Fence Cost Per Foot: Complete Material Comparison
Fence costs range from $12 to $60 per linear foot installed in 2026, depending on your choice of material. This comprehensive guide compares pricing for chain link, wood, vinyl, aluminum, and more to help you choose the right fence for your Wilmington NC property and budget.
Quick Answer: Fence Cost Per Foot by Material
In 2026, fence costs per linear foot (installed) range from:
- Chain Link: $12-25/ft
- Wood (Pine): $15-25/ft
- Wood (Cedar): $20-35/ft
- Vinyl: $20-40/ft
- Aluminum: $25-45/ft
- Wrought Iron: $30-60/ft
Complete Fence Cost Per Foot Comparison
Compare all fence materials side-by-side. Prices include materials, posts, hardware, and professional installation in the Wilmington NC area.
| Material | Cost/Foot | 200-ft Project | Privacy | Lifespan | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chain Link (Galvanized) | $12 - $20 | $2,400 - $4,000 | None | 15-25 years | Very Low |
| Chain Link (Vinyl Coated) | $15 - $25 | $3,000 - $5,000 | None (slats optional) | 20-25 years | Very Low |
| Wood (Pine/Pressure-Treated) | $15 - $25 | $3,000 - $5,000 | Full | 10-15 years | High |
| Wood (Cedar) | $20 - $35 | $4,000 - $7,000 | Full | 20-25 years | Medium |
| Wood (Redwood) | $30 - $45 | $6,000 - $9,000 | Full | 25-30 years | Low |
| Vinyl/PVC | $20 - $40 | $4,000 - $8,000 | Full | 25-30 years | Very Low |
| Aluminum | $25 - $45 | $5,000 - $9,000 | None | 30+ years | Very Low |
| Wrought Iron | $30 - $60 | $6,000 - $12,000 | None | 50+ years | Medium |
| Composite | $25 - $45 | $5,000 - $9,000 | Full | 25-30 years | Very Low |
*Prices are for standard 6-foot fence height. 4-foot fences cost 20-30% less. Prices may vary based on terrain, gates, and project specifics.
Best Fence Material for Your Needs
Different situations call for different fence materials. Here's our recommendation for common use cases in Wilmington NC:
Budget/Large Areas
Chain Link
$12-25/ft
Lowest cost, fast installation, durable
Privacy Fence
Cedar Wood
$20-35/ft
Natural beauty, good lifespan, customizable
Low Maintenance
Vinyl
$20-40/ft
Never needs staining, 25+ year lifespan
Pool Enclosure
Aluminum
$25-45/ft
Rust-proof, meets pool codes, elegant
Historic/Upscale
Wrought Iron
$30-60/ft
Timeless elegance, 50+ year lifespan
Pet Containment
Chain Link or Vinyl
$12-40/ft
Durable, no gaps, easy to repair
Fence Cost Per Foot by Material Type
Chain Link Fence: $12-25 Per Foot
Chain link (also called cyclone or hurricane fence) is the most affordable permanent fencing option at $12-25 per linear foot installed. It's ideal for large properties, commercial applications, and situations where visibility is acceptable.
- Galvanized: $12-20/ft (silver finish)
- Vinyl-coated: $15-25/ft (black, green, brown)
- Privacy slats: Add $3-8/ft
Best for:
- • Large properties and backyards
- • Pet containment
- • Commercial and industrial sites
- • Sports facilities and playgrounds
- • Budget-conscious projects
Wood Fence: $15-45 Per Foot
Wood fencing offers the most natural aesthetic and full privacy at $15-45 per linear foot depending on wood species. Cedar is our most popular choice in Wilmington NC for its natural rot resistance and beauty.
- Pressure-treated pine: $15-25/ft (10-15 yr lifespan)
- Cedar: $20-35/ft (20-25 yr lifespan)
- Redwood: $30-45/ft (25-30 yr lifespan)
Best for:
- • Privacy fencing
- • Natural, traditional aesthetic
- • Customizable designs
- • Properties with existing wood features
- • DIY-friendly option
Vinyl Fence: $20-40 Per Foot
Vinyl (PVC) fencing costs $20-40 per linear foot but requires virtually zero maintenance. It never needs staining, painting, or sealing, making it the most cost-effective option over a 20-30 year lifespan.
- Picket style: $20-30/ft
- Privacy style: $25-40/ft
- 25-30 year lifespan, lifetime warranty available
Best for:
- • Homeowners wanting low maintenance
- • Coastal properties (salt-resistant)
- • Clean, modern aesthetic
- • Pool enclosures
- • Long-term property investment
Aluminum Fence: $25-45 Per Foot
Aluminum fencing costs $25-45 per linear foot and offers the elegant look of wrought iron without the rust. It's the #1 choice for pool enclosures in Wilmington NC because it meets code requirements and won't corrode.
