Apart from serving as a barrier between you and your neighbors, installing a privacy fence provides added security and instant curb appeal. When designed thoughtfully, a privacy fence can be as functional as it is aesthetic. As such, it can be quite costly to give your home the best privacy fence possible.  

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Keep reading to learn more about fencing cost estimates, considerations you need to make, and other potential cost factors.  

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Quick estimates

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The prices indicated throughout the article are drawn from expert estimates. Prices may vary, depending on your location.  

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In the US, the national average for installing privacy fences is around USD$3,000. Standard fencing ranges between USD$1,750 and $4,500. Higher-end options can go well over the USD$10,000 mark.  

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Privacy fence installation cost factors

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Installing a privacy fence can be a fairly expensive project, as there are a number of elements that add to the cost. While the maximum total costs will always be subjective, most estimates start at USD$1,500. But remember, that would be the bare minimum.  

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The main cost factors you need to take into consideration include the following:

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Length  

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Before measuring, ensure you know your property line’s boundaries. The average privacy fence runs for around 150 linear feet. Expect to pay around USD$35 per linear for that length.

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Height  

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Privacy fences have two standard heights: six and eight feet. Consult with your area’s Home Owner’s Association (HOA) or city council to know what fence size you’re allowed to have.  

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Labor  

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The rate to install a privacy fence is around USD$30 to $80 per hour. A 150-linear-foot privacy fence takes 20 to 35 hours of labor time to complete. Typically, labor will make up around 50% of the cost of installing a privacy fence.  

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Materials  

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Besides the actual fencing material (more on this later), you’ll need other key materials, which may include:

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⦁ Concrete post bases (USD$0.30 per pound)

⦁ Top and bottom rails (USD$80)

⦁ Panels (USD$270 per panel)

⦁ Wood posts (USD$4 per post)

⦁ Vinyl posts (USD$90 per post)

⦁ Post caps (USD$30 each)

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Take note that the prices above are just estimates. However, you’ll likely need these materials for a standard privacy fence.  

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Terrain slope  

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Your yard’s terrain will be a cost factor too. Uneven terrain will cost more than a privacy fence on a flat surface. Depending on how steep the slopes are or how rough the terrain is, it could require re-grading or leveling. This may add anywhere between USD$900 and USD$3,000 to the costs.  

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Add-ons

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Established companies will usually recommend some add-ons to optimize your privacy fence, such as light fixtures or an automatic gate opener. However, there are other cost factors to installing privacy fencing for your home. Site preparation is chief among them.  

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This can include a few things like adding a gravel base (for posts to stay in place) and digging post holes. There are instances when you’ll need some landscaping to accommodate your privacy fence. Depending on your fencing material, your privacy fence might also require painting. Additionally, your area might levy certain fees for privacy fences.  

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Take all of these into consideration when performing costing for your privacy fencing project.  

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Fencing materials costs

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When it comes to fencing materials, experts advise choosing one that matches the style, height, and material of your neighbors’ homes. This is done to maintain property values. Otherwise, wood and vinyl fencing are two of the most inexpensive materials you can choose. On the more expensive scale, aluminum, steel, and wrought iron are popular options.  

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Fencing material and there Price per linear foot

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Wood has USD$17 - $45

Vinyl has USD$10 - $40

Chain-link has USD$15 - $30

Steel has USD$17 - $90

Wrought iron has USD$30 - $55

Composite has USD$11 - $45

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Wood

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Sticking with the hypothetical 150-foot privacy fence, choosing wood would cost an average of USD$3,000. This could range from USD$1,700 to $4,200. Wood fences are popular options because of the privacy they offer. They can also be painted to suit the desired aesthetic.  

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It’s important to note that pricing depends on the type of wood you choose. For reference, basic wood like pine could cost as little as USD$1.50, while redwood would cost you around USD$17.50. Moreover, you need to keep in mind that the wood’s lifespan is usually just 5 to 10 years and requires regular maintenance to prevent dry rot and fungus.  

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Vinyl

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The average 150-foot vinyl privacy fence costs around USD$4,000 and ranges from USD$2,250 to $5,550. Vinyl is a popular option because it’s low maintenance, has multiple color options, and is easier to install and clean.  

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The downside is that it isn’t suitable for more extreme climates. And the fact that it’s made of plastic can turn off more environmentally conscious homeowners.  

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Chain-link

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For the same size, chain-link privacy fences cost an average of USD$2,200 and range between USD$1,300 to $3,400. This is ideal for those on a budget, as it has a long lifespan, requires little maintenance, and is easy to install, even if you choose to go the DIY route.  

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Aluminum

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A 150-foot privacy fence has an average cost of around USD$4,000 and ranges from USD$2,250 to $5,250. Homeowners choose aluminum for its low maintenance, corrosion and rust resistance, and long lifespan. The downside here is the price.  

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Steel

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The average cost for the same size steel privacy fence is around USD$4,000 and ranges between USD$2,250 and $5,750. Practical homeowners choose this material for its ability to mimic the aesthetic of a wrought-iron fence for a fraction of the price. The downside is its propensity for scratches and rust.  

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Wrought iron

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Wrought-iron fences don’t offer much privacy but make up for it with their security. Plus, it’s one of the most attractive materials, which in turn can boost your home’s value. The downside is that it costs around USD$30 to $55 per linear foot more than steel and is expensive to install and maintain.  

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Composite

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The average 150-foot privacy fence costs around USD$4,200 and ranges between USD$1,650 and $6,750. Composite is an eco-friendlier alternative to vinyl since it’s made from recycled materials.  

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Final words

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If you’re looking to cut costs, you can look into DIY solutions for your privacy fencing project. But if you have little to no experience, it might be best to hire professionals, so you can maximize your investment. Another option is to share work with pros. This could cut costs on marked-up materials and labor.  

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Take the time to study all your options and see which one fits your resources. Privacy fences can add value to your home for years, so don’t rush into it.

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