A fence keeps your yard safe and private—not to mention it prevents pets from attempting any great escapes. In some cases, such as when you have a pool, installing one around your property might even be legally necessary.
But fencing kits don’t come free, and each linear foot you need generates a higher total bill.
If it’s come time for you to wall up the edges of your property. You might be wondering: how much does a fence cost? And how much fence do I need?
The total varies based on materials, the length of your new fence, and labor costs. But, by comparing different types of metal fencing and fence installation methods, you can come up with a rough estimate of how much your project will run you.
How Much Does a Fence Cost Per Foot?
The main factor determining a fence’s cost is the material. And what determines the material? Purpose.
For instance, if you’re containing livestock, strips of steel wire and simple wooden posts will do the trick. For a fence like this, costs can be lower than 90 cents per foot installed. Whereas if you’re fencing in a residential area, this style won’t cut it—and no, your wild youngsters don’t count as livestock (even if they act like monkeys).
Therefore, you’ll have to consider other materials to fortify your domain.
Chain Link
One of the most beloved styles for its price and durability, chain link is on the cheaper end of the spectrum—especially when it comes to stronger materials like metal. Chain link usually comes in 50 foot rolls, which can run you a couple of hundred dollars. There’s still one steel pole for every ten feet to think about, which will increase the end bill. Still, even with some hardware and supplies on top, you’re looking at a meager $600 or so for 50 feet or $12 per foot.
Want to learn how to install a chain link fence? Visit our blog for more information.
Wood
Whether you decide on cedar fence panels or wood composite fences, wooden fences present a fairly budget-conscious option for those looking to lower initial costs. Different kinds of wood vary drastically in price, where the lowest wood fence cost is about $17 a foot––but that number can climb as high as $45 on the high end.
Be aware: While the initial costs of wood fencing may be low, it requires significantly more upkeep than metal fencing. Cleaning and painting can be frequent, near annual tasks. On top of this, some wooden fences can be expected to last less than a decade, depending on your wood fence type and treatment.
In essence, they can end up costing far more than their initial investment may have you think.
Wrought Iron
Wrought iron is among the most expensive fencing materials but is superbly durable and secure. Still, wrought iron doesn’t have to crush your pocketbook. Prices for metal fence panels range from less than $15 per foot, while custom jobs can be more expensive.
Wrought iron is an investment. However, it’s an investment that pays dividends in curbside appeal and longevity––especially if you stay on top of fence maintenance.
If you’re less interested in wrought-iron fences but still want that wrought-iron-style appearance, ALEKO has you covered. Learn more about how to install a metal fence to surround and protect your home.
Galvanized Steel
When choosing a fence material for your home, you can’t go wrong with galvanized steel. Offering a sleek, clean, and sturdy look, galvanized steel fences are great options that come in a variety of styles and colors to match your home’s aesthetic.
The price for galvanized steel fencing will ultimately come down to how much material you need. If you’re buying separate parts for your steel fence, each section may average between $170-$330, and fence posts typically cost between $30-$60.
At ALEKO, we offer galvanized steel chain link fence kits starting at $400. Our other products include 4-panel steel fence kits that can range between $900-$4,000. Contact our team today to learn more about our galvanized steel fences.
Plastic or PVC fencing
Plastic or vinyl fence materials are unique, bringing their own look and curb appeal to yards; whether it’s aesthetically pleasing or not is a matter of taste. Unfortunately, the high price of vinyl fencing doesn’t justify its relatively weak structural integrity. Vinyl fence cost can run as high as $60 a foot. These processed planks won’t age so kindly, either. Their brilliant color will quickly fade until they appear dull and unkempt.
Labor Costs of Installing a Fence
Alongside material, the price of installation has significant sway over how much a fence is going to be. Average fence installation costs differ from state to state and by municipality, but they almost always represent a significant portion of the grand total.
Contractors will dig holes, level land, mix and pour concrete, and more to ensure your fence is stable and secure. You can expect quotes to be higher if your yard is uneven or filled with difficult terrain.
If you really want to keep the costs of your fencing project down, doing your own installation can make a day-and-night difference to the final price.
How to Cut Your Fence Costs in Half, and Then Some
Fences most often separate two yards with two different owners. If you’re chummy with your neighbors, there’s a chance you can talk them into splitting the fence installation costs with you. After all, both of you will benefit from increased privacy and security.
Of course, not everyone is close enough with those around them to even bring up sharing the price, nor would they necessarily agree. But, if they do, you have half the linear footage to pay for. Plus, if you opt not to hire a contractor, you have a working partner to help you install everything.
Cut Your Costs Further by Installing Your Own Fence from ALEKO
If you want to cut out the costs of contractors by taking on your own installation, ALEKO has your back. Here at ALEKO, we offer prefabricated fencing segments and materials that are ready to anchor into the ground surrounding your yard.
If you’re searching for privacy at a value, we offer rolls of chain link to wrap around your property. And if you want to spruce your property up and add a touch of character to your home, we sell chain link fence kits starting at affordable prices.
ALEKO eliminates the cost of contractors by supplying the materials for your DIY fencing project. Save money by taking your property’s security, privacy, and aesthetics into your own hands.
Sources:
Washington State Department of Health. Pool Safety. https://doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/water-recreation/pool-safety
Iowa State University. Livestock Fencing Estimates. https://www.extension.iastate.edu/
Home Advisor. Fencing. https://www.homeadvisor.com/
United States Department of Agriculture. Service Life of Fence Posts Treated by Double-Diffusion Methods. https://www.fs.usda.gov/
Kompare it. Compare Galvanized Steel vs Aluminum Fencing Costs. https://www.kompareit.com/homeandgarden/fence-compare-galvanizedsteel-vs-aluminum.html
New Jersey Department of Transportation. Good Neighbor Privacy Fence. https://www.nj.gov/