- Residential grade: $25-35/ft
- Commercial grade: $35-45/ft
- 30+ year lifespan, no rust ever
Best for:
- • Pool enclosures (code-compliant)
- • Decorative front yard fencing
- • Coastal and waterfront properties
- • Upscale subdivisions
- • Properties with views to preserve
Wrought Iron Fence: $30-60 Per Foot
Wrought iron is the premium choice for elegance and longevity at $30-60 per linear foot. It can last 50+ years and adds significant curb appeal and property value to historic homes and upscale properties.
- Standard designs: $30-45/ft
- Custom/ornate designs: $45-60/ft
- 50+ year lifespan with maintenance
Best for:
- • Historic homes and districts
- • Upscale residential properties
- • Commercial storefronts
- • Security with elegance
- • Long-term investment
What Affects Fence Cost Per Foot?
Material Choice
The biggest factor. Chain link is cheapest ($12-25/ft), wrought iron most expensive ($30-60/ft). Premium materials cost more but often last longer.
Fence Height
Each additional foot of height adds 25-35% to cost. A 6-foot fence costs about 40% more than a 4-foot fence due to taller posts and more material.
Terrain & Access
Flat, clear ground costs less. Slopes, rocks, tree roots, and limited access can add $3-10/ft to labor costs. Wilmington's sandy soil is generally easy to work.
Gates Required
Walk gates add $150-400 each. Drive gates cost $300-1,200. Automatic gate openers add $500-2,000+. More gates = higher total cost.
Prep Work Needed
Old fence removal adds $3-5/ft. Land clearing, grading, or stump removal can add $200-1,000+ to project cost. Permits run $50-200 in NC.
Quality/Grade
Commercial-grade materials cost 20-40% more than residential. Thicker gauges, better coatings, and premium hardware increase longevity and price.
True Cost of Fence Ownership Over 20 Years
The cheapest fence per foot isn't always the most economical choice. Consider maintenance, repair, and replacement costs over the fence's lifetime.
| Material (150 ft) | Initial Cost | 20-Year Maintenance | Replacement | 20-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chain Link | $2,700 | $300 | $0 | $3,000 |
| Pine (Pressure-Treated) | $3,000 | $2,500 | $3,000 | $8,500 |
| Cedar | $4,125 | $1,500 | $0 | $5,625 |
| Vinyl | $4,500 | $200 | $0 | $4,700 |
| Aluminum | $5,250 | $150 | $0 | $5,400 |
Key insight: Vinyl fence has the lowest 20-year total cost despite higher initial price. Pressure-treated pine, while cheapest upfront, costs the most over time due to maintenance and mid-life replacement. Call NC Fence Co at (910) 443-4113 to discuss which option fits your budget and timeline.
Related Fence Pricing Guides
Explore our complete library of fence cost guides for detailed pricing on specific materials and installation scenarios.
Wood Fence Cost Per Linear Foot
Detailed wood fence pricing by species
Read GuideCyclone Fence Cost Per Foot
Chain link/cyclone fence pricing guide
Read GuideFence Installation Cost Per Foot
Labor and installation cost breakdown
Read GuideFence Installation Cost Near Me
Wilmington NC local pricing
Read GuideFrequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest fence per foot?
Chain link fence is the cheapest at $12-25 per linear foot installed. Wire farm fencing costs even less ($1-8/ft) but isn't suitable for residential use. For privacy fencing, pressure-treated pine is most affordable at $15-25 per foot.
How much does fence cost per foot?
Fence costs $12-60 per linear foot installed in 2026, depending on material. Chain link: $12-25/ft, wood: $15-45/ft, vinyl: $20-40/ft, aluminum: $25-45/ft, wrought iron: $30-60/ft. These prices include materials, posts, and professional installation.
What type of fence is most cost effective?
Vinyl fence is most cost-effective over 20+ years despite higher upfront cost. It requires zero maintenance, lasts 25-30 years, and never needs staining or painting. Chain link offers the lowest upfront cost but provides no privacy. Cedar wood balances cost and appearance.
How much does 100 feet of fencing cost?
100 feet of fencing costs $1,200 to $6,000 installed, depending on material and height. Chain link: $1,200-2,500, wood: $1,500-4,500, vinyl: $2,000-4,000, aluminum: $2,500-4,500. Add $200-600 for gates.
What affects fence cost per foot?
Fence cost per foot is affected by: material type (chain link cheapest, wrought iron most expensive), fence height (each foot adds 25-35%), terrain complexity, gate quantity, coating/finish quality, and local labor rates. Wilmington NC prices average 5-10% below national rates.
Get Your Free Fence Estimate Today
NC Fence Co installs all fence types throughout Wilmington NC and surrounding areas. Call today for a free, no-obligation estimate on any material.
Serving Wilmington, Leland, Hampstead, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and all of New Hanover, Brunswick & Pender Counties