How Much Does Fence Installation Cost in Seattle? [2025 Data]
The average homeowner spends about $3,851 to install a fence in Seattle, but most spend between $2,316 and $5,477. Your fence pro will factor in the length and material of your fence for an accurate quote.
Fence installation in Seattle can recoup a 50% ROI.
Cedar and composite materials perform best in Seattle's wet climate, lasting longer than pressure-treated wood..
Seattle's hilly terrain often requires stepped fencing or additional grading, increasing costs.
Local permit requirements through the Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections add $150 to $400 to most residential fence projects.
Access challenges in dense neighborhoods such as Capitol Hill or Queen Anne may require special equipment, which can affect labor pricing.
Installing a fence in Seattle requires careful consideration of the Pacific Northwest's unique weather conditions and local building codes. Seattle homeowners can expect to invest $3,851 on average for a standard residential fence installation, though costs often range from $2,316 to $5,477 depending on fence length and material.
The city's sloped terrain, frequent rainfall, and specific permit requirements all factor into your total project cost. Whether you're adding privacy to your Queen Anne home or securing your yard in Ballard, understanding local cost factors will help you budget effectively for your fencing project.
Fence Installation Cost Factors
Seattle's unique geography and climate create specific considerations for fence installation that can impact your overall costs. The city's hilly terrain, wet weather patterns, and established neighborhoods often require additional site preparation and specialized installation techniques.
Size
The cost to install a fence can vary based on the amount of material used, which is, in large part, determined by the size of your fence. Longer fences will naturally cost more due to higher material costs and labor costs to install them.
Common prices for a residential backyard fence in Seattle by linear foot include:
| Fence Length (Linear Feet) | Total Cost Range (Seattle) |
|---|---|
| 50 feet | $1,200–$2,800 |
| 100 feet | $2,300–$5,500 |
| 150 feet | $3,500–$8,200 |
| 200 feet | $4,600–$11,000 |
| 300 feet | $7,000–$16,400 |
This all comes out to an average cost per linear foot for fence installation of between $24 and $56, depending on the material, with an average per-linear-foot cost of $40.
Material
| Material | Seattle Cost Range (per linear foot) | 150 ft. Project |
|---|---|---|
| Chainlink | $15–$30 | $2,250–$4,500 |
| Pressure-treated pine | $20–$34 | $3,000–$5,100 |
| Cedar wood | $25–$50 | $3,750–$7,500 |
| Vinyl/PVC | $25–$65 | $3,750–$9,750 |
| Aluminum | $27–$80 | $4,050–$12,000 |
| Composite | $35–$70 | $5,250–$10,500 |
You can choose from many fencing materials, including wood, iron, aluminum, PVC, and chain-link.
The costs vary widely among the different fencing materials, with chain-link fence costs tending to be the most affordable, followed by wood, iron, PVC, and then aluminum. The pricing of each material varies based on the design of the fence, though, so your total will depend on your front yard fence idea.
| Fence Style | Seattle Cost Range | Typical Height | Seattle-Specific Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Privacy Fence | $25–$50/linear foot | 6 feet max (no permit) | Max 6 ft in residential zones; popular for steep terrain |
| Picket Fence | $20–$40/linear foot | 3–4 feet | Front yard limit: 4 ft; traditional choice |
| Split Rail | $15–$35/linear foot | 3–4 feet | Good for slopes; minimal privacy |
| Board-on-Board | $15.50–$52/linear foot | 6–8 feet | 30% more materials; needs permit if over 6 ft |
| Stepped/Tiered | $40–$65/linear foot | Varies with slope | May be required for steep Seattle terrain |
The type of fence you choose is another important factor affecting cost. For instance, if you want to block the view of your yard entirely, a privacy fence costs around $2,000 to $5,100 total. No matter the type of fence you choose, a privacy fence will always require more material to provide a barrier, so the cost will be higher. Shorter decorative fences will likely be more affordable.
Demolition and Prep
If you're replacing an old fence, you’ll need to take it down before installing the new one. Fence removal runs about $3 to $7 per linear foot, or roughly $450 to $1,050 total for a 150-foot fence. You can save money on dumping fees by recycling or scrapping the old fence materials.
If your yard is sloped, your installer may need to level the land, which costs an average of $500 to $6,500 in Seattle.
You'll also want to budget to remove any trees or roots that are in the way. Removing a tree in Seattle costs anywhere from $200 to $2,000, depending on the size, though most homeowners spend around $750.
Gates
Gates are considered a specialty feature requiring additional work and materials. While some gates cost around $150, you could pay $400 to $1,200 per side gate, depending on the material. Automatic driveway gates can cost several thousand dollars.
Slopes
Seattle fence contractors often charge a premium for working on steep slopes or in difficult-access areas. Installing a fence on a hill is more costly and time-consuming, as contractors need to manipulate fence materials to align with the slope while securing your yard. Most homeowners with steep yards spend $1,000 to $3,200 to regrade their lawn prior to fence installation.
Fence Removal
If you're replacing an existing fence, removal costs $3 to $5 per linear foot, with most homeowners spending between $450 and $750 to remove 150 feet of fencing. Additional costs include tree removal ($750 on average), stump removal ($100 to $150 plus $50 per additional stump), and root removal for fence posting ($50 per root).
Fence Pro Costs
Finding qualified fence installers in Seattle requires understanding the local market and pricing structures. Seattle fence installation costs run higher than the national average due to the city's competitive contractor market and elevated cost of living.
Professional fence installation labor costs account for about 50% of your total price. On average, labor costs for fence installation total around $1,600. The complexity of your project, the type of fence material, and site conditions will affect these labor costs.
Professional installation offers significant long-term cost savings compared to DIY projects. Local fence pros use high-quality materials and adhere to best practices, resulting in durable fences requiring fewer repairs. They also help avoid costly mistakes common in DIY projects, such as improper installation.
Does Installing a Fence Increase Home Value?
In Seattle's competitive real estate market, the return on investment (ROI) varies by neighborhood and type of fence, but you can often expect to recoup about half the cost—or 50%—of your fence when it comes to resale.
Seattle-specific factors that influence fence ROI include proximity to busy streets, neighboring properties, and local market preferences. Privacy fences are especially valuable in dense Seattle neighborhoods where homes are built close together.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
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’ve surveyed thousands of real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from 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.
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