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What to look for on a fence quote
Fence quotes are usually priced per linear foot, but that number hides huge differences between pressure-treated pine, cedar, vinyl, and aluminum. A good quote breaks down material, post spacing, hardware, and gate specs so you can compare apples-to-apples.
Total perimeter in linear feet. Property lines and survey stakes should be noted.
4 ft (front yard, HOA-allowed), 6 ft (most common privacy), 8 ft (premium privacy or noise reduction).
Pressure-treated pine (cheapest), cedar (premium wood), vinyl, aluminum, chain-link, composite, steel. Grade matters for wood (select vs #1 vs #2).
Post size (4x4, 6x6), depth (2–3 ft), concrete footing (50–60 lb bag per post standard). Shorter/shallower posts fail in wind.
6 ft centers is standard. 8 ft adds stress to rails and pickets; 6 ft is worth the extra posts.
Galvanized or stainless steel nails/screws on wood; brand-matched hardware on vinyl/aluminum. Stainless lasts longer near coast.
Single (3–4 ft) and double (8–10 ft) gates with specific hardware. Gate hardware is where fences fail first.
Stain or paint on wood (optional; adds lifespan 5–10 yrs). Typically $1–$3/linear ft.
Required in most jurisdictions for fences over 6 ft or in front yards.
Material (manufacturer; vinyl 10–25 yrs, aluminum 10–20 yrs) + workmanship (2–5 yrs typical).
Tear-out + disposal of old fence, usually $2–$5/linear foot.
Red flags in a fence quote
Wood posts set in dirt last 5–8 years. Concrete footings (50–60 lb bag per post) are standard for 15+ year life.
Wider spacing means stressed rails, sagging pickets, and early wind failure. 6 ft is standard.
Regular nails rust within 2–3 years; galvanized or stainless is required. Staples instead of screws is amateur work.
Pressure-treated pine is the cheapest wood fence material. Cedar, redwood, or composite are actual premium options.
4x4 posts are minimum for 6 ft fence, 6x6 posts for 8 ft fence. Undersized posts (undersized, 3x3, or pipe) fail in wind.
Some HOAs require specific height, color, and material. A quote that hasn't confirmed HOA approval may require rebuilding.
Cheap imported vinyl/aluminum looks ok year one but fades, cracks, and loses structural rigidity in 5–10 years. Name-brand (CertainTeed, Jerith, Ameristar) lasts 20+ years.
Common hidden costs and change orders
These items are often missing from the initial fence quote and show up later as change orders or surprise fees. Ask about each before signing.
- Underground utility marking (free from 811 but extra hassle)
- Old fence removal / disposal ($2–$5/linear ft)
- Grading for uneven terrain ($100–$500)
- Extra posts for terrain changes or corners
- Deck / patio interface work
- Survey to verify property lines if boundary disputed
- Stain or paint on wood ($1–$3/linear ft)