Fence contractors in North Carolina - free quotes

North Carolina homeowners invest in fencing for privacy, property boundaries, and curb appeal. The state’s fast-growing suburbs, especially around Charlotte and Raleigh, mean thousands of new homes need fences every year. Whether you are building a wood privacy fence in a new subdivision or replacing an aging fence on an established lot, finding a reliable contractor matters.

We connect North Carolina homeowners with local fence contractors who understand area soil conditions, climate, and building codes. Get free quotes and compare before you hire.

North Carolina licensing requirements

North Carolina requires contractors performing work valued at $30,000 or more to hold a general contractor license through the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors (NCLBGC). Most residential fence projects fall under this threshold, but larger commercial or multi-property jobs may require a license.

Regardless of project size, your contractor should carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. Many NC cities and counties also require business registration or permits for fence installation. Check with your local building department for specific requirements.

Before hiring, ask for proof of insurance and verify any claimed licenses through the NCLBGC website.

Average fence costs in North Carolina

Fence installation costs in North Carolina fall near or slightly below national averages. Labor rates are competitive across the Piedmont, and materials are readily available from regional lumber yards and supply houses.

For detailed pricing by material and yard size, see our privacy fence cost guide.

North Carolina-specific cost factors

• Red clay soil. The Piedmont’s heavy red clay makes digging post holes harder and can cause posts to shift as the soil expands and contracts with moisture changes. Contractors need to set posts deep enough and use concrete footings to prevent movement.
• HOA prevalence. Many North Carolina neighborhoods, especially newer subdivisions around Charlotte and Raleigh, have HOAs with strict fencing requirements for material, height, and color.
• Humidity and materials. NC’s humid climate accelerates rot and mold growth on untreated wood. Cedar and pressure-treated pine are the most common wood choices, but both need regular maintenance. Vinyl is increasingly popular for its zero-maintenance durability.
• Hurricane and storm exposure. Coastal and eastern NC homes face tropical storm and hurricane risks. Even Piedmont locations experience severe thunderstorms with high winds. Post depth and wind-resistant construction matter.

Popular fence types in North Carolina

Vinyl fences

Vinyl has become the dominant choice in newer NC subdivisions, particularly around Charlotte and Raleigh. It handles the hot, humid summers and occasional ice storms without any maintenance. Many Triangle and Piedmont HOAs require or prefer vinyl for its uniform appearance and resistance to the humidity that breaks down wood.

Cedar privacy fences

Cedar is the preferred wood for NC homeowners who want a natural look. It naturally resists rot and insects, both important traits in North Carolina’s humid climate. Cedar still needs staining every two to three years to maintain its color and protect against moisture penetration. For a full comparison of wood and vinyl, see our vinyl vs wood fence guide.

Pressure-treated pine fences

Pressure-treated pine is the budget-friendly wood option and the most widely available fence lumber in North Carolina. The chemical treatment protects against rot and termites, but the wood still needs regular staining to maintain its appearance in NC’s humid conditions.

Aluminum ornamental fences

Aluminum fencing is popular in upscale NC neighborhoods for front yards and pool enclosures. It provides an elegant look, resists rust in the humid air, and meets pool safety codes when configured with proper spacing and gate hardware.

Chain link fences

Chain link serves rural NC properties, large lots, and budget-conscious projects. At $8 to $24 per linear foot, it covers large perimeters affordably. Vinyl-coated options in black or green are popular in neighborhoods where standard galvanized chain link looks too industrial. See our chain link fence guide for more.

Choosing a North Carolina fence contractor

Since most residential fence projects fall below the $30,000 licensing threshold, NC homeowners should focus on insurance verification, references, and detailed written estimates when evaluating contractors. A contractor’s experience with local clay soil and humidity conditions is especially important.

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

HOA considerations in North Carolina

North Carolina has a high concentration of HOA communities, particularly in the fast-growing suburbs around Charlotte, Raleigh, and the Triangle. Common HOA fencing restrictions include:

• Material requirements. Many HOAs require vinyl or aluminum only, prohibiting wood and chain link in visible areas.
• Color palettes. White, tan, and earth tones are the most commonly approved colors.
• Height restrictions. Rear fences typically capped at 6 feet, front and side fences at 3 to 4 feet.
• Style mandates. Some communities require specific panel styles (privacy, semi-privacy, or picket) depending on the fence location.
• Pre-approval required. Architectural review is standard. Allow two to four weeks for the process.

Submit plans to your HOA before getting permits or scheduling installation. For more on navigating permits and regulations, see our fence permit requirements guide.

Cities we serve

• Fence contractors in Charlotte
• Fence contractors in Raleigh

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

FAQ

Do fence contractors need a license in North Carolina?

Contractors performing work valued at $30,000 or more need a general contractor license from the NCLBGC. Most residential fence projects fall below this threshold. Regardless of project size, always confirm your contractor carries liability insurance and workers’ compensation.

Do I need a permit for a fence in North Carolina?

Permit requirements vary by city and county. Charlotte requires a permit for most fence installations. Many other NC cities have height restrictions and setback requirements. Check with your local building department, and ask your contractor to handle the permit process.

What is the best fence material for North Carolina’s climate?

Vinyl and cedar are the top choices. Vinyl handles NC’s hot, humid summers and occasional ice storms without any maintenance. Cedar naturally resists rot and insects but needs staining every two to three years. Pressure-treated pine is the budget-friendly option but requires more upkeep in North Carolina’s humidity. See our vinyl vs wood comparison for a detailed breakdown.

How deep should fence posts be set in North Carolina?

Fence posts in North Carolina should be set at least 24 to 30 inches deep, with concrete footings recommended in clay-heavy Piedmont soil. The frost line in NC is shallower than in northern states (around 12 inches), but deeper posts provide better stability against the clay’s seasonal movement.

How much does a privacy fence cost in North Carolina?

A standard 150-linear-foot wood privacy fence in NC costs $2,250 to $5,700 installed. Vinyl privacy fencing runs $3,000 to $7,800. Charlotte and Raleigh prices are competitive with national averages. See our privacy fence cost guide for more detail.

Do I need a survey before building a fence in North Carolina?

A property survey is not always required by code, but it is strongly recommended. NC’s fast-growing suburbs often have lots where assumed boundaries do not match actual property lines. A survey costs $300 to $800 and prevents property line disputes that could force you to tear down and rebuild your fence.