Wood vs Steel Fence Cost
See both fences side by side for the same length, using installed price ranges.
Your result
Enter your numbers and press the button. Your result appears here.
Steel fences range from plain panels to ornamental work, so they can cost about the same as wood or several times more.
How the comparison works
Each fence = length × installed price per linear foot. The midpoint is halfway between the low and high totals.
Example: for 150 ft, wood runs $3,000 to $7,500 and steel runs $3,000 to $12,750.
Midpoint cost at a glance
Worked out with the same settings as the calculator above, changing only the length.
| Length | Wood | Steel |
|---|---|---|
| 50 ft | $1,750 | $2,625 |
| 100 ft | $3,500 | $5,250 |
| 150 ft | $5,250 | $7,875 |
| 200 ft | $7,000 | $10,500 |
| 300 ft | $10,500 | $15,750 |
Installed cost per linear foot (US)
| Fence | Per linear foot |
|---|---|
| Wood | $20 – $50 |
| Cedar | $27 – $43 |
| Vinyl (PVC) | $30 – $60 |
| Chain link | $9 – $30 |
| Black vinyl-coated chain link | $13 – $40 |
| Aluminum | $25 – $75 |
| Steel | $20 – $85 |
| Wrought iron | $50 – $85 |
| Composite | $20 – $85 |
| Privacy fence (wood or vinyl) | $25 – $60 |
| Wood picket | $10 – $75 |
| Split rail | $12 – $30 |
| Concrete block | $10 – $30 |
| Barbed wire | $1.25 – $3.5 |
| Woven wire (field fence) | $1.5 – $6 |
| Wire fence (any type) | $1 – $10 |
| Cattle fence | $2.5 – $7.5 |
| Electric fence | $2 – $4 |
| Deer fence | $6 – $15 |
| Pool fence | $15 – $25 |
| Horse fence (split rail) | $12 – $30 |
Common questions
Which fence lasts longest?
Aluminum, vinyl and galvanized chain link need little care and last decades. Wood lasts about 15 to 20 years with regular staining, longer for cedar.
Which fence gives the most privacy for the money?
A solid wood privacy fence is usually the cheapest full-privacy option. Chain link with slats is cheaper but looks more utilitarian.
Sources
- HomeAdvisor, Fence installation cost: https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/fencing/install-a-fence/
- Angi, How much does fence installation cost?: https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-fence-installation-cost.htm