Fencing service costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
Picket fence installation costs between $3,200 and $16,000 for your standard 200-linear-foot fence, including materials and labor.
Your fence material choice and the terrain of your property will determine the final labor costs for the installation project.
Budget for your old fence demolition and building permits of $150 to $500 as you plan your project.
Hiring a local fencing professional ensures your picket fence is securely installed and handles the necessary permits for your property.
In 2026, the national average cost to install a picket fence is $9,600. For a typical 200-linear-foot fence, prices generally range from $3,200 to $16,000, with the spread driven by your choice of fence material, property terrain, and local labor rates. As you plan your budget, set aside $150 to $500 for old fence demolition and building permits.
While fence installation may seem like a weekend DIY project, it requires careful preparation and planning. We recommend contacting a pro to ensure the job is done to your specifications and with the best materials.
Picket fence installation costs $16 to $80 per linear foot combined, with materials running $6 to $50 per linear foot and labor adding $10 to $30 per linear foot. Most residential properties require around 200 linear feet of fencing, putting the typical total between $3,200 and $16,000. Because properties vary widely in size and shape, measuring your yard carefully before requesting quotes will help you get the most accurate estimate. Costs vary by fence size, as the breakdown below shows.
| Fence Size Linear Feet | Average Fence Cost in 2026 |
|---|---|
| 100 | $1,600–$8,000 |
| 200 | $3,200–$16,000 |
| 300 | $4,800–$24,000 |
| 400 | $6,400–$32,000 |
| 500 | $8,000–$40,000 |
| 600 | $9,600–$48,000 |
Your choice of material is one of the biggest cost drivers for a picket fence, with prices ranging from budget-friendly to premium depending on what you select. Wood and vinyl fences sit at the lower end of the spectrum, while metal commands the highest price. Costs for your picket fence will vary by material type, as the breakdown below shows.
| Picket Fence Material | Cost per Linear Foot in 2026 | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Bamboo | $9.50–$17 | Durable with a unique aesthetic |
| Metal | $12–$50 | Most durable option, great for keeping animals out (or in) |
| Vinyl | $6.25–$17 | Low maintenance and easily customizable |
| Wood | $6–$18 | Many design choices, classic aesthetic |
Labor for picket fence installation typically runs $10 to $30 per linear foot, or $25 to $80 per hour if your fencing pro near you charges by the hour. Your location, project scope, and material type all influence where you land in that range. Projects involving dense, rocky soil cost more than those in level, loamy ground because harder terrain demands more time and effort to dig post holes.
Fence painting: $750 to $4,250
Pressure washing: $100 to $350
Gate installation: $900 to $3,800
A general contractor typically charges 10% to 20% of the total project cost, though some bill daily rates of $300 to $500 plus $40 to $50 per hour for each subcontractor they bring on. If your property needs land-clearing work such as tree removal, boulder removal, or land grading before fencing can begin, a general contractor can coordinate those reputable specialists on your behalf.
Beyond materials and labor, preparation work, demolition of existing fencing, and permits can all add to your total picket fence budget. Costs for these add-ons vary depending on your property's condition and local regulations, as the details below explain.
If you plan to fence undeveloped land, site preparation alone can cost between $3,300 and $12,700 before a single fence post goes in. The total depends on which tasks your property requires, and costs vary by project type.
Boulder removal: $650 to $1,200
Land clearing: $1,400 to $6,200
Tree removal: $200 to $2,000
Yard leveling: $1,000 to $3,300
Replacing an old fence means budgeting for demolition, which typically costs $3 to $7 per linear foot, or $600 to $1,400 for a standard 200-linear-foot fence. Some installers bundle removal with installation at a discounted rate, so it's worth asking your fence pro whether they offer that option.
A fence-building permit typically costs between $100 and $500, with the exact amount depending on your municipality and local regulations. Most jurisdictions don't require a permit for fences under six feet tall, but you should confirm with your building department or fencing pro before starting work.
If you know how to build a picket fence , you can save between $10 and $30 per linear foot on your fence—or $2,000 to $6,000 for a 200-linear-foot fence. These major savings can be very tempting, but installing a fence is an intermediate-level project that requires a lot of supplies, physical labor, and accuracy to ensure that the fence is long-lasting.
We recommend working with a local fencing company to handle the job. A pro can help prepare your property for a strong fence installation, handle any necessary permits, and resolve any unexpected issues that arise.
Fence repair costs range between $300 and $950 on average. The best way to tell if you should repair or replace your picket fence is to calculate whether or not the repair costs exceed 50% of replacing it. For example, if your 200-linear-foot fence is in poor condition and would cost $4,800 to fix, investing in a new fence makes more sense.
Picket fences come with a high price tag—especially if you opt for high-end materials. Fortunately, there are ways you can cut costs and still have that picket fence you’ve always wanted. Follow these tips to get started:
Choose vinyl or wood fencing over metal or bamboo fencing.
Decrease the total linear feet of space you want to enclose.
Demolish your old fence yourself.
If you have the skills, DIY the installation.
Opt for a shorter fence of three or four feet over a 6-foot fence.
Learn how to paint wood paneling to avoid labor costs.
Installing a picket fence can add much-needed curb appeal to a home, enhance security, and appeal to buyers looking for a home with a white picket fence. At the same time, a picket fence alone doesn’t necessarily mean your home’s value will increase. It’s important to work with a local real estate agent to see which investments best benefit your home based on your location, demand, and a project’s overall ROI.
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
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Elite FenceFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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