How much does a fence cost per linear foot?

Chain-link runs $15–$30 per linear foot installed. Wood privacy is $25–$55, vinyl $35–$70, and aluminum $40–$90. Gates, removal, and difficult terrain add to the total.

Should I price fence removal separately?

Yes. Removal, haul-off, and disposal are real costs. Line-item them so the customer sees where the money goes and you don't absorb dump fees.

Fence bids priced by the foot and the gate

Fence estimates live in the details: post spacing, gate hardware, slope labor, and whether the old fence needs removal. Bid Buddy prompts for each so your per-linear-foot price actually covers the job.

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Your bid

Target profit margin

Your bid is calculated as total cost ÷ (1 − margin) for a true margin.

Total job cost

$23,000.00

Recommended bid

$28,750.00

Profit

$5,750.00

Margin

20%

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Material type

Wood privacy, vinyl, chain-link, and aluminum can be 2–5× apart in material cost per foot.

Posts & concrete

Posts are usually 6–8 feet on center. Each hole needs excavation, concrete, and leveling time.

Gates & hardware

Gates cost more than the equivalent fence length. Hinges, latches, and self-closing hardware are separate line items.

Demo & haul-off

Removing an old fence is billable time. So is disposal of the old material.

Markup & margin for fence

Fence contractors typically price by the linear foot and mark materials up 25–40%. Aim for 20–25% net margin after labor, equipment rental, and disposal.

Line items to include in every fence bid

Old fence removal & disposal
Layout & post holes
Posts & concrete
Fence panels / pickets
Rails & fasteners
Gates & hardware
Labor (per linear foot)
Cleanup & final inspection

Frequently asked questions

Guides that go deeper

The calculator gives you the number. These walk through where each number comes from.

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All trade guides Markup vs. margin guide