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Vinyl Fence Installation Cost
In this guide
Fence StyleLabor
Enhancements
Additional Considerations
How much does it cost to install a vinyl fence?
Although vinyl or PVC fencing is among the most expensive options, the investment pays for itself as these materials are maintenance-free and are much more durable than other types, without any required upkeep. Vinyl fences are also stylish and provide a variety of design possibilities.
There are many reasons to install a vinyl or PVC fence, including a way to keep pets and children a safe, a divider between properties, or a way to create a private space. There are three main types of fence, each of which fits a different goal.
Fence Style
| Type | Pros | Cons | Most Common Use | Height | Average Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranch-Style | Simple Provides both neighbors with the same look. | Easier for animals and kids to slip through | Property divider | 4' | $20-$30 per linear foot |
| Picket | Doesn't completely block surrounding view Shorter Inexpensive | Less privacy and safety | Containing pets and children with style | 4' | $15-$35 per linear foot |
| Privacy | Most solid barrier Can be used to hide unsightly things. | Can block scenic views | On property lines and around swimming pools | 6' | $20-$35 per linear foot |
Vinyl fencing can either come in pre-made sections, which are then attached to posts and put in the ground, or with individual pieces that need to be assembled before the fence can be installed. Although unassembled pieces can save some money (up to 35%), they also take much longer to install. Each fence section needs a post on either side, which typically cost $20-$40 each.
Most vinyl fencing is attached to posts that are 4’x4’ and add extra stability; these posts often come included in the price of the fencing. Top and bottom rails increase cost by around 15% and are used when a fence is installed on a sloped service, as they help each section of fence act as a “step” down to the next level.
Labor
On average, fence installers charge $40-$60 per hour and can install a 200 foot fence in three to five days (24-40 labor hours), for a total cost of $960-$2400.
For this example, we'll consider the cost of a 200 linear foot fence, which averages $5000-$7500 installed. Fencing can be installed on your own, but hiring a professional is always recommended.
Enhancement and improvement costs
- The cost to remove and dispose of an old vinyl 1 or PVC fence is $2-$5 per linear foot, which totals $400-$1000 for a standard 200 foot fence.
- Post caps are optional design details that are placed on top of each fence post 2 for a finished look. Some caps even double as planters or lights. Basic vinyl 1 fence post caps average $3-$6 per cap, although more intricate post caps can cost up to $20-$30 each. PVC post caps average $4-$8 each.
- Accents like post caps and decorative details, such as trellis 3 and picket detail, can also be added to privacy fences 4, typically for $4-$8 per linear foot.
- Most vinyl 1 and PVC fences come in basic neutral colors, but they can be painted by a professional or by yourself with an epoxy-based paint. A 200 linear foot fence typically needs three gallons of paint per side. Epoxy-based paint averages $35-$55 per gallon, for a total cost of $105-$165. Including labor, painting a fence would cost around $300-$400. Adding texture to the paint can increase total cost by $100-$200 due to the extra paint and time required.
- A basic vinyl 1 or PVC gate averages $200-$250, plus installation costs of around $50. Gates that have more design details tend to be on the higher end of things and can cost up to $450.
- Metal post supports typically go inside the vinyl 1 or PVC post for added support and strength. Metal post supports aren’t always necessary, but they are recommended in areas with strong weather activity, such as wind or rain, or on fences that are in high-traffic areas. Basic metal post support poles average $3-$5 each, and stronger or more decorative supports can cost up to $12 each.
- Some people install their fence posts 2 into holes of dirt or gravel, but placing them in concrete provides a more permanent and solid fence. Using concrete adds $50-$100 to the project, plus an extra day or so to allow the concrete to set completely.
Additional considerations and costs
- Many fences come with a warranty, typically for 5-10 years after the fence was purchased and installed. There are often two warranties available, one for the actual fence product, which protects against most damage to the fence, as well as a warranty for the installation itself, which protects from issues that may arise from an improper installation. Make sure to ask your fence company about possible warranties before the service begins.
- Fences installed on a slope can take longer to install and require more landscaping and groundwork, which can increase labor costs and time by up to 30%.
- In most cases, installing a new fence will require permits and approval. Check with your contractor to get specific information for your area or do a simple internet search for "fence permits in [your area]".
- Before digging a new fence, water, electric, and gas lines need to be located. In almost every location, dialing 811 will connect you with the local "Call Before You Dig" phone line, which alerts utility providers that you are intending to dig. The service providers will then look at their neighborhood plans or send someone out to locate your utility lines and grant approval (or not) before you are allowed to dig. Failure to get approval before you start construction can result in thousands of dollars in fines.
Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet
Definitions in laymen's terms, cost considerations, pictures and things you need to know.See full cheat sheet.
1 Vinyl: A synthetic plastic made from ethylene and chlorine. Vinyl has many applications in the construction industry and it is widely used in sidings, window frames, roofing and gutters, among others
2 Fence post: A sturdy pole set securely in the ground, that is used to support a fence. Fence posts are placed at regular intervals, and the other parts of the fence are attached to them
3 Trellis: A decorative architectural structure, often used to support climbing plants, comprised of intersecting pieces of wood, bamboo, vinyl, metal, or other such material
4 Privacy fences: A barrier or railing, typically composed of solid material, used to form a blockade around a yard, field, or other expanse of land to prevent encroachments from the outside
How much does it cost to install a vinyl fence in my city?
Cost to install a vinyl fence varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.
Labor cost by city and zip code
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Methodology and sources
