Table of Contents
You can replace your fence for many reasons. Some people install a new one that adds more privacy, whereas others do it to replace an old one. Regardless of which one is your case, the first thing that may pop into your mind may be, “How much will I pay”?
A quick search online may tell you the average fence installation cost in your area, but remember that those numbers won’t always reflect reality. Your installation project will have different costs depending on many factors, so it’s hard to tell precisely how much you’ll pay if you don’t have the experience.
Still, it’s much better to know what to expect than go in blind, right? This is where this article comes in.
Here, you’ll learn about all the different factors that could influence your fence installation project, including its cost. If you’re interested in replacing your fence for any reason, you should give this a read.
How Much Can You Expect to Pay for a Fence Installation?
As mentioned previously, it’s complicated to provide you with a precise estimate for a fence installation, but we can get close.
Bare fences, for example, will require you to invest from $500 to $2,000.
However, if you want more complex alternatives, you may pay up to $5,000-9,000 for the installation.
Remember, the price may vary depending on different factors, particularly the type of fence you install and the company you hire. If you want to know more about these factors, keep reading below.
Factors That Affect the Fence Installation Cost
Let’s review everything that can affect your fence installation cost! By the time you’re finished reading this page, you’ll have a much better idea of what to expect for your replacement project.
Type of Fence
The type of fence is the most crucial factor to consider when determining costs. Metal fences, for example, won’t cost the same as wooden fences.
Each fence type has particular properties that make them unique. You should choose an option depending on what you need and how much money you have.
The wooden fence is the most common option people in Austin get. Other popular options include vinyl fences and aluminum fences.
Size
Larger spaces will likely involve higher costs for installations. In other words, the larger your fence is, the more expensive the project will be.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll pay a bunch of money for your fence if you have a big home. Some people want fencing for smaller areas within their property/land, so that could bring the costs down.
It all depends on what you’re looking for.
Next to Read: Pool Fence Installation: Necessity for Safety and Compliance
Materials
Certain materials are more affordable (and easier to get) than others. A chain-link fence, for example, is usually more affordable than certain wooden fences.
When you go for a metal fence, you have three main material options: wrought iron, chain link, and aluminum. You can expect a similar process with wood, as there are plenty of options available for property owners.
Labor Costs
If you’re hiring a professional for your fence installation, you may expect a higher investment. These experts will do the heavy lifting for you, which involves a lot of dedication, experience, and time.
Most companies charge different prices depending on what you’re looking for. We suggest you compare different quotes to find an appropriate option based on what you need.
Permits
Most of the time, you won’t need a permit to install a fence in Austin. However, if the property is located in an area with a high flood risk, or you want your fence to be over 8 feet tall, you may have to get one.
The only exception to the “8-foot-tall” rule is the ornamental fence. You can install one of these at any size if it doesn’t block the view.
Getting a permit could cost you either time or money, affecting your fence installation project.
Fence Removal
If you already have a fence, you must also spend money on a removal service.
Trying to remove an old fence yourself isn’t recommended, as you could damage the land or even yourself.
An expert will likely include a quote for removing your old fence after inspecting your property.
Landscaping
Some properties have “special needs” when it comes to fence installations. If you live somewhere with a slope, for example, you may need to get a landscaping service before installing anything.
Ignoring the landscaping part will probably lead to poor fence alignment and other consequences.
Number of Fence Posts
The more posts you plan to install, the more you’ll likely pay for the project. You can expect the same if you plan on installing many gates.
Utilities
It’s crucial to check for underground utilities before digging fence post holes. If you don’t check for gas, power, or electrical lines before getting started, you risk hitting them while digging the holes, which could lead to problems with your property.
What Are the Most Common Types of Fences and Materials Available?
There are plenty of materials to choose from, and not all will be appropriate for your property.
Let’s evaluate each one so that you can come up with the best plan for your project!
Aluminum
Aluminum fences can cost from $15 to $50 per linear foot. We recommend this option if you’re looking for a low-maintenance option.
Even though aluminum is resistant, it will still wear considerably over the years.
Wood
As mentioned, wood is the most popular option on the market. This is because it has a great look that suits most properties, and you can find excellent prices for the material.
The main downside to wood is that it’s not as durable as other materials, so you will likely spend a lot on maintenance. Wood fences can cost from $5 to $30 per linear foot.
Chain-Link
Chain-link fences are famous for being affordable, durable, and low-maintenance. Also, this material is easy to install, translating into a lower labor cost.
