An aluminum fence costs $4,494 on average, but ranges between $2,435 and $6,607, depending on its height, thickness, and design.
Installing an aluminum fence costs an average of $4,494, but can range between $2,435 and $6,607. If you’re on the fence about which type of fence is best for your yard, aluminum stands out as quite the contender. Not only is the material highly versatile, easy to install, and durable against the spray of your backyard sprinkler, but it's also cost-effective.
The materials for an aluminum fence range from $7 to $32 per linear foot, with additional labor costs of $15 to $40 per linear foot for professional installation. In total, the overall cost for the complete project will range between $22 and $72 per linear foot.
The total expense for a standard aluminum fence can vary based on the length, with most fences ranging between 150 and 300 feet. The specific cost also depends on factors such as whether the fence is encircling a yard, a pool, or a smaller patio area. This table sheds further light on cost by length.
| Aluminum Fence Length (Linear Feet) | Cost Range (Including Labor) |
|---|---|
| 100 | $2,200–$7,200 |
| 150 | $3,300–$10,800 |
| 200 | $4,400–$14,400 |
| 250 | $5,500–$18,000 |
| 300 | $6,600–$21,600 |
| Aluminum Fence Style | Price Range (Per Linear Foot) |
|---|---|
| Picket Fence | $25–$50 |
| Ornamental | $15–$55 |
| Privacy | $27–$36 |
| Split Rail | $24–$31 |
| Pool | $15–$25 |
Aluminum and steel both have their own perks and downfalls, but special alloys and coatings can make your fence even stronger. Consider these material variations if you're looking to ward off things like rust and general wear and tear.
Aluminum Picket Fence: Aluminum picket fencing costs between $25 and $50 per linear foot depending on the number of rails and the spacing between each picket. It’s worth noting that aluminum fence pickets aren't as thick as wood or vinyl alternatives.
Ornamental Aluminum Fence: Also called black aluminum fences, ornamental fences mimic the appearance of wrought iron without the hefty price tag. Ornamental fences cost $15 to $55 per linear foot for materials, depending on the type of ornamentation.
Aluminum Privacy Fence: Aluminum privacy fences cost between $27 and $36 per linear foot. Metal privacy fences typically sit at least five feet tall but can go as high as eight feet, depending on local laws.
Aluminum Split-Rail Fence: An aluminum split-rail fence costs $24 to $31 per linear foot to install. Standard split-rail fence posts are three or four feet tall and require two horizontal rails. The average rail in a split-rail fence is about 10 feet long, and two, three, or sometimes four horizontal rails are needed per section.
Aluminum Pool Fence: While you won't necessarily need to pay more for aluminum pool fences—they cost between $15 and $25 per linear foot—you’ll need to meet local regulations when designing them. Most areas require that pool fences be at least 48 inches tall and a specific distance away from the edge of the pool.
Fencing contractors typically charge between $40 and $90 per hour or between $6 and $30 per linear foot. Fencing contractor charges include activities like site evaluation, design advice, permits, materials, and installation. A qualified pro will set your fence posts, attach panels, install gates, and ensure everything is level. They also handle cleanup, inspections, and optional extras like staining or repairs. All told, labor usually makes up 50% of the project cost.
Fencing installation costs can vary by location since pros in higher cost-of-living areas typically charge more than those in lower cost-of-living areas.
| Location | Cost Range Per Linear Foot |
|---|---|
| New York, NY | $32–$72 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $30–$65 |
| Chicago, IL | $25–$60 |
| Denver, CO | $24–$58 |
| Austin, TX | $23–$55 |
| Portland, OR | $25–$62 |
| Kansas City, MO | $22–$58 |
Fence installation cost factors like length and thickness impact what you’ll pay for your aluminum fence. The use of the fence—for example, if it surrounds a pool or requires a unique fence design for privacy—is also key.
Fence heights vary to serve a range of purposes in or around your yard. A simple fence to spruce up your landscape and allow the dog to run around safely may be as low as 3 feet. Privacy fence heights, however, often reach up to 6 feet.
While you'll occasionally find a fence as high as 10 feet, many local building codes cut things off at 6 feet, so it's important to check the laws in your area. Taller fences and fences that fall outside the standard panel heights will also cost more than shorter ones because of the higher cost of materials and complexity of the installation.
