How Much Does A Vinyl Fence Cost?

Vinyl Fence Cost

The cost of vinyl fence projects runs between $35 to $40 per hour for labor only. Installing vinyl fencing is a labor-intensive project. You may find that the final amount of your vinyl privacy fencing cost is made up of half or more of labor hours alone. Make sure your quote or estimate includes the cost of preparation and cleanup, so there are no surprises on your final invoice. 

A great way to reduce the labor required for your project is to do the prep work yourself instead of paying the pros to do it for you. This can be as simple as clearing rocks from the soil or any shrubs or plants that will obstruct your new PVC fence. Of course, if you don’t want to or don’t have the time to do this, your installer will be happy to do the prep work for you.

Labor cost to install vinyl fence

Costs for labor to install a vinyl fence are around $35 to $40 per hour just on the labor alone. Your estimate for labor should include preparation and cleanup.

The cost of labor to install your new vinyl fence is a significant part of the total price. In fact, it could be as much as or even more than the cost of the material itself. It's important to note that you should count on a professional fencing company to install your fence to ensure stability and longevity.

If you have rocky soil or a lot of obstacles in your backyard such as boulders or shrubs, you should try to clear it yourself before the fence is installed. If you don't, the contractor may add to the labor to prepare the ground for installation. Difficult terrain can make it harder to install fence posts and panels. If you're unable to prep the land yourself, count on the professionals to get the site ready for the vinyl fence. They have the skills and tools required to handle the conditions and may also provide you with insight as to which type of fencing will be best based on your landscape.

Vinyl fence cost per foot

A vinyl fence cost on average $30 per linear foot, with a range between $24 to $36 per linear foot. Fencing is typically charged by the linear foot, so make sure you know how much you'll need to complete your project.

Picket fences remain the most popular style of fencing, giving your home a classic look. Picket fences are popular with homeowners and neighborhood associations alike, but they might not give you the level of privacy you want. A great option is a picket fence in your front yard and a privacy fence in your backyard. This split gives you a boundary at the front of your home to designate for children and pets while offering more privacy at the back, where you’re more likely to spend time relaxing. Keep in mind when you’re planning that the cost of vinyl privacy fence is more than a picket fence because there is significantly more material used.

Types of vinyl fences

Color and texture are two of the most important elements to consider when choosing the material for your new fence. White vinyl is the most common choice for two good reasons: it gives a clean and classic look and is the most budget-friendly option. That being said, there are a wide variety of colors you can choose from to suit your home. The available colors will vary by the manufacturer. 

If you’re looking for a more natural finish on your vinyl fence, consider going with a wood or stone texture. These styles have a higher price point but give your fence an organic feel that will blend well with the outdoors. 

Vinyl fence designs

Once you’ve chosen your color and finish, you can get into the fun design elements that will let you create the perfect look for your home and yard. Here are some of the most popular designs to consider:

Privacy fence

Privacy fencing not only offers better security, especially for homeowners with children or pools, but it also reduces noise. Privacy fences are made of solid panels, blocking noise from traffic or rowdy neighbors. Standard 6-foot-tall vinyl privacy fences cost $25 to $35 per linear foot.

Split rail fence

If you’re not as concerned about privacy and love the idea of adding an element of farmhouse design to your home, a split rail fence could be just the thing. This beautiful fence style is popular on ranches and farms, and going with vinyl over wood gives you more longevity. You can expect to pay between $1 and $4 per linear foot extra for this style.

Horse fencing

Vinyl fencing is perfect for protecting your horses or livestock from predators and requires little to no maintenance after it’s installed. With a lifespan of 20 years or more, vinyl fencing is a great option for keeping your animals safe. Horse fences made of vinyl average between $13 and $17 per linear foot.

Vinyl-coated

Metal fences are great for strength, but uncoated, they are subject to rust and wear over time. Vinyl-coated metal solves this issue, giving you the best of both worlds. Made of steel or aluminum, this fence option stays strong. When coated with vinyl, it looks more appealing and lasts significantly longer.

Vinyl pool fence

Vinyl pool fences are a great way to keep children safe and unwanted intruders out. With the variety of style options to choose from, you can customize your pool area and include an additional safety measure. Pool fences also typically come with a self-closing gate for extra peace of mind.

Vinyl fence or wood? Which is right for you?

Wood fencing is still a go-to for many when considering installing a new fence. While wood fences are beautiful, vinyl products have come a long way and offer unique benefits. Here’s a comparison of some of the main fencing elements: 

• Durability: There’s no doubt that vinyl provides the most durable product. Since it’s not subject to rotting like wood, or rusting like uncovered metal, it gives you a superior level of durability.
• Maintenance: Vinyl fencing requires almost zero maintenance if it’s installed properly by a professional. You can give it a spray down occasionally to keep it looking great, but even that isn’t necessary. Wood fencing requires much more maintenance, comparatively. You’ll need to restain or paint it every five to 10 years to keep it looking top-notch and avoid rot and UV damage. You can also expect to have to replace boards as they age. A well-maintained wood fence might last 20 years without major repairs, but a vinyl fence will last even longer.
• Cost: Upfront, wood fencing costs much less than vinyl. However, over the lifespan of your fence, wood will cost more overall to repair and maintain. If you’re working with a specific budget, wood may be your only option. However, if you have the funds to invest in vinyl fencing, it will cost you less in the long run.
• Looks: A brand new wood fence is beautiful, no question. If maintenance isn’t an issue, you can keep your wooden fence looking great for the duration of its life. The other side of the coin is that wood fences will naturally degrade over time, whereas vinyl will not. If you’re planning to be in your home for a long time, a vinyl fence is a great investment. If you plan to sell within a few years, a wood fence may be the smart choice.  

Pros and cons of vinyl fencing

Vinyl fencing has pros and cons, like most products. Here are a few main ones to help you decide if the vinyl fence installation cost is worth it:

Pros:

• Vinyl fencing is up to four times more flexible than wood fence options and up to five times more durable.
• Vinyl fencing can last over 20 years, with little to no maintenance.
• Vinyl fences will not rust, chip, peel, warp, blister, corrode, or rot.
• Vinyl is non-toxic to people and pets, unlike the stains and paint used to treat wood fences.

Cons:

• The overall vinyl fencing cost is much higher than other options, such as wood picket or aluminum fences.
• Concrete footings are needed to keep vinyl fence posts in place, unlike picket fences. The design is less flexible and needs to be final before installation.
• Certain forms of vinyl may be vulnerable to mildew damage if they’re consistently exposed to water over time. 
• Repairs to vinyl fencing from an accident or weather damage need to be done by a professional and can be more costly than repairing a wood fence.