Fence cost is driven by length first, and then by material, gates, posts, and finishing. A short fence with two gates can cost more per foot than a long, straight run, and a fence on a slope or with hard ground can take more labour than the same fence on flat, soft soil. This guide breaks down those parts, with a worked example using clearly labelled illustrative rates.
For an estimate based on your own fence length, use the Fence Cost Calculator. The figures below are illustrative only, not a quote: actual prices vary by region, material, and contractor.
Material, length, gates, and posts
Length sets the scale: more linear feet means more panels or boards, more posts, and more labour. Material choice affects both price and lifespan — timber, vinyl, metal, and composite options differ in upfront cost, maintenance, and durability, so compare lifetime cost, not just the first-year price.
Gates are a separate cost item, not just another few feet of fence. A gate needs a frame, hinges, a latch, and stronger posts, and a wide or double gate costs more than a standard pedestrian gate. Posts are also easy to undercount: the number of posts depends on your post spacing, and each post needs a hole, setting material, and time — often concrete — so post count and post depth both affect the total.
Worked example: a 120 ft fence with one gate
Fence length: 120 ft. Post spacing: 8 ft. Number of intervals: 120 ÷ 8 = 15. Number of posts, including the end post: 15 + 1 = 16 posts. The fence has one gate.
Using illustrative rates only: panels and boards at $25 per linear foot: 120 × $25 = $3,000. Posts at $25 each: 16 × $25 = $400. One gate at $500 adds $500. Professional labour at $20 per linear foot: 120 × $20 = $2,400.
DIY total in this example: $3,000 + $400 + $500 = $3,900, with no labour charge, but with your own time and tools included. Professional total in this example: $3,000 + $400 + $500 + $2,400 = $6,300. The $2,400 difference is the labour in this illustrative example — not a saving you keep if digging, setting posts, and levelling panels take far longer than expected.
DIY vs. pro cost breakdown
All figures below are illustrative only, for the 120 ft example above. Actual prices vary by region, material, and contractor.
| Component | DIY (illustrative) | Pro (illustrative) |
|---|---|---|
| Panels and boards (120 ft) | $3,000 | $3,000 |
| Posts (16 posts) | $400 | $400 |
| Gate (1 gate) | $500 | $500 |
| Labour | $0 | $2,400 |
| Total | $3,900 | $6,300 |
Posts, concrete, and stain
Post depth affects stability, especially for gates and corners, which carry extra load. The Fence Post Depth Calculator can help work out a suitable post depth for your fence height and conditions. If posts are set in concrete, the Concrete Mix Calculator can help estimate the mix needed for the post footings — that concrete is part of the post cost, not a separate fence.
For timber fences, stain and sealing are recurring costs. The Fence Stain Calculator can help estimate stain quantities for a fence area, so you can budget for finishing over the fence’s life. Also allow for site factors: slopes, roots, rock, old fence removal, and access for materials can all add labour that a simple per-foot rate does not show.
Check your numbers
- Fence Cost Calculator — a fence cost estimate from your fence length and choices.
- Fence Post Depth Calculator — post depth for a fence.
- Fence Stain Calculator — stain quantities for a fence.
- Concrete Mix Calculator — mix for post footings.
Frequently asked questions
How many posts do I need for a 120 ft fence?
At 8 ft spacing, a 120 ft fence needs 15 intervals, plus an end post, for 16 posts in total. Gates and corners may need stronger or additional posts.
What drives fence installation cost most?
Length, material, and labour, followed by gates and post work. A short fence with gates can cost more per foot than a long, straight run with no gates.
Is a DIY fence always cheaper than hiring a pro?
DIY usually avoids the labour charge, but not materials, posts, gates, tools, or your own time. In the illustrative example above, DIY was $3,900 and pro was $6,300, a $2,400 labour difference.
Do fence posts need concrete?
Many fences set posts in concrete for stability, especially gates and corners, but the right method depends on soil, fence height, and local practice. The Concrete Mix Calculator can help estimate mix for post footings where concrete is used.