Fence installation contractors - get free quotes

A fence does more than mark your property line. It provides privacy, security, and curb appeal while defining outdoor living space for your family. Whether you need a wood privacy fence for your backyard, chain link for a pet run, or an ornamental aluminum fence for your front yard, hiring the right contractor is the difference between a fence that lasts decades and one that sags within a few years.

We connect homeowners with fence installation professionals in their area. Get free, no-obligation quotes and compare prices before you hire.

Why your fence matters

A fence is one of the most visible features of your property. It affects how your home looks from the street, how much privacy you have in your yard, and how safely your children and pets can play outside.

Beyond daily use, fencing is a real investment. The average American homeowner spends $2,000 to $10,000 on a new fence, and a well-chosen installation can boost property value, reduce noise from nearby roads, and create distinct outdoor living areas.

A poorly installed fence, on the other hand, creates problems. Posts that are not set deep enough shift and lean. Panels that are not level look bad and catch wind. Fences built without checking property lines or setback rules can result in fines, forced removal, or disputes with neighbors.

Types of fences

Choosing the right fence material depends on your budget, your goals for the fence, and how much maintenance you are willing to do. Here is a breakdown of the most common options.

Wood privacy fences

Wood is the most popular fencing material in the United States. A standard 6-foot wood privacy fence provides full coverage from neighbors and street traffic while offering a warm, natural look that complements most home styles.

Cedar is the preferred wood for fencing because it naturally resists rot and insects. A cedar privacy fence costs $15 to $40 per linear foot installed. Pressure-treated pine is the budget-friendly alternative at a similar price range but requires more frequent staining and sealing to prevent warping and decay.

Wood fences need maintenance. Plan on staining or sealing every two to three years to keep the wood looking good and protected from the elements. Without regular maintenance, a wood fence can start showing wear within five years.

Vinyl fences

Vinyl (PVC) fencing has become one of the fastest-growing segments of the fencing market. It comes in privacy, semi-privacy, and picket styles, and is available in white, tan, gray, and woodgrain finishes.

The main advantage of vinyl is durability with zero maintenance. Vinyl will not rot, warp, crack, or need painting. It cleans up with a garden hose. A quality vinyl fence can last 20 to 30 years with virtually no upkeep.

Vinyl privacy fencing costs $20 to $55 per linear foot installed, making it more expensive upfront than wood. However, when you factor in the cost of staining wood every two to three years, vinyl often costs less over its full lifespan.

Chain link fences

Chain link is the most affordable fencing option and the go-to choice for pet containment, property boundaries, and utility areas. It costs $8 to $25 per linear foot installed for a standard 4-foot residential fence.

Chain link is extremely durable and requires almost no maintenance. The downside is that it provides no privacy and has an industrial look that does not suit every property. Privacy slats or mesh screens can be added to improve privacy, though they change the appearance.

Taller chain link fences (6 feet) with privacy slats are commonly used around pools, sports courts, and commercial properties.

Aluminum and ornamental fences

Aluminum fencing provides an elegant, wrought-iron look without the rust and maintenance issues of real iron. It is popular for front yards, pool enclosures, and properties where a traditional or upscale appearance matters.

Aluminum ornamental fencing costs $25 to $65 per linear foot installed. It is rust-proof, does not need painting, and comes in a range of styles from simple two-rail designs to elaborate Victorian-inspired patterns.

The trade-off is that aluminum fences do not provide privacy. They are designed to define boundaries and add visual appeal rather than block sightlines.

Composite fences

Composite fencing blends recycled wood fibers and plastic to create boards that look like wood but resist rot, insects, and UV fading. It sits in the same price range as vinyl at $25 to $60 per linear foot installed.

Composite is a strong choice for homeowners who want the appearance of a wood fence without the maintenance commitment. It will not splinter, crack, or need staining. Most composite fences come with 20 to 25 year warranties against fading and structural defects.

Average fence installation costs

Fence pricing depends on the material, height, total length, terrain, and your local labor market. Here are national average costs to help you budget.

Labor typically accounts for 40% to 60% of the total project cost for fence installation. Material prices vary by region and fluctuate with lumber and PVC markets.

