You need privacy in your backyard. Your dog needs a secure area. Your old fence is falling apart. Property lines need defining. But fence projects seem expensive and complicated. How much does a fence really cost, and how do you find reliable contractors?
Professional fence installation and repair services provide privacy and security, increase property value significantly, define property boundaries clearly, keep pets and children safe, enhance curb appeal and aesthetics, comply with local codes and regulations, and deliver quality that lasts 15-30 years. But with varying costs, material options, and contractor quality, understanding your options is crucial.
This comprehensive guide shows you everything you need to know about fence installation and repair services. You'll learn what different fence types cost, how to choose materials, what HOA and local codes require, when to repair vs. replace, what to look for in contractors, and where to find reliable professionals who build quality fences at fair prices.
🏗️ Fence Installation Services & Costs
🔗 Chain Link Fence
$8-15/linear ft
Affordable, durable chain link fencing.
- 4 ft height: $8-12/ft
- 6 ft height: $10-15/ft
- 100 ft fence: $800-1,500
- Materials: Galvanized or vinyl-coated
- Best for: Pets, security, budget
- Lifespan: 15-20 years
🪵 Wood Privacy Fence
$15-30/linear ft
Classic wood privacy fencing.
- Pine (pressure-treated): $15-25/ft
- Cedar: $20-30/ft
- Redwood: $25-35/ft
- 100 ft fence: $1,500-3,000
- Height: Usually 6 ft
- Maintenance: Stain every 2-3 years
🎨 Vinyl Fence
$20-40/linear ft
Low-maintenance vinyl fencing.
- Privacy style: $25-40/ft
- Picket style: $20-30/ft
- 100 ft fence: $2,000-4,000
- Benefits: No painting, no rot
- Colors: White, tan, gray
- Lifespan: 20-30 years
🔩 Aluminum Fence
$25-40/linear ft
Decorative aluminum fencing.
- 3-4 ft height: $20-30/ft
- 5-6 ft height: $30-40/ft
- 100 ft fence: $2,500-4,000
- Benefits: Rust-proof, elegant look
- Best for: Front yards, pools
- Maintenance: Minimal
⚔️ Wrought Iron Fence
$30-50/linear ft
Premium wrought iron fencing.
- Standard design: $30-40/ft
- Custom design: $40-60/ft
- 100 ft fence: $3,000-5,000
- Benefits: Extremely durable, elegant
- Maintenance: Periodic painting
- Lifespan: 50+ years
🪵 Wood Picket Fence
$10-25/linear ft
Traditional picket fence.
- 3-4 ft height: $10-20/ft
- Pine: $10-18/ft
- Cedar: $15-25/ft
- 100 ft fence: $1,000-2,500
- Best for: Front yards, gardens
- Classic look: Traditional charm
🚪 Fence Gates
$200-1,500
Add gates to your fence.
- Walk gate: $200-600
- Double gate: $400-1,000
- Driveway gate: $800-2,500
- Automatic opener: $500-2,000 extra
- Includes: Hardware, installation
- Material matches: Fence type
🔨 Fence Posts Only
$50-150/post
Replace or install fence posts.
- Wood post: $50-100
- Metal post: $75-150
- Concrete setting: Included
- Corner posts: More expensive
- Time: 1-2 hours per post
- Critical: Foundation of fence
🔧 Fence Repair Services & Costs
🔨 Post Replacement
$200-500
Replace rotted or damaged posts.
- Single post: $200-350
- Multiple posts: $150-300 each
- Includes: Post, concrete, labor
- Time: 2-4 hours per post
- Critical repair: Prevents fence collapse
- Most common: Wood fence issue
🪵 Panel Replacement
$150-400
Replace damaged fence panels.
- Wood panel: $150-300
- Vinyl panel: $200-400
- Per panel: 6-8 ft section
- Includes: Materials, labor
- Matching: May be challenging
- Time: 1-2 hours per panel
🚪 Gate Repair
$150-600
Fix sagging or broken gates.
- Minor repairs: $150-300
- Major repairs: $300-600
- Gate replacement: $400-1,200
- Common issues: Sagging, hinges, latch
- Includes: Hardware, adjustment
- Time: 1-3 hours
🎨 Fence Staining/Painting
$1-3/linear ft
Stain or paint wood fence.
