Fencing contractors are the best choice when you want to have a fence installed on your property. While there are several types of professionals who can likely handle this service — including handymen, landscapers and general contractors — a fencing contractor has the experience to know what could cause potential problems in the long run. This might include wet spots, vegetation or other issues with the land. 

When choosing a professional to install a fence on your property, make sure they have credentials and experience.

Help define your property line, protect your home and yard, and boost your curb appeal with a new wood fence. The national average for wood fence installation cost is $3,250. Wood fence installation costs will vary based on your geographic location, the type of wood you select, the height and style of wood fence you desire, and the condition of your property. Pressure-treated pine is a common and attractive choice that is usually resilient against rot and bugs. Cedar is another budget-friendly option that, although more expensive than pressure-treated pine, can be more affordable than redwood or teak. A wood fence requires maintenance to ensure its long-term health and beauty, so keep future staining and painting costs in mind when you’re calculating fence installation costs. Here are some examples of how height and material affect the approximate cost of wood fences:

• 6-foot-high, pressure-treated pine fence: $15-$17 per linear foot.
• 4-foot-high, pressure-treated pine fence: $13-$20 per linear foot.
• Cedar fence: $18-$25 per linear foot.
• 6-foot-high, double-sided (meaning both sides are uniform), pressure-treated pine fence with 6x6 posts: $25 per linear foot.
• 12-foot-high, pressure-treated pine fence with custom detailing: $75 per linear foot.
• 6-foot-high, pressure-treated pine fence with a custom lattice top: $30-$50 per linear foot.

The cheapest type of fence to install is (usually) a chain-link fence. Averaging between $7 and $12 per linear foot, this type of fencing is strong and secure and allows homeowners to maintain visibility while adding protection to their property. Chain-link fences are constructed from steel coated in aluminum, vinyl or zinc for weather resistance. 

You can get a more accurate cost estimate for your chain-link fence by contacting professionals who specialize in installing these fences. 

Read our cost guide on fence installation costs to see prices for other types of fences.

Chain-link fence is one of the most affordable options for adding safety and value to your home or business. The national average chain-link fence installation cost is $2,750. Chain-link fences are relatively simple for the pros to install; a fence of less than 150 linear feet can often be put up in under one day. A good rule of thumb is to add an additional workday for each additional 100 linear feet of fence to be installed.

Chain-link fence installation costs are affected by the fluctuating cost of steel, regional labor rates, the height of fence you select, and the features you select, such as a powder-coated finish. The industry standard is galvanized steel, which is rust- and corrosion-resistant. Galvanized chain-link fence installation cost, including labor and materials, is typically $12 per linear foot. For a more contemporary and elegant option, black powder-coated galvanized chain-link fence might cost approximately $15 per linear foot on average, including materials and labor. For industrial sites or businesses, 10-foot-high galvanized chain-link fences may provide additional security, but also have an added cost. A 10-foot-high chain-link fence could cost $17-$18 per linear foot, including labor and materials.

Adding a gate to your fence can be a practical way to provide access to a yard, work area or outdoor living space while ensuring safety and privacy. Gate installation costs will vary based on the gate material you select, the size of your gate, whether you install a fence at the same time, and any special features you’d like to add. Standard opening size for a single-wide gate is 4 feet; a double-wide gate is 8 feet. A small gate may be for decoration; a double-wide gate can be mounted on a rolling caster system to allow access for cars or wide loads. Here are some examples of average fence gate installation costs:

• 4-foot, single-swing chain-link gate: $100 for materials and installation costs.
• 28-foot wheeled chain-link gate on a caster system: $800-$1,000 for materials and installation costs.
• 4-foot, single-swing wood gate: $75.
• 8-foot double-wide wood gate: $150.
• 4-foot white vinyl walk-through gate: $300–$400 for materials and installation costs.
• 8-foot, double-wide white vinyl gate: about $800 for materials and installation costs.
• White vinyl gate fence more than 8 feet wide: $1,200-$1,500 for materials and installation.
• Arched black powder-coated aluminum pool gates: $175-$200 per gate.

You can install your own fence. You may choose to do so to save money and personalize it to your taste. However, there are some common pitfalls with fence installation, including a large time investment. Pros have teams to complete the job more quickly. 

You’ll also need to check to make sure you’re within regulations, which a pro will account for. Finally, there’s the risk of installing the fence incorrectly and having to pay for an expensive repair down the road. 

To ensure your fence is installed correctly, consider hiring one of the best fence installers near you.

A new fence can mean added home value, increased curb appeal, and improved home security. The national average vinyl fence installation cost is $4,600. Vinyl fences have a number of appealing qualities such as their durability, their lasting good looks (they don’t weather like wood does), their versatility, and the fact that they require little to no maintenance such as staining. Fencing companies typically charge per linear foot for vinyl fence installation. They calculate their estimates based on materials to be used, height of fence, linear feet of the proposed fence, and the accessibility of the terrain. If the workers need to level the land before work begins, your vinyl fence installation costs will probably increase. Vinyl fences are typically more expensive than wood or chain-link. For example, one company might charge $19-$22 per linear foot for a basic 6-foot vinyl privacy fence. Another company might charge $25-$35 per linear foot for standard vinyl fencing, while decorative fencing with custom detail could increase that cost to $50 per linear foot. For a 6-foot-high white vinyl privacy fence with two walk-through gates (plus demolition and disposal of the old fence), the cost of the total project could run $8,000. A 4-foot-high, 36-linear-foot white picket vinyl fence with one gate could cost $2,600.

If you don't require a heavy-duty fence, a no-dig fence is one of the easiest options to install. This type of fence does not require concrete footings or post hole digging — instead, you simply drive metal stakes into the ground. 

Contact the best fence installers near you for tips on choosing a fence and to start getting free estimates. 

Assuming that the fence professional you hire is good, it is generally worth it to hire someone to install a fence for you. Pros have the tools and team to build a fence correctly, on budget and on time. The job can take several days, even for those with light construction experience. Pros can also help take care of any permits and zoning issues that your area may require. Finally, an experienced pro knows how to spot potential problems down the road, saving you money on expensive repairs.

A redwood fence is a long-lasting home investment that can add beauty and major curb appeal to your home. Redwood fence installation costs are higher than those for pressure-treated pine or cedar, due to the relative scarcity of the wood. Pricing can vary for redwood fence installation costs based on regional labor rates, current prices of redwood planks, the height and linear feet of the fence, and any custom designs or features. Redwood fences, in addition to being beautiful, are naturally more resistant against bugs and rot than less hardy or dense woods. Redwood fences also generally fare well in wet or humid climates due to their natural oils — which also make them easier to maintain. Materials costs per linear foot for redwood planks can range anywhere from $6 to $20 or more, depending on grade, quality and height.