What affects fence installation costs

Several factors influence your final price:

• Material choice. Wood and chain link are the most affordable. Vinyl, composite, and ornamental aluminum cost more per linear foot but require less maintenance over time.
• Fence height. A 6-foot privacy fence costs significantly more than a 4-foot fence due to additional material and larger posts. Some areas allow 8-foot fences in backyards, which costs even more.
• Total linear footage. Most residential fences range from 100 to 300 linear feet. Longer runs mean more materials and labor, but contractors often offer a lower per-foot price for larger projects.
• Terrain and soil. Rocky soil, slopes, and tree roots increase installation difficulty and cost. Sloped yards may require stepped or racked panels, which adds labor.
• Gates. A standard walk gate adds $150 to $400. A double-wide driveway gate costs $300 to $1,200 or more depending on material and hardware.
• Post setting method. Posts can be set in compacted gravel or concrete footings. Concrete footings are more durable and are required in most areas for fences over 4 feet, but they add time and cost.
• Removal of existing fence. Tearing out an old fence before installing a new one adds $3 to $5 per linear foot to the project.
• Local labor rates. Urban areas with higher costs of living generally have higher installation rates than rural areas.

Fence materials compared

How to choose a fence contractor

Hiring the right contractor is just as important as choosing the right fence material. A skilled installer delivers straight lines, solid posts, and a fence that handles wind, weather, and time. Here is what to look for.

Verify licensing and insurance

Most states require fence contractors to hold a general contractor license or a specialty trade license. The specific requirements vary by state. Always ask to see a current license and verify it with your state’s licensing board.

Your contractor should carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. Ask for certificates of insurance and confirm they are current. This protects you from liability if a worker is injured on your property or if the installation damages a neighbor’s property or underground utility.

Look for fence-specific experience

Fence installation requires different skills than general construction. Look for contractors who specialize in fencing or have extensive fence installation experience. Ask how many fence projects they have completed in the past year and what materials they work with most.

Contractors who are familiar with your chosen material will know the best installation techniques, common failure points, and how to handle challenges like slopes, corners, and gate openings.

Get multiple quotes

Comparing quotes from at least three fence contractors gives you a realistic picture of fair pricing in your area. Be cautious of bids that are significantly lower than the competition. Low bids often signal thinner posts, shallow post holes, lower-grade materials, or shortcuts that reduce the fence’s lifespan.

A detailed quote should include the fence material and specifications, post type and depth, total linear footage, number and type of gates, site preparation, cleanup, and warranty terms.

Check property lines and setbacks

Before your project begins, know exactly where your property lines are. A property survey prevents disputes with neighbors and ensures your fence meets local setback requirements. Many cities require fences to be set 2 to 6 inches inside your property line.

Your contractor should ask about a property survey before starting work. If they do not, consider it a red flag.

Ask the right questions

Before signing a contract, ask your fence contractor:

• How long have you been installing fences?
• Can you provide three references from recent projects?
• What warranty do you offer on labor and materials?
• Will you call 811 to mark utility lines before digging?
• How do you handle slopes and grade changes?
• Will you pull permits if required by my city or county?
• What post depth and diameter do you use for this type of fence?
• How do you handle unexpected issues like buried roots or rock?

Fencing by location

Fence installation needs and costs vary by region. Climate, soil conditions, local building codes, and HOA rules all influence what type of fence works best in your area and what it will cost.

Select your state to find local fence contractors and pricing.

Utah

Utah homeowners commonly install wood and vinyl privacy fences. The dry climate is relatively kind to wood fencing, though summer sun and winter freeze-thaw cycles still require regular maintenance. Vinyl is increasingly popular along the Wasatch Front due to its zero-maintenance appeal.

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Idaho

Boise and southern Idaho homeowners favor wood and vinyl privacy fences. The semi-arid climate with cold winters and hot summers demands durable materials and proper post depth to handle frost heave. Cedar is a popular choice for wood fences in Idaho.

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Colorado

Denver and the Front Range have unique fencing considerations. The dry, sunny climate weathers wood quickly, making vinyl and composite increasingly popular. Colorado’s clay soil can cause post heaving if posts are not set below the frost line, which is 36 inches in most Front Range locations.

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Oregon

Oregon’s persistent rain makes material choice especially important. Untreated wood rots faster here than in drier states, so cedar and vinyl dominate the market. Portland homeowners also deal with tree roots and clay soil that complicate post installation.

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North Carolina

North Carolina’s hot, humid climate and heavy red clay soil create unique fencing challenges. Wood fences need diligent maintenance to resist rot and mold. Vinyl is the fastest-growing choice in Piedmont subdivisions around Charlotte and Raleigh.

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Tennessee

Nashville and Middle Tennessee sit on limestone bedrock that can make digging post holes difficult and expensive. The humid climate accelerates wood decay, making cedar and vinyl the top material choices for Tennessee homeowners.

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Florida

Florida homeowners face heat, humidity, hurricane-force winds, and strict pool fencing codes. Vinyl and aluminum are the most durable options in this climate. Pressure-treated pine is the standard wood choice because it resists moisture and termites.

