Interested in getting a new fence, but not sure how to budget it? No problem. We'll go over the average costs of material and labor so you can get a general idea of how much your new fence might cost.
The material your fence is made of is the greatest factor to take into account when estimating cost. There's a significant difference between a simple pine or spruce fence compared with a premium redwood fence. There's an even greater difference when comparing materials like vinyl and aluminum. Here's a chart for a general breakdown of material costs:
The work that goes into installing your fence also needs to be taken into account. This will vary based on who you hire, your location, as well as the complexity of the job. Generally, you can expect to pay around $12 per linear foot when it comes to labor costs.
More complicated jobs like installing a fence on an uneven landscape, adding a gate, or using a specific style of fence that requires more labor will affect the final cost.
Some homeowners consider the DIY route in an attempt to save money, but it's not always the best route. You can read more about the pros and cons of installing a fence yourself in our post here.
You should consider the cost of maintaining your fence when deciding on your budget. Wood fences will generally require more upkeep than a vinyl or aluminum fence. Of course, this also depends on the kind of wood you use.
Cheaper materials like spruce or pine will save you money in the short term, but don't last nearly as long as cedar or redwood. By investing in higher quality lumber, it'll be less likely that you will have to deal with rot, warping, and insect infestation.
General upkeep like sealing and staining your fence is generally recommended at least every other year, and ideally every year. This will typically cost $0.40 to $2.00 per square foot, depending on your location.
Materials like vinyl and aluminum will cost more than wood initially. Though, you won't have to worry about the sealing and staining your fence each year, and other potential drawbacks a wood fence may have.
If you'd like to learn more about fence materials, read our post here.
According to the California Building Code, a permit isn't necessary for a fence under 7 feet in height. It's still important to check for any local regulations or rules your homeowner's association may have, as this could impact the kind of fence you're allowed to have on your property.
