How Much Does a Fence Cost?
Short answer: for a 6 ft privacy fence, expect roughly $25–$60 per linear foot installed depending on material and region — wood on the low end, vinyl and aluminum on the high end. DIY drops that to materials only, often 40–50% less.
What drives fence cost
- Material — wood < chain link < vinyl < aluminum, per linear foot, though each spans a range by grade.
- Height & style — a 6 ft privacy fence uses far more material than a 4 ft picket run.
- Gates — each gate adds two posts, hardware and dedicated labor.
- Terrain & soil — slopes, rocks and clay slow installation and deepen footings.
- Region — labor rates move the installed price more than anything else.
DIY vs installed
An installed quote bundles materials + labor + gates + haul-away. DIY means you pay the materials line only — our cost calculator shows both side by side, with every unit price editable so you can plug in real quotes.
Worked example — 200 ft wood privacy
- 28 posts, 25 sections, 83 rails, ~450 pickets, ~84 concrete bags
- Materials at public-market defaults: ≈ $2,700–$3,200
- Installed (labor at ~$14/ft + gate): ≈ $5,600–$6,200
- Your region will move these — the point is the structure of the estimate.
Estimate yours in two minutes
Open the Fence Cost Calculator, pick your material and length, and edit any unit price to match a local quote — totals recompute instantly. The full price basis is published on our open price dataset.
FAQ
How much does a 200 ft fence cost?
Wood privacy ≈ $5k–$12k installed; chain link $3k–$6k; vinyl $6k–$12k; aluminum $7k–$14k. Materials-only (DIY) is roughly half.
Is DIY worth it?
You save the labor line (~40–50%) but spend your own time and take on layout and digging. Compare both modes in the calculator before deciding.
What adds the most cost?
Gates, rocky/sloped ground, extra height, and premium materials.