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Arizona

Arizona is block wall country. The Phoenix metro’s extreme heat punishes wood and vinyl, making concrete masonry units (CMU) with stucco finish the dominant fencing choice. Block walls last 50 years or more with virtually no maintenance.

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Ohio

Ohio’s four-season climate, clay-heavy soil, and active freeze-thaw cycles demand proper post depth and concrete footings. Vinyl and cedar are the most popular materials, with vinyl dominating newer subdivisions in Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati.

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Permit requirements and HOA rules

One of the most overlooked aspects of fence installation is permits and regulations. Failing to check local rules before building can result in fines, forced removal, or costly modifications.

Building permits

Most cities and counties require a building permit for new fence installation. Permit requirements typically address:

• Maximum fence height. Most jurisdictions allow 6-foot fences in backyards and 3 to 4 feet in front yards. Some areas allow taller fences with a variance.
• Setback rules. Fences usually must be set back from the property line, sidewalks, and streets. The required setback varies from 2 inches to several feet depending on your jurisdiction.
• Corner lot restrictions. Fences on corner lots often have sight-line restrictions near intersections to maintain driver visibility.
• Material restrictions. Some areas prohibit certain materials (like barbed wire in residential zones) or require fences to have the “good side” facing outward.

Your contractor should be familiar with local permit requirements and include the permit cost in their estimate.

HOA regulations

If your home is in a community governed by a homeowners association, you likely need HOA approval before building a fence. HOA rules commonly restrict:

• Fence materials (many HOAs prohibit chain link in front yards)
• Fence height and style
• Color options
• Placement relative to your home and lot lines

Review your HOA covenants before choosing a fence material and style. Submit your plans for approval before scheduling installation. Getting approval after the fact can mean tearing down and rebuilding a non-compliant fence at your own expense.

Utility lines

Before any digging begins, call 811 (the national “Call Before You Dig” number) to have underground utility lines marked. This is free, required by law in all 50 states, and prevents dangerous and expensive damage to gas, water, electric, cable, and sewer lines.

A responsible contractor will not start digging until utility lines have been marked. If a contractor skips this step, do not hire them.

Fence maintenance tips

A well-maintained fence lasts years longer than a neglected one. Here is what each material needs to stay in good shape.

Wood fence maintenance

Wood fences need the most attention. For cedar and pressure-treated pine:

• Stain or seal the fence every two to three years to protect against moisture, UV damage, and rot.
• Inspect for loose boards, popped nails, and leaning posts each spring.
• Clear vegetation and debris away from the fence line to prevent moisture buildup.
• Replace damaged boards promptly to prevent the problem from spreading to adjacent boards.

Vinyl fence maintenance

Vinyl fences need very little maintenance:

• Wash with a garden hose once or twice a year to remove dirt and mildew.
• Use a mild soap solution for stubborn stains.
• Inspect for cracks or loose panels after major storms or high winds.

Chain link maintenance

Chain link is nearly maintenance-free:

• Inspect for bent or damaged sections after storms.
• Check that tension wires and post caps are secure.
• Apply rust-inhibiting spray to any scratched or bare metal areas.

Aluminum fence maintenance

Aluminum fencing requires minimal care:

• Rinse with a garden hose periodically.
• Inspect for loose pickets or rail connections.
• Touch up any scratches with matching paint to prevent corrosion.

DIY vs professional fence installation

Installing a fence yourself can save 40% to 60% on labor costs, but it is not the right choice for every project.

When DIY makes sense

• Short runs of pre-assembled fence panels on flat ground
• Simple chain link fences using rail-and-tension-wire systems
• Replacing sections of an existing fence with matching materials
• You have experience setting posts, using a level, and operating a post hole digger

When to hire a professional

• Privacy fences over 100 linear feet where consistent post spacing and alignment matter
• Properties with slopes, rocky soil, or large tree roots
• Fences that require permits and inspections
• Projects near property lines where exact placement is critical
• Any fence taller than 6 feet
• Pool fences that must meet safety codes

Professional installation costs more upfront, but a well-built fence lasts longer and avoids the common DIY mistakes that lead to leaning posts, sagging gates, and uneven panels.

Related outdoor projects

Many homeowners pair fence installation with other outdoor improvements.

A new concrete patio combined with a privacy fence creates a complete backyard living area. Adding a patio inside your new fence gives you a private outdoor living space that functions as an extension of your home.

For more on budgeting outdoor projects, check out our home improvement cost guide.

Get free fence installation quotes

Ready to build your new fence? Get free, no-obligation quotes from fence contractors in your area. Compare prices, ask questions, and choose the best fit for your project.