- Staining: $1-2/linear ft
- Painting: $2-3/linear ft
- 100 ft fence: $100-300
- Includes: Cleaning, staining/painting
- Frequency: Every 2-3 years
- Extends life: 5-10 years
🧼 Fence Cleaning
$0.50-2/linear ft
Power wash and clean fence.
- Basic cleaning: $0.50-1/ft
- Deep cleaning: $1-2/ft
- 100 ft fence: $50-200
- Includes: Power washing, brightening
- Frequency: Annually
- Prep for: Staining or painting
🔩 Hardware Repair
$100-300
Fix hinges, latches, hardware.
- Hinge replacement: $50-150
- Latch repair: $50-150
- Post caps: $20-50 each
- Includes: Hardware, installation
- Time: 1-2 hours
- Prevents: Bigger problems
🪵 Board Replacement
$5-15/board
Replace individual fence boards.
- Wood board: $5-12 each
- Vinyl board: $10-20 each
- 10 boards: $50-150
- Includes: Materials, labor
- Common: Wind damage, rot
- Quick fix: 1-2 hours
🔧 Fence Leveling
$200-800
Level sagging or leaning fence.
- Minor leveling: $200-400
- Major leveling: $400-800
- Includes: Post adjustment, bracing
- Causes: Settling, rot, wind
- Time: 4-8 hours
- Prevents: Complete failure
💰 Understanding Fence Costs
Cost Breakdown by Fence Type
| Fence Type | Cost per Linear Ft | 100 Ft Total | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chain Link | $8-15 | $800-1,500 | 15-20 years |
| Wood Picket | $10-25 | $1,000-2,500 | 10-15 years |
| Wood Privacy | $15-30 | $1,500-3,000 | 15-20 years |
| Vinyl | $20-40 | $2,000-4,000 | 20-30 years |
| Aluminum | $25-40 | $2,500-4,000 | 20-30 years |
| Wrought Iron | $30-50 | $3,000-5,000 | 50+ years |
Factors That Affect Fence Costs
- Length: More linear feet = higher total cost
- Height: 6 ft costs 20-30% more than 4 ft
- Material: Vinyl/iron cost 2-3x chain link
- Terrain: Slopes add 20-40% to cost
- Gates: Add $200-1,500 each
- Removal: Old fence removal $3-5/ft
- Permits: $50-500 depending on location
- Location: Urban areas 20-30% more expensive
- Season: Spring/summer peak pricing
- Contractor experience: Quality costs more
💡 Why Local Platforms Save You Money
On zero-fee platforms like GigNGo, you connect directly with local fence contractors without middleman markups:
- No franchise fees: Large fencing companies add 30-50% overhead
- No platform commissions: Contractors don't pay 15-30% fees
- Direct communication: Discuss your project and get accurate quotes
- Licensed professionals: Insured, experienced fence builders
- Real reviews: See feedback from actual local customers
- Transparent pricing: Know costs upfront, no surprise fees
- Better for contractors: They keep 100% of earnings
- Competitive quotes: Multiple contractors bid on your project
Average savings: 30-50% compared to large fencing companies, while contractors earn more. Everyone wins.
