Everything you need to know before building a fence — types, costs, contractors, permits, and common mistakes to avoid.
Wood, vinyl, chain link, aluminum, iron — pros, cons, and costs for every material
Pricing from thousands of FenceJob quotes — know what you should pay before getting estimates
How to vet contractors, what to look for in quotes, and red flags to avoid
What your city requires, HOA rules, setbacks, height limits, and pool fence codes
When to DIY and when to hire — skill requirements, tools needed, and realistic timelines
How different fence types affect your home's resale value — data from real estate studies
Choosing the right fence material is the most important decision you'll make. Each material has a different combination of cost, durability, maintenance requirements, and aesthetics.
Cedar wood is the most popular choice for privacy fences. Its natural oils resist rot and insects without chemical treatment. Color ranges from honey-gold to reddish-brown, weathering to silver-gray if left unfinished. Lifespan: 15-20 years with maintenance. Cost: $18-$35/linear foot installed.
Vinyl (PVC) has become the #1 choice for homeowners who want zero maintenance. Modern vinyl mimics wood grain texture convincingly and comes in colors beyond just white — tan, gray, and wood-tone options are increasingly popular. The color goes all the way through (won't chip or peel). Lifespan: 30-50 years. Cost: $25-$45/linear foot.
Chain link remains the most practical and affordable option for pet containment and security. Galvanized steel with vinyl coating comes in green, black, brown, and white. With privacy slats or windscreen, it can provide partial privacy. Lifespan: 20-30 years. Cost: $10-$20/linear foot.
The price your neighbor paid for their fence three years ago is already outdated. Lumber prices, labor rates, and material costs have all shifted. Here's what fences actually cost in 2026, based on real FenceJob contractor data.
For a typical 200 linear foot residential fence (the average US backyard perimeter), total installed costs range from $2,000 (basic chain link) to $11,000+ (premium wrought iron). The sweet spot for most homeowners is $4,000-$7,000 for a quality wood or vinyl privacy fence.
Hidden costs that catch homeowners off guard: old fence removal ($3-$5/foot), land grading for slopes ($200-$1,000), tree/root removal ($100-$500), property survey if boundary uncertain ($300-$800), and permit fees ($20-$500). Budget an additional 15-20% beyond the fence itself for these contingencies.
After analyzing thousands of fence projects on FenceJob, these are the most expensive mistakes homeowners make:
1. Not getting a survey. Building on your neighbor's property leads to disputes, forced removal, and legal fees. A $400 survey is cheap insurance. 2. Choosing the cheapest bid. The lowest quote often means shortcuts — shallow posts, thin materials, or skipped permits. Get 3-5 quotes and beware of any that are 30%+ below the average. 3. Ignoring underground utilities. Call 811 before any digging. Hitting a gas line is dangerous, and you're liable for repair costs if you didn't call.
4. Over-paying upfront. Never pay more than 30% before work begins. 5. Skipping the permit. Unpermitted fences create problems when selling and may require removal. 6. Wrong material for your climate. Untreated pine in humid climates rots in 5-7 years. Chain link in coastal areas rusts without vinyl coating.
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