However, this is considered one of the less appealing materials. If you want something that looks great, the chain-link fence may not be right for you. It costs from $15 to $30 per linear foot.
Wrought Iron
Wrought iron fences are known for being stylish, customizable, and durable. Even though they cost much more than other materials, remember that a wrought iron fence could significantly increase your property’s value.
A wrought iron fence can cost from $30 to $55 per linear foot, requiring little maintenance.
Privacy
A “privacy” fence can be made with different materials. You can choose wood, metal, or vinyl.
The main benefit of these fences is that they prevent anyone outside from looking at your property. They’re perfect for making families, companies, and individuals in general feel safer.
Privacy fences cost approximately $35 per linear foot.
Steel
You can get a steel fence in many different styles. Even though it’s not as durable as other materials, it’s simple enough to maintain. Steel fences cost from $10 to $40 per linear foot.
Vinyl
The vinyl fence is one of the most popular options because of its resistance and low maintenance.
Depending on the style you get, you could make your property look amazing. We’d say this is one of the options with the least disadvantages.
Vinyl fence installation costs range from $10 to $40 per linear foot.
Split Rail
Split rail fences are mainly used to prevent animals from getting away, and they’re used in rural areas.
These fences use split timber logs, which are inserted into wooden posts. They cost from $15 to $25 per linear foot.
Barbed Wire
We don’t recommend the barbed wire fence unless you must keep livestock contained. It’s only allowed in rural areas, and it’s one of the oldest (if not the oldest) options on the market.
You can expect to pay from $1 to $6 per linear foot for this material.
There you have it! Those are the average fence installation costs for the most popular materials. If you want a better idea of how much you’ll pay for your project, don’t hesitate to contact an expert from our team.
How Do You Choose the Right Fence Type for Your Property?
Unless you already know which type of fence would benefit your property the most, we recommend you ask a professional for advice.
If you want to install a privacy fence, for example, a chain-link fence won’t work. It all depends on what you need and what your budget is.
What Are the Benefits of Installing New Fences?
There are many benefits you can get from replacing your old fence. Some of them include:
Higher home value
More security for you, your family, or your employees
More privacy for everyone inside the property
Being able to block unpleasant views
Of course, this doesn’t mean you can install any fence and get all the benefits. You must make the right call if you want to guarantee a great return on investment in the future.
Why You Should Avoid a DIY Fence Installation Project
Even though you may be tempted to deal with your fence installation yourself, we suggest you take a step back and evaluate your situation.
If you have a relatively small home and you don’t want to install anything too fancy, you may be able to get it done yourself. However, remember that not all land requires the same treatment, so you’re still at risk of making a mistake eventually.
A poor installation will make you spend money on repairs later anyway, so most of the time, it’s not worth it to take the risk.
Won’t Hiring Fence Installers Be Expensive?
It depends on who you hire. Not all companies charge excessive prices for their services. This is why you must compare quotes until you find one that adapts to your needs.
In most cases, however, a professional fence installer will likely cost less than repairs due to poor installations. When you hire a professional, you get the peace of mind that everything will get done correctly and within the set deadlines.
Bottom Line – Get an Honest and Transparent Quote for Your Fence Installation Project
Evaluating all these factors can become overwhelming for anyone, so you should leave the hard work to a professional.
When you hire an expert, you won’t have to worry about calculating costs, finding materials, or anything else. All you have to do is wait until they finish the project.
Our team at Austin Fence Company aims to give you the assistance you need while calculating the cost of your fence replacement. If you want a quote, don’t hesitate to contact us.
It depends on the type of fence you install. 300ft of chain-link fencing, for example, may cost from $2,700 to $9,000, depending on how tall you want it.
Wood or vinyl, on the other hand, could cost from $6,000 to $18,000.
These costs don’t include extras like removal of old fences, landscaping, etc.
You must ask the professionals you hire how much they charge for labor. Then, you must multiply labor costs by labor hours.
The result is how much you’re expected to pay for the fencing project. However, most companies already do these calculations for you.
If you want the most affordable option, chain-link fences could be ideal. You may also consider aluminum or PVC fencing, depending on the type of property you’re dealing with.
A linear foot is “a straight line.” In other words, it’s the distance measured between point A and point B.
With that being said, the price depends on the type of material you choose. Wood can cost $15 to $50 per linear foot, whereas other materials like wrought iron can cost up to $55 per linear foot, if not higher.