Author: Briglinhall | Updated 9:34 AM, September 23, 2021
From vinyl to chains to pickets, fences are an effective method to increase containment attractiveness, keep pets and children in captivity, and deter unwelcome visitors. Fences can beautify the property and increase the value of the house. Depending on the material, installing the fence may be more affordable than expected. On average, homeowners spend between US$1,667 and US$4,075 to install a new fence, and the national average cost is US$2,839. Fence installation costs are between 13 and 50 dollars per linear foot. Wooden fences cost less than metal fences, but many homeowners also prefer low-maintenance vinyl fences. Whether you are considering building a complete privacy fence or a typical white picket fence, we have summarized the main factors to review when constructing a fence.
According to HomeAdvisor, homeowners can expect materials and labor to each account for 50% of the total cost of installing the fence. The size of the fenced area will also affect the price, so first consider measuring the area. If the fenced site is not free of debris or there are a lot of rocks or roots in the soil, it may cost more to properly dig holes for the fence posts. In most areas, you need to obtain a building permit or a permit from the HOA.
A qualified local fence builder will know if the local building code requires a permit to construct a fence. There may be restrictions on the height of the fence or the materials used. On average, the cost of a building permit is between US$400 and US$800.
Fencing real estate is a time-consuming project, so labor usually accounts for half of the total price. The labor cost varies depending on the fence material and the amount of work required to install the fence post. The cost of constructing the fence is estimated to be between 30 and 80 US dollars per hour. Most professionals can complete 150 to 200 linear feet in 20 to 35 hours.
Although wooden fences are still the standard choice, vinyl is quickly becoming a more popular choice. Other options include wrought iron, chain links, aluminum or steel. Installing a chain fence is the cheapest option, at $17 per linear foot, while wrought iron fences are more expensive, at $40 or more per linear foot.
It is usually more expensive to install fences in rural areas because materials and labor must be transported from farther places. Depending on the region, the cost of certain materials will be higher. If the fence is located in an area that is difficult to reach, additional fees may be charged due to location barriers. Overgrown trees, narrow spaces and parked vehicles will affect the convenience of entry and exit.
In some cases, it may be necessary to remove trees to install fences, which incurs additional costs. An important root system will slow down the speed of digging fence posts, thereby increasing labor costs. The same is true for rocky soil or existing concrete. If bedrock is found deep in the pillars, additional equipment is needed to drill the holes.
When budgeting for the cost of fencing installation, apart from the main factors mentioned above, there are only some additional considerations, because the construction of fencing is not as complicated as most construction projects. If the yard has slopes or dense vegetation along the property line, the price of the new fence will increase to accommodate the landscaping. If builders need to remove old fences or install additional pillars or gates, the cost of fence installation may also increase.
An important factor affecting the price of the fence is whether the property has a slope. For small slopes, it is best to level the ground to obtain a smoother fence line. Significant changes in the terrain require special surveying and construction techniques to align the fence correctly. This process will increase labor costs, but it is worth the extra effort to have a sturdy fence. Since more pillars must be installed, fences in yards with many obstacles or angles will also cost more.
Like the nature of most outdoor structures, fences are affected by time and weather. Before installing a new fence board, the old fence board needs to be removed. Anxious homeowners may like to remove old fences, but some stone or iron fences require additional equipment to remove them. Leave the trouble to the professionals, who can quickly complete the work of removing and disposing of the fence at an average price of $3 to $5 per linear foot.
The column should be set in the concrete, usually below the frost line, which will help extend the service life of the column. Check whether the local building code has depth requirements for your area. The average cost of columns and concrete is between US$5 and US$150, depending on the material of the columns. The spacing between the pillars is usually 4, 6 to 8 feet. Adding gates will increase the price according to the material, size and style. The average price of a walk-in wooden door is US$150 to US$250, but the cost of the free door may be US$150 to US$600, plus a labor cost of US$100 to US$250.
Most suburbs run their electrical infrastructure underground, which can be a problem when digging. Accidentally hitting a power supply or gas pipe may cause catastrophic consequences. Homeowners and fence builders should check underground natural gas, electricity or wiring before digging to prevent problems. Local power companies usually check these for free, but solving these problems may increase the total cost.
Over the years, fence construction materials have continued to expand. Barbed wire, wood, and wire are still available, but vinyl, electric, invisible, and chain links are the newer styles, and each style has its purpose. You can mix and match fence types to customize your property. For example, a garden fence can be constructed of cedar wood and mesh, the front yard can have a vinyl fence, and the back yard can have a wooden privacy fence. Below are the most common types of fences and their average prices.
