How Much Does Fence Installation Cost? A Guide to Estimating

You want your yard to be a haven. Your safe space. Your private oasis. The place your family can gather in the afternoon.

But that oasis does not include neighbors peering into your yard, or the dog sprinting across the neighborhood.

So, you’re going to need to invest in a fence.

But before you break ground on a project, you should be prepared for how much your project will cost. Here’s a quick guide to fence installation costs that can help with that.

What Goes Into Installation Costs?

First, you have to know what goes into fence installation costs.

The single biggest factor in fence installation cost is the materials you choose. After that, the amount of fencing you need will determine how much material you have to order.

Your yard and the amount of fencing required will also determine your labor costs for the project. Basically, the larger and more complicated the fence, the more expensive it is to install.

That said, don’t forget about tertiary costs, like your fence building permit. You’ll also have to account for time costs–you’ll need approval from your homeowner’s association, you’ll have to mark utility lines, and your yard may need preparation before workers can begin.

Choose Your Materials

With that in mind, let’s look at your biggest cost factor: your fencing materials.

Some of the most common fence materials include things like:

• Aluminum
• Vinyl
• Wood
• Metal
• Composite
• Stone

There are several different types of wood fences, from treated wood to cedar to redwood. The cost of the project depends on how expensive the wood is.

As a rule, chain link fences are the most cost-effective and they do their job as a fence, but they won’t get you very far in terms of privacy.

Know Your Square Footage and Height

Once you know your materials, you have to account for your square footage and height. To do that, you’ll have to measure your yard.

Start by marking the corners of your yard with stakes. If you don’t know where your property lines are, figure that out first.

Use the stakes as a guide to measure the perimeter of your yard with a tape measure. The tape measure should be taut between the stakes.

From there, divide the perimeter by the size of the fence panels you plan to buy (most panels are between six and eight feet). This will tell you how many fencing units you’ll need to fence your yard.

Don’t forget to account for the height of the fence as well. The taller the fence, the more materials you need to get the job done. If it’s a wood fence, your builder can help you calculate lumber requirements.

Need Fence Installation?

Know what your fencing project needs? Ready to get started?

So are we.

We’re a reputable, responsible, highly-rated fencing contractor serving Chicago homeowners like you. We know what it takes to do a project right, and we’re committed to giving you a fence you’ll love every day.

Want to talk about your project? Get in touch today to get a quote.