Fence installation cost in 2026 — per linear foot by material

Fencing is steady, repeatable, high-margin work — and "fence cost per foot" is one of the most-searched homeowner queries. In 2026 installed fencing runs about $15 to $72 per linear foot depending on material. For a typical 150-foot yard that is roughly $2,250 to $10,800. Here is the breakdown by material.

Fence cost per linear foot (material + installation)

• Chain-link — $11 to $27 / lin ft
• Wood picket — $14 to $36 / lin ft
• Wood privacy (6 ft) — $18 to $45 / lin ft
• Split rail — $11 to $30 / lin ft
• Vinyl / PVC — $27 to $63 / lin ft
• Aluminum — $33 to $72 / lin ft
• Wrought iron — $43 to $100 / lin ft

Total cost by yard size (wood privacy fence)

• 100 lin ft — $1,800 to $4,500
• 150 lin ft — $2,700 to $6,750
• 200 lin ft (quarter-acre perimeter) — $3,600 to $9,000
• 300 lin ft (half-acre perimeter) — $5,400 to $13,500

What is included beyond the panels

1. Posts set in concrete — every 6–8 ft, $50–$150 each
2. Corner & end posts — heavier, $70–$200 each
3. Walk gate — $200–$600 each
4. Drive gate — $500–$1,800 each (more with automation)
5. Demo of old fence — $2–$7 / lin ft
6. Stain / seal (wood) — $1.50–$5 / lin ft

What drives fence cost up

• Height — 8 ft privacy fence costs ~30% more than 6 ft
• Terrain — slopes need stepped or racked panels; rocky soil slows post-setting
• Gates & automation — a single automated drive gate can add $1,500–$3,000
• Permits & HOA — many cities cap height and require a permit
• Utility locates — always call 811 before digging; hitting a line is costly

How to quote a fence accurately

Measure the run in linear feet, count gates and corners, and itemize material, posts, gates, demo, and finish separately. A per-linear-foot calculator with current material prices turns a walk-around into a signed quote the same day.

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FAQ

Which fence is cheapest? Chain-link, then split rail. Wood privacy is the best value for full screening.

Which lasts longest? Vinyl and aluminum (25–40 years, no maintenance). Wood needs staining every 2–3 years.

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