Barbed wire is an alternative to old fences for large properties that need to control livestock. It is simple to install and easy to maintain. Drive metal or wooden pillars into the ground, and then stretch three to five strands of barbed wire spools between the pillars. Barbed wire is only allowed to be used in rural areas. The average cost of installing a barbed wire fence is $1.50 to $2 per linear foot.
Another fencing style used to enclose livestock is electric fencing. Wires or threaded plastic strands are connected to wooden posts and connected to power outlets that generate low-voltage or high-voltage electric shocks to prevent livestock from contacting the fence. Again, for safety reasons, these are only used in rural areas and away from highways. The cost per linear foot of an electric fence is 1 to 6 dollars.
Invisible fences are installed underground in the industry line. The wire is connected to a control panel, and when it comes close to the buried wire, it triggers a small vibration on the dog's collar. This is an effective way to keep pets in the yard without having to build a complete fence. The average cost is US$200 to US$2,500, depending on the size and number of pets.
More attractive than barbed wire are pasture fences, which are specifically designed to withstand the strength or height of animals in captivity. Split fences are a popular choice. Logs can be split longitudinally and inserted into wooden posts. This style costs 10 to 20 dollars per linear foot. Cedar posts and hewn railings are also very popular. Wire mesh may be installed to prevent smaller animals from climbing over the railings. The average cost is expected to be between US$1,500 and US$2,500.
Chain fences are a popular low-maintenance option, suitable for most budgets, easy to install, and have a long service life. Chain link fences can be made of galvanized steel, powder-coated steel, aluminum or sometimes vinyl. This style is not as attractive as most fences, but it can still accomplish the job of keeping children and pets safely in the yard. The cost of the chain link fence is between US$1,100 and US$2,800, including installation.
If you prefer a more natural look, wooden fences are a traditional and affordable option. The cheapest material is treated pine wood at $1.50 per linear foot. More exotic woods, such as mahogany, sell for close to US$17.50 each. Cedar is a popular choice, durable and inexpensive, at US$7 to US$15 per foot. Wooden fences can be painted or dyed, but any additional treatment requires regular maintenance. The service life of wooden fences is not long, which is a problem to be considered for a project with an average cost of 1,000 to 4,000 US dollars.
If you share an adjacent or backyard property and want to spend a peaceful night on the deck, then a privacy fence is a common choice. The best options are wood or vinyl, but metal can also be used—albeit at a higher price. The installation of a 150-foot-long privacy fence is between US$1,500 and US$8,250, with an average of US$2,750. Other privacy fence ideas include adding lattices on top of the fence or planting privet that is friendly to green spaces.
For low-maintenance options, if metal is the preferred style, aluminum may be a good choice. Aluminum can be used to construct dialogue or privacy fences. This type of fence provides durability and safety, and prevents rust. The average cost of aluminum fences is $30 to $40 per linear foot, with an additional labor cost of $5 to $15 per linear foot. If it has not been powder-coated according to your preferences, expect to pay an additional US$2 to US$5 per square foot.
For a solemn, classic look, wrought iron fences are the best design choice. This type of fence is durable, stylish and customizable. It is best to let professionals handle the design and installation of this fence style, because it is more professional. Wrought iron fences need to be sprayed with anti-rust spray regularly. On average, the cost of wrought iron fences is US$2,500, and the cost per foot ranges from US$30 to more than US$100.
The biggest benefit of vinyl fences is that it is easy to maintain and how long it can last in a climate without extreme temperatures. Vinyl fences do not require painting or sanding, and the boards rarely rot or warp. White is the most common color, but there are other colors to choose from. Some composite vinyl fences include recyclable materials, such as molded recycled sawdust, to create a wood-like appearance. You can expect to spend between US$2,000 to US$5,000 or US$20 to US$40 per linear foot.
You may be wondering if you really need to build a fence. Maybe you need to keep the hares out with a garden fence, or you want to protect the privacy of your neighbors, or you want to block any unwelcome biped or quadruped visitors. Whatever the reason, installing fences can increase the value of your home and even hide unsightly garbage dumps.
A house with a backyard fence is considered safer, even if it is just a chain fence. An attractive fence increases the curb appeal of the home. Adding plants or vines is another way to enhance the appearance of the fence and the attractiveness of the home. Houses with well-maintained fences may also sell faster.
