Concrete should be used to set posts, usually below the frostline, to extend their life expectancy. You should check to see if your local building codes require a certain depth. Concrete and posts cost between $5 and $150 depending on what material they are made of. Posts are usually placed between 4 and 6 feet apart. The cost of adding a gate to your property will vary depending on the material and its size. An average walk-through wooden gate costs $150-250, while a drive-through gate can cost $150-$600 and add $100-$250 for labor.
Suburban areas tend to have underground power lines which can cause problems when digging for fence posts. A mishap with a gas or power line can lead to serious consequences. To prevent potential problems, fence builders and homeowners should inspect underground gas, power, and electrical lines before digging. These lines are usually checked by local power companies for free. However, working around them could increase the cost of your installation.
Over the years, fence-building materials have evolved. While barbed wire, iron, and wooden are still readily available, vinyl, electric and invisible are all more modern options that serve a different purpose. To personalize your property, you can mix and match fence styles. A garden fence might be made with cedarwood and wire mesh, while the front yard might have a vinyl picket fencing, while the backyard might have an iron privacy fence. Below are the most popular fence types and their average price.
If you prefer a natural look, a wood fence is an affordable and traditional option. Treated pine is the cheapest at $1.50 per square foot. Exotic woods like redwood and cedar will be more expensive at $17.50 per piece. Cedar is durable and affordable at $7-$15 per linear foot. Wood fences can be stained or painted, but regular maintenance is required. Wood fences are not long-lasting, so it is worth considering if you have an average project costing $1,000 to $4,000.
If you have a neighboring property or want to keep your evenings on the deck private, a privacy fence might be a good choice. Vinyl and wood are the best choices, while metal is an option. However, it will be more expensive. A 150-foot privacy fence costs between $1,500 to $8,250 with an average cost of $2,750. You can also add lattice or green-space-friendly privet to your privacy fence.
Aluminum is a low-maintenance alternative to metal. Aluminum can be used to build privacy or conversational fences. This fence is durable and secure and resists rusting. Aluminum fences are typically $30-40 per linear feet. Labor costs an additional $5-15 per linear foot. You will pay an additional $2-$5 per square foot if the fence is not powder coated.