A metal fence protects your property, looks great, and adds to your home’s resale value. The fenceline creates a visual barrier around the perimeter of your property that provides safety for children, pets, and residents of the home. In Colonial times, only homes located in upscale areas boasted metal fencing, but today they have become widespread and are very popular whether you live in the city or the country.
The average cost to install a metal fence ranges from $3,000-$5,500, with the average homeowner spending around $4,321 to install a 96 ft. aluminum fence with a gate.
Metal Fence Installation Costs | |
---|---|
National average cost | $4,321 |
Average range | $3,000-$5,500 |
Low-end | $1,697 |
High-end | $6,734 |
The cost to install a metal fence varies largely depending on the materials used. In particular, a wrought iron fence cost will exceed that of alternatives such as aluminum or steel. Metal fence installation, along with the cost of supplies, is usually priced on a per-linear-foot basis. While an iron fence cost may exceed that of other styles, such as aluminum or chain link, you can expect a longer lifespan from it; there are many other pros and cons of each type of fence. This metal fence cost calculator will provide you with installation and material costs based on your location and requirements.
The cost of metal fencing depends on the material used. Aluminum and steel cost the same, but wrought iron is substantially more expensive. The average cost per linear foot for metal fencing is $15-$75. Labor averages $8 to $40 per foot for the installation.
Materials | Cost per linear foot |
---|---|
Aluminum | $15-$45 |
Steel | $15-$45 |
Wrought iron | $25-$75 |
Steel fencing offers strength, stability, and great resistance to force. It works particularly well in dry climates. The price averages $10-$50 per linear ft.
Steel fencing type | Pricing per foot |
---|---|
Corrugated steel | $10-$12 |
Corten steel | $10-$15 |
Steel palisade | $10-$50 |
Galvanized steel 1 | $30-$200 |
Stainless steel | $50-$200 |
Galvanized steel 1 fencing is designed to stand up to the harshest weather conditions. It averages $30-$200 per linear ft.
Stainless steel does not corrode which makes it a popular long term fencing choice. When shopping for stainless steel fencing, you’ll encounter two grades of steel: 316 and 304. 304 contains more chlorides and 316 has more nickel. The makeup of 304 is 18 percent chromium and 8 percent nickel. With 316, the makeup is 16 percent chromium, 10 percent nickel, and 2 percent molybdenum which enables it to fight off corrosion better and also makes the panels more costly than 304 panels. 304 steel is slightly less costly than 316 steel. The pricing runs from $50-$200 per linear ft.
Corrugated steel fencing is a popular option for privacy and affordability. It averages $10-$12 per linear ft.
Corten steel stands up to corrosion with eight times greater strength than other types of steel fencing. It averages $10-$15 per linear ft.
Steel palisades fencing is a security design that is favored by many. It is easy to install and stands up to weather changes well. The pricing runs from $10-$50 per linear ft.
Corrugated metal fences come in panels that are fashioned with a ribbed appearance of valleys and ridges. The design gives it greater strength than a smooth metal panel. In addition, the ridges help funnel water away from the property line. Each fence panel is galvanized with zinc to prevent corrosion and rust. A corrugated metal fence can easily last from 25 to 75 years depending on the thickness of the panels. Corrugated fencing is lightweight and easy to install. The price runs $10-$12 per ft.
Aluminum fence panels are lightweight and easy to install. You can purchase them in various sizes, designs, and colors. The aluminum material resists corrosion and is both low-maintenance and long-lasting. Also, the aluminum is eco-friendly and recyclable. The most significant problem with aluminum fencing is that it dents easily and can warp over time. Also, if the panels are not powder-coated then they can develop a patina 2 that many find unsightly.
