Every fence project starts with the same question: how much per foot? The answer depends on the material, the height, your soil conditions, and where you live. National averages are a starting point, but your final number will shift based on local labor rates and material availability.
Here's what fence contractors are actually charging in 2026, organized by material type.
Fence Cost Per Foot: Quick Comparison
| Material | Installed Cost Per Linear Foot | Typical 150 ft Project |
|---|---|---|
| Chain Link (4–6 ft) | $15–$35 | $2,250–$5,250 |
| Cedar Wood (6 ft privacy) | $25–$55 | $3,750–$8,250 |
| Pine/Treated Wood (6 ft) | $18–$38 | $2,700–$5,700 |
| Vinyl/PVC (6 ft privacy) | $28–$55 | $4,200–$8,250 |
| Ornamental Aluminum | $30–$55 | $4,500–$8,250 |
| Wrought Iron (Steel) | $35–$75 | $5,250–$11,250 |
| Composite | $40–$80 | $6,000–$12,000 |
These ranges include materials and standard installation. They don't include permits, old fence removal, gates, or unusual site conditions — we'll cover those below.
Wood Fence Cost Per Foot
Wood remains the most popular residential fencing material in the U.S., and cedar dominates in states like Texas and Tennessee where its natural resistance to rot and insects makes it the default choice.
Cedar wood fence: $25–$55/ft installed. The range depends on the style:
- Dog-ear pickets (basic privacy): $25–$35/ft
- Board-on-board (overlapping, looks good from both sides): $30–$45/ft
- Cedar with metal posts (eliminates the #1 failure point — rotting wood posts): $35–$50/ft
- Pre-stained western red cedar: $45–$55/ft
Pressure-treated pine: $18–$38/ft installed. Pine costs less upfront but requires staining and sealing every 2–3 years. The American Fence Association's Fence Installation School training covers six primary wood species used in fencing — cedar, redwood, cypress, fir, and pressure-treated softwoods — each with different lifespans and cost profiles. Our wood fence species guide breaks down how each performs in different climates.
Why wood prices vary so much by region: Cedar costs less in Texas and the Pacific Northwest where mills are closer. In the Northeast and Midwest, cedar prices run 15–25% higher due to shipping. Homeowners in Atlanta and the Southeast often pay a premium for quality cedar, making treated pine the budget-conscious default.
Vinyl/PVC Fence Cost Per Foot
Vinyl fencing has shifted from a niche product to a mainstream choice, particularly in hot-climate states. Per the AFA's Fence Installation School curriculum (ASTM F1999), vinyl is manufactured primarily in privacy, semi-privacy, traditional picket, and post-and-rail styles — with privacy now dominating the market.
Vinyl privacy fence (6 ft): $28–$55/ft installed
Vinyl semi-privacy: $25–$45/ft
Vinyl picket (3–4 ft): $18–$32/ft
Vinyl post and rail: $15–$28/ft
The price difference between vinyl and wood narrows when you factor in maintenance. A vinyl fence needs zero staining, no sealing, and won't rot or attract termites. Over 20 years, the total cost of ownership is often lower than cedar. Learn more in our vinyl fence guide.
Regional note: Vinyl performs best in Phoenix, Tampa, and other Sun Belt markets. One caveat from the FIS training: vinyl can become brittle in extreme cold and may crack if impacted during winter installation. Lighter colors resist UV warping better than dark shades.
Chain Link Fence Cost Per Foot
Chain link is the most affordable fencing option and remains the standard for commercial and industrial applications. The AFA's training program devotes an entire discipline to chain link installation, covering everything from fabric gauge to tension wire specifications.
Residential chain link (4 ft): $15–$22/ft
Residential chain link (6 ft): $20–$35/ft
Commercial chain link (6 ft, heavier gauge): $25–$40/ft
Privacy slats added: add $4–$7/ft
The gauge of the wire fabric is the biggest cost variable. A 9-gauge residential fence costs significantly less than an 11.5-gauge commercial installation. Our chain link gauge guide explains the differences and when each gauge matters.
Chain link is especially popular in Chicago, Cleveland, and other Midwest and industrial markets where durability and cost efficiency outweigh aesthetic concerns.
