Short answer: most fences here are priced per linear foot, and the material sets the range. The table below is what we actually quote against in 2026. Treat every number as a planning range — the only number that matters is the one on your estimate, which is free.
2026 fence installation cost table
| Material (installed) | Typical range per linear foot | 150 ft of privacy ≈ |
|---|---|---|
| Chain link (galvanized) | $18–$30 | $2,700–$4,500 |
| Chain link (black vinyl-coated) | $24–$38 | $3,600–$5,700 |
| Wood privacy (pine) | $30–$60 | $4,500–$9,000 |
| Wood picket | $25–$45 | — |
| Vinyl privacy | $40–$70 | $6,000–$10,500 |
| Aluminum | $40–$75 | $6,000–$11,250 |
| Composite (Trex/Simtek) | $60–$100 | $9,000–$15,000 |
| Ornamental iron | $60–$120 | $9,000–$18,000 |
| Ranch rail | $12–$25 | — |
Planning ranges, October 2026. Verify current pricing on your estimate.
What moves a fence price up or down?
Gates
A walk gate adds roughly $600–$1,500. Double drive gates run more. Automatic gates with an operator start around $4,500 installed and climb with leaf size and access control.
Old fence removal
Pulling the old line — posts and concrete included — adds roughly $4–$10 per linear foot, with haul-away in the price. Long-buried concrete or hedges woven through the old fence add labor.
Grade and access
Sloped yards take stepped or racked sections. Side-yard access under 36 inches means carrying panels through the house. Both are visible on the estimate walk and priced there — never discovered later.
Permits
Most Northern Virginia residential fences need no building permit, but Montgomery County requires one for any fence, and some jurisdictions add review. We file what is needed; the time is in the schedule, not a surprise line.
How much does 80 feet of vinyl fence cost?
One of the most common questions we hear. At $40–$70 per linear foot installed, 80 feet of vinyl privacy lands roughly $3,200–$5,600 before gates or removal. Add a walk gate ($600–$1,500) and removal if needed. Your estimate confirms the exact figure for your yard.
What does a fencer charge per hour?
Residential fence work here is priced by the project, not the hour — that is why the on-site estimate is the honest way to compare bids. Two companies charging the same per-foot number can deliver very different fences; the post depth, concrete, and hardware are where cheap bids save.
When is the most affordable time to install a fence?
Winter. Demand peaks in spring and early fall; winter schedules are open, materials are in stock, and the ground in Northern Virginia rarely stops a post job. The fence costs the same — the calendar is what you gain. See our winter installation guide.
Get a real number for your yard
Play with the fence cost calculator for a planning range, then request the free estimate. We walk the line, price it in writing, and the number holds.