What you will have to spend depends mainly on the material, the length, the height, the condition of the ground, and the removal of the old fence. A simple chain-link fence and an ornamental fence installed on uneven ground do not belong to the same budget. Chasing the best price per linear foot rarely leads to the right decision: what counts is the cost over the fence’s entire lifespan, because a material that is cheaper to install can cost more in maintenance and, eventually, in replacement.
What makes the price of a fence vary?
Five factors account for most of the gap from one project to the next.
The material is the first factor to consider, from the most affordable to the high end. Length and height come next, since you pay by the linear foot and a taller fence requires more material and anchoring. The terrain also influences the price: a slope, rocky soil, or obstacles complicate post installation and drive up labour costs. Removal of the old fence is added to any replacement project, since it has to be dismantled and disposed of. Then there are the extras, such as gates, hardware, decorative sections, and the municipal permit where one applies.
Cost by material, from most affordable to high end
Without a prior assessment of the site, no firm price is truly reliable. The materials can still be positioned relative to one another. Here is the usual order and the reasoning behind it.
| Material | Cost positioning | What justifies it |
| Chain link | Most affordable | Simple material, quick installation, but offers little privacy |
| PVC | Affordable to mid-range | Good maintenance-to-price ratio, decent privacy |
| Composite | Mid-range | The look of wood without the upkeep of natural wood, good longevity |
| Ornamental aluminum | Mid-range to high | Durable, elegant, quality hardware |
| Tempered glass | Highest | Unobstructed view, superior rigidity and longevity |
To understand why composite is so appealing, see our article Why choose a composite fence? And as for the price gap between 8 mm and 12 mm glass, our article 12 mm tempered glass fence: is it worth the investment? settles the question.
Compare over the lifespan, not just the cost per linear foot
The price per linear foot is misleading. A cheap fence that will have to be replaced in ten years will cost more, in total, than a durable fence installed once. Maintenance has to be added to that, since a material requiring regular painting or treatment adds to the bill year after year. A well-chosen fence also adds to the property’s value, an angle covered in How does a residential fence increase your property value?.
“When a client asks me for the price, I ask a question back: do you want the cheapest fence to install, or the one that will cost you the least over twenty years? That’s not the same answer. In the field, the people who think long term rarely regret investing a little more up front,” sums up Dominique Maria, head of the Fences division at 360 Fonda Pro, with more than 25 years in sales and project management.
Financing
The cost of a replacement can be spread out. 360 Fonda Pro offers financing of up to $100,000 through Financeit, with no hidden fees or surprises.
Frequently asked questions
Composite and aluminum come up often in this category: moderate initial cost, low maintenance, long life. The right choice depends on the privacy you want and the architectural style of the property.
It is part of the replacement project and is added to the cost of the new fence. A detailed quote spells it out clearly, with no surprises along the way.
That depends on your municipality and sometimes on the height or the location. Check with your city, or ask us to confirm it as part of the project.
It is often possible, especially if the original material and style are still available. If the fence is old or mismatched, a full replacement will give a better result.
The price of a fence cannot be read off a chart. It depends on your property, the material, and the scope of the project, and an on-site assessment makes it possible to produce a clear quote, with no hidden fees or surprises. The Fences division at 360 Fonda Pro designs and installs durable fences, with a 5-year warranty and financing available, and helps you choose the material that costs the least over time. Request your free quote.