A house with a strong fence around the backyard is usually more successful in preventing strangers from entering the yard. You can put lawn equipment and toys in your backyard and feel more confident that they will not be stolen. The fence also helps prevent deer and other wild animals from entering the property-if it is built high enough.
Even the friendliest neighbor can become bored. One of the best and easiest ways to create a quiet environment for your family is to install fences around the house. A standard 6-foot fence should be enough to enjoy the fun of soaking in a hot tub without letting neighbors go to chat at night. For additional sound and visibility obstacles, consider adding trees near the fence line.
Even a small yard will encounter property line challenges. Strangers may cut corners across the lawn, or neighbors may want to build a structure that violates your property. Building fences on the boundaries of your property can prevent any intentional or unintentional encroachment or intrusion.
Not every backyard scene is heaven. Whether your terrace overlooks a dilapidated structure or a messy neighboring yard, a privacy fence can hide your worries while allowing you to enjoy the night outdoors. In this case, chain fences cannot do the job, so choose a fully paneled fence made of wood, aluminum or vinyl.
Since the cost of fence installation is evenly distributed between materials and labor, installing the fence yourself is an attractive prospect. On the surface, this seems simple: dig a hole, put a pillar, and hang a fence board. In fact, if the ground slope is uneven or difficult to excavate, constructing the fence may be complicated, and evenly hanging the fence board requires care and skill to ensure that the fence is straight and strong. Although chain fences may be the easiest to consider for DIY of all fences, wrought iron fences and other metal fences are best reserved for professional installers who are familiar with the material and have the equipment to handle it.
Although you can save yourself the cost of installing certain types of fences, you will suffer losses due to the extra time required to construct the fences. A team of professional installers can build up to 200 feet in less than 4 days, but it may take twice as long to do it yourself. They also have the equipment needed to build the fence and can easily use all the equipment, whether it's a circular saw, a concrete mixer, a drill or a pile excavator.
Normally, there is more peace of mind when using qualified installers because they are licensed and insured for any accidents, and they may have a warranty covering damage to the fence. This is a useful advantage, especially when your area is experiencing major weather events or your yard is often used by rough teenagers. Professional installers will know how to deal with possible obstacles to your property, including bedrock, trees, structures, etc. You will be confident that the fence will remain level, strong, and straight for years to come.
Depending on the type of fence you choose and the total enclosed area, the cost of fence installation will increase rapidly. When building a fence, consider the following tips on how to save money:
When you consider building a new fence, you may have some problems. Talking to the fence installer can help resolve any concerns you have, and they may even offer suggestions you haven't considered. Here are some useful questions you can ask about fence installation:
The process of building a fence is not as complicated as building a house, but some problems may need to be solved. With the above information, homeowners should know what to expect from the cost of fence installation, but here are some answers to common questions, just in case.
Labor is usually half of the total cost of fence installation. The average price for installing fences ranges from US$1,667 to US$4,075, depending on the material and size of the property. Chain links and wooden fences are the cheapest, and metal fences are the most expensive.
The service life of the fence depends on the material. There are differences between different woods: cedar fences may last 15 to 30 years, untreated pine fences may only last 5 to 12 years, and treated pine may last 20 years. Regular maintenance will increase the service life of wooden fences. If the vinyl fence is built in a climate without extreme heat or cold and can be used for 20 years or more, it can resist weathering. Galvanized chain link fences can last 20 years or more, depending on the coating and weaving. Metal fences usually need to be coated with an anti-rust coating every few years to extend their service life.
It depends on your needs and location. In rural areas, barbed wire or electric fences can trap livestock. In urban areas, you may prefer to use invisible electric fences to keep pets in your yard. For aesthetic purposes, a 3-foot-long conversation fence may be suitable for the front yard, but the backyard may prefer the entire privacy fence. Fences can be made of split railings, planks, decorative wood, nets, chain links, vinyl, composite vinyl (artificial wood), aluminum, steel, or wrought iron. A property can build more than one type of fence, and fence builders can easily coordinate colors and styles.
Yes. A well-maintained fence can provide security, privacy, and curb appeal, thereby increasing the value of your home. Potential home buyers will realize that the property is safe and completed.
Wooden fences need frequent maintenance because they are most susceptible to moisture. Dyeing the fence will help extend the life of the fence. Wrought iron or steel fences need to be treated with rust inhibitors to prevent rust. Vinyl fences are low-maintenance and can be sprayed with water when they look dirty.
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