Fence Installation Cost Guide: Wood, Vinyl & Chain Link

How much does fence installation cost?

Fence installation typically costs $15.00 to $50.00 per linear foot, depending on material — chain link is the cheapest option, wood and vinyl sit in the middle, and wrought iron or aluminum are the most expensive. For a typical 150 linear foot backyard perimeter, that’s roughly $2,250 to $7,500 total. Use the Fence Cost Calculator for an estimate based on your linear footage, material, and state.

1. Cost by material

2. Worked example: 150 linear feet

Using the calculator’s baseline rate (average tier, standard install, no state adjustment):

This is a hypothetical example using the Average base rate and a 1.0x location multiplier — not a claim about what your specific project will cost. Use the calculator for a range based on your linear footage, material, and state.

3. What adds to the base cost

• Gates: Each gate (single walkthrough or double driveway gate) adds its own hardware and extra framing labor on top of the per-foot fence rate.
• Terrain: Rocky soil or sloped ground requires more labor for post-hole digging and stair-stepping panels down a slope — flat, clear ground installs fastest.
• Post depth: Posts typically need to go 1/3 to 1/2 of their above-ground height into the ground (or below the local frost line, often 24-36 inches), set in concrete — skipping this shortens the fence’s effective lifespan significantly.

4. Is this a realistic DIY project?

It depends on the material and terrain. Straight-run chain link and basic wood panel fencing on flat ground are within reach for a patient DIYer. Taller privacy fencing, vinyl (which is less forgiving of small install errors), and any sloped or rocky terrain are harder to get right — a crooked fence line is difficult and expensive to fix once posts are set in concrete.