How Much Does It Cost to Install a Vinyl Fence?

Whether installing a brand new fence at a new home, or replacing an old fence, vinyl ¹ fencing is a great option. This material provides privacy, enhances curb appeal, and requires little maintenance. There are also many options for colors and designs, so it is easy to get the look you are hoping for.

The cost of installing vinyl ¹ fencing will vary widely depending on the size of the yard, the cost of materials, and the extent of prep work needed. The average cost to install vinyl ¹ fence ranges from $3,000-$7,000, with the average homeowner spending around $5,600 on a 200 ft. white vinyl privacy fence surrounding small backyard.

Vinyl Fence Installation

Vinyl Fence Cost by Linear Foot

Since vinyl ¹ fencing cost directly correlates to how many linear feet are needed, costs will vary depending on the size of the area you hope to enclose with vinyl fencing. For the purposes of this table, the average cost for a vinyl privacy fence ² was used.

Vinyl Fence Cost by Type

There are many types of vinyl ¹ fencing out there. Choose from basic, affordable options or go for a more high-end look. There are many ways to customize and get the look that you desire for your yard.

Labor Cost to Install Vinyl Fence

There are many reasons to hire a professional for vinyl ¹ fence installation. Professionals have experience and the proper equipment for the job, making the process faster and ensuring that the installation is done properly. If a vinyl fence is not installed properly, it could lead ⁴ to more repairs down the road, or even need to be replaced in the near future.

Professionals also know which vinyl fencing materials are the best. Be sure to schedule consultations with a few companies to discuss vinyl fencing options, as well as to get a quote for the job. This will give you the chance to meet a few different companies, ask questions, get the vinyl fence cost from a few different sources, and see how a company treats and follows up with their customers. Also ask for references and examples of previous work before hiring someone.

Most vinyl ¹ fencing contractors will quote a price for the whole job, including materials and labor. The vinyl fence cost is usually calculated by multiplying materials plus labor times total linear feet. Labor will cost around $5 per linear foot. Some vinyl fencing contractors may quote labor by the hour, usually between $30 and $50. Pricing by the hour leaves the door open for unexpected costs and an unknown total at the end of the job. By choosing a quote for the entire project, you know exactly what your costs will be. Keep in mind that labor and material costs will vary across the country. Costs are typically higher in large cities with a higher cost of living.

Installation time will of course vary depending on the size of the project. Installation of a short stretch of picket fence ³ could take only a few hours. Surrounding a medium sized backyard with a privacy fence ² will take several days. It will likely take an extra day If an old fence needs to be torn down or there is other extensive prep work needed.

Preparation Work Before Installing a Vinyl Fence

Be aware that costs will increase if there is extensive prep work to be done. The area intended for your new vinyl ¹ fence should be level ⁵ and clear of vegetation. If an old fence needs to be torn down or bushes, shrubs, stumps, or trees need to be removed, this will add time and money. The average cost to remove a tree stump is $320. If the work is light, consider doing this portion yourself or hiring a handyman ($60-$90 per hour) to complete this project. The company you choose for installation may also be able to give a quote on this project and basic leveling ⁵ may already be included in their quote.

Vinyl Fence Styles

There have been many advancements in vinyl ¹ fencing in recent years that have made it an even more desirable product. In the past, most vinyl fencing was smooth and white. Now it is available in a variety of colors, textures, and designs. Choose from white picket fences ³ for the front yard ($13-$16 per linear foot) and a variety of choices for taller vinyl fences for the back yard. If privacy is not a concern, vinyl fencing can be made so that the entire fence consists of a lattice or criss-cross pattern ($28-$32 per linear foot).

If privacy is important, a small section of crisscross or lattice can be added to the top for an accent.

Shadowbox is another popular design. A shadowbox pattern ($32-$36 per linear foot) is made by staggering the placement of the pickets, one on the front of the rail ⁶ and one on the back so that they block out the gaps. Vinyl ¹ fencing is also becoming more popular for horse properties.

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White is the most inexpensive option for a vinyl fence because it is easiest to manufacture in this color, but others are also available. Besides white, vinyl fencing is most often found in earth tone colors. This is because these colors are less prone to fading. Expect to find brown, gray, khaki, beige, and clay-colored vinyl fencing. Choosing colored vinyl fencing will add about $4 per linear foot. Selecting a brown color will make your vinyl fence look more like wood. A wood texture can even be added to vinyl fencing. The cost for a wood grain vinyl fence is between $38 and $42 per linear foot installed. Black vinyl fencing is also available for a more chic look. This is the most expensive option at $55 to $60 per linear foot.

Pvc Fence Cost

You may hear vinyl ¹ fencing referred to as PVC fencing. These terms are generally interchangeable in the fencing industry. This is because vinyl fences are made with PVC (polyvinyl chloride, which is a type of vinyl) as the main ingredient. However, most vinyl fencing is not pure PVC fencing; it is often mixed with other ingredients such as polyvinyl acetate or polyacrylonitrile. This blend of ingredients can vary and create PVC fencing of varying degrees of quality. The formulations can include UV inhibitors to block damage from solar radiation, impact modifiers to make the PVC fence more damage resistant, stabilizers to keep the vinyl’s composition consistent even when the temperature changes, and dyes and colorants to achieve nice colors other than white. Lower quality white PVC fencing without additives can start around $10 per linear foot for materials only.

