How Much Does Building a Fence Cost
Cost of Installing Fences
A fence can be a great additional to any yard. They are great for keeping your pets and children contained in a certain area, along with keeping out unwanted people and animals. There are so many different types of materials you can build a fence out of but the most popular types are wood, vinyl, and metal. All different types of fencing have completely unique aesthetic looks and pricing so those will be the two major factors when deciding which type of fence to build.
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Factors of Cost
The largest factor of what you fence will cost you is the material it is made out of. The three main materials that you will most likely be deciding between are:
- Vinyl
- Wood
- Metal
Vinyl and metal fencing are the two cheaper fencing options, both ranging from $7-$32 per foot of material. Chain link metal fencing is typically available in 50 foot rolls which cost as little as $50 up to over $500. The cost mostly depends on how high the fence is.
Wooden picket fencing is much more expensive but also looks that way. A tall picket fence is great for privacy along with looking beautiful. A higher cost comes along with the beautiful look of a wooden fence, averaging $10-$34 per foot. This may not seem like a big price difference, but when you are building a fence 100 feet or more, those couple dollars really add up!
The average fencing project is typically around 250 linear feet which will range anywhere from $2,500-$5,000 depending on the type of fencing you choose and the budget you are working with.
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Additional Costs
Unless you are a real handyman or have specific experience with installing a fence, most fence installations will require a contractor. Surprisingly, the installation of your fence may actually cost more than the fence itself. If you need a chain link fence installed, expect to spend anywhere from $10-$20 per linear square foot! For a picket fence, it is a bit cheaper, costing only$7-$11 per foot.
If you plan on enclosing your entire property with a fence, a gate will be necessary and that will add at least $100 to the total cost of materials. If you choose to complete the installation of the entire project yourself, additional tools and materials, such as auger, will be needed to properly install the fence.
How Can I Save Money?
Shopping around for competitive pricing is important if you’re looking to save a substantial amount of money. If you could even save $1-$2 per foot and you have a $250 foot fence, you’re looking at saving up to $500 just by getting a quote from 2-3 different stores.
Another way to cut your projects cost in half would be to install the fence yourself. Installing a fence isn’t necessary difficult nor does it take extensive amounts of skill but it is very time consuming and labor intensive. If you think you’re up for the task, you could purchase a fence installation kit.
