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Fence Installation Cost Calculator
Can I DIY? · DIY-FriendlySee DIY materials cost vs. professionally installed cost for your fence, and a DIY-difficulty verdict based on length, height, and material.
Measure the total perimeter to be fenced, not the area.
This is the biggest driver of material cost per linear foot.
$15–$25/linear ft. Classic choice, needs periodic staining.
Taller fencing needs sturdier posts and deeper post holes.
Standard yard boundary height.
Each gate adds hardware and framing cost.
DIY materials cost
$1,650 – $2,900
Vs. professionally installed: $2,450 – $4,400
Cost Breakdown (Pro-Installed)
Where Your Money Goes
Estimates reflect national averages for educational purposes only. Always confirm your property line and call 811 before digging any post holes.
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What you'll need
- ·Total linear feet of fence line
- ·Fence material (chain link, wood, vinyl, or aluminum)
- ·Fence height and number of gates
What you'll get
- ✓DIY materials cost — Fencing, posts, and gate hardware
- ✓Pro-installed cost comparison — Same materials plus labor
- ✓Estimated savings — And a DIY-difficulty verdict
Fence cost overview
Building a deck instead? Try our Deck Building Cost Calculator — same DIY-vs-pro comparison, sized for decking.
How it works
Enter linear feet
Total length of fence line to be installed.
Pick fencing material
Chain link, wood, vinyl, or aluminum.
Set height and gates
4 ft or 6 ft height, plus how many gates you need.
Fence Cost by Material
| Material | Materials Cost |
|---|---|
| Chain link | $10 – $20 / linear ft |
| Wood | $15 – $25 / linear ft |
| Vinyl | $20 – $35 / linear ft |
| Aluminum | $25 – $45 / linear ft |
| Pro installation labor | $8 – $15 / linear ft |
| Gates | $150 – $400 each |
Fence height is the biggest factor in post depth and labor — a 6 ft privacy fence needs meaningfully deeper footings than a 4 ft boundary fence.
About this calculator
Can I install a fence myself?+
Yes — fence installation is a manageable DIY project for most homeowners, especially chain link and standard 4 ft wood or vinyl fencing. The main physical challenge is digging post holes; a rented power auger makes this significantly easier for longer runs.
Do I need a permit to install a fence?+
It depends on your state and fence height. Most states delegate fence permitting entirely to local municipalities, though a few states set explicit rules (Wisconsin, for example, explicitly excludes fences from its statewide building code, leaving it purely to local zoning). Always confirm your property line before installing — fence disputes are a common source of neighbor conflict.
How much does it cost to install a fence?+
A 100 linear ft wood fence at 4 ft height runs roughly $1,500–$2,500 in DIY materials, or $2,300–$3,900 professionally installed. Vinyl and aluminum cost more upfront; chain link is the most budget-friendly option.
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