How Much Does a Fence Cost Installed? Complete 2026 Pricing
A fence costs $15-50 per linear foot installed, or $3,000-$10,000 for a typical 200-foot backyard project. This all-in price includes materials, labor, posts, concrete, gates, and cleanup—everything needed for a complete, turnkey installation. Here's exactly what you'll pay for professionally installed fencing by material type.
← Part of our Complete Fence Cost Guide
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Fence Cost Installed by Material (2026)
"Installed" pricing means you pay one price and get a finished fence—no surprises. Here's what each material costs fully installed:
| Material | Per Foot | 200-ft Total | Labor % | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chain Link | $12-$25 | $2,400-$5,000 | 30-35% | 1-2 years |
| Wood (Pine) | $15-$30 | $3,000-$6,000 | 35-45% | 1-3 years |
| Wood (Cedar) | $20-$35 | $4,000-$7,000 | 35-45% | 2-5 years |
| Vinyl/PVC | $20-$40 | $4,000-$8,000 | 30-35% | Lifetime* |
| Aluminum | $25-$50 | $5,000-$10,000 | 25-35% | Lifetime* |
| Wrought Iron | $30-$60 | $6,000-$12,000 | 30-40% | 5-10 years |
*Lifetime warranties typically cover material defects, not labor or damage.
Wood Fence Installed Cost
Wood fencing costs $15-35 per foot installed. Pine/spruce runs $15-30/ft, while cedar costs $20-35/ft. Labor represents 35-45% of wood fence costs because of individual board installation. A 200-foot wood privacy fence typically runs $3,000-$7,000 fully installed.
Vinyl Fence Installed Cost
Vinyl fence installation costs $20-40 per foot. The panel system means faster installation (lower labor percentage), but materials cost more. Most vinyl fences include lifetime warranties on materials. A 200-foot vinyl privacy fence runs $4,000-$8,000 installed.
Chain Link Fence Installed Cost
Chain link is the most affordable at $12-25 per foot installed. Simple installation keeps labor costs low. Vinyl-coated chain link (black or green) costs slightly more but looks better. A 200-foot chain link fence runs $2,400-$5,000 installed.
What's Included in Installed Fence Pricing
When contractors quote "installed" pricing, you should expect these items included:
Materials
Posts, rails, panels/boards, concrete, fasteners, caps
Labor
Digging, post setting, assembly, gate hanging, adjustments
Gates
Usually 1-2 walk gates with hardware and latches
Cleanup
Debris removal, site cleanup, hauling excess materials
Standard "Installed" Inclusions:
- All fence posts (pressure-treated for wood, galvanized for metal)
- Concrete for post setting (typically 1-2 bags per post)
- Horizontal rails connecting posts
- Fence panels, boards, or wire mesh
- Post caps (decorative or protective)
- 1-2 walk gates with hinges and latches
- Labor for complete installation
- Site cleanup and debris hauling
- Labor warranty (typically 1-5 years)
What's Typically NOT Included
Budget separately for these common extras:
- Permits: $20-$400 depending on municipality (Wilmington NC area typically $50-$150)
- Old fence removal: $3-$5 per linear foot
- Property survey: $300-$600 if boundaries are uncertain
- Drive gates: $300-$600+ for vehicle-width gates
- Automatic gate openers: $500-$2,000+
- Significant grading: $500-$2,000+ for major slope work
- Staining/sealing (wood): $1-$3/ft (included by some contractors)
- Tree/brush clearing: $200-$500+ depending on amount
Pro tip: Always ask what's included AND excluded when getting quotes. A lower "installed" price may not include gates or cleanup, making the final cost higher.
Labor vs Materials: The Installed Price Breakdown
Understanding how your installed price breaks down helps you evaluate quotes:
Materials (50-70%)
Posts, rails, panels, concrete, hardware. Contractors pay 10-20% less than retail pricing.
Labor (30-50%)
Digging, setting, assembly, gates, cleanup. Complex terrain or tall fences increase labor %.