Pros and Cons of Vinyl Fencing

As with all types of fencing, there are pros and cons of vinyl ¹ fencing. Some of the pros of this material are that it will last over 10 years, it can be recycled when removed years later, it is non-toxic for pets, vinyl fence cost is overall comparable to other fencing types, and best of all, requires little maintenance. A vinyl fence should never need to be painted, unless you want to change the color. It will only need to be cleaned occasionally. A vinyl fence will stand strong without rotting, blistering, or growing fungus. Vinyl fencing is also easy to install, resistant to fire, cannot be penetrated by pests, and is safer for children, as it will not splinter.

There are far more pros than cons for vinyl fencing. It does require more of an investment up front, however these costs are often made up by the lack of maintenance required. Sometimes, especially in extreme temperatures, vinyl fencing will expand and contract, making it brittle.

Vinyl Fence Gate Cost

Gates are an important aspect of a vinyl ¹ fence if you hope to be able to access the yard from outside or pull a vehicle through. If you would like a gate installed in your new vinyl fence, it needs to be included in the original design. This is because posts will need to be set that will fit the gate. The additional cost to add a gate will vary depending on the size, quality, and details of the gate.

Vinyl Fence Gate Costs Depending on Type of Fence

The type of gate will typically coincide with the type of fence being installed. However, there are upgrades to make a gate sturdier, such as choosing a steel-reinforced vinyl ¹ gate.

Vinyl Fence Gate Costs Depending on Type of Gate

The size of the gate being installed will affect the price. Smaller gates will be cheaper and larger gates more expensive.

How to Clean a Vinyl Fence

Although vinyl ¹ fencing requires much less maintenance than other fencing types, it will still need attention. Over time, dirt and grime will build up on the fence and it will need to be cleaned. To prevent this from being a job requiring huge amounts of elbow ⁷ grease, rinse off the vinyl fence with a garden hose about once a week. When it comes time to clean the fence, at least once a year, a sponge and bucket of mild cleaning solution should be all that is needed. Vinyl fence cleaners can be purchased at any hardware store for about $20 per gallon. To prevent mold on a vinyl fence, consider using a mold prevention coating. These products cost about $17-$20 per gallon.

To save money, several products you already have around the house should do the job. Dish soap, powdered laundry detergent, and vinegar are all good options for vinyl fence cleaning. Dilute any of these products with water to do the job and make sure that you rinse the fence completely when done. If there are stains that cannot be cleaned off with these household cleaners, a heavy duty vinyl cleaner or a plastic scraper may be needed. While cleaning your fence, also take the time to make sure that it is in good condition. Check to make sure the posts are all still securely in the ground and that the fence is still in good alignment. If you would not like to take the time to clean the fence yourself, consider hiring a handyman to do the job. Expect to pay between $60 and $90 per hour to hire a handyman to clean a vinyl fence.

When doing yard work, be extra careful when using weed trimmers, as these can damage vinyl ¹ fencing. If using a pressure washer to clean your vinyl fence, start on the lowest setting to make sure that it does not damage the fence. Gradually increase the pressure if needed. Pressure that is too high could damage the fence. Abrasive cleaning products can also damage a vinyl fence.

Vinyl Fence Wind Resistance

As long as a vinyl ¹ fence is properly installed, it should be very strong and hold up well to extreme weather. However, it is a good idea to spend a little extra and purchase higher-quality vinyl fencing. The standard cheap options at home improvement stores are often thinner and will be more likely to be weaker. In some cases, the thicker the vinyl fence, the better, but this is not always true. It is best to research the composition of the vinyl fence that you plan to buy. Those made with the highest quality “impact modifiers” will be the strongest. If someone is trying to sell you a vinyl fence and has no idea what the chemical formula is, it is best to shop around more. Find a company that knows exactly what is in their vinyl fences and provides a warranty. Also consider purchasing vinyl fencing that includes metal hardware as well as fence posts ⁸ that include metal supports at the bottom. These will make the vinyl fencing stronger.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Fence Additives

In addition to purchasing high-quality vinyl ¹ fencing for strength, there are also several other additives that can make your fence last and look better longer. Popular additives are UV inhibitors, which prevent fading and damage from the sun, impact modifiers, which make the vinyl stronger, stabilizers to keep the vinyl’s composition consistent, even with extreme changes in temperature, and dyes and colorants if you wish to have a fence that is a color other than white. Opting for these additives will add at least $3 per linear foot and go up from there.

Ornamental Vinyl Fencing

Ornamental vinyl fencing will add curb appeal to your home. Products that look like wrought iron, have curved tops, fancy posts, and intricate designs are available. Ornamental vinyl fencing will usually add between $2 and $5 per linear foot.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Permits and licenses. A permit will likely be needed when installing a new vinyl ¹ fence. The contractor should be able to obtain this license for you and the cost will be included in the initial quote. The cost of a permit is usually between $75 and $200. If the fence is going to be higher than 6’ a different permit will be needed, which will cost more like $200 to $400. Since post holes will be dug, be sure to call the utility company to have them come out and mark any underground lines before beginning this project. It is also important to make sure that the company that you hire is licensed and insured.
• DIY. It is possible to complete this project on your own, but it will require the knowledge to space and dig post holes, secure the posts in the ground, and attach the panels. A professional will have the proper equipment and knowledge to get the job done quickly and correctly. A solid installation is key to ensuring your vinyl fence will last a long time.

Remodeling Terms 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 Privacy fence: 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

⁴ Lead: A naturally occurring heavy metal that is highly toxic to humans, and has been used in paint, gasoline, piping, and other applications

⁷ Elbow: An L-shaped fitting used to connect two straight pipes to enable their flow to go around a corner

⁸ Fence posts: 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