How Much Does Fencing Cost In Your Area?

A standard 150 to 200 linear foot residential fence takes 2 to 4 days to install. Wood fences require concrete-set posts that need 24 hours to cure before the panels are attached, so wood usually takes longer than vinyl or aluminum. Add 1 to 2 days for gate hardware, custom designs, or rocky soil that requires jackhammering. Most contractors stage the work so you can use parts of the yard during the install.

Pressure-treated wood at $20 to $35 per linear foot is the cheapest privacy option and lasts 15 to 20 years with annual sealing. Cedar at $30 to $45 looks better and resists rot naturally, lasting 20 to 25 years. Vinyl at $25 to $50 lasts 25 to 30 years with no maintenance and never needs paint. Aluminum at $30 to $60 lasts 50 plus years and is the standard for pool fencing and ornamental front-yard fences.

Most US municipalities require permits for fences over 6 feet tall and for any fence in a front yard. Permits typically cost $50 to $400. HOAs almost always require design approval for new fences, with rules on materials, color, and height. Skip the permit and you may have to tear down and rebuild the fence at your own cost. A reputable contractor handles permits as part of the contract or guides you through HOA approval.

Privacy fences are typically 6 feet tall, the maximum allowed by most US zoning codes without a special permit. Front-yard fences are usually limited to 3 to 4 feet to maintain visibility and curb appeal. Pool fences must be at least 4 feet tall under most US codes, with self-closing self-latching gates. Tall 8-foot fences for sound or privacy in busy neighborhoods usually need a variance and add $5 to $15 per linear foot.

Standard practice is 1/3 of the fence height, so 6-foot fence posts go 2 feet deep. Frost line depth matters more in cold climates, so posts in northern states often need to be 36 to 48 inches deep to avoid frost heave. Concrete around posts adds stability and lasts longer than tamped gravel, especially for tall privacy fences. Skipping the concrete saves $5 to $10 per post but cuts fence life nearly in half.

Cost-sharing on shared property line fences is legal in every US state and very common, typically 50/50 between adjoining homeowners. Get the agreement in writing, including who picks the contractor, who handles HOA approval, and who pays for future repairs. Some states have spite fence laws limiting height of fences built solely to annoy neighbors. Always pull your property survey before any boundary fence work to confirm the actual line.

Late fall through winter is the slowest season for most fencing crews and prices run 5% to 15% below peak. Spring and early summer are peak demand because of pet adoption season and outdoor living projects. Fences install fine year-round as long as the ground is not frozen solid, which only matters in northern states from December to March. Most contractors book 2 to 6 weeks out in spring and summer.