June 19, 202610 min read

Fence Cost Calculator: How Much Does a Fence Cost in 2026?

A new fence costs $15 to $60 per linear foot installed in 2026. Wood runs $20–$40, vinyl $25–$55, chain link $12–$25, and aluminum $30–$60. Here's the full breakdown.

Expect to pay $15 to $60 per linear foot installed for a new fence in 2026 — about $2,250 to $9,000 for a typical 150-foot backyard. Material, height, and gate count drive most of the price. Use this guide and the free fence cost calculator on the home page to size your project before you call for quotes.

Fence cost per linear foot by material (2026)

Chain link (4 ft) — $12 to $25 per linear ft
Wood picket — $18 to $35 per linear ft
Wood privacy (6 ft cedar) — $25 to $45 per linear ft
Wood privacy (8 ft cedar) — $35 to $60 per linear ft
Vinyl / PVC privacy — $28 to $55 per linear ft
Aluminum ornamental — $30 to $60 per linear ft
Wrought iron — $35 to $90 per linear ft
Composite (Trex / Barrette) — $45 to $80 per linear ft

The fence cost formula

Total = (Linear feet × Cost per ft) + (Gates × Gate cost) + Permit + Removal

Cost per linear foot already bundles posts, rails, panels, fasteners, and standard labor. Add gates separately — a 4-ft walk gate runs $150 to $350, a 10-ft double drive gate $400 to $1,200. Permits add $25 to $200 in most US cities.

Worked example — 150 ft cedar privacy fence with 1 gate

150 ft × $32 = $4,800 in fence
1 walk gate = $275
Permit = $75
Old fence removal (150 ft × $3) = $450
Total installed = $5,600

Post spacing — how many posts do I need?

Posts = (Linear feet ÷ 8) + 1

Standard wood and vinyl panels are 6 or 8 feet wide, so posts go every 8 feet for most residential fences. Always add 1 to close the run. A 150-ft fence needs about 20 posts. Chain link can stretch to 10-ft spacing, ornamental aluminum sticks to 6 or 8 ft.

Fence cost by yard size

Small (¼ acre, ~150 ft) — $2,250 to $9,000
Average (⅓ acre, ~200 ft) — $3,000 to $12,000
Half acre (~300 ft) — $4,500 to $18,000
Full acre (~835 ft) — $12,500 to $50,000

What drives fence cost up

Sloped or rocky ground — $3 to $8 extra per linear ft
Old fence removal — $2 to $5 per linear ft
Concrete post setting (recommended) — $10 to $20 per post
Stained or pre-finished panels — $4 to $10 extra per linear ft
Permit and HOA approval — $25 to $200
Tree or stump removal in fence line — $150 to $600 each

DIY vs pro fence install

DIY materials only — $8 to $25 per linear ft
Pro labor portion — $7 to $35 per linear ft
DIY 150-ft fence saves $1,000 to $5,000 in labor
Skill required — postholes, leveling, gate hanging
Typical DIY timeline — 2 to 4 weekends for 150 ft

Best fence by goal

Privacy — 6 ft cedar or vinyl privacy
Dogs and kids — 4 to 5 ft chain link or picket
Pool code compliance — 4 ft self-closing aluminum
Curb appeal — white vinyl picket or black aluminum
Lowest cost — 4 ft chain link
Longest life — vinyl or aluminum (25 to 40+ years)

FAQ

How long does a fence last?

Cedar privacy 15 to 25 years, pressure-treated pine 10 to 15, vinyl 25 to 40, aluminum 30+, chain link 20 to 30. Stain or seal wood fences every 2 to 4 years to hit the high end.

Do I need a permit for a fence?

Most US cities require a permit for fences over 6 ft tall or any fence in a front yard. Pool fences almost always need a permit. Call your city building department or check the HOA bylaws before ordering material.