Fence installation cost per foot in 2026, and what a fence quote must include
What chain link, wood, vinyl and aluminium fencing cost per linear foot installed in 2026, what changes the price, and the line items every fence quotation should show.
A fence is one of the simplest jobs to price: it is sold by the foot, and the footage is the length of a line you can see from above. The differences between fence quotations are in the parts you cannot see — posts, depth and gates.
Fence cost per foot in 2026
| Fence | Per linear foot installed | 150 ft |
|---|---|---|
| Chain link | $15-$30 | $2,250-$4,500 |
| Wood privacy | $25-$45 | $3,750-$6,750 |
| Vinyl | $30-$50 | $4,500-$7,500 |
| Ornamental aluminium | $35-$65 | $5,250-$9,750 |
Gates are priced separately, and a wide driveway gate can cost as much as 30 feet of fence.
How a fence is measured
By the length of the fence line. It can be measured on satellite imagery in a minute, which is how a fence contractor can price a job before visiting. Where the property line matters — and near a neighbour it always does — the line should follow a survey, not the imagery.
What changes the price
- Height: 6 feet costs noticeably more than 4.
- Terrain: slopes need stepping or racking; rock needs different post-setting.
- Post type and depth: set below frost line in cold climates.
- Removal of an old fence and haul-away.
- Permits and HOA rules on height, style and setback.
What a fence quotation must include
- Linear footage, height, material and style
- Post material, spacing and depth, and how they are set
- Gate count, widths and hardware
- Old fence removal and disposal
- Permits, and who calls for underground utility marking before digging
- Warranty on material and workmanship
Common questions
How much does a fence cost per foot?
$15-$30 chain link, $25-$45 wood, $30-$50 vinyl, $35-$65 aluminium, installed.
How is a fence measured?
By the fence line length, measurable from satellite imagery; follow a survey on the boundary.
What should a fence quote include?
Footage, height, material, posts, gates, removal, permits and utility marking.
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