How to Price Fence Installation Jobs: Per Linear Foot, Gates and Extras

Fence installation is priced per linear foot by material and height, with gates, old-fence removal, difficult ground and permits added as separate line items. As a rough guide, chain link sits at the low end, wood privacy in the middle, and vinyl, aluminum and composite at the higher end, but your own material costs and crew production rate should set the actual numbers.

Step 1: Measure the run

Measure every section in linear feet and count corners, ends and gates. Post count follows from post spacing (commonly 6 to 8 feet on center) plus extra posts at corners, ends and gates. A sketch or aerial image with the run marked avoids disputes about where the fence goes.

Step 2: Price per linear foot by material

Build a per-foot rate for each material and height you install: materials (posts, rails, pickets or panels, concrete, hardware) plus labor at your production rate, plus markup. Typical materials: chain link, wood privacy, wood picket, vinyl privacy, aluminum or ornamental, and composite. See fence installation cost per linear foot.

Step 3: Price gates separately

Gates take far more time and hardware than a fence section. Price walk gates and double drive gates as their own items, with upgraded hinges, latches and drop rods listed.

Step 4: Add site conditions

• Removal and disposal of the old fence.
• Rocky or root-filled ground that slows post holes.
• Slopes needing stepped or racked panels.
• Utility locates, which are required before digging in most areas.
• Permits and HOA approvals, where required.
• Clearing brush along the line.

Step 5: Offer options

A good/better/best quote, such as pressure-treated pine, cedar and vinyl, lets the customer choose without shopping you against another contractor. Add staining as an option on wood fences. See fence staining cost.

Quote fences from photos

Photos of the fence line, the corners, the ground and any existing fence, plus an approximate length from the customer or a map, are enough for a solid range. Fast Snap Pro turns those photos into an itemized estimate from your fencing price book; you confirm the line on site before ordering materials. See virtual estimates.

Example: a 150-foot wood privacy fence quote

Line item	How it's priced	Example
6 ft wood privacy fence (150 linear ft)	Linear ft × installed rate	$5,250
4 ft walk gate	Per gate	$450
10 ft double drive gate	Per gate	$1,100
Remove and haul old chain link (150 ft)	Linear ft × removal rate	$600
Rocky soil allowance (extra post labor)	Per post or hours	$350
Permit (if required)	Local fee	$100
Total		$7,850

Illustrative numbers only. Use your own rates, production times and local costs.

Showing gates and removal as their own lines keeps the per-foot price honest and makes options easy to adjust.

Frequently asked questions

How do you calculate fence cost per foot?

Add material cost per foot (panels or pickets, rails, a share of posts, concrete and hardware) and labor per foot at your production rate, then apply markup. Price gates and extras separately.

Should fence quotes include removing the old fence?

List it as its own line so the customer sees the cost, and include disposal fees.

Who is responsible for calling utility locates?

Rules vary by state, but the excavator is typically responsible for requesting locates before digging. Check your local requirements.