Aluminum fencing type | Cost per foot 6 | Cost per panel |
---|---|---|
Powder-coated | $13-$45 | $50-$70 |
Pool fence panel | $15-$25 | $60-$65 |
Black aluminum (privacy) | $24-$32 | $55-$65 |
Spear top | $15-$40 | $60-$65 |
Staggered spear top | $15-$45 | $60-$70 |
Ornamental | $15-$55 | n/a |
Two rail 7 flat top | $16-$45 | $65-$70 |
Three rail 7 flat top | $20-$48 | $70-$75 |
Arches | n/a | $70-$75 |
The powder coating on the aluminum fencing offers protection from the elements and helps prevent the panels from rusting. Typically, the fence is exceptionally strong. The cost averages $13-$45 per ft.
Pool fence panels create a barrier around your pool for added safety. The aluminum panels do not rust and are available in a variety of sizes. The average price is $15-$25 per ft.
Black goes with everything and black aluminum fencing is not only ornamental but also creates security. It is designed to resemble wrought iron without the high price tag. The coating also helps the fence withstand inclement weather without corrosion. The average price is $24-$32 per ft.
Many people want the look of wrought iron without the high cost. Ornamental aluminum fencing averages $15-$55 per ft.
Aluminum privacy fencing 3 creates seclusion. It is a favored choice over standard wood privacy fencing. The average cost runs from $24-$32 per ft.
Aluminum fencing prices vary depending on style, picket, ornamentation, and top. Typically, you purchase aluminum fencing by the panel. One exception, however, is that with ornamental aluminum fencing, the pricing is usually per foot. Below is a chart outlining the cost of aluminum metal fence per foot and/or per panel.
Wrought iron fencing has long been favored by homeowners due to its appearance and potential to increase property value. In addition, it is a sturdy material that holds up well and adds beauty to the landscape. Wrought iron fencing is typically used to fence in front yards or other areas where a decorative fence can be appreciated. It is remarkably sturdy and with proper care can last a century or more. Without a doubt, it is the most expensive fencing material with a cost of $25-$75 per foot.
Solid metal fencing - typically called corrugated metal fencing - is fashioned in a corrugated pattern to provide far greater strength to each section of the fence, plus funnel water away from the property line. Many people use solid metal fencing for backyards or to fence in private areas. One downside of this material is that solid metal fencing can rust. The price of solid metal fencing averages $10-$12 per foot.
The average cost to install a 4-foot high chain-link fence is $10 to $20 per linear foot. You can also choose chain link fencing in 5- or 6-ft heights. The wire gauge is either 11.5 or 9 gauge wire. If you choose 9 gauge wire then you will typically pay double the price of 11.5 gauge wire. Chain link fencing is great for any area of the landscape. Many people use it as pet fencing or to fence in parts of a garden. It is durable and easy to use. It does lack privacy benefits, however.
Metal fence installation labor is usually charged by the foot. The labor prices range from $8-$40 per foot, depending on where you live.
Project | Cost of materials |
---|---|
100 ft. of corrugated steel fencing | $250-$520 |
100 ft. of corten steel | $250-$550 |
100 ft. of steel palisade | $250-$900 |
100 ft. of wrought iron | $400-$1,150 |
100 ft. of galvanized steel | $300-$2,400 |
Metal fencing costs vary depending on height, grade, and color. Also, you can add gates where needed in a variety of styles and sizes. Installation is usually straightforward unless on a slope, which can complicate things.
A metal fence gate typically measures 36 inches in width, but some may be 32 or 34 inches wide. However, some people opt to have a driveway gate installed in their metal fence if they are completely fencing the property’s perimeter. Automatic gates are another option. If you install a wrought iron driveway gate then dual bollards help define the driveway so you don’t inadvertently run into the gate or fence line.
Gate type | Average cost of gate and installation |
---|---|
Standard swing gate | $100 |
Standard gate on rollers | $800 |
Automatic steel gate | $600-$4,000 |
Wrought iron gate | $600-$4,000 |
Wrought iron driveway gate with dual bollards | $3,000-$6,000 |
When picking a fence, you have a lot of options. The best way to decide is to explore the pros, cons, and costs of each. In many cases, cost is the deciding factor. Luckily, aluminum and steel fencing is comparable in price, while wrought iron fencing is more costly.
