How Much Does Fence Installation Cost? A Quick Guide to Estimating
You know you want a fence. Maybe you want to keep the neighbors from staring into your yard, or maybe you want to keep your pets from wandering.
Either way, you’re asking yourself and your local contractor, “How much does fence installation cost?”
Before you spend more than you expect, here’s a quick guide to estimating your fence installation cost.
How Much Does Fence Installation Cost?
The cost of fence installation depends on a variety of factors.
For example, are you looking for vinyl fence installation, aluminum fence installation, or something else entirely? What do you want to accomplish: aesthetics, privacy, security, or some combination thereof? Do you have any pets or children?
Choosing the right fence (and figuring out the cost) will depend on what you’re looking for.
Here’s what you need to account for:
- Fencing materials
- Amount of fencing
- Labor costs
- Installation supplies
- Equipment
- Any specialized fencing requests
Let’s say you’re looking for a privacy fence. The average 150-foot privacy fence typically costs between $2,500 to $8,250, depending on materials and labor costs. A wood fence, for example, has a much lower installation cost per foot than an aluminum fence.
Things to Keep in Mind about Fence Installation
The biggest thing to remember about fence installation is always going to cost more if you need special features. A major culprit in this area is pets.
Let’s say you’ve got a dog that loves being in the yard. The trouble is, your dog thinks the whole neighborhood is his yard. The neighborhood is not happy about this, and you don’t want your dog to get lost or hurt. So, you’re in the market for a dog fence installation company.
Dog fence installation involves a few considerations. Dogs are relatively easy to keep fenced in, so long as you plan for their abilities and dedication.
If your dog is a digger, for example, you’ll want a fence that extends one or two feet underground so he can’t tunnel out. If he’s a jumper, the situation is easier—figure out how high he can jump and get a fence a few inches higher. If he’s a climber, you’ll need a fence with a smooth surface that won’t let him grip and rollers on top.
Of course, some dogs are crafty. Some of them are smart enough to open gates, in which case you’ll need a padlock. Then, there are dogs that are simply stubborn and will try to break the fence by slamming into it or gnawing through it. A brick or wrought-iron fence will usually do the job nicely, though you do want to make sure your dog doesn’t hurt himself during the first failed escape attempt.
Cats are another matter entirely.
As a rule, cats are not easily contained by a fence unless they want to be. Most cats are excellent jumpers and enjoy being up higher than people. There are a couple of options here.
One is a specialized fence that curves inward at the top so your cat can’t climb it. Another is an electric fence that will give your cat a shock when they reach the boundary, though it only works if they’re wearing a collar and not all cats will be deterred when they want something.
As you can guess, any of these features will cost more.
The Best Fence Installation Company for Your Money
Once you can answer the question, “How much does fence installation cost?” it’s a lot easier to plan your project and your budget accordingly.
If you’re ready to take the plunge, we’re here to help. We’re a reputable, responsive, and highly rated fence contractor serving the Chicago area. If you’d like to speak with us about your fencing project, use our contact page to get in touch.