How Much Does a Corrugated Metal Fence Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $1,600 - $6,250
The cost of installing a corrugated metal fence is $2,500 on average, but it can cost between $1,600 to $6,250, depending on the size, type, and length of the fence.
Installing a corrugated metal fence costs between $1,600 to $6,250 on average, with most people paying somewhere around $2,500. Corrugated metal is a popular fencing option for those looking for a relatively inexpensive material, easy to install and capable of handling some of the most extreme weather conditions. Corrugated metal fencing has a unique and modern look with big, sleek panels that are popular for aesthetics. It also does a great job keeping outsiders from looking in, making it an excellent privacy fence idea.
- Average
- $2,500
- Low end
- $700
- high end
- $8,000
Corrugated Metal Fence Cost Breakdown
Generally, the breakdown of costs for a corrugated metal fence is pretty simple: The materials plus the labor encompass most of the cost to install the fence. However, there are some other parts of the fence besides the fencing itself you’ll need to include. Here’s how it breaks down:
| Project Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Labor | $50 per hour |
| Concrete for post bases | $0.30 per pound |
| Posts | $2 per post (metal) |
| Post caps | $30 per cap |
| Gates | $275 |
| Corrugated metal fence | $10 per section (a section is between 4- to 8-feet long and 6- to 11-feet tall) |
In some cases, you may also need to spend money on leveling the land or removing obstructions, and that cost varies widely depending on what you're up against.
You may need to pay a small amount for fees and permits and other hidden fence installation costs that may pop up along the way. A professional can provide you with an estimate upfront, so there are no surprises later, and you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing that they will do the job correctly. Look for a fencing professional near you to inspect your property and give you a breakdown.
Cost to Build a Corrugated Metal Fence per Linear Foot
You will pay anywhere from $17 to $90 per linear foot to install a corrugated fence made of aluminum or steel.
The overall cost will depend on factors such as:
Fence height
Aluminum or steel
Installation difficulty, such as if there are obstructions or uneven terrain to work around
Labor rates in your area
How Much Corrugated Metal Fencing Can I Get on My Budget?
The cost of metal fencing will mainly depend on how much land you need to fence in. Covering large spaces with this option is comparatively expensive, which is why it’s not recommended for fencing in large areas. Keep reading to find out the average price of this fence material based on various size ranges.
$700
For this price, you can get a smaller 50-foot fence with relatively inexpensive metal secured at the bottom of the general price range for metal. You’d also probably have to do most of the work instead of hiring a professional to get the job done for you.
$2,200
At this price, you can probably get 100 feet of fencing and hire some help to do it. This is more at the lower end of that range, so you’d definitely have to watch your costs in terms of metal prices and labor.
$5,600
This is the high end of the typical range for a metal fence installation. In this case, the homeowner may live in an area with high labor prices and may be paying on the higher end of metal to build a 100-foot fence.
$8,000
This is at the very high end of fence installation costs and is outside the typical range. However, if you’re paying a premium for metal and want a tall fence and more than 100 feet of it, you could pay this amount or more. Obviously, the larger the area you want to cover, the more you’ll pay, but this price should get you most of what you want even with full installation costs.
Corrugated Metal Fencing Cost by Panel Material
| Material | Cost Range (per linear foot) |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $14–$40 |
| Steel | $17–$90 |
| Copper | $22–$105 |
There’s a popular adage that goes like this: “You get what you pay for.” That’s definitely true when it comes to corrugated metal fence costs. There are several key factors to consider when looking at different types of fencing, like aluminum, steel, or wrought iron fencing.
First, aluminum fencing is the most affordable option, followed by steel and wrought iron. Wrought iron is often the most expensive due to its ornate designs and higher-quality materials.
Aluminum
The material cost of an aluminum fence ranges from $7 to $32 per linear foot, with professional installation adding to the total at $15 to $40 per linear foot. Aluminum fencing is virtually maintenance-free, as it is rust-resistant and typically coated with a protective finish. However, it bends and dents more easily than steel or wrought iron, so it’s not the best choice for areas that experience extreme weather conditions with high impact potential.
Steel
Steel fencing costs, including installation, range from $17 to $90 per linear foot. The overall cost depends on the fence's height, local labor costs, and your property's terrain. While steel has the potential to rust, you can choose to install a steel fence coated with a protective layer that requires minimal maintenance. Regarding durability, steel fences are known for their longevity, often lasting several decades or more with proper care.
Copper
Copper is rarer than steel and more difficult to obtain, so it makes sense why corrugated copper fencing costs more than steel, with costs between $22 and $105 a linear foot. One of the reasons to opt for copper over steel or aluminum is the telltale patina that develops on copper over time.
Installing Corrugated Metal Fencing Yourself vs. Hiring a Pro
About two-thirds of the price of installing a corrugated metal fence goes into labor, so if you can do the job yourself, you could save quite a bit of money—even more so if you decide to frame the corrugated metal fence.
However, if you do it yourself, keep in mind that you may need fence-building permits from the local authorities, which vary from $50 or several hundred dollars. You may also need to conduct a land survey to meet any residential codes. The average cost range to hire a land surveyor is $350 to $680.
DIYing a project like this can reduce the overall expenses, so it may be worth trying if you’re on a tight budget. If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of securing the necessary permits, or accruing the right tools and skills, you may be better off hiring a local fence pro instead.
Deirdre Sullivan and Audrey Bruno contributed to this piece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Corrugated metal has been pressed so that it has alternating ridges or grooves. Metal that has undergone this process becomes incredibly strong, with some of the highest strength-to-weight ratios of any material. It's lightweight and has an increased surface area when compared to a flat sheet of metal. Both of these attributes contribute to its coveted strength. It's used for fencing because it's weather- and impact-resistant, rarely needs maintenance, and lasts many years—for a relatively low cost.
You shouldn't paint a metal fence. Painting doesn't necessarily damage a corrugated metal fence, but these types of fences are meant to flex, and paint can easily chip and break off. Latex paints can address this issue, but those tend not to be very weather-resistant. Certain paints can trap moisture in the corrugation, which can rust the metal and lead to corrosion. And finally, if you paint a copper fence, it won't patina, which is one of the main reasons people buy copper.
The life span of a metal fence varies by specific material and makeup, but even then, all options can last for quite a while. Chain-link and aluminum fencing will look good and function properly for anywhere from 25 to 30 years—provided they’re properly cared for. And corrugated metal fences can live up to 60 years with regular maintenance.