How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Fence? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $300 - $750
The average U.S. homeowner spends about $500 to remove a fence. Depending on the size and type of fence being removed, most spend between $300 and $750.
Fence removal costs about $500 depending on the size and type of fence, though it can range between $300 and $750. Frequently, fence removal is charged by the linear foot, with those prices ranging from $3 to $7 per linear foot. Simple post fences are easiest to remove, so it makes sense that the price increases when fences have cement footing or require dismantling. If you plan on recycling the fencing material, that will also increase the cost because it will take longer if you plan on preserving the material.
- Average
- $500
- Low end
- $200
- high end
- $3,100
Cost Breakdown
You can think of fence removal costs in three categories: type of material, size, and how much labor is required. A change in one of these categories tends to affect the other. For example, a wooden fence takes longer to remove and has higher disposal fees due to weight. Any trees or vegetation around the fence will also increase the time required to remove them and may even require special equipment.
Types
The type of fence you’re removing plays a large part in the total cost. A chain link fence will be the most affordable to remove, while anything heavy, like wrought iron or concrete fences, requires significantly more work. While removal is much less expensive than the cost of fence repair, it still isn’t the least costly work to contract or DIY.
Which material you need to remove also matters because of degradation. A vinyl or wrought iron fence will likely be in one solid piece and you can treat it as hard as you want. However, if you’re removing an old wooden fence that has rotted, it’ll take much longer to remove if the material is breaking down during removal.
| Fence Type | Average Removal Cost per Linear Foot |
|---|---|
| Chain link | $3–$4 |
| Vinyl | $3–$4 |
| Wooden picket | $3–$4 |
| Wooden split rail | $3–$5 |
| Concrete | $4–$7 |
| Wrought iron | $4–$6 |
Size
The size of your fence is the most significant determining factor in your total costs. Larger fences may have more complicated aspects, like corners or concrete posts every hundred feet. Hiring a fence contractor is a good idea if you don’t know how your fence is secured.
Another consideration with size is disposal expenses if you don’t plan on reusing the material. While there can be an economy of scale when renting dumpsters, most residential fence disposal will take place at a city dump, where the weight of the material determines the cost. Multiple trips also cost more in gas, time, and rental charges (if you don’t own a truck or utility van).
| Fence Size in Linear Feet | Chain Link Removal Cost | Wooden Split Removal Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | $300–$400 | $300–$500 |
| 175 | $525–$700 | $525–$875 |
| 325 | $975–$1,300 | $975–$1,625 |
| 500 | $1,500–$2,000 | $500–$2,500 |
Materials
It’s not often you can remove a fence with just your bare hands. A pro will know which tools to use for each fence type, but you’ll need some materials no matter what the job entails. The bare minimum required gear is protective eyewear, thick gloves to prevent blisters and splinters, and thick shoes. Nothing hurts like a wooden post falling on your toes, so wear steel-toe boots if you have them.
| Tool | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Thick gloves | $25 |
| Protective goggles | $15 |
| Hammer | $18 |
| Hand saw or reciprocating saw | $75 |
| Shovel | $40 |
| Heavy-duty wire cutters | $35 |
| Fence post puller | $80 (rental price per day) |
Labor
Only a professional will be able to break down your individual project into labor costs, but expect to pay between $40 and $90 per hour for fence removal. There are certain factors that will determine if you need specialized workers or specific tools (like bulldozers or excavators). Some factors that determine total labor costs are:
Fence condition
Material
Accessibility
Complexity
Distance to a disposal site
Regional labor costs
Required equipment rental
Working with a local fence company is the best way to get an accurate quote.
Cleanup
Cleaning up after fence removal is an important step that can considerably affect the project cost. There tends to be a lot of leftover material that needs disposal after a fence removal.
Where possible, recycle. This is easier with metal than wood, which usually needs to be taken to a municipal dump. If you have land and your neighbors are far away, you might be tempted to burn the old fence, but that isn’t a good idea. Fencing wood is often treated with chemicals that aren't safe to burn. Another reason not to burn it? You could be looking at heavy fines for doing so.
If you need to rent a truck or van for removal, it should be factored into the cleanup cost.
It’s a good idea to call some friends—many hands make light work—when you’re ready to take the material to the recycling facility or dump.
Permits
You may be surprised to learn that even tearing down an old fence often requires a building permit. Every city deals with this issue differently—some cities won't require permits for fences under 6 feet tall, for example. You can bring your proposal to the relevant department of your local government office or, if you hire a fencing pro, they will do this for you as part of the project.
DIY vs. Hiring a Fencing Pro
It's not easy to say whether or not fence removal is a good DIY project; there are just too many variables. A chain link fence, while inexpensive to remove, won't be easy for someone unfamiliar with wire cutters or removing metal posts. That same person, however, might find it extremely easy to break through a split wooden fence.
Another factor when determining whether or not you should DIY—other than to save on labor costs—is whether you plan on replacing the fence. If all you’re doing is ripping posts out of the ground and filling in the post holes with dirt, you don’t need to be precise. If you’re reusing the materials (or need to insert concrete posts), the job becomes significantly more involved, and more care is needed.
Removing a fence is heavy work, and not everyone has the strength to undertake this type of project. Even a simple fence can take more than 40 hours to remove, which equates to an entire workweek of manual labor. It's a good idea to talk to a pro before deciding to undergo the project yourself because they will have insight gained from years of experience.
Tips to Reduce Cost While Removing a Fence
There are a few ways to reduce the cost of fence removal. Some tips to keep costs low are:
Hire professionals during a slow season.
Use the closest waste facility.
Borrow a friend or family's truck for disposal.
Try to recruit friends and family for removal help.
See if a pro will let you work with their team to lower labor costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting an old fence post out of the ground requires either elbow grease or specialized machinery. If you’re lucky, all you may need to do is push the post back and forth a few times and then remove it. However, you’ll find that you often need a post-puller. These hydraulic pullers are much stronger than humans and are designed for this specific job. Usually, they aren’t very expensive to rent and make the job significantly easier and faster.
Removing fence posts that are set in concrete is something you can't do by hand. You will need an excavator, a strong post-puller, or a jackhammer. If you plan on recycling the concrete base, you may be able to cut the post out with a jackhammer and then set the new post in the existing base. However, it's usually better to remove both the fence post and concrete together. Due to the weight of concrete, you will need a hydraulic removal tool.
Chain link fences are almost always less expensive than wooden fences for a few reasons. Firstly, chain link is a more affordable material. Since it weighs much less than wood, it's less costly to transport to and from a worksite. The materials are uniform, so installation costs less and is faster. Also, there are no custom pieces to work with. Over time, homeowners will find chain link fences require almost no maintenance, reducing the cost even further.
How long a fence should last depends on the type of fence, but a common split wooden fence should last seven to 10 years. Chain link can last much longer, with wrought iron and concrete lasting decades. If you're interested in your fence lasting as long as possible—and it's made of wood—consider sealing and treating the wood so it can stand up to the environment. Wood is the only fence type that requires this, as concrete and metal are almost always waterproof.