Fence contractors in Arizona - free quotes

Arizona homeowners approach fencing differently than much of the country. Block walls are the dominant choice across the Phoenix metro, offering privacy, security, and durability in the desert climate. Wood and vinyl fences are also popular, but the extreme heat creates material challenges that make contractor selection especially important.

We connect Arizona homeowners with local fence contractors who know the desert climate, soil conditions, and building codes. Get free quotes and compare before you hire.

Arizona licensing requirements

Arizona requires contractors performing fence work to hold an active license through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC). Fence contractors typically need one of these license classifications:

• CR-34 Fencing (residential). Covers residential fence installation including wood, vinyl, chain link, and ornamental metal fences.
• B-1 General Residential Contracting. Allows contractors to perform fencing as part of broader residential projects.
• CR-28 Masonry. Block wall (masonry) fences may require a masonry license depending on the scope of work.

Licensed contractors must carry a bond and maintain insurance. The Arizona ROC recovery fund provides additional protection for homeowners. Before hiring, verify your contractor’s license at the ROC website and ask for certificates of insurance.

Average fence costs in Arizona

Fence installation costs in Arizona run near or slightly above national averages. Block wall construction, which is the most common fence type in the Valley, costs more than wood or vinyl but lasts significantly longer in the desert climate.

For detailed pricing on privacy fencing materials, see our privacy fence cost guide.

Arizona-specific cost factors

Several factors affect fencing costs in the Arizona market:

• Caliche soil. Digging post holes and footings through caliche requires jackhammers or specialized auger equipment. This adds time and cost to every fencing project in the Valley.
• Block wall prevalence. Many Arizona subdivisions require block walls rather than wood or vinyl fences. Block walls cost more upfront but require virtually no maintenance and last 50 years or more in the dry climate.
• Heat and materials. Metal fences get extremely hot in direct Arizona sun. Vinyl can warp at sustained temperatures above 120 degrees. Material selection must account for the extreme conditions.
• HOA requirements. Many Arizona communities have HOAs with specific fencing requirements including material type, height, and color. Block walls with stucco finish are the most common HOA-mandated style.
• Pool barrier requirements. Arizona law requires a barrier around all residential pools, adding cost for pool fence projects.

Popular fence types in Arizona

Block walls (CMU)

Block walls are the standard in Phoenix and the Valley. Concrete masonry units (CMU) stacked to 6 feet, filled with rebar and grout, and finished with stucco create a fence that handles 115-degree summers without warping, fading, or expanding. They provide complete privacy, significant noise reduction, and require virtually no maintenance. Most Phoenix subdivisions built since the 1980s default to block walls.

Wrought iron and ornamental metal fences

Wrought iron is popular for Arizona front yards, side gates, and pool enclosures. It provides visibility while defining property boundaries and meets pool code requirements. Iron can get dangerously hot in direct sun, so it is best for areas that are not frequently touched.

Vinyl fences

Vinyl works in Arizona but with caveats. Standard vinyl can warp at sustained temperatures above 120 degrees. Choose vinyl rated for extreme heat and avoid south-facing and west-facing installations unless the product is specifically designed for desert conditions. For a comparison of vinyl and wood, see our vinyl vs wood fence guide.

Chain link fences

Chain link serves commercial properties, large lots, and utility areas across Arizona. It is the most affordable option and is unaffected by heat. However, the metal gets extremely hot in summer sun. Vinyl-coated chain link reduces the heat transfer somewhat. See our chain link fence guide for more detail.

Wood fences

Wood fences are less common in Arizona than in other states because the desert climate dries out wood rapidly. Cedar lasts longer than pine but still needs sealing every one to two years, more frequently than in humid climates. Wood fences on south-facing and west-facing sides take the most punishment from sun exposure.

Choosing an Arizona fence contractor

Arizona’s ROC licensing system provides strong homeowner protections. Verify license status and complaint history at the ROC website before hiring. If your project involves a block wall, confirm the contractor holds the appropriate masonry classification. For pool barrier projects, ensure the contractor is familiar with Arizona’s pool safety code requirements.

For a complete walkthrough of the hiring process, read our guide to choosing a fence contractor.

HOA considerations in Arizona

The Phoenix metro has one of the highest concentrations of HOA communities in the country. Most Valley subdivisions have active HOAs with strict fencing requirements. Common restrictions include:

• Block walls required. Many HOAs mandate block walls with stucco finish, prohibiting wood, vinyl, and chain link.
• Stucco color matching. HOAs often require the block wall stucco color to match the home’s exterior.
• Wrought iron for visibility. Front yards and side areas visible from the street often require wrought iron or aluminum for an open look.
• Height limits. Perimeter walls typically capped at 6 feet. Front areas may have lower limits.
• No barbed wire or electric fencing. Prohibited in all residential HOA communities.
• Pre-approval required. Architectural review is standard. Allow two to four weeks.

For more on navigating permits and regulations, see our fence permit requirements guide.

Cities we serve

• Fence contractors in Phoenix

More Arizona cities coming soon. Get a free quote for your fence project anywhere in Arizona.

FAQ

Do fence contractors need a license in Arizona?

Yes. Arizona requires fence contractors to hold a CR-34 Fencing license or work under a B-1 General Residential Contracting license through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC). Block wall fences may require a masonry classification. Verify any contractor’s license at the ROC website before signing a contract.

What is the best fence material for Arizona’s climate?

Block walls are the top choice in the Phoenix metro because they handle the extreme heat, require no maintenance, and last decades. For non-masonry options, wrought iron and aluminum hold up well. Vinyl can warp in sustained extreme heat. Wood fences need more frequent maintenance in the dry climate but work well with regular sealing and staining.

How deep should fence posts be set in Arizona?

Fence posts in Arizona should be set at least 24 to 30 inches deep, with concrete footings. In areas with caliche, the depth depends on where the caliche layer starts. Contractors may need to drill or jackhammer through caliche to reach stable soil below. Block walls require continuous concrete footings set to engineering specifications.

Do I need a permit for a fence in Arizona?

Permit requirements vary by city. Phoenix requires a building permit for block walls and fences over 6 feet tall. Many Valley cities have similar rules. Check with your local building department. Your contractor should handle the permit process.

How much does a block wall cost in Arizona?

A standard 150-linear-foot block wall in the Phoenix metro costs $4,500 to $12,000 installed, depending on height, stucco finish, and cap style. While block walls cost more than wood or vinyl, they last 50 years or more with virtually no maintenance. See our privacy fence cost guide for comparisons.

What are the pool fence requirements in Arizona?

Arizona requires a barrier around all residential pools. Pool fences must be at least 5 feet tall (measured from the outside), with no openings that allow passage of a 4-inch sphere, no horizontal rails that can be used as climbing footholds, and self-closing, self-latching gates with latches at least 54 inches above grade. Gates must open away from the pool.