Fences are priced by the linear foot, so the math is simple once you know two numbers: how long the fence is and what it’s made of. Here’s what each common fence type costs installed in 2026.
Price per foot by fence type
Angi puts the typical professionally installed fence at $15–$25 per linear foot, as reported by NerdWallet, but the material changes that a lot:
| Fence | Installed per foot | Privacy | Upkeep |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chain link, 4 ft | $10–$20 | None | Very low |
| Wood picket, 4 ft | $10–$36 | Low | Paint or stain |
| Wood privacy, 6 ft | $15–$35 | Full | Stain every 2–3 years |
| Vinyl privacy, 6 ft | $25–$55 | Full | Wash occasionally |
| Aluminum, 4–5 ft | $30–$55 | Low | Very low |
Total cost for common yards
Using the middle of each range, with no gates or removal:
| Length | Chain link ($15) | Wood privacy ($25) | Vinyl privacy ($40) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 ft | $1,500 | $2,500 | $4,000 |
| 150 ft | $2,250 | $3,750 | $6,000 |
| 200 ft | $3,000 | $5,000 | $8,000 |
| 300 ft | $4,500 | $7,500 | $12,000 |
A typical quarter-acre backyard needs about 150–250 feet of fence, depending on how much the house itself closes off.
Wood or vinyl?
Vinyl usually costs more up front than wood, HomeGnome notes, but it never needs staining. Over 20 years, the gap narrows: a 150-foot wood fence restained every three years adds several staining jobs to its lifetime cost. Wood is easier to repair and to install yourself; vinyl looks the same for decades but can crack in hard freezes or impacts.
Extra costs to plan for
- Gates. Each gate costs more than a regular section because of the heavier posts and hardware; double driveway gates cost more still.
- Old fence removal: typically $3–$5 per foot.
- Slopes and rocky soil slow down post digging and may need stepped panels.
- Permits and surveys. Some cities require a permit; a property survey avoids disputes with neighbors.
How to save
- Use chain link or a cheaper style on sides no one sees, and privacy fencing only where you need it.
- Split the cost of a shared boundary fence with your neighbor.
- Get quotes in late fall or winter, when fence companies are less busy.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest privacy fence?
A 6-ft pressure-treated pine fence is usually the cheapest full-privacy option.
How long does fence installation take?
A crew typically installs 150 feet of wood fence in two to three days, and chain link faster.
Do I need my neighbor’s permission?
Not if the fence is entirely on your land, but local rules may require the finished side to face out. Talking first prevents disputes.
Sources: NerdWallet, citing Angi (2026); Inch Calculator fence cost data (2026); HomeGnome vinyl fence cost guide (2026); RemodelAI fence cost guide (2026).
