Fence Cost & Linear Footage Estimator

Calculate materials, post-hole digging, concrete footings, gate hardware, and total installed costs.

A standard quarter-acre suburban backyard perimeter is approx. 150–220 linear feet.

Recommended Fence Accessories

Solar waterproof post cap lights and heavy-duty self-closing gate latches enhance security:

🛠️ View Solar Post Caps on Amazon

Cost Estimate Summary

Pickets & Rails Materials: $3,675
Post Hole Digging & Concrete: $2,450
Gate Hardware & Latches: $650
Old Fence Tear-Off / Disposal: $0
Total Installed Price: $6,775
Average Cost per Linear Foot: $38.71 / linear ft
10-Year Maintenance Overhead Moderate ($1,200)
Zero (Vinyl/Alum) Mid (Cedar) High (Pine)

* Modeled on standard 8-foot post spacing, 80-lb concrete bags per hole, and 2026 contractor pricing.

Residential Fencing: 2026 Buying & Permitting Guide

Installing a perimeter fence defines property boundaries, ensures child and pet safety, and provides essential visual privacy. However, fencing quotes fluctuate significantly based on post spacing, concrete footings, and gate latch hardware.

Navigating Property Surveys and Setback Codes

Before ordering materials or hiring a contractor, obtain a certified property boundary survey and contact your local zoning office. Most municipalities restrict front yard fences to 4 feet in height while permitting 6-foot fences in side and back yards. If you are paving an adjacent asphalt or concrete driveway, coordinate boundary setbacks with our Driveway Paving Calculator to prevent property encroachment disputes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a new fence cost per linear foot installed in 2026?

Installed residential fencing ranges from $18 to $28 per linear foot for chain link, $24 to $36 for pressure-treated pine, $32 to $48 for Western red cedar, and $38 to $58 for premium vinyl privacy or black aluminum ornamental fencing.

How deep should residential fence posts be set in concrete?

Fence posts must be set at least one-third of their total height (typically 24 to 36 inches deep) and extend at least 6 inches below the local frost line to prevent winter frost heave from pushing posts out of alignment.

Is wood or vinyl fencing cheaper in the long run?

Pressure-treated wood has a 25% lower upfront installation cost, but requires cleaning, staining, and sealing every 2 to 3 years ($800–$1,500 per cycle). Vinyl has zero recurring maintenance costs, making it cheaper over a 10-to-15 year ownership period.

📋 Fence Contractor Vetting Checklist: 4 Questions Before Digging

Avoid property disputes and leaning posts by verifying these construction standards:

✓ Call 811 Before Any Augering

Ensure the contractor logs an official utility mark-out ticket with 811 to locate buried gas, fiber optic, and electric lines before augering post holes.

✓ Pour Bell-Shaped Concrete Footings

Require concrete to be flared outward at the bottom of each hole with 2 inches of drainage gravel beneath the wood post base to prevent rot.

✓ Reinforce Gate Hinge Posts

Insist that all gate swing posts utilize heavier gauge 4x6 timbers or internal steel stiffeners to prevent gate sagging over time.

✓ Confirm Boundary Survey Markers

Never rely on contractor assumptions. Locate physical boundary pins to install the fence at least 3 to 6 inches inside your legal property line.

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