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.
| Length in Linear Feet | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 100 | $1,400–$2,200 |
| 200 | $2,800–$4,400 |
| 300 | $4,200–$6,600 |
| 400 | $5,600–$8,800 |
| 500 | $7,000–$11,000 |
| 600 | $8,400–$13,200 |
| 700 | $9,800–$15,400 |
| 800 | $11,200–$17,600 |
| 900 | $12,600–$19,800 |
| 1,000 | $14,000–$22,000 |
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
| 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.
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 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 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.
If you're wondering who to hire to build a fence, start with local fencing companies instead of focusing on handyman services to ensure that your fence will be built according to local rules and permits. If you'll be having your new corrugated metal fence professionally installed, you'll need to build labor costs into your budget. Fence contractors generally charge between $50 and $80 per hour for labor. With a typical 150 to 200 foot linear fence taking between 20 and 35 hours to complete, that would mean $600 to $2,800 in labor for most standard-size fences.
The cost of installing a corrugated metal fence can vary based on location. Urban areas often have higher labor and material costs compared to suburban areas, where expenses like permits may be more affordable. Terrain also plays a big role—flat land makes installation quicker and easier, while hilly or uneven terrain requires more preparation and specialized equipment, which can increase costs. These factors combined make location a key consideration in pricing.
| City, State | Average Metal Fence Cost (300 linear feet) |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA | $5,500–$6,800 |
| Boulder, CO | $5,400–$6,600 |
| Cummings, GA | $3,600–$4,000 |
| Naperville, IL | $4,900–$6,000 |
| Hartford, CT | $4,700–$5,700 |
| Laurel, MS | $3,300–$4,000 |
| Rochester, NY | $5,850–$7,200 |
| Franklin, TN | $5,000–$6,150 |
| Lansing, MI | $3,300–$4,100 |
| Arlington, TX | $5,650–$6,900 |
| Roswell, NM | $5,300–$6,500 |
Most fencing contractors won't provide estimates for a corrugated metal fence unless they visit your property in person. That's because the specifics of your property can influence project costs. Additionally, factors such as permits, terrain, local regulations, and your expectations for the final result can all sway the cost of getting a metal fence installed on your property.
Do you need a permit to build a fence? Permits are almost always required when building a fence on a property. In some cases, your town or city may not require a permit if a fence is below six feet in height. The average fence permit can range in cost from $40 to $150.
If your fence is more than just a short privacy fence, you'll need to plan an entry point. Each gate that you add to your fence increases corrugated metal fence cost because of the extra engineering needed. If you'll be adding a simple walk-in swinging gate, expect it to cost around $150 to $200. If you're fencing in your entire property, adding a gate that allows a car to pass through can cost between $450 and $600. It's also possible to have an automatic gate created to match the aesthetic of corrugated metal. Expect an automatic gate that accommodates vehicles entering your driveway to cost between $1,300 and $8,000.
In general, installing a metal fence on a sloped or hilly yard costs more than installing a metal fence on a flat yard. Contractors generally charge more for corrugated metal fence cost because slopes make installation more challenging. If your yard is currently too sloped to support fencing, you may need to consider leveling your yard. On average, homeowners pay $1 to $2 per square foot for yard leveling. That works out to $1,023 to $3,338 for the total project for an average-sized yard.
If you have trees or old stumps interrupting the path of your proposed fence line, you may need to consider removal. In general, fencing contractors will try to work around living trees. However, there may be situations where trees need to be removed. If you have older, weak trees that are at risk for falling, leaving them in place could put your new fence at risk of being destroyed during the next storm. While the average cost to remove a tree is $750, homeowners can pay anywhere from $200 to $2,000 per tree based on its size and species. Expect to pay $100 to $150 per stump for professional stump removal.
If you're replacing an old or dilapidated fence with a new metal corrugated fence, getting the existing fence professionally removed is the fastest way to get the project done. In general, fence removal costs around $500. However, homeowners can pay anywhere from $300 to $750 for different fence sizes and types. The cost per linear foot for fence removal hovers near $3 to $7. If your current fence has cement footing, removal costs can be higher because your contractor will need to chip away at it.
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.
When is it worth it to keep your existing corrugated metal fence compared to replacing it? In general, the same 50% rule that applies to most major home systems and appliances can apply here. If repairing your fence would total 50% or more of the replacement cost, it's probably a better investment to pay for a replacement. On average, repairing a metal fence costs $20 to $30 per linear foot. If you need individual panels replaced, the cost will be around $8 to $20 per linear foot. If welding work is required, costs could total $100 to $500 per spot. Post replacement on a metal corrugated fence could range from $40 to $120.
With the cost of materials in mind, reducing the number of sections you'll be adding to your fence is one way to reduce costs. This will lower spending on posts, post caps, and gates. Work with your contractor to plan out a fence that extends each section between posts by as much as possible without compromising the structure. Other ways to reduce corrugated metal fence cost include:
Choose a less expensive metal gauge.
Consider adding panels yourself after having a contractor handle concrete work and pole installation.
Get quotes for fence installation during the off-season, when contractors aren't as busy.
Remove and haul away your old fence on your own.
Consider using shrubbery to fill in some parts of your fence line.
Whether or not adding fencing impacts the assessed value of a home depends on your local assessor’s office. However, an attractive, well-maintained fence certainly can add curb appeal that could potentially increase the sale price of your home. A backyard fence is often attractive for buyers with pets or young children. A fenced-in front yard offers security, privacy, and aesthetic appeal. How much does a fence increase home value? When done properly, a corrugated metal fence can potentially recoup over 50% of its cost in home value.
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
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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 lifespan 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.