Why "Installed" Often Beats DIY + Hiring Labor
Buying materials yourself and hiring labor separately often costs the same or more than a turnkey installed price. Here's why:
- Contractor pricing: Contractors buy at 10-20% below retail
- Efficiency: Experienced crews work faster, reducing labor hours
- No waste: Contractors order exact quantities, avoiding overage costs
- Warranty: Installed pricing includes labor warranty; DIY materials don't
- Delivery: Included in installed pricing; $50-$150 extra if you buy separately
Installed Fence Cost by Project Size
Yard fence costs vary by perimeter length. Here's what to budget for complete, installed pricing:
| Project Size | Chain Link | Wood | Vinyl |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 linear feet | $1,200-$2,500 | $1,500-$3,500 | $2,000-$4,000 |
| 150 linear feet | $1,800-$3,750 | $2,250-$5,250 | $3,000-$6,000 |
| 200 linear feet | $2,400-$5,000 | $3,000-$7,000 | $4,000-$8,000 |
| 300 linear feet | $3,600-$7,500 | $4,500-$10,500 | $6,000-$12,000 |
Volume discounts: Larger projects often get better per-foot pricing because setup and mobilization costs are spread across more footage. Ask about discounts for 200+ linear feet.
Getting Accurate Installed Fence Quotes
Follow these steps to ensure your quotes are comparable:
- Measure your property: Know your total linear footage before calling contractors
- Decide on material and height: Get quotes for the same specs from each contractor
- Ask what's included: Materials, labor, gates, concrete, cleanup, permits?
- Get it in writing: Written quotes prevent surprises
- Compare apples to apples: Make sure all quotes include the same scope
- Check credentials: License, insurance, reviews, references
Questions to Ask Every Contractor:
- Does your price include gates? How many and what size?
- Do you handle permits, or is that my responsibility?
- Is old fence removal included if needed?
- What warranty do you offer on labor? Materials?
- What happens if you hit rock or need to adjust the layout?
- Is staining/sealing included for wood fences?
Warranties with Installed Fencing
Professional installation typically includes two types of warranties:
Labor Warranty
Covers installation workmanship—leaning posts, loose panels, gate alignment.
- • Typical: 1-5 years
- • Best contractors: 5+ years
- • Covers: Repairs at no cost
Material Warranty
Covers defects in materials—warping, cracking, fading, rust.
- • Wood: 1-5 years
- • Vinyl: Lifetime (limited)
- • Aluminum: Lifetime (limited)
Important: DIY installation often voids manufacturer warranties. Professional installed fencing keeps both warranties intact.
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Call (910) 443-4113 for Free QuoteFAQ: Fence Cost Installed
How much does a 200-foot fence cost installed?
A 200-foot fence costs $3,000-$10,000 installed depending on material. Chain link runs $2,400-$5,000, wood $3,000-$7,000, vinyl $4,000-$8,000, aluminum $5,000-$10,000. This includes materials, labor, posts, concrete, gates, and cleanup.
What is included in installed fence pricing?
Installed pricing typically includes all materials (posts, rails, panels, concrete, hardware), labor, 1-2 standard gates, and cleanup. Permits and old fence removal may be extra—always confirm what's included.
Is it cheaper to buy materials and hire labor separately?
Usually no. Contractors get 10-20% below retail on materials and include delivery. Buying separately often costs the same or more, plus you lose warranty coverage on the complete installation.
How much does labor add to fence cost?
Labor adds $5-15 per linear foot, or 30-50% of total installed cost. Chain link has lower labor costs, while wood and vinyl require more skilled labor. Complex terrain increases the labor percentage.
Do installed fence prices include gates?
Most quotes include 1-2 standard walk gates ($150-300 each). Drive gates ($300-600) and automatic openers ($500-2,000+) are typically quoted separately. Always confirm gate inclusion when comparing quotes.
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About NC Fence Co: We provide all-in installed fence pricing throughout Wilmington NC and surrounding areas. Our quotes include everything—no surprise charges. Call (910) 443-4113 for your free installed fence estimate.