🎯 Choosing the Right Fence Material
Chain Link Fence
✅ Best For: Budget & Security
Pros:
- Most affordable option ($8-15/ft)
- Very durable (15-20 years)
- Low maintenance
- Great for pets and security
- Quick installation
Cons:
- No privacy
- Industrial appearance
- May not be HOA-approved
- Doesn't add much curb appeal
Wood Privacy Fence
✅ Best For: Privacy & Traditional Look
Pros:
- Complete privacy
- Classic, natural appearance
- Can be stained any color
- Moderate cost ($15-30/ft)
- Easy to repair
Cons:
- Requires staining every 2-3 years
- Can rot, warp, or split
- 15-20 year lifespan
- Maintenance costs add up
Vinyl Fence
✅ Best For: Low Maintenance
Pros:
- No painting or staining ever
- Won't rot, warp, or splinter
- 20-30 year lifespan
- Easy to clean (hose off)
- Variety of styles and colors
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost ($20-40/ft)
- Can crack in extreme cold
- Limited color options
- Difficult to repair (replace panels)
💡 Pro Tips for Fence Projects
Save Money on Fence Installation
- Use local platforms: Save 30-50% vs. large companies
- Get 3-5 quotes: Compare pricing and approaches
- Install in off-season: Fall/winter 10-20% cheaper
- Simple design: Straight lines cheaper than curves
- Standard height: 6 ft most economical
- Chain link for back: Wood for front (save money)
- DIY removal: Remove old fence yourself
- Fewer gates: Each gate adds $200-600
- Buy materials: If contractor agrees (save markup)
- Maintain properly: Extends life, saves money
Before You Install a Fence
- Check property lines: Survey if uncertain
- Review HOA rules: Get approval first
- Check local codes: Height limits, setbacks
- Call 811: Mark underground utilities (free)
- Get permits: Required in most areas
- Talk to neighbors: Avoid disputes
- Plan gate locations: Access for mowers, equipment
- Consider drainage: Don't block water flow
- Choose good side: Decide which side faces out
- Budget for gates: Don't forget this cost
Fence Maintenance Tips
- Annual inspection: Check for damage, rot
- Clean regularly: Power wash annually
- Stain wood fences: Every 2-3 years
- Trim vegetation: Keep plants away from fence
- Fix problems early: Small issues become big
- Tighten hardware: Check gates, hinges
- Clear debris: Remove leaves, dirt buildup
- Check posts: Most common failure point
- Repaint metal: Prevent rust on iron fences
- Replace boards promptly: Prevent further damage
⚠️ Common Fence Mistakes to Avoid
- Not checking property lines: Fence on neighbor's property = legal issues
- Skipping permits: Fines, must tear down, can't sell home
- Ignoring HOA rules: May have to remove fence
- Not calling 811: Hit utility line = dangerous, expensive
- Cheap materials: Replace in 5 years vs. 20
- Wrong post depth: Fence falls over in wind
- No drainage consideration: Water pools, fence rots
- Forgetting gates: Can't access yard with mower
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How much does fence installation cost?
Fence installation costs $15-50 per linear foot or $1,500-10,000+ total. Chain link: $8-15/ft. Wood privacy: $15-30/ft. Vinyl: $20-40/ft. Aluminum: $25-40/ft. Wrought iron: $30-50/ft. Factors: material, height, length, terrain, gates. Includes: materials, labor, posts, gates. On local platforms like GigNGo, find fence contractors 30-50% cheaper than large fencing companies.
How long does it take to install a fence?
Fence installation takes 1-5 days depending on length and complexity. 100 ft fence: 1-2 days. 200 ft fence: 2-3 days. 300+ ft fence: 3-5 days. Factors: material type, terrain, weather, crew size, gates. Timeline includes: marking, digging posts, setting concrete, installing panels/boards, gates, cleanup. Chain link: fastest (1-2 days). Wood privacy: moderate (2-3 days). Wrought iron: slowest (3-5 days). Add 1-2 days for old fence removal.
Do I need a permit to install a fence?
Usually YES, most areas require fence permits. Permit required if: fence over 6 feet tall, in front yard, near property line, in historic district. May not need permit: fence under 4 feet, temporary fence, far from property line (varies by location). Cost: $50-500. Process: submit plans, wait 1-2 weeks, inspection after install. Benefits: ensures code compliance, protects property value, avoids neighbor disputes. Penalties for no permit: $500-5,000 fines, must remove fence, can't sell home. Always check local requirements before building.
What's the best fence for privacy?
Best privacy fences: Wood privacy fence ($15-30/ft) - classic, affordable, complete privacy. Vinyl privacy fence ($20-40/ft) - low maintenance, long-lasting. Composite fence ($25-45/ft) - modern, durable. Height: 6 ft minimum for privacy, 8 ft for complete privacy. Style: solid panels (no gaps), board-on-board (overlapping), shadowbox (alternating boards). Consider: HOA rules (may limit height/style), maintenance (wood requires staining), budget (vinyl costs more upfront but less maintenance), neighbors (discuss plans). Most popular: 6 ft wood privacy fence with cedar or pressure-treated pine.
How long do fences last?
Fence lifespan varies by material. Chain link: 15-20 years. Wood (pressure-treated): 15-20 years with maintenance. Cedar/redwood: 20-25 years. Vinyl: 20-30 years. Aluminum: 20-30 years. Wrought iron: 50+ years. Composite: 25-30 years. Factors affecting lifespan: material quality, maintenance, climate, installation quality. Extend life: stain wood every 2-3 years, fix problems promptly, clean annually, proper drainage, quality installation. Replace when: posts rotting, panels falling, leaning significantly, repair costs exceed 50% of replacement.
