How Much Does It Cost to Install a Fence in 2025?

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2 days ago

How Much Does It Cost to Install a Fence in 2025?

The average U.S. homeowner spends between $2,000 and $5,000 to install a fence, but may pay as little as $500 or as much as $10,000, depending on the type of fence and other factors. Professionally installed fences cost $15-$25 per linear foot on average, according to home services website Angi .

Fence costs can vary depending on the function, such as keeping pets inside or just adding privacy to your home. Add-ons such as gates, landscaping and painting can increase the total cost.

Expect a fencing professional to charge from $25 to $80 per hour for installation, depending on the difficulty of the job. Here’s what to know.

Fence costs vary widely depending on the materials used and the complexity of the design. Fences that don’t use as much material, such as invisible fences and split-rail fences, are typically less expensive.

Not all companies will charge exactly the same amount for the same materials, says Joe Marchionni, owner of Amity Home Maintenance Solutions in Connecticut.

“It depends on the company you hire. Some fencing companies are only set up to do chain link, whereas others prefer wood or vinyl,” Marchionni told NerdWallet in an email. “They almost all claim to do everything, but their pricing for materials might change a bit depending on the volume they order products in.”

Fence type features

The material or type you choose determines the cost, maintenance and longevity of your fence. Here’s what to know:

Chain link: Durable and low-maintenance, but less privacy and can be less aesthetically pleasing.
Picket: Can be made of wood, vinyl, or metal. Prices can vary widely depending on the material and picket distance.
Composite: Aesthetically pleasing and weather-resistant, but can be more expensive depending on height.
Vinyl panel: Offers a lot of privacy and is low-maintenance, but more expensive than a wood fence.
Wrought iron: Durable and aesthetically pleasing, but can be very expensive if the design is intricate.
Split rail: Wood material. Works well for property boundaries, but isn’t the best for pets or privacy.
Invisible or electric: Runs wire underground to deliver a shock when your pet touches the perimeter. Typically lower cost.

Factors that increase fence cost

Your fencing installer will assess your yard to determine the challenges of installing your fence. Prices can vary by region, but it’s ideal to get multiple quotes from installers and compare.

Expect each of the following factors to add to your total installation cost:

Substantial grade changes in your yard can make the installation process more complex and require more material than flat land.
Poor soil condition can cause issues with standard installation. If your contractor cites this as a reason for a surcharge, ask them to explain the issue.
Underground utility lines can make digging and setting posts more difficult, according to Marchionni. Avoiding these lines can increase the installation cost.
Number and style of gates can increase costs. Gate sections are typically more expensive and more difficult to install correctly than standard fencing panels.
Taller fences can cost more due to the additional materials and more challenging installation.
Seasonal popularity can make it harder to find an installer, and costs may be higher. The spring is typically the busiest season, according to Marchionni.

Costs to maintain a fence

Some fence types require regular or occasional maintenance to prolong their lifespan. Vinyl panels may crack, and wood fences can look better when stained. Galvanized chain link fencing typically lasts the longest and is the most weather-resistant option.

Repairing a fence generally costs between $20 and $30 per square foot. Here are a few examples of common fence repairs and their cost:

Restaining a wood fence: about $750 to $4,250.
Fixing a leaning fence: around $500.
Fixing a hole or crack: $125 to $500.

Can I get financing for a home repair or improvement?

Your contractor may offer some financing options (either through a partner or a payment plan), but there are other — and maybe better — financing options available.

Home equity loan or HELOC

Home equity loans or home equity lines of credit (HELOC) may have lower interest rates than financing with an installer, as well as future opportunities for refinancing and possible tax benefits.

With a home equity loan, you receive a lump-sum payment and then pay it back at a fixed interest rate over an agreed period of time, typically five to 30 years. HELOCs are more akin to a credit card, something you use as needed. You’ll usually have 10 years to draw from the line of credit, during which time you only have to pay interest, and after that you pay both the principal and interest. HELOC interest rates typically are variable, meaning your monthly payment could rise or fall over time. And with each of these options, you’re using your home as collateral.

Many banks, credit unions and online lenders offer personal loans, with amounts typically from $1,000 to $100,000 and with fixed annual percentage rates. You receive a lump sum and repay it in equal monthly installments over a set period, typically two to seven years. Unlike with home equity financing, there is no collateral. This means your home isn’t at risk if you miss payments, but you’ll still have to pay late fees and the late payments can negatively impact your credit.

Credit cards are an option for lower cost repairs or renovations. That’s because credit cards typically charge higher interest rates than home equity loans, HELOCs and personal loans. When used responsibly, credit cards can come with great benefits, such as 0% introductory APR periods that allow you to avoid interest for a set number of months; rewards so you can earn cash back, travel or points; and sign-up bonuses that can give you some extra cash back or rewards for a larger purchase. If you go this route, you’ll want to make sure you pick one of the best credit cards for home improvements.

Which financing option is best for me?

The best financing option for you will depend on how much money you need, when you need the money, what project you’re doing and how long you need to pay the money back. If it’s something that’ll add value to your home, a HELOC or home equity loan may be your best option because the value of your house could increase by more than the amount of the loan.

On the flip side, if it’s a less expensive repair, a credit card is probably your best option if you want to pay no interest or earn rewards. Personal loans can apply to both small and large repairs or renovations, and they may make sense if you don’t have much equity in your home.

Some home improvement contractors offer their own financing options. Before taking this option, shop around and see how their offer compares with other loans.

Regardless of what you choose, make sure you compare interest rates, terms and fees with any financing options you’re considering. This will ensure you get the best deal.


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