Type | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Aluminum ($15-$45 per linear ft.) | Corrosion-resistant Available in numerous styles and colors Perfect oceanside Suitable for humid locations Withstands sprinklers and water well Very little maintenance Lightweight Easy to install | Can develop a patina Dents easily Bends easily |
Steel ($15-$45 per linear ft.) | Suitable for dry climates Strong Stable Resists force | Can corrode Sanding and painting needed May rust |
Wrought iron ($25-$75 per linear ft.) | Durable Long-lasting Strong Available in many designs | Expensive Corrodes Requires painting |
There are many metal fence styles to choose from. The most common are security, decorative, pool, and garden. Depending on your needs, you should evaluate the uses of each type to determine which style best meets your needs. Each style of fence has its own uses.
Garden fences uses:
Pool fence uses:
Decorative fence uses:
Security fence uses:
Below is a table of the various styles of fencing and the cost of materials per linear foot.
Style | Materials | Cost |
---|---|---|
Garden | Aluminum Steel Wrought iron | $15-$45/linear foot $15-$45/linear foot $25-$76/linear foot |
Pool | Aluminum | $15-$45/linear foot |
Decorative | Aluminum Steel Wrought iron | $15-$45/linear foot $15-$45/linear foot $25-$76/linear foot |
Security | Aluminum Steel Wrought iron | $15-$45/linear foot $15-$45/linear foot $25-$76linear foot |
Metal fence posts are the skeleton of the fence. They offer support to the fence panels and fencing material. The end, corner, and line posts are installed in concrete to stand the test of time. The cost for metal fence posts averages $7-$10 per linear foot, with posts averaging $30-$60 each depending on size and material. Corner posts are placed in the corner to create the L shape in the fence. Also, end poles can be used at each corner. Line posts are used to build the length of the fence line and provide support. Typically, fence posts are spaced 6 to 8 feet apart.
If you are installing a fence in a location where a fence has never been placed before then the land might require grading and leveling. The cost to level and grade 1,000 sq. feet of land averages $985.
Exposed metal spikes on a fence pose a hazard to humans or animals. You can opt to install fence caps for a cost of about $1.00 per cap. Also, a metal bar welded across the top of a picket fence prevents animals and children from getting stuck between the bars of the fence. Welders charge $130-$140 per hour to weld bars onto a metal fence.
On occasion, you’ll need to have your fence repainted as part of its upkeep or just because you are tired of the hue. The cost of painting a 100-foot fence ranges from $400-$1,300.
The cost to install a self-closing electric gate averages $3,000-$12,000 for the gate, installation, and electrical work. Wrought iron gate prices tend to be the highest.
A wireless gate bell averages $75-$300 depending on if you want a simple buzzer bell, voice bell, or camera bell. An electrician charges $65-$85 per hour and it will usually take a minimum of one hour to install the device.
Lowes does offer fencing installation, but the prices vary by region. Typically, Lowes contracts with a local fencing contractor to complete the job with the stipulation that all supplies must be purchased from Lowes.
If you are installing a metal fence, then the cheapest fences to install are either aluminum or steel. Both average $15-$45 per linear ft. Garden fencing tends to be the cheapest fencing to install. It averages about $2 per linear ft. and comes in rolls.
Aluminum and steel average $15-$45 per linear ft. and wrought iron averages $25-$75. The cost depends on the type of fencing. Rolled wire fencing averages $2 per linear foot. Wood fencing averages $13-$25 per linear foot. Vinyl fencing averages $15-$30 per linear foot.
The average cost ranges from $3,000-$5,500, depending on the type of fencing, for 100 linear feet.
It averages $15-$45 per linear ft.
Black metal fencing is installed in panels. First the poles are put in place and then the panels are affixed to the fence poles. Finally, gates are put in place where needed.
Cost to install a metal fence varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.