DNP. How Much Does Privacy Fence Installation Cost?

Fences can add character to a home, but they are also great for people who want their privacy. Factors such as budget and preference determine the final cost. Knowing what to expect for privacy fence installation can make the process much easier.

Final Price Factors

The final price of the project depends on certain factors, such as the size of your property, the type of fencing material you select, and how tall the fence is. In general, the larger the perimeter of the property is, the more fencing material you will need. Just as property size influences the final price, so does the type of fencing material that you choose. Common materials used for privacy fencing include vinyl, wood, oak, and pine. These materials vary greatly in terms of price, and wood is generally more expensive than other types of material, such as vinyl. The height of the fence also determines the final price. The taller the fence is, the more material is needed for the fence.

As the customer, you can control the final price by determining how much of your yard you want to fence in, the type of material you use for the fence, and how tall you would like the fence to be.

Privacy Fence Installation Charge

In most instances, a company charges by the foot when they install privacy fences. Most contractors will only go by the price per linear foot rather than distinguishing between the materials and labor. An example of an average cost for a privacy fence installation using wood material for a 4 to 6 foot high fence is anywhere from $4 - $75 or higher depending on the type of wood that is used, how complex the design is, and the height of the fence. That figure comes from CostHelper.com.

For a less expensive type of material, such as vinyl, a private or semi-private vinyl fence costs an average of $12 - $25 per square foot for materials. A fence of the same height (4 to 6 feet high) that is made of chain link material generally costs between $6 - $40 per square foot.

Angie's List members who had similar jobs done in 2013 reported paying an average of $4,076.15 with a general range of to $3,706.01 $4,446.29, not counting discounts many service providers offer to Angie's List members.

Repairs and Savings

Unlike a new energy-efficient appliance or a new car, fences generally don't come with a warranty period. However, if the material is damaged or deemed to be unfit by the company that has been hired to install it, the company will likely replace the material for free. Over time, the fence may become damaged, whether it's because the material is old and worn or because a tree or piece of debris has fallen on the fence and damaged it. In these cases, you can probably fix the broken part of the fence rather than repair the entire row of fencing, which will save money in the long run.

Longevity

The amount of time the privacy fence lasts for depends on factors such as the material use and what kind of elements the fence is exposed to over the years. However, a wood privacy fence will generally last between 10 and 15 years before it needs to be replaced. This type of wood might warp or split as it dries within the first year of installation, and it can start to lean after five to eight years. In contrast, a chain link fence generally lasts anywhere from 15 to 20 years, whether it's coated or uncoated. With proper treatment and care, vinyl fencing may not need to be replaced for 20 to 30 years.

You can easily find a qualified fence company through Angie's List. Whether you live in the city or the country, it's quite simple to find a company that can install the right privacy fence for your needs. Before you decide on one company, call around to several different companies to get a price estimate. Be sure to mention factors such as the square footage you want to fence in and the desired materials.