Fence Installation Guide: Materials, Types & Cost

Per linear foot (installed): chain link 4 ft ($8-$18), wood pressure-treated 6 ft ($12-$25), wood cedar 6 ft ($15-$35), vinyl 6 ft ($20-$40), composite 6 ft ($25-$45), aluminum 4 ft ($20-$50). Typical back yard (150 linear feet, 6 ft wood privacy fence): DIY $1,500-$3,000, professional $2,500-$5,000. Typical front yard (60 linear feet, 4 ft picket): DIY $500-$1,000, professional $1,000-$2,000. Add $150-$500 per gate. Cost factors: material, height, terrain (slopes increase labor), number of gates, and regional labor rates. The most popular option: 6-foot pressure-treated pine privacy fence at $15-$20 per linear foot installed. Best long-term value: cedar ($15-$35/ft, lasts 20-30 years with minimal maintenance) or vinyl ($20-$40/ft, zero maintenance, 20-30+ year lifespan).

Yes. Fence installation is one of the most popular DIY outdoor projects. Difficulty: moderate (physically demanding but not technically complex). Time: 2-4 days for 150-200 linear feet (with 2 people). The biggest challenges: digging post holes (rent a two-person post hole auger for $50-$100/day — much easier than manual digging), setting posts straight and at consistent height (use a level and string line), and working on sloped terrain (each section may need to be stepped or racked). Steps: call 811 to mark underground utilities (free, required by law), mark post locations (every 6-8 feet), dig post holes (2-3 feet deep, 3x the post width), set posts in concrete (let cure 24-48 hours), attach rails, and attach fence boards. Tools: post hole auger (rent), level, string line, drill/impact driver, circular saw, tape measure, and stakes. DIY savings: 40-60% (you eliminate $5-$15 per linear foot in labor cost).

Chain link: 20-30+ years (low maintenance, may need occasional tensioning). Wood (pressure-treated pine): 15-20 years with maintenance (stain or seal every 2-3 years). Without maintenance: 10-15 years. Wood (cedar): 20-30 years (natural rot resistance, less maintenance needed). Wood (redwood): 25-35+ years (premium natural resistance). Vinyl (PVC): 20-30+ years (zero maintenance, but can become brittle in extreme cold and may fade slightly over time). Composite: 25-30+ years (virtually maintenance-free). Aluminum: 30-50+ years (does not rust, extremely durable). Wrought iron: 50-100+ years (with periodic rust treatment and repainting). The key to maximizing wood fence lifespan: stain or seal within the first year of installation, and re-apply every 2-3 years. Posts rot from the bottom up — set them in concrete and consider using post sleeves or metal post brackets to keep wood above the concrete surface.

In most areas, yes (but regulations vary significantly). Common requirements: front yard fences: typically limited to 3-4 feet maximum height. Back yard and side yard fences: typically allowed up to 6 feet (some areas allow 8 feet). Setbacks: fences may need to be set back 1-3 feet from the property line (or built exactly on the property line, depending on local code). Corner lots: special restrictions near intersections (sight triangle for driver visibility). HOA restrictions: many HOAs dictate fence material, color, style, and height. Pool fences: special code requirements (typically 4 feet minimum, self-closing and self-latching gate, no climbable features). Before building: check local building codes and zoning ordinances, check HOA rules (if applicable), call 811 to mark underground utilities, and consider a property survey ($300-$800) if you are unsure of your exact property lines.