This is perhaps the most common question that most homeowners want to know when shopping for a new fence installation. How much does a
fence cost? It doesn't have to be such a mysterious number. We pride ourselves on transparency in our entire sales process and installation. If you are looking for privacy fence cost or just costs related to a new fence installation, we provide a comprehensive breakdown of what to expect. Continue reading on to learn more about all the things that go into calculating an accurate price for your next fence project.
Wood fencing is a popular choice for fencing, and many homeowners are curious on the costs of wooden fencing. Compared to other fence material, wood fencing is right in the middle cost-wise. It's not your cheapest (chain link is), but its not the most expensive either (composite is). A common misconception is that vinyl is cheaper than wood. That is false. Wood is much cheaper than vinyl fencing, by a significant dollar amount. Pressure treated pine fencing is your cheapest wood option, while cedar fencing is the most common. Wood provides a hardy fence construction material while also helping you meet your price budget.
Wood fences do require maintenance, but without maintenance will give you a solid 15-20 years before giving out. We frequently do fence repairs for wood fences such as post replacements, which is common for the Chicagoland area. The moisture at the base of the fence posts usually gives out and needs to be replaced within 10-15 years' time. With proper maintenance and staining, you could see up to 20-25 years for your wood fence.
Utilize our wood fence cost calculator below to determine the cost of fence installation for your next wood fence!
Before using our fence cost calculator, please review these tips when it comes to fence installation prices.
Size of Your Yard
As mentioned, the size of your yard is the major foundational building block of creating a fence quote. A giant yard will require a significant amount of materials and labor hours, resulting in a cost you may not have anticipated.
Removal of Existing Fence
Are you requiring removal of an existing fence? That could mean an entire day of work for a full crew. Removing chain link fence or an existing wood fence can be a ton of work. All of that old fencing must be uprooted, concrete and all, in order to start installing the new fence material. Removal of existing fence could add another 5-10 dollars per linear foot.
Type of Fence Material
With many options available, not many people realize the significant difference there is in the choice of materials. Here is a breakdown of the costs of the most common types of fence in order of cost:
Number of Gates
Gates can add another $400-500 on top of your overall fence quote. Double gates are popular for allowing larger machinery such as landscaping equipment to get into your backyard. So consider those costs when attempting to calculate what it will cost for your fence project.
How do you get the linear footage?
There are a few ways to measure the total linear footage of your fence.
The first option is to use a free measuring app on your phone. If you have an iPhone, its a native app that you can use to measure. Otherwise, there should be apps available on the Google Play Store that will accomplish the same result.
Second option; use
Google Earth from your computer and measure from satellite imagery. This is also a free option and is accessible via web browser.
Third option; walk the perimeter of where the new fence will go foot over foot manually. Walk the entire perimeter of the yard while keeping track of each step. Alternatively you could use a tape measure.
Fourth option; which isn't as accurate but gives you a ballpark number. Count the number of panels. Panels are the boards between the posts. Typically the posts are 6 - 8' apart from each other max. Count up all the panels and multiply them by the distance apart they are from one another. So if you have 50 panels, multiple 50 x 6' and that's your total linear footage.
Enter in your result below under “Total Linear Feet”. Then select the rest of your criteria for your new fence. The calculator will automatically calculate the total as you select different options.
Determining the cost of installing a fence involves several key factors that directly influence the total expenditure. The process of estimating this cost is multi-faceted, requiring a thorough assessment of materials, labor, fence style, size of the area, and additional features or requirements.
The first step in determining the cost of a fence installation is to understand the scope of the project. This involves measuring the total area to be fenced, as the size is a primary factor in calculating the cost. Larger areas require more materials and labor, which significantly increases the price. Additionally, the purpose of the fence (privacy, decoration, security, etc.) can affect the type of materials needed and the design of the fence, both of which influence cost.
Materials constitute a significant portion of the overall cost. Common fencing materials include wood, vinyl, aluminum, and chain link. Each material has a different price point:
The choice of material not only affects the initial cost but also impacts long-term maintenance expenses. For instance, wood may require regular painting or staining, whereas vinyl and aluminum are more weather-resistant and require less upkeep.
Labor costs can vary widely depending on the complexity of the installation and the rates of the contractors. Complex designs, difficult terrain, and the need for special tools or equipment can increase labor costs. It's advisable to get quotes from several contractors to compare prices and understand what is included in their services.
Several additional factors can impact the cost:
Once all these factors are considered, homeowners can start to budget for their fence installation. It's recommended to add an additional 10-15% to the estimated cost to cover any unforeseen expenses. Getting detailed quotes from contractors that break down the costs of materials and labor is essential for an accurate budget.
Overall, determining the cost of fence installation is a comprehensive process that requires careful consideration of various factors. Material choice, labor, style, size, and additional requirements all play a significant role in the final cost. A detailed assessment and multiple quotes can help ensure that homeowners can budget effectively for their fencing project.
We help you find affordable payment options in less than a minute. Compare personalized offers from lenders in our network, with no impact to your credit score.
Chain link fences are one of our most popular fencing options. They are incredibly affordable, provide excellent security, and can last a lifetime. Modern chain link fences will enhance the appearance of your property. Due to their lower cost, they are also ideal for larger-scale projects. We've seen chain link fences still standing after 35+ years!
If you would like to learn more about our chain link fences for your home or business, don’t hesitate to contact us. A common choice is black chain link fence, click the picture to learn more.
A new vinyl fence can transform the appearance of your property while providing excellent privacy and security. Vinyl fences are incredibly versatile and come in a wide range of designs and styles that will meet your needs. From privacy fences to picket fences, we have a vinyl fence that will be perfect for your property. If you’ve been thinking of upgrading to a vinyl fence, our team is ready for the job.
We also offer a wide range of cedar fence installation options that will protect your home while enhancing your property's appearance. Our cedar fencing comes in a variety of styles and designs. We offer cedar picket fences, post & rail, vertical board fences, and a wide range of alternative styles. Cedar fencing can be stained or painted to add to the visual appearance of your property as well.
Pressure treated fencing is a great alternative to traditional cedar fence. It has a lower price point and still weathers the Illinois weather quite well. Pressure treated pine offers a bright appearance and natural wood look. It's great for those on a budget or commercial applications such as perimeter fencing and dumpster corrals. Pressure treated pine offers better ground exposure where there is high moisture present. There are shortfalls however, so visit our cedar and pressure treated informational pages to learn more about the difference between the two.
Whether you choose to do it yourself or leave the work to the professionals, you want to choose a quality stain. We recommend Woodrich Staining Restoration Kits!
Aluminum fencing has become popular in recent years. The best aspects of aluminum fencing is that it is doesn't rust, and it carries a lifetime warranty. It is very durable and maintenance-free. Versus iron or steel, which are prone to rust and corrode over time. Contact us today to get a free estimate on our aluminum fence options.
We don't carry or install electric fences for dogs, but we have partners that do! There are pros and cons of installing an electric fence, so it's important to understand them before making that decision. Click one of the links below to learn more about how an electric fence can help keep your dog in the yard.
Our team is available to provide professional fence services. Based in Hoffman Estates, IL, our company can provide expert fence installation, maintenance, and repair services. We offer a wide range of fence styles to choose from including chain link fence, vinyl fence, cedar fence, aluminum fence, and composite fence. We also provide professional deck design and construction services. If you would like to find out more about our fencing services or would like book your free consultation, don’t be afraid to contact us. You can reach our customer service team by using the phone number or contact form on this website.