Fence Cost Calculator

Material-installed prices: Chain link 4ft $8-$15/lf · Wood pressure-treated 6ft $20-$35/lf · Wood cedar 6ft $25-$45/lf · Vinyl 6ft $30-$60/lf · Aluminum ornamental $35-$65/lf · Wrought iron $40-$80/lf · Composite (Trex Seclusions) $40-$80/lf. Costs vary 25-40% by region - high-labor markets (CA, NY, MA) at the top, rural Midwest/South at the bottom. Gates add $300-$800 each. Sloped or hilly terrain adds 15-25% for stepped installation.

Vinyl: 30+ year warranty, zero maintenance, color stable, won't rot or splinter. Wood (cedar): 15-25 years with regular staining/sealing (every 2-3 years); pressure-treated: 12-18 years with similar maintenance. Vinyl upfront cost is 1.5-2× wood, but lifetime cost is similar. Cedar wins on warmth and natural appearance; vinyl wins on hassle-free ownership. Wood is also easier to repair (replace single board vs section); vinyl requires panel replacement.

Usually yes for fences over 6 ft tall, retaining walls integrated with fence, or fences in front-yard setbacks. Under 6 ft in back/side yards often exempt - check local zoning. HOA approval is separate and often more restrictive (style, color, height, even material allowed). Always call 811 before digging fence posts (free utility-locate service). Property survey before installing prevents the most common dispute (built on neighbor's property = legal removal).

General rule: post depth = 1/3 of total fence height + minimum 6" below local frost line. For a 6 ft fence in a moderate climate: 24-30" deep posts. Cold regions (Minnesota, Montana, Maine): frost line can be 48-60" - posts must go deeper. Concrete footings around posts for vinyl/metal; pressure-treated wood posts can go directly in gravel + tamped earth in well-drained soil but concrete is more durable.