How Much Does a Metal Fence Cost to Install? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $3,000 - $8,000
Installing a metal fence costs $5,100 on average, and it commonly costs between $3,000 and $8,000, depending on the size and scope of the project.
The price of metal fence installation varies widely, from $3,000 to $8,000 based on the size of your project, the type of metal used, and fence style. This comes out to $5,100 on average, or $10 to $90 per linear foot.
While some projects can exceed $23,000, those quotes are often for large ranches or significant acreage with custom fencing. Here’s a close look at the various aspects that impact metal fence costs.
- Average
- $5,100
- Low end
- $1,400
- high end
- $23,000
Metal Fence Cost Factors
Types
There are several metal fence types that influence the cost of your project. Fences with more material or ornate finishings and designs will cost much more than simpler designs like corrugated metal.
Some of the more common fence types are:
Steel Fences
Corrugated: $20–$30 per linear foot
Picket: $40–$70 per linear foot
Privacy: $30–$70 per linear foot
Aluminum Fences
Flat top: $25–$40 per linear foot
Spear top: $30–$50 per linear foot
Split rail: $20–$40 per linear foot
Wrought Iron Fences
Plain iron: $25–$35 per linear foot
Galvanized iron: $40–$90 per linear foot
Ornamental iron additions: $30–$100 per linear foot
Size
Fencing should always be considered in linear feet, and size is one of the most important factors that affect your total cost. While there can be an economy of scale—more fencing means lower price per foot—this doesn't start taking effect until the project is fairly large (over 0.25 acres).
Most fencing projects are around the perimeter of an existing property, and you can calculate pricing based on standard lot size to get a good idea of price ranges. The table below shows the average price range to fence two sides of a property.
| Size (Acres) | Cost for Flat Top Aluminum Fence | Cost for Steel Privacy Fence |
|---|---|---|
| 0.25 | $5,200–$8,300 | $6,200–$14,560 |
| 0.5 | $7,300–$11,600 | $8,700–$20,300 |
| 1 | $10,400–$16,600 | $12,400–$29,050 |
| 2 | $15,600–$25,000 | $18,750–$43,700 |
| Size (Acres) | Cost for Galvanized Iron |
|---|---|
| 0.25 | $8,300–$18,700 |
| 0.5 | $11,600–$26,100 |
| 1 | $16,600–$37,300 |
| 2 | $25,000–$56,200 |
Materials
There are four main types of metal used to build fences: chain link, steel, aluminum, and wrought iron. The price of aluminum and steel is comparable, but wrought iron is significantly more expensive. This price increase is due to higher refining costs, as completing wrought iron is labor-intensive. Here's a look at the price for materials—not including installation labor.
| Material | Cost per Linear Foot |
|---|---|
| Chain link | $10–$20 |
| Steel | $10–$30 |
| Aluminum | $7–$32 |
| Wrought iron | $25–$55 |
Within these metal types there are many different kinds of fences, but you can’t make every type with any kind of metal. For example, chain link is almost always made from steel, and never wrought iron.
Labor
installing metal fences is a labor-intensive process, and you can expect to pay between $6 and $30 per linear foot for skilled labor. This includes material delivery, machining expertise, and the knowledge that they’d complete the job at a very high standard. It's important to mention that contractors rarely give quotes in linear feet, but it translates to about $40 to $90 per hour in labor.
Prep
Surveys are required in most cases before building to determine whether the soil type is strong enough to hold all fence posts over many years. Checking exact properties can help avoid conflicts with neighbors, but the most important prep work is ensuring there are no underground utility lines where you plan to build. If you damage a line, the cost to fix the utility line will be very high—about $24,400 on average—but there’s also the potential for injury if the line is electric or high-pressure.
Landscaping and Grading
Residential landscaping costs between $5 and $14 per square foot. For many residential properties, large-scale landscaping won't be required but for larger properties like ranches and homes built on land that hasn't been graded before, it may be a requirement. Sometimes it's as simple as removing a bush that's in the way, while other times, you’ll need to level an entire section of the property. Moving large boulders, removing stumps, and other tasks fall under this cost category.
Permits
Other than avoiding the penalty for building without a permit, you want to make sure the fence is approved by your city. In extreme cases, they can require you to demolish the work, so it isn't worth skipping the permit process. For metal fence installs, budget anywhere from $50 to $900 for a permit.
Gates
Gates cost between $150 and $3,000 and vary widely in style and material. Automatic gates for driveways cost significantly more than a simple one-door swinging gate that accesses your backyard. You can ask your contractor if it would save money to install a gate while installing your fence.
Ongoing Expenses
Repairs
Doing fence replacement and repair is part of owning a metal fence, but shouldn’t be projects you need to do often. Check the fence every six months or so for signs of rust or damage. Pay attention to the angle of the fence, as a sagging fence or one that doesn’t stand vertically can mean the ground is shifting beneath it.
DIY Metal Fence Installation vs. Hiring a Pro
Handy DIYers can handle a good amount of fence installation themselves, if not the entire project. Using a post-digging tool can save dozens of hours of billable labor. Bonus points if you can gather some friends to handle some of the basic work.
That being said, fence installation is not the easiest job and requires a significant amount of physical energy and strength. Those with injuries or who can't repeatedly lift over 70 pounds should absolutely hire a pro.
The amount saved on labor is not worth a potential medical bill—or worse. Hire a local fence installation company and save yourself dozens (sometimes hundreds) of hours of hard labor.
How to Reduce Costs While Installing a Metal Fence
The two biggest factors you can influence to cut costs are labor and materials. Choosing less expensive metals and doing some or all of the work yourself will save you the most money. However, some other, creative ways to save are:
Plan the fence layout on simple terrain.
Shop for fencing sales.
Use recycled materials.
Simplify gate design or ornamentation.
Source locally to cut transport costs.
Plan around areas that already require landscaping.
Frequently Asked Questions
What you need to install a metal fence depends on the exact fence type, but you can count on needing a shovel, a post driller, wire cutters, gloves, a heavy rubber sledgehammer, a screwdriver, a wheelbarrow, and safety goggles. This list grows exponentially the more complicated the fences and if it requires any landscaping work like leveling earth or moving large rocks or stumps.
Whether or not metal fence posts need concrete depends on the environment and the ground you're putting the fence posts in. For thick earth and in areas without significant weather or high wind, you can get by without concrete, but in areas with weak dirt and strong seasonal weather, it's a good idea to install a concrete base on each individual post. This increases the cost but not as much as replacing or reinstalling the fence would.
Metal fencing is one of the most expensive options and is certainly more expensive than vinyl and oftentimes, wood. Specialized electric fences and, in certain cases, concrete can be more expensive than metal, but wrought iron is one of the most expensive fencing options, which is why you see it most often on expensive estates and in affluent zip codes.
Metal fences can last over 30 years if maintained correctly. Strong weather, abuse from animals or people, and lower-quality material will all shorten the life span of a metal fence. Galvanized metal will last longer because it has a protective barrier. sheet metal and corrugated metal tend to rust faster than solid pieces like those you see in a split rail fence.
You can install a fence yourself if you have the skills, tools, and experience. However, certain types are easier than others to install, and for most people hiring a fencing professional is the right move. Depending on a pro can save a considerable amount of trouble later on if an installation is done incorrectly, and the time saved can be worth the money.