How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Fence? Complete 2026 Guide
Fence replacement costs $18-55 per linear foot, including old fence removal ($3-5/ft) plus new fence installation ($15-50/ft). For a typical 200-foot backyard fence, expect to pay $3,600-$11,000 total. This guide breaks down removal costs, new fence pricing, and helps you decide whether to repair or replace.
← Part of our Complete Fence Cost Guide
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Removal + installation. Wilmington NC area.
Total Fence Replacement Cost by Material
Replacement cost = removal + new fence installation. Here's what to budget for a complete fence replacement:
| New Material | Removal | New Fence | Total/ft | 200-ft Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chain Link | $3-$4/ft | $12-$25/ft | $15-$29/ft | $3,000-$5,800 |
| Wood (Pine) | $3-$4/ft | $15-$30/ft | $18-$34/ft | $3,600-$6,800 |
| Wood (Cedar) | $3-$4/ft | $20-$35/ft | $23-$39/ft | $4,600-$7,800 |
| Vinyl | $3-$4/ft | $20-$40/ft | $23-$44/ft | $4,600-$8,800 |
| Aluminum | $4-$5/ft | $25-$50/ft | $29-$55/ft | $5,800-$11,000 |
Bundling discount: Most contractors offer 10-20% off removal when bundled with new fence installation. Always ask about package pricing.
Old Fence Removal Cost
Fence removal costs $3-5 per linear foot, or $450-$1,000 for a typical 150-200 foot fence. Cost depends on fence type and post anchoring:
- Wood fence removal: $3-$4/ft — Easiest to remove, posts often pull out
- Vinyl fence removal: $3-$4/ft — Panel system comes apart quickly
- Chain link removal: $3-$5/ft — Metal posts in concrete take longer
- Aluminum/iron removal: $4-$5/ft — Heavy materials, concrete post bases
What Removal Includes
- Taking down fence panels, boards, or wire mesh
- Removing posts (with or without concrete footings)
- Loading debris into truck/trailer
- Hauling away and proper disposal
- Basic site cleanup
Factors That Increase Removal Cost
- Concrete post footings: Adds $1-2/ft to dig out or break up
- Overgrown vegetation: $100-300 extra for clearing vines, brush
- Limited access: Manual labor if equipment can't reach
- Attached structures: Extra care around arbors, gates, planters
Should You Repair or Replace Your Fence?
Not every damaged fence needs full replacement. Use this guide to decide:
| Scenario | Recommendation | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Damage under 20% | Repair | Localized repairs are cost-effective |
| Posts rotted/leaning | Replace | Foundation failure affects entire fence |
| Fence age 15+ years (wood) | Replace | Approaching end of lifespan |
| Storm damage (sections) | Repair | If posts intact, replace sections only |
| Repair cost > 50% of new | Replace | Better ROI on new fence |
| Wanting different style | Replace | Full replacement required for changes |
✓ Repair When:
- • Damage is less than 20% of fence
- • Posts are still solid and plumb
- • Fence is under 10 years old
- • Storm damage to sections only
- • Repair cost under 50% of replacement
✗ Replace When:
- • Multiple posts rotted or leaning
- • Fence is 15+ years old (wood)
- • Widespread rot, rust, or damage
- • Wanting a different fence style
- • Repair cost exceeds 50% of new
Can You Reuse Existing Fence Posts?
Reusing posts can save $200-500 on a typical replacement project, but it's only possible in certain situations:
✓ Good Candidates for Reuse
- • Metal posts (steel, aluminum) in good condition
- • Posts less than 10 years old
- • Posts that are plumb (not leaning)
- • No rust, rot, or structural damage
- • Properly set in concrete originally
✗ Should Not Reuse
- • Wood posts (rarely survive removal)
- • Posts with rot at ground level
- • Leaning or shifted posts
- • Rusted or corroded metal posts
- • Posts not properly set in concrete
Important: Have a contractor inspect posts before committing to reuse. Failing posts lead to premature fence failure, costing more in the long run.
Signs Your Fence Needs Replacement
Watch for these warning signs that indicate replacement is needed:
Leaning Posts
Posts shifting indicates foundation failure—the entire fence is compromised.
Rot at Ground Level
Wood rot spreads quickly. If multiple posts show rot, replacement is imminent.
Widespread Damage
When 20%+ of boards/panels need repair, full replacement is more economical.
Age (15+ years for wood)
Wood fences last 15-20 years. Beyond this, maintenance costs outpace replacement.
Consistent Repairs
If you're repairing something every year, replacement saves money long-term.
Safety Concerns
Loose boards, sharp edges, or unstable sections are hazards requiring immediate action.
Fence Replacement Timeline
A typical fence replacement takes 1-3 days:
Day 1: Removal & Preparation
Old fence removed, posts extracted (or inspected for reuse), site cleared, new post holes dug if needed.
Day 2: Post Setting
New posts set in concrete, leveled and braced. Concrete cures overnight (24-48 hours).
Day 3: Fence Installation
Rails attached, panels/boards installed, gates hung, hardware installed, final cleanup.
Note: If reusing existing posts in good condition, Day 2 may be skipped, reducing total time to 1-2 days.
Ways to Save on Fence Replacement
- Bundle removal with installation: Save 10-20% vs hiring separately
- Reuse posts if possible: Save $200-500 on a typical project
- Consider different materials: Chain link or basic wood cost less than vinyl
- Schedule off-season: Late fall/winter may offer better pricing
- Get multiple quotes: Prices vary 20-30% between contractors
- Remove old fence yourself: DIY removal saves $3-5/ft (but takes time)
- Keep the same footprint: Changing fence line adds surveying and prep costs
Ready to Replace Your Fence?
NC Fence Co handles removal and replacement—one contractor, one quote, one warranty. Free estimates in Wilmington and throughout southeastern NC.
Call (910) 443-4113 for Free QuoteFAQ: Fence Replacement Cost
How much does it cost to remove and replace a fence?
Fence removal and replacement costs $18-55 per linear foot total. Removal runs $3-5/ft, and new installation costs $15-50/ft depending on material. A 200-foot replacement typically costs $3,600-$11,000.
How much does fence removal cost?
Fence removal costs $3-5 per linear foot, or $450-$1,000 for 150-200 feet. Wood and vinyl are easiest ($3-4/ft). Chain link with concrete posts costs more ($4-5/ft). Many contractors offer discounts when bundled with new installation.
Should I repair or replace my fence?
Replace if: damage exceeds 20-30%, posts are rotted/leaning, the fence is 15+ years old (wood), or repairs exceed 50% of replacement cost. Repair if: damage is localized, posts are solid, and the fence is under 10 years old.
Can I reuse my existing fence posts?
Sometimes. Metal posts in good condition can often be reused, saving $200-500. Wood posts rarely survive removal. Have a contractor inspect posts—reusing failing posts leads to premature fence failure.
How long does fence replacement take?
Fence replacement takes 1-3 days for 150-200 feet. Day 1: removal. Day 2: post setting (if needed). Day 3: installation. Reusing posts can shorten the timeline to 1-2 days.
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About NC Fence Co: We handle complete fence replacement—removal and installation with one contractor, one quote, and one warranty. Serving Wilmington NC since 2015. Call (910) 443-4113 for your free replacement estimate.