Fence

Fences are a great way to increase your home’s security, privacy, curb appeal and even overall property value. However, depending on a number of factors including the material of your fence and the size of your property, installing a fence could run you into the thousands.

• Removing an existing fence: Sometimes, you’re not just installing a new face, but you’re replacing an existing one,meaning you’ll have to first remove the old fence, which will drive up costs.
• Type of gate: A manual gate will cost more than an electric gate, but keep in mind that an electric gate can increase your property value, as it adds to your home security. No one will be able to access your property without you letting them in remotely. And while you’re at it, add some outdoor security cameras so you can see exactly who’s in the car.
• Fence height: The standard fence height is six feet tall, but moving it to eight or 10 feet will require more materials and more labor, driving up costs.
• Labor: Where you live affects the cost of your labor, as the cost of living depends on your area. Typically, fence installers charge hourly, although some may charge on a per-project basis.
• Landscaping: Already thinking up gorgeous landscaping ideas to surround your fence? Or maybe you just need to pay to remove a tree. Either way, landscaping will cost more.
• Lighting fixtures: You may want to include outdoor security lights on your fence to increase your home’s safety. Options like exterior LED lighting will add to your bottom line.
• Material: Again, you can expect to pay more for an aluminum, metal or vinyl fence compared to wood or bamboo. When you’re choosing the right fence, the price of materials should be top of mind, as they’re one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installation.
• Permits: Check to see if permits are required to install a fence where you live. Whenever you’re building anything, permitting is part of the development process, but depending on where you live, you may not have to pay anything to build your fence.
• Size of yard: Obviously, the larger the yard, the higher your costs will be.
• Slope of yard: A yard with a slope will be harder to bill a fence on, driving up labor costs.

Fence by Type

Aluminum and Metal

Aluminum and metal fences are the most expensive, wrought iron fences, in particular. While a wrought iron fence is durable, it’ll be difficult to install it yourself, unlike steel, cast iron or aluminum options. 

Wood

Wood fences can look many ways. There’s cedar, which has a reddish hue, composite, which is made from wood fibers combined with plastic polymers, teak and redwood, ideal for smaller fences around pools or hot tubs and treated wood, best for fence posts. If you’re on a budget, choose cedar. If you choose a cheaper wood, you’ll see the lower price while custom wood is higher.

Vinyl

Vinyl may be the second-most expensive, but it requires little maintenance and is super durable. Choose a thicker vinyl for the more durable option, and your fence will require very minimal maintenance.