25 to 40 years |
| Wood (pine or cedar) | $20 to $50 | 6 to 8 ft | 15 to 25 years |
| Vinyl | $25 to $60 | 8 ft | 30 or more years |
| Aluminum | $25 to $55 | 6 to 8 ft | 40 or more years |
| Composite | $25 to $60 | 8 ft | 25 to 30 years |
Ranges reflect 2026 national contractor pricing surveys and vary by region, fence height, and site conditions.
Get accurate cost estimates before calling a contractor — compare prices and plan your budget.
Current concrete prices per yard, per sq ft, and per bag — updated for 2026 with regional cost breakdowns.
View Chart →Posts are calculated from total fence length divided by material-specific spacing, rounded up, plus one closing post. Wood and aluminum typically use 6 to 8 foot spacing, while chain link commonly uses 10 foot spacing between line posts.
Each post footing is priced using a default of 2 bags of 50 lb concrete mix. Footing depth should reach at least one-third of the post's above-ground height, or extend below the local frost line in cold climates per IBC 2024 Section 1809.5.
Walk gates and drive gates are priced separately from linear footage because gate hardware, framing, and latch systems cost more per foot than standard fence panels.
Sloped or rocky terrain increases labor time for post holes and panel leveling. This calculator applies a labor multiplier when terrain is set to sloped or rocky.
For post-specific concrete needs, the fence post concrete calculator and post hole concrete calculator provide a deeper breakdown of bags needed per hole diameter and depth.
Length: 150 ft
Posts (8 ft spacing): ceil(150/8) + 1 = 20
Material rate: $30/ft installed
150 ft x $30/ft = $4,500 material and labor
20 posts x 2 bags x $5.50 = $220 footings
1 walk gate at $275 = $275
Estimated total: $4,995
This falls inside the $4,200 to $7,500 national range reported for 150 ft wood privacy installs in 2026.
Length: 200 ft
Posts (10 ft spacing): ceil(200/10) + 1 = 21
Material rate: $12/ft material-only
200 ft x $12/ft = $2,400 material
21 posts x 1.5 bags x $5.50 = $173.25 footings
Labor: $0 (DIY)
Estimated total: $2,573.25
Removing labor from a chain link job often cuts total cost by 40% to 50% compared to contractor installation.
Length: 120 ft
Posts (8 ft spacing): ceil(120/8) + 1 = 16
Terrain: Sloped, 15% labor increase applied
120 ft x $42/ft = $5,040 base install
Sloped terrain labor adjustment: +$189
1 drive gate at $650 = $650
Estimated total: $5,879
Sloped and rocky terrain rarely change material cost but reliably increase labor hours per foot.
Corner lots and irregular yards often need fencing on only part of the property line. Measure the actual planned fence run, not full lot perimeter.
Gates are commonly priced per linear foot by mistake. Hinges, latches, and frame reinforcement push gate cost well above standard panel pricing per foot.
Shallow post footings can heave out of the ground during freeze-thaw cycles. Check local frost line depth before finalizing post hole depth.
Demolition and haul-away of an existing fence is a separate line item that many quotes omit until after the contract is signed.
Fence installation typically runs $10 to $75 per linear foot depending on material. Chain link falls around $10 to $28 per foot, wood privacy runs $20 to $50 per foot, and vinyl runs $25 to $60 per foot installed, based on 2026 national contractor pricing surveys.
At standard 8-foot post spacing, 100 linear feet requires 13 posts (100 divided by 8, rounded up, plus 1 for the closing end). Wood fences often use 6 to 8 foot spacing while chain link commonly uses 10 foot spacing between line posts.
A common rule of thumb sets post depth at one-third of the post's above-ground height, with a minimum of 24 inches in most residential soil. In frost-prone regions, footings should extend below the local frost line per IBC 2024 Section 1809.5 to prevent frost heave.
DIY installation typically saves 40% to 60% of total project cost since labor often makes up close to half the installed price. Material costs stay the same either way, so savings come entirely from skipping contractor labor rates.
A standard walk gate typically adds $150 to $450 to a project depending on material and hardware, while a drive gate can add $300 to $1,200 or more. Gate cost is separate from per-foot fencing cost and should be budgeted individually.
Yes. Texas and the Southeast often run 20% to 30% below national averages because of competitive labor markets and easier digging conditions, while the Northeast and West Coast frequently run 20% to 40% above the national average.
A complete quote should separate materials, labor, post concrete footings, gate hardware, permit fees where required, and site prep such as grading or old fence removal. Estimates that bundle everything into one number are harder to verify.
Post spacing and concrete footing defaults reflect common residential fencing practice, not a single universal code requirement. Verify local permit and setback rules before installation.
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