How Much Does a Privacy Fence Cost?
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Expect to spend between $2,400 to $2,800 on a new privacy fence, with an average of between $8 and $18 per linear foot. The space covered is the primary factor followed by material. Low end materials can lower costs to $1,600, while high end materials can increase the price to more than $4,000.
Are You Sure About a Privacy Fence?
The reason homeowners add a privacy fence can vary from high-jumping pets to bad neighbors. If you are adding or replacing a fence, consider checking our fencing research guide to do your homework. If another fence option is on your radar, check how much does fence installation cost? For those ready to start the search for a local fencing company to install your privacy fence, check Angie's List for real reviews on fencing companies, pavers, and more.
In order to get an accurate estimation of privacy fence cost for any particular property, homeowners need to take a closer look at various factors. The materials, labor and time all need to be accounted for when calculating privacy fence cost. Here's a closer look at what it may cost to put up a privacy fence, as well as those factors that impact that cost.
Basic Factors That Impact Privacy Fencing Cost
There are several basic factors that will impact the cost of a privacy fence. These include cost of labor, building permits, marking utility lines, fencing material type, fencing height and, most importantly, the overall length of the fence.
Because of these different factors, privacy fence installation costs will vary significantly from one home to the next.
Fencing materials are the factor that has the biggest range. Most homeowners will consider vinyl, chain link, PVC, wood or metal as their fencing option. Alternate or exotic materials include certain woods and organics such as bamboo and intricate wrought iron.
Counting The Cost of Privacy Fence Installation
With such a large range of averages, it's important to look more closely at the various factors that impact privacy fences. The underlying cost associated with all fence installation is labor. Homeowners that do the job on their own will save money, but fence installation is a challenging DIY project. Hiring a professional will increase the overall cost, but reduce risk and frustration. When hiring a pro, homeowners can expect to pay a per linear foot labor cost. This means that the longer your fence, the more you will pay for labor.
Fence height is the most important impact the cost, unless using an extravagant material. Typically, the taller the fence, the more it will cost to install, and most privacy fences are six feet tall. Homeowners need to consider their need for privacy and safety and determine what fence height will help them reach that goal.
Material is another factor. The most affordable fencing material is chain link, but is rarely used by homeowners for privacy fences. Obviously it does not provide much privacy, so homeowners always turn to wood options.
Finally, the style of the fence will add to its cost - decorative elements can increase a homeowner's budget as well. For comparison, a split rail wood fence will cost $3 to $6 per linear foot, whereas a six-foot wood privacy fence will cost between $8 and $18 per linear foot.
How to Save Money on Your Privacy Fence
If you need to save money on privacy fence installation, there are ways you can cut the costs. Installing the fence on your own is one, but homeowners should only tackle this if they are confident in their abilities and have properly marked the underground utility lines.
Choosing a more affordable material, even if it means sacrificing aesthetics, is another option. You must weigh the costs with the overall look you're going for in order to find the most affordable option for your fencing.
Finally, you can save by limiting the amount of your yard that you fence. You do not have to fence your entire yard, and since materials and labor are charged by the linear foot, you will be able to save if you shorten the overall size of your fence.
Fence installation is an investment, but it's an investment that pays off. With a fenced in yard, your property values will increase and your overall enjoyment of your home will too. If you are ready to have a fence installed, get some quotes from local installers to see just how much you can expect to pay for the size and material you need.