Ornamental (Aluminum & Steel) Fence Cost Per Foot
Ornamental fencing is built to ASTM F2408 standards, which define structural requirements for tubular pickets, rails, and posts assembled as a complete system. The AFA classifies ornamental fences into residential, commercial, and industrial grades — and the grade directly affects price.
Aluminum ornamental: $30–$55/ft
Steel/wrought iron ornamental: $35–$75/ft
Iron with masonry columns: $65–$90+/ft
Aluminum won't rust, is lighter, and costs less. Steel is stronger and handles impacts better but requires powder coating or galvanization to resist corrosion. Our ornamental fence guide compares aluminum vs. steel in detail, including coating types and grade specifications.
Ornamental fencing is the default for pool enclosures in states with safety barrier codes — particularly Florida and Arizona where pools are common.
Composite Fence Cost Per Foot
Composite fencing — made from recycled wood fibers and plastic polymers — is the newest mainstream option. It mimics wood grain but won't rot, warp, split, or require staining.
Composite privacy fence: $40–$80/ft installed
That's the highest upfront cost of any residential material. The value proposition is zero maintenance over a 25+ year lifespan. Trex and SimTek are the most widely available brands. Composite makes the most financial sense for homeowners who plan to stay in their home long-term and want to avoid the recurring cost of wood fence maintenance — which includes staining every 2–3 years plus eventual board replacement.
Additional Costs Beyond the Per-Foot Price
The per-foot number is your starting point, not your final bill. Budget for these:
| Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Fence permit | $25–$150 (varies by city) |
| Old fence removal | $3–$8/ft |
| Property survey | $300–$600 |
| Standard walk gate | $150–$400 each |
| Double drive gate | $400–$1,200 |
| Staining/sealing (wood) | $1.50–$3.00/ft |
| Difficult terrain (slopes, rock) | 15–30% premium |
Permit requirements differ dramatically by city and county. Our fence permit guide by state covers requirements for all 22 states in our directory.
How to Get the Best Price
- Get 3–5 quotes. Contractor pricing varies by 20–40% for the same job. Use our fence company directory to find rated contractors in your city.
- Build in off-season. November through February is slow season in most markets. Contractors are more flexible on pricing.
- Standard dimensions save money. Custom heights, curves, and premium post caps add up fast. Standard 6-foot privacy with standard spacing is the most cost-efficient configuration.
- Know your property line. A survey costs $300–$600 but prevents a $5,000+ mistake if your fence ends up on a neighbor's property.
- Ask about metal posts for wood fences. Wood posts in concrete are the #1 point of failure. Metal posts add $5–$10/ft upfront but can double the fence's lifespan per AFA installation standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest fence per foot?
Chain link at $15–$22/ft for a 4-foot residential installation. For privacy fencing, pressure-treated pine at $18–$38/ft is the most affordable option.
How much does a 200-foot fence cost?
For a standard 6-foot cedar privacy fence at the national midrange: 200 ft × $40/ft = approximately $8,000 installed. Add $200–$600 for a gate and $25–$150 for a permit.
Does fence height affect cost per foot?
Yes. Going from 4 feet to 6 feet typically adds 30–50% to the material and labor cost. Going to 8 feet can double the price versus a 4-foot fence.
Is vinyl cheaper than wood in the long run?
Often yes. Vinyl costs 10–20% more upfront but requires zero maintenance. A cedar fence needs staining ($1.50–$3/ft) every 2–3 years and typically lasts 15–20 years. Vinyl lasts 25–30+ years with no recurring costs.
What's the most expensive fence material?
Custom wrought iron with masonry columns can reach $90+/ft. Among standard residential options, composite at $40–$80/ft is the highest.
Find a Fence Contractor Near You
Ready to get quotes? Browse verified fence companies in your area:
- Dallas fence companies
- Phoenix fence companies
- Tampa fence companies
- Chicago fence companies
- Atlanta fence companies
- Browse all fence companies →
Are you a fence contractor? Apply for FA Verified status →
*Pricing data reflects 2026 contractor rates across Fence Advisors' 22-state directory. Technical specifications per American Fence Association Fence Installation School training and referenced ASTM standards.*