Should I repair or replace my fence?
Replace if: fence over 20 years old, posts rotting (structural failure), more than 30% damaged, doesn't meet current codes, repair costs over 50% of new fence, want different style/material. Repair if: fence under 15 years old, isolated damage (few boards, one post), structural elements solid, repair under 30% of replacement cost, just cosmetic issues. Consider: age, extent of damage, repair vs. replacement cost, desired upgrades. Most common repairs: post replacement ($200-500), panel replacement ($150-400), gate repair ($150-600). Get professional assessment if unsure.
Can I install a fence myself?
Yes, but requires skills, tools, and time. DIY appropriate if: experienced with construction, have proper tools (post hole digger, level, saw), understand property lines and codes, can get permits, have 2-5 days available, simple straight fence. Hire professional for: sloped terrain, long fences (200+ ft), wrought iron or complex materials, if lacking experience, want warranty. DIY saves: 40-60% on labor ($800-3,000 for 100 ft fence). DIY risks: crooked fence, posts not deep enough, code violations, property line disputes. Most homeowners: hire professional for quality, speed, warranty, peace of mind.
How deep should fence posts be?
Fence posts should be buried 1/3 of total post length, minimum 2 feet deep. Standard depths: 4 ft fence: 2 ft deep posts. 6 ft fence: 2.5-3 ft deep posts. 8 ft fence: 3-4 ft deep posts. Corner/gate posts: 6 inches deeper than line posts. Factors: soil type (sandy = deeper), wind exposure, fence weight, frost line (below frost line to prevent heaving). Post hole: 3x post width (4x4 post = 12" hole). Concrete: always use for stability. Proper depth critical: prevents leaning, falling, warping. Most fence failures: posts not deep enough or rotting at ground level.
Does a fence increase property value?
YES, fences increase property value. Average ROI: 50-70% of cost. $3,000 fence: adds $1,500-2,100 to value. Benefits beyond value: faster sale, broader buyer appeal (families with kids/pets), privacy and security. Best ROI: privacy fence in backyard, quality materials (vinyl, cedar), good condition, matches neighborhood style. Poor ROI: chain link in front yard, poor condition, violates HOA rules. Maintenance important: well-maintained fence adds value, rotting fence reduces value. Consider: even with 60% ROI, enjoy fence for years before selling, privacy and security valuable daily.
How do I find a reliable fence contractor near me?
Find reliable fence contractors by: checking reviews on local platforms like GigNGo, verifying license and insurance, getting 3-5 detailed quotes, viewing portfolio of completed fences, calling references. Look for: 20+ positive reviews, active contractor license, current insurance ($1M+ liability), experience with your fence type, clear detailed contract, realistic timeline, warranty on work (1-5 years). Avoid: extremely low bids (50%+ below others), no license/insurance, pressure tactics, cash-only, vague contracts. Local platforms connect you directly with licensed contractors without middleman fees, saving 30-50% compared to large fencing companies while ensuring quality, professional work.
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🎬 Final Thoughts
Professional fence installation and repair services provide privacy, security, and curb appeal while increasing your property value. By understanding costs, choosing the right materials, and using local platforms to find experienced contractors, you can get a quality fence without overpaying.
✅ Quick Recap: Fence Services
Installation Costs:
- Chain link: $8-15/ft
- Wood privacy: $15-30/ft
- Vinyl: $20-40/ft
- Aluminum: $25-40/ft
- Save 30-50% using local platforms
Repair Costs:
- Post replacement: $200-500
- Panel replacement: $150-400
- Gate repair: $150-600
- Staining: $100-300 per 100 ft
Best Practices:
- Always check property lines first
- Get permits before building
- Call 811 to mark utilities
- Get 3-5 quotes from licensed contractors
- Maintain fence to extend lifespan
Whether you're installing a new fence or repairing an existing one, finding the right experienced contractor makes all the difference. Take time to compare quotes, check references, and choose professionals who deliver quality work with proper permits and warranties.
Need fence installation or repair? Post your project on GigNGo and connect with licensed local fence contractors who deliver quality work at fair prices.