Building a fence may sound easy, but it’s no small project. It isn’t just about putting and lining up fencing materials to barricade your yard. Fence installation will require expert skills and prior research to ensure each picket is aligned correctly, with the right spacing. Although a fence won’t directly add value to your home, it can significantly improve the overall appeal of your landscape. And remember, a well-landscaped property is worth 1% to 10% more than houses with no landscaping.  

‍

Thus, once you’ve decided to build a fence for your lawn, you can leave the project to professionals. But before you get started, you need to be aware of the cost of installing a fence. Although some resources say that the average cost of installing a fence ranges from USD$15 to USD$60 per linear foot, in reality, prices can vary.  

‍

But how much does a fence cost? Several factors can impact the overall cost of building a fence. Knowing these factors will help you set aside a more accurate budget for fence installation. Read on to learn about them.

‍

Materials used  

‍

Perhaps, the primary factor that influences fencing costs is the material used. There are several materials you can choose from: wood, chain-link, vinyl, metal, or wrought iron fences.

‍

At a glance, here are the average fencing costs (per linear foot) in terms of materials used:  

‍

⦁    Wood fence price/linear foot - USD$15 to USD$35  

⦁    Chain-link fence price/linear foot - USD$15 to USD$30  

⦁    Vinyl fence price/linear foot - USD$20 to USD$45  

⦁    Wrought iron fence price/linear foot - USD$30 to USD$55  

⦁    Metal fence price/linear foot - USD$35 to USD$60  

‍

If you’ve noticed, the heavier and sturdier the material is, the more expensive it’ll be. Their differences in mechanical properties are also valued accordingly. For example, since metal is more resistant to weather conditions, it’s costlier than wood, vinyl, and chain-link.  

‍

Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which material you prefer for fence installation. If you have a limited budget, chain-link and wood fences are the most affordable options. However, keep in mind that although these materials may be initially cheap, their required maintenance may cost you more in the long run.

‍

‍

‍

Height

Another factor that could affect the price of a fencing material is the height. Naturally, the taller you want your fence will be, the more it’ll cost you. So, while considering the height of your fence, make sure it passes fence regulations in your state or suits your fence’s purpose.

‍

For example, if you’re building a fence in your front yard, the standard fence height for front yard fences should be around three feet. If it’s for the backyard, the fence height can be between six to eight feet. Regardless of how you’ll utilize the fence and its height, remember that it can impact the overall cost of fence installation.

‍

Existing landscape coverage

‍

How much landscape are you planning to surround with fences? Evidently, the landscaping coverage you’re planning to cover with the fence will influence the cost of installation since the wider the area is, the more materials are needed. Plus, more builders will need to work together to complete the fencing project if you have a large landscape property.

‍

Besides the wideness of the ground, the grading of your existing landscape can significantly impact fencing costs. For example, if you have a sloping yard, builders will have to use special equipment and specific building techniques to work through the grading issue.  

‍

Another is if you have plenty of obstructions in the landscape area (e.g., large rocks, trees, wild grass), fence builders will need to work extra time and effort to get rid of obstructions before working on the fence. If you want to save on fencing costs, you and your family can help remove obstructions before letting builders commence their work.

‍

‍

‍

The intricacy of the fence design

‍

Fences don’t only differ in materials used. They can vary in design as well. Mass-produced fencing pieces usually have plain designs, making them more affordable than other fences with intricate elements. If you’re installing a fence on a budget, you can opt for simplistic fence designs. But if you can afford to match your fence with your current house exterior, you can browse through fence styles with intricate designs. Better yet, you can have your fence design customized by a fence company.

‍

Labor

‍

The labor cost in building a fence depends on the fence installation company you choose to hire. Remember, building a fence is more than just putting it up. Builders will also need to dig holes, mix cement, and sink posts, which require physical power and time. Some fencing companies may charge higher for their labor.  

‍

The complexity of a fencing project can influence the labor cost too. For example, if builders need to turn down your old fence before they start building, it’ll add to the overall fencing costs. Another is if you choose a fencing material that will take more time and effort to install; you can expect that it’ll also reflect on labor costs.

‍

To find a fencing company within your budget, you can check out several companies and ask for quotes that include their labor costs and other expenses that may incur for the duration of the project.  

‍

How much does it cost to build a fence?

‍

Your budget may be a crucial determinant in building your fence, but it’s not the only one. Overall, the cost of building a fence will depend on the factors mentioned above. So, if you’re unsure of how to begin your project, contact a professional fence installation company to help you choose the best fencing materials, height, and design that will fit your budget and your needs.

‍