Two fence jobs with the same footage can cost very differently once you count gates, old-fence removal, and a slope full of rock. Price the run by the linear foot, itemize the extras, and put the property line in writing — here is the method.
Step 1: Measure the run and pick the material
Walk the line and measure total linear footage, note the height, and count corners and ends. Then set your installed price per foot for the material — these are the biggest cost drivers, and they vary widely.
| Material (installed) | Unit | Typical 2026 rate |
|---|---|---|
| Chain-link | linear ft | $10–$25 |
| Wood / cedar | linear ft | $15–$45 |
| Vinyl / PVC | linear ft | $25–$45 |
| Aluminum / composite | linear ft | $30–$65 |
| Old-fence removal | linear ft | $3–$5 |
Step 2: Line the gates separately
Gates are their own line, hardware included — a walk gate runs about $200–$400 and a drive gate $600–$1,200. Folding gates into the per-foot rate is the classic way to underbid a two-gate job.
Step 3: Add removal, prep, and permits
Price old-fence removal and haul-off, any grading or line clearing, extra corner and gate posts set in concrete, and a permit where required. Note that rock, roots, or slopes can adjust the price so a hard dig does not eat your margin.
Step 4: Apply markup and set the terms
Material and labor are cost; markup covers overhead and profit. Then protect yourself in writing: the customer confirms the property line and HOA approval, and you call 811 before digging. On larger jobs, take a deposit.
Example: 150 ft of wood fence installed at $32/ft ($4,800), one walk gate at $325, and old-fence removal at $4/ft ($600) is $5,725 of work. With a 10% markup, you would quote about $6,300, with roughly $1,900 as a 30% deposit.
Common pricing mistakes to avoid
- Gates inside the per-foot price — hardware and labor make them their own line.
- Forgetting removal — tearing out the old fence is real labor at $3–$5 a foot.
- No property-line clause — put line confirmation, HOA approval, and 811 in writing.
- Ignoring slope and rock — note that difficult soil can adjust the price.
Price the run and itemize the extras and your fence bids hold up. Start your next one in the fence estimate tool.