A standard 150-linear-foot wood privacy fence costs $2,500–$5,500 installed. Material choice is the biggest cost factor — chain link is cheapest, wood is most popular, and vinyl costs the most upfront but requires zero maintenance. Here's the full breakdown.
Quick answer: Budget $15–$35 per linear foot for wood, $25–$45/ft for vinyl, or $10–$25/ft for chain link, all professionally installed. A typical backyard fence (150 linear feet) runs $2,250–$5,250 for wood or $3,750–$6,750 for vinyl.
| Fence Type | Installed/LF | 150 LF Total |
|---|---|---|
| Chain link (4 ft) | $10–$20 | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Chain link (6 ft) | $15–$25 | $2,250–$3,750 |
| Wood picket (4 ft) | $15–$25 | $2,250–$3,750 |
| Wood privacy (6 ft) | $20–$35 | $3,000–$5,250 |
| Cedar privacy (6 ft) | $25–$40 | $3,750–$6,000 |
| Vinyl privacy (6 ft) | $25–$45 | $3,750–$6,750 |
| Aluminum ornamental (4 ft) | $25–$40 | $3,750–$6,000 |
| Wrought iron (4 ft) | $35–$60 | $5,250–$9,000 |
| Composite (6 ft) | $30–$50 | $4,500–$7,500 |
| Material | Cost Range | |
|---|---|---|
| 4×4 × 8 ft posts (pressure-treated) | $190–$285 | |
| 2×4 × 8 ft rails (3 per section) | $228–$399 | |
| 1×6 × 6 ft fence boards | $600–$1,200 | |
| Post hole concrete (1 bag per post) | $105–$143 | |
| Galvanized screws (5-lb box) | $30–$50 | |
| Post caps (optional) | $38–$95 | |
| Gate hardware (1 gate) | $25–$50 | |
| DIY Total | $1,216–$2,222 |
Calculate exact picket, rail, and post counts with our Fence Calculator.
| Material | 20-Yr Total |
|---|---|
| Pressure-treated wood | $4,500–$8,000 |
| Cedar | $4,000–$7,000 |
| Vinyl | $3,750–$6,750 |
| Chain link | $1,500–$3,750 |
| Composite | $4,500–$7,500 |
| Factor | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (150 LF wood privacy) | $1,200–$2,200 | $3,000–$5,250 |
| Time | 2–4 weekends | 1–3 days |
| Hardest part | Digging post holes, keeping posts plumb and level | N/A |
| Tools needed | Post hole digger or auger rental, level, drill, saw | Included |
| Pro tip | Rent a power auger ($50–$75/day) — digging 19 post holes by hand is brutal | N/A |
Fence length — the primary cost driver. Every additional linear foot adds material and labor.
Height — a 6 ft fence costs 30–50% more than a 4 ft fence in materials and requires more labor to keep posts plumb.
Material choice — chain link is cheapest by far; vinyl and composite cost the most upfront but have the lowest lifetime maintenance costs.
Terrain — sloped or rocky ground increases labor significantly. Expect to pay 20–30% more on difficult sites.
Gates — each gate adds $150–$500 depending on size and hardware quality.
Old fence removal — if replacing an existing fence, add $3–$5/LF for demolition and hauling.
Permits — most areas require a permit ($50–$200). Don't skip this — unpermitted fences can create problems when selling.
Property survey — if boundary lines are uncertain, a survey ($300–$600) is far cheaper than moving a finished fence.
It depends on the perimeter. A typical quarter-acre lot has roughly 150–200 linear feet of fence line. At $20–$35/ft installed for wood privacy fencing, that's $3,000–$7,000. Subtract any sides bounded by existing fences, the house, or neighbors who already have fencing.
Over 20 years, vinyl often costs the same or less than wood when you factor in staining, sealing, and eventual replacement. Vinyl never rots, never needs paint, and keeps its appearance. The tradeoff is higher upfront cost and fewer color/style options.
The standard rule is one-third of the total post length should be underground. For a 6-foot fence, use 8-foot posts buried 24 inches deep. In areas with deep frost lines, posts should extend below the frost line to prevent heaving.
Most jurisdictions require a permit for fences, though some exempt fences under a certain height (often 6 feet). You'll also need to call 811 for a free utility locate before digging. Check local codes for height limits, setback requirements, and the "good side out" rule.
15–20 years with regular maintenance (staining or sealing every 2–3 years). Without maintenance, the wood will gray, crack, and begin to rot within 8–12 years. Posts fail first since they're in contact with ground moisture.
Screws. They hold better as wood expands and contracts with seasonal moisture changes. Use exterior-rated deck screws (#8 × 1⅝" for pickets to rails). Ring-shank nails are acceptable but pickets are more likely to pop loose over time.