Building a fence can be a costly undertaking. Whether you’re looking to enhance the privacy and security of your property, add value to your home, or just keep your pets safe, a fence is a great way to do it. However, no matter what your reasons are, you need to know the prices of materials, labor, and fence installation cost so you could decide which fencing is the best for you. You’ll want to be sure that you have a clear understanding of the expense before starting your project. For that to be possible, you also need to decide which kind of fence you’d like.
From the type of fence you select to the size and location of the area, this fence cost guide will provide all the information you need to know about the true cost of building a fence in Austin, Texas.
The average cost of fence installation in Austin, TX
The average price of fence installation in Austin, Texas will vary depending on a number of factors including the materials used, the size of the project, and whether or not you’re hiring a contractor.
The type of fence you install will also play a significant role in the overall cost of your project. The average cost of chain link fence installation is between $1,300 and $1,700, while wooden privacy fence installation can cost as much as $8,000, depending on the type of wood you choose. A more luxurious wood does run your installation costs high, while ordinary wood can save you a pretty penny.
Given that this is a major investment, you’ll want to make sure to get a free cost estimates from an experienced fence contractor before making a final decision.
Types of fencing and fence installation cost in Austin, Texas
Before you start shopping for fencing materials, you must first decide which type of fence is right for you. There are many different types of fences, and each has its own benefits and disadvantages.
Wrought iron fence cost
Modern wrought iron fence is sometimes built of steel or aluminum rather than iron. As a result, it benefits from all the toughness and longevity such materials have to offer. The decorative pattern is what distinguishes a wrought iron fence from an ordinary metal fence. It’s the perfect type of fencing to surround a smaller yard with well-kept landscaping and an antique wooden front door.
The cost of labor and supplies for a professional installation of an iron fence might range from $28 up to $100 per linear foot.
Wooden fence cost
A wooden fence is a popular addition to any home. Wooden fencing is offered for security, privacy, and noise reduction.
Consider the local climate or atmosphere in Austin, Texas when choosing wood for a fence. Doing so will prevent wood decay and ensure a fence that lasts for a long time.
You wouldn’t need to repair it or replace it after a few years with high-quality wood. With proper maintenance, the typical lifespan of wood used for fencing can range from 10 to 30 years, depending on the installation’s quality, and the type of wood you go with.
There are two ways you can install wood fences: horizontal or vertical. Because horizontal wood fences need a higher grade of lumber for the boards to avoid drooping, horizontal fences typically cost more than vertical fences.
Depending on the type of wood you choose for fencing, you can end up paying as little as $5 per linear foot.
Composite fence cost
Compared to traditional wooden fence panels, synthetic wood panels with reinforced plastic elements will last a lot longer. Composite fencing is also resistant to the elements and is incredibly durable.
The price of supplies and installation for a linear foot of composite fence ranges from $11 to $45.
Vinyl fence cost
Vinyl fences are strong and resilient and frequently have lifetime warranties. Vinyl typically comes in large panels and is more expensive per square foot than some fence materials. Vinyl requires little upkeep and can last for years with only occasional washing.
Vinyl fencing costs between $17 and $38 per linear foot.
Chain link fence cost
Chain link fence, the pinnacle of utility fencing, offers a safe barrier to keep kids and dogs in the yard and intruders out. A chain link fencing system consists of mesh fencing, rails, and galvanized steel supports. Sometimes a vinyl coating is applied to the mesh to enhance its appearance.
The mesh is heavy and difficult to work with, and it often requires professionals to build it. The chain link fence installation itself is not complicated, but the manipulation of the mesh is better left to professionals.
Chain link fence doesn’t provide much privacy by itself, but if you’d like, you can add privacy slats (often made of metal or plastic). The labor and material cost for a professional installation runs from $15 to $30 per linear foot.
Post and Rail fence cost
A fencing system that uses a solid timber post with horizontal rails fastened between the posts is referred to as “post and rail” in general. A highly inexpensive, efficient, and quick-to-build type of open fencing. It is sturdy and can be used to enclose large areas of land, a road, or agricultural land and livestock.
Post and rail fencing can be utilized to preserve things like flowerbeds or young trees while also allowing for unobstructed views. To create an open but secure fence system for agricultural applications, this type of fence can also be paired with wire mesh, chainlink, or barbed wire.
Post and rail fence cost can vary significantly. Building one yourself will cost you between $11 and $24 per linear foot.
Aluminum fence cost
Fences made of aluminum and steel are often produced as panels with vertical balusters and treated with a rust- and weatherproof coating. Solid aluminum fence panels are available, albeit they are less typical and sometimes mixed with other materials like wood or composites, creating the best of both worlds.
The aluminum fence provides a sense of elegance to a well-kept property and can be paired with concrete, brick, or wall posts for a more formal appearance. The aluminum fence cost for labor and supplies for professional installation can range from $35 to $60 per linear foot.
Privacy fence cost
Privacy fence offers seclusion from onlookers and passers-by. For it to be a privacy fence, it needs to have no more than 30% of the surface area left open for unrestricted air and light circulation. However, it is usually solid. It is intended to keep your home and your family hidden from view.
Additionally, it needs to be 4 to 6 feet tall.
The average privacy fence cost for supplies and expert installation range from $13 to $40 per linear foot for privacy fence installations. All fence boards, concrete-set posts, two horizontal rails, area preparation, and cleanup are included in privacy fence costs.
Do I need a permit to build a fence in Austin, TX?
When you decide which fence is the best for your lot, and your needs, the next thing is to obtain a permit. However, there are some instances when you do not need to have a permit.
If you are not located in a floodplain hazard area in Austin, TX, and you want to build a fence that is under 8 feet tall, you do not need to obtain a permit. If you are in an area with a high risk of flood, however tall the fence you’d want to build is, you will need a permit from the city.
If you want to build a fence, and you are located in between two neighboring lots, you would need to have written authorization from both of your neighbors. However, if one of your ‘neighbors’ is the city of Austin, you must request a variance by going directly to the Board of Adjustments.
If you want to build a fence that is over 8 feet tall, it cannot be a solid fence. However, you could build an ornamental fence that is higher than 8 feet, but it cannot block the view or be a privacy fence.
Inspection of fence installation in Austin, Texas
Before signing any contracts with residential fence installation companies, it’s a good idea to have the project inspected. This inspection will ensure that the materials and methods used for your fence are up to code with city regulations and that the contractor is using quality materials.
Depending on the scope of the inspection, it could add anywhere from $50 to $250 to the total cost of your fence installation. You may also want to consider having the inspector sign off on your fence after installation for an additional cost. This may be necessary if you’re responsible for paying for repairs or maintenance on surrounding properties affected by your fence.
DIY fence installation
If you have an old fence that simply needs remodeling, you might DIY it without the repair prices for fence installation eating up your budget. However, if it were lacking proper maintenance, your fence costs might skyrocket.
There are only a couple of fences that you can truly put up yourself without getting hurt and wasting money and time. Those include post and rail fences, and in some rare cases, wooden fences.
However, there is a greater chance of you spending more time and money trying to install a fence yourself, and then calling professionals. It’s much easier to call True Built Fencing to save money in the long run.
Conclusion
Having a fence installed on your property not only makes your home more secure but also adds resale value. So, if you are looking into having your fence put up, you can receive free cost estimates from Texas fence professionals, like True Built Fencing, and we will make this process far more enjoyable.
Below you can find our contact details:
- 2025 Guadalupe Street, Suite 250, Austin, 78705
- (512) 354-1601