Fence Cost Calculator
Estimate total project cost for a wood fence, including materials, labor, and gates.
Estimated total project cost
How total fence project cost is estimated
This calculator breaks a fence project into three cost buckets that are commonly quoted separately: materials (posts, rails, pickets, hardware, concrete, priced per linear foot of fence run), labor (digging, setting posts, and installation, also typically priced per linear foot when hiring a contractor), and gates (which are priced per-unit rather than per-foot, since a gate includes hinges, a latch, and extra framing that a straight run of fence doesn't need).
Materials and labor are each multiplied by total fence length and added together, then gate cost is multiplied by the number of gates and added on top, giving a full project total: Total = (Length × Material $/ft) + (Length × Labor $/ft) + (Gates × Cost/Gate).
The calculator also reports an effective blended cost per linear foot across the whole project (total cost divided by fence length), which is a useful number for comparing this project against a per-foot quote from a contractor, even though gates don't scale with length the same way materials and labor do.
Where these numbers come from
The formula and default values in this calculator are based on:
- Materials + labor + fixed-cost-items (gates) cost modeling reflects standard contractor fence-estimating and bid-building practice.
These are planning estimates. Check your local building code, product specifications, and a licensed contractor before you buy materials or build.
Frequently asked questions
Should labor cost be zero for a DIY fence?
If you're building it yourself, set labor to 0 and the calculator will estimate materials-only cost. Keep in mind your own time still has real value even without a cash cost, and factor in tool rental (post hole digger, etc.) separately if needed.
Why are gates priced separately instead of per foot?
A gate includes fixed costs -- hinges, a latch or lock, extra framing to keep it square and sagging-resistant -- that don't scale with fence length. Pricing gates as a flat per-unit cost is more accurate than blending them into a per-foot material or labor rate.
How do material costs vary by fence style?
Basic dog-ear picket fencing is typically the least expensive per foot, while board-on-board, shadowbox, or premium woods like cedar or composite materials cost significantly more per linear foot. Get a current per-foot material quote for your specific style and wood species before relying on a generic estimate.
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