Aluminum fencing is prone to dents and dings. Thicker gauges cost more upfront, but save you money by reducing the likelihood of frequent repairs.
Knowing who to hire to install a fence can save you a lot of time and work but will increase your project costs. Labor costs range from $15 to $40 per linear foot depending on your location. Hiring a fencing pro ensures your fence is secure and compliant with local regulations.
The cost of a building permit for a fence adds between $20 and $60. However, don't skip this step, as you'll also need to confirm local building codes regarding the height and placement of your fence.
Standard aluminum fences come in silver and black, but if you have your heart set on custom colors and finishes, expect to spend more. Common color options for aluminum fences include natural hues like white, tan, gray, slate, and brown, as well as matte or brushed aluminum finishes.
Do you need to make way for your new aluminum fence by scrapping the old one? Professionals will charge between $3 and $5 per linear foot to remove your old fence and haul it away. If you're doing it yourself, set aside an average of $240 for the cost of junk removal.
The metal structure of an aluminum fence works with many gate styles, including automatic retracting models. A simple 3-foot fence that swings open can cost about $100, whereas automatic gates that span the width of your driveway can push the price up to $6,000.
Building a fence on a slope costs more because it requires specialized materials and construction skills. Leveling your lawn costs $2,100 and shrub and hedge removal will cost about $25 for a small plant and up to $225 for one over 6 feet. You'll pay about $750 for the cost of professional tree removal, if you need it.
You can add decorative post caps for between $5 and $60—with standard post caps falling on the low end and those with lights and solar panels costing more.
As mentioned earlier, aluminum is durable against rust and corrosion, so you won't need to paint it like a wooden fence. However, add about $10 per linear foot to your budget if you paint your fence to match your house or surrounding hardscape.
DIY aluminum fence installation can save between $15 and $40 per linear foot in labor costs. On average, it costs about $500 to DIY, not including tools. The process takes about eight hours plus the time to let the concrete posts set. You'll need to get the necessary permits and confirm the requirements for fences in your area, especially if you're installing a fence around a pool or in an HOA.
However, aluminum is quite easy to dent or bend during installation and requires a lot of manual labor. When in doubt, it’s best to call a local aluminum fence installer to do the job right the first time.
Whether you should repair or replace your aluminum fence depends largely on the extent and type of damage. Minor issues like loose posts, bent pickets, or damaged hardware typically make more financial sense to fix rather than spend money on a full replacement.
However, for major damage affecting multiple sections or the fence’s structural integrity, replacement is often the better choice. A good rule of thumb is if repairs would cost more than 50% of a new fence's price, or if your fence is over 30 years old, replacement is usually the better investment.
Installing an aluminum fence doesn't have to break the bank. Planning carefully and making strategic choices can significantly reduce your costs.
Compare quotes from multiple pros to find the best price.
Install the fence yourself if you have the tools and skills.
Choose a simple design without ornamental features.
Opt for shorter fence heights to reduce material costs.
Purchase materials in bulk or during seasonal sales.
Schedule the installation during the off-season, like winter, when contractors often offer discounts.
Use recycled or secondhand aluminum fencing materials.
Handle site preparation, such as clearing debris or leveling the ground, yourself.
Adding an aluminum fence improves both the style and safety of your yard, which can boost your home’s resale value. While it’s difficult to assess exactly how much the fence will increase your home’s value, most homeowners can expect to receive a return on investment (ROI) between 50% and 70%. Choosing aluminum fence designs with unique or premium details, like ornamental features or automated gates, often yields higher ROIs.
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’ve surveyed thousands of real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from 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.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
You'll pay less on average for the cost of a wooden fence compared to aluminum. However, the price highly depends on the type of wood, the fence design, and extra additions like gates and coats of paint. For example, you may pay less to install an aluminum fence since the panels anchor in the ground, whereas wood fences often take longer to construct, especially picket fences.
Installing an aluminum fence typically takes one to three days, depending on the fence's size, layout complexity, and site conditions. Simple, straight-line installations may take just a day, while larger or more intricate designs with slopes or obstacles can extend the timeline. Professional contractors often complete the job faster than DIY installations.
You'll notice that many projects that add value to your home involve increasing curb appeal. Adding an aluminum fence improves the style of your yard and the safety levels for pools, pets, and backyard playtime. You can also choose aluminum fence designs with unique ornamental features or paint the fence to match your home's style.
