To hire a fence contractor well, get two or three written quotes, ask who pulls the permit and calls 811, and check that each quote lists material, post depth, gates and cleanup. In 2026 most homeowners pay $25 to $60 per linear foot installed, so a typical 150 foot backyard fence runs $3,750 to $9,000.
| Fence type | Installed cost per linear foot | 150 ft backyard |
|---|---|---|
| Chain link, 4 ft | $15 to $30 | $2,250 to $4,500 |
| Wood privacy, 6 ft | $25 to $45 | $3,750 to $6,750 |
| Vinyl privacy, 6 ft | $35 to $60 | $5,250 to $9,000 |
| Aluminum, 4 to 5 ft | $35 to $70 | $5,250 to $10,500 |
| Composite privacy, 6 ft | $45 to $80 | $6,750 to $12,000 |
These are typical 2026 ranges for flat, easy access yards. Slopes, rocky or root filled soil, tear out of an old fence and extra gates all push the number up. Use the table as a sanity check when the written quotes arrive.
What questions should you ask a fence contractor before hiring?
A short phone call or on site visit tells you most of what you need. Ask these questions and write down the answers so you can line them up side by side later.
- Who handles the permit? Many cities and HOAs require a permit or approval for new fences, especially over 6 feet or near a street. Ask who files it and whether the fee is in the quote.
- Will you call 811 before digging? Utility locating is a free public service in every state, and a contractor who skips it is a risk to your gas and water lines.
- How deep do the posts go, and are they set in concrete? A common rule is one third of the post below ground, usually 24 to 36 inches for a 6 foot fence.
- What exact material and grade are you using? Pressure treated pine, cedar, vinyl wall thickness and post spacing all change price and lifespan.
- Who confirms the property line? Ask whether they work from your survey and how far inside the line they set posts.
- What is the workmanship warranty? One to two years on labor is common, separate from any manufacturer warranty on vinyl or composite.
- Can you show photos of similar fences you built? Recent work in the same material is better than a generic gallery.
Also check that whoever does the work holds the permits and any registration your city requires, and ask for a current certificate of liability coverage. A good contractor answers these questions without hesitation.
What should a written fence quote include?
A one line quote that says “privacy fence, $6,000” leaves too much room for surprises. A complete quote spells out every item below.
| Line item | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Total linear feet | Measured on site, not guessed from an aerial photo |
| Material and height | Brand or species, board thickness, post size, height |
| Posts | Spacing (6 to 8 feet), depth, concrete or gravel |
| Gates | Number, width, hardware, self closing latches if needed |
| Tear out and haul away | Typically $3 to $5 per linear foot if listed |
| Permit and fees | Who files, and whether the cost is included |
| Schedule and payment | Start date, expected days on site, deposit and final payment terms |
| Warranty | Labor warranty in writing |
When two quotes differ by thousands of dollars, the gap is usually in these lines: one includes tear out and gates, the other does not, or one uses 4×4 posts at 8 feet while the other uses heavier posts at 6 feet.
What are the red flags when hiring a fence contractor?
- A large cash deposit up front. A deposit of 10% to 30% for materials is common; asking for most of the job before work starts is not.
- No written quote, or a quote with no material details.
- Pressure to sign today because of a “special price” that expires tonight.
- Vague answers about permits, 811 or the property line.
- A price far below every other quote, which often means shallow posts, thin boards or skipped tear out.
- No physical address, no reviews you can read and no photos of past fences.
For a Texas specific take, our guide on choosing a fence contractor in Dallas covers clay soil and HOA rules in more detail.
How much does fence installation cost in 2026?
Material sets the base price, but labor is usually 40% to 60% of the total. Here is what moves the number most.
Gates
A single walk gate typically adds $250 to $700. A double drive gate runs $800 to $2,500, and more for aluminum or automatic openers.
Terrain and soil
Slopes need stepped or racked panels, and rocky or heavy clay soil slows digging. Expect 10% to 25% more on difficult ground.
Removing the old fence
Tear out and disposal typically adds $3 to $5 per linear foot, or $450 to $750 on a 150 foot run.
Height and style
Going from 4 to 6 feet adds roughly 20% to 40%. Board on board, lattice tops and metal posts add more.
How long does a fence installation take?
Most residential fences go up in one to three days once materials arrive. Concrete set posts often need a day to cure before panels are hung. Permits and HOA approval can add one to four weeks before work starts, so ask for the realistic start date, not just the days on site.
After the job, protect the investment. A wood fence lasts longer with a cleaning and sealing every two to three years; see what it costs to pressure wash a fence. In freeze prone areas, check posts after cold snaps, as our post on saving your yard and fence after a Houston freeze explains. If the fence is part of a bigger backyard project, our Dallas outdoor living guide has layout ideas.
Is it better to hire a fence contractor or do it yourself?
A DIY wood fence can save 40% to 50% on labor, but it means renting a post hole auger, mixing concrete, keeping lines straight and hauling the old fence away. Hiring out makes sense for privacy fences over 100 feet, sloped yards, vinyl or aluminum systems that need precise post spacing, and any fence that must pass a pool barrier inspection.
See your upfront price and book your fence installation on House Fly. You get the price before you book, and payment is held until the job is done.
Frequently asked questions
How many fence quotes should I get?
Two or three written quotes is usually enough. Ask each contractor to measure on site and itemize material, posts, gates, tear out and permits. Line the quotes up item by item. If one is far lower than the others, look for missing lines such as haul away or shallower posts before assuming it is the better deal.
How much deposit should a fence contractor ask for?
A deposit of 10% to 30% is common so the contractor can order materials. Paying most of the job before any work starts is a red flag. Get the deposit amount, the remaining balance and when it is due written into the quote, and avoid paying large deposits in cash.
Do I need a permit to build a fence?
Many cities and most HOAs require a permit or written approval, especially for fences over 6 feet, front yard fences and pool barriers. Rules vary by city, so ask your contractor who files the permit and whether the fee is included. Getting approval first avoids having to tear down a finished fence.
What is the cheapest fence to install in 2026?
Chain link is usually the cheapest at $15 to $30 per linear foot installed. For privacy, a pressure treated pine fence at $25 to $45 per linear foot is the most affordable option. Vinyl and composite cost more up front but need less upkeep over the years.
