Privacy Fence Costs
Wondering how much to expect for your new privacy fence? Check out our comprehensive guide!
Privacy fences are a great option for increasing privacy and security around your property as well as adding some curb appeal with nice design elements.
Several factors can affect the cost of a including the type of material, the size of the fence, fence styles, and the labor costs involved in the fence installation.
A privacy fence will range from $1,500 and $8,000, with an average project cost of $2,700.
Many factors can influence the price of a privacy fence. The main factors are:
We’ve made it easy to estimate the cost of your new privacy fence with our online fence calculator. Design and edit multiple different privacy fence types to see what will be a good fit for your property and your budget.
The average cost of a privacy fence is between $17 and $50 per linear foot, including the fence materials and labor. There are different factors that can impact the price per linear foot, such as the type of materials used and the complexity of the installation, but in general, this is the simplest way to price a privacy fence.
The most common materials used for privacy fences are wood, vinyl, and aluminum. Each of these fencing materials has its unique benefits and drawbacks, so it's important to choose the right one for your needs.
The average cost to install a wooden privacy fence is $17 to $22 per linear foot. However, a wood fence costs can vary significantly depending on the type of wood used, the size and height of the fence, and the complexity of the installation. For example, installing a 6-foot tall privacy fence made of redwood may cost around $20 per linear foot, while installing an 8-foot tall privacy fence made of pressure-treated pine may only cost $10 per linear foot.
The average cost to install a vinyl privacy fence is around $15 to $30 per linear foot. Material costs range from $12 to $30 per linear foot, with the average homeowner spending between $15 and $40 per linear foot on total fence installation.
Aluminum or metal fencing averages about $20 to $50 per linear foot. This cost can vary depending on the size of the fence, the type of metal used for construction and the type of terrain on which it is being installed.
When you're planning to install a privacy fence, there are a few factors beyond the cost of materials and type of fence that you'll need to consider. Here are a few other potential cost factors to keep in mind when budgeting for your new privacy fence.
The height and length of a privacy fence can affect its price in a few ways. As a general rule, any fence height that deviates from the standard will be more expensive. Also, the longer the fence, the more material and labor are required, which directly increases the total price.
The average fence height of a privacy fence is six feet, but it can range from four to eight feet. An 8-foot privacy fence would increase the fence price by 35% when compared to a 6-foot privacy fence of the same length and fence type.
The addition of a gate to your privacy fence will increase the cost. Adding a gate will cost anywhere from $150 to $1,000. The size and style of the gate impact the price, for example, certain gate styles, like sliding gates, require additional hardware. Automatic gates will also cost more than manual ones.
A larger yard will require more materials and labor, and therefore will be more expensive. Once you’ve estimated the cost per linear foot for your privacy fence (based on the material and fence style) you can estimate the total cost for your yard. For example, if you’d like a privacy fence that will cost $22 per linear foot for material and labor and you need 180 linear feet of fencing (around the national average) your new fence would cost about $3,960.
The more labor-intensive the fence is to install, the more it will cost. The labor costs of professional fencing installation vary from material to material but are typically around $35 per hour. If a property has conditions which-make installation more difficult (slope, deep tree or plant roots, etc.) then additional labor costs will likely apply. For some companies, labor related to brush or old fence removal may not be included and will cost more.
Most cities require special clearance and/or a dig permit before a new fence can be installed. Permits can cost anywhere from $10 to $500, depending on your local laws.
It’s important not to leave out any add-ons for your new privacy fence when budgeting for the project.
A new stain can give your fence an easy makeover and extend its lifespan. Staining protects your fence from UV rays fading its color. Sealing your fence protects it from water seeping in, which can cause splintering. Painting can complete the look of a new fence or give an old one a makeover. These add-ons will cost about $1 to $4 each per linear foot.
Having someone haul the old fence away will incur additional labor costs. Some contractors or local pros will include brush or existing fence removal as part of the total cost for your wood fence, but some won’t. In general, added haul-away labor will range from $3 to $10 per linear foot.
Your property could have any number of factors present that make building a fence more complex. The more complicated the install, the more the labor will cost.
The extra cost associated with sloped property depends on the degree of the slope (low, medium, high, or extreme). A slope or difference in height of 4 or more inches on either side of the fence can also mean you'll need a retaining wall, which can further impact the project's cost. When facing such challenges, exploring fence on a slope ideas can provide you with innovative and practical solutions tailored to your specific needs and budget.
The composition of soils from place to place can be quite different. Some areas have soil which makes the installation harder. There may be a city surcharge added to your quote to account for this.
Extra digging that comes with having to dig around a sidewalk will cost more.
Having to build extra protection when digging or building around trees will cost more as well.
Different add-ons can enhance the look of your fence. Post caps range from $5 to $50 depending on the materials you choose. They can represent a significant addition to your wood fence installation costs but they look good and will help make your wood fence more durable by protecting your posts from elements and insects. Another common embellishment is a lattice. The cost to add on a lattice is about $2 to $12 per linear foot.
When it comes to privacy fences, the most important factor is the material. For wood privacy fencing, a side-by-side fence made from pine would be an economical option. Chain link fencing with added privacy slats is also a cheaper option for commercial properties.
The time it takes to install a privacy fence will depend on the size and complexity of the fence. The first step is to dig holes for the posts, which should be spaced evenly and at least two feet deep. Once the holes are dug, the posts can be installed and concrete can be poured around them to secure them in place. The installation in itself shouldn’t take more than 4 days unless there are any complications, such as difficult terrain or bad weather, which can cause installation time to be longer.
Generally speaking, a privacy fence will last for many years, but its lifespan will be affected by the material it is made from, the climate it is exposed to, and how well it is maintained. A wooden fence may last anywhere between 15 to 20 years and vinyl and aluminum fences can last 50+ years.
To maintain a privacy fence, homeowners should regularly trim any foliage that hangs over the fence line. There are also some simple fence maintenance tips to take, such as repairing cracks and knotholes and having your fence re-stained and sealed as needed.
If you have the necessary tools and skills to build a privacy fence yourself, then the cost of labor will be lower. Generally speaking, however, a DIY privacy fence is not advisable. Most homeowners do not have the right training or knowledge of fence construction to build a fence that will be sturdy and long-lasting. Better to hire professionals upfront than go through the construction yourself only to hire a company for repairs not long after.
Ergeon can help you choose and install the right privacy fence for your home. We offer a wide range of privacy fences and can help you select the one that best fits your needs.
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