Fence Installation Cost in 2026
What fence contractors actually charge for labor, what is included in a typical bid, and how to tell a fair quote from a cheap one.
Fence installation labor in 2026 typically costs $6 to $15 per linear foot, or 40 to 60 percent of the total project. A 150-foot wood privacy fence usually carries $1,200 to $2,200 in labor, while chain link is closer to $600 to $1,200.
Those ranges are wide because labor is local. A crew in rural Georgia and a crew in coastal California can quote very different numbers for the same fence. The scope matters too: digging, concrete, gate hardware, removal, and cleanup are not always included.
Fence labor rates
| Charge type | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Per linear foot | $6–$15 | Most common for standard residential fences |
| Hourly | $50–$90 per hour | Repairs, custom gates, and small jobs |
| Minimum job charge | $500–$1,500 | Common for runs under 50 feet |
| Gate installation | $150–$500 | More for double gates and automation |
| Old fence removal | $3–$6 per foot | Includes haul-away and disposal |
Labor by fence material
| Material | Labor per ft | 150 ft crew time |
|---|---|---|
| Wood privacy | $8–$15 | 2–3 days |
| Vinyl | $8–$14 | 2–3 days |
| Chain link | $5–$10 | 1–2 days |
| Aluminum | $8–$14 | 2–3 days |
| Wrought iron | $10–$18 | 3–5 days |
Chain link is fast because posts and mesh go up quickly. Wood and vinyl take longer because every picket, rail, and panel has to be aligned. Wrought iron is slow and often requires welding or specialized anchors.
What a fence installation quote should include
- Layout and string line, including corners and gate openings.
- Post holes, concrete, and post setting.
- Rails, pickets, panels, or mesh, plus fasteners.
- Gate construction, hinges, latch, and hardware.
- Cleanup and haul-away of packaging and offcuts.
- Permit handling, if the contractor offers it.
- Warranty terms for labor and materials.
Common exclusions: old fence removal, stump grinding, landscaping restoration, survey, paint or stain, and HOA application fees. Ask for these as separate line items so you can compare bids fairly.
How to compare fence quotes
- Check that every bid uses the same height, material grade, and post spacing.
- Compare the gate count and gate width, not just the total.
- Ask whether the permit, removal, and cleanup are included.
- Confirm the post depth and concrete method in writing.
- Check license, insurance, and local references.
- Read the warranty and payment schedule before signing.
A bid that is 30 percent cheaper often leaves out removal, uses thinner pickets, or sets posts shallower. Those shortcuts show up after the first strong wind.
DIY vs. professional installation
| DIY | Professional | |
|---|---|---|
| 150 ft wood fence | $1,200–$2,500 in materials | $3,000–$5,000 installed |
| Time | 3–5 weekends | 1–3 days |
| Tools | Auger, level, saw, mixer, helper | Included |
| Warranty | None unless self-provided | 1–5 years typical |
| Best for | Flat, straight runs and experienced DIYers | Slopes, permits, tall fences, complex gates |
If you DIY, rent a two-person auger and set posts in concrete. A string line and a laser level save more time than any other tool. Build gates last, after the posts have cured.
How long fence installation takes
A professional crew typically completes 100 to 150 feet of wood or vinyl fence in one to three days. Chain link can be faster. Add time for removal, rocky soil, steep slopes, and custom gates. Concrete usually needs 24 hours before gates are hung and 48–72 hours before heavy use.
Weather matters. Frozen ground, heavy rain, and extreme heat can delay digging and curing. Schedule a buffer if you have a deadline.
Want a number to compare against bids? Run the fence cost calculator with your state and gate count, then read the full cost guide.
Frequently asked questions
How much does fence installation cost per foot?
Labor usually runs $6 to $15 per linear foot for wood, vinyl, or aluminum, and $5 to $10 for chain link. The total installed price, including materials, is $10 to $50 per foot depending on material and height.
Do fence contractors charge by the hour or by the foot?
Most residential fence contractors bid by the linear foot or by the project. Hourly rates of $50 to $90 are more common for repairs, custom gates, and small jobs with a minimum charge.
What is a typical minimum job charge for a fence?
Many contractors have a minimum of $500 to $1,500, especially for small runs under 50 feet. That minimum covers mobilization, digging equipment, and cleanup even when the fence itself is short.
Does fence installation include the permit?
Not always. Some contractors handle the permit and inspection for an added fee; others expect the homeowner to pull it. Confirm who is responsible before work starts, and budget $50 to $500 for the fee.
How much deposit should a fence contractor ask for?
A deposit of 10 to 30 percent is common to reserve materials and a crew date. Avoid contractors who demand the full amount upfront or only accept cash with no contract.
Is it worth hiring a pro for a fence?
Hiring a pro makes sense for slopes, rocky soil, permits, tall privacy fences, and complex gates. A simple straight run on flat ground is more DIY-friendly if you have the tools and a helper.