How Much On Average It Costs To Install Aluminum Fencing In Your Yard

If you're buying a new fence, you have a lot to think about: the style you're going for, the practical purposes your fence needs to serve, and perhaps most importantly, your budget. Aluminum fencing may be more expensive than chain or wood picket fences, but the material is still worth considering because of its sleek look and high durability. Unlike iron or wood, it doesn't rust or rot, and its minimal upkeep and replacement costs save you money down the line. But what does aluminum fencing cost to install upfront?

Estimates for the total cost vary widely, from $3,000 on the low end to up to $15,000 on the high end, with the national average sitting around $7,000. If we break it down to cost per linear foot with installation, it ranges anywhere from $25.50 to $112 per foot of fencing. What's with the huge range? Other than just costs varying by where you live, more factors go into aluminum fence pricing than you might think. The price tag you end up with will depend on the size of your yard, the style of fencing you choose to install, and more factors based on your yard's starting point.

The good news is that aluminum fencing comes in a range of styles and finishes. The complicated news is that style has a major influence on the total cost of the project, so you'll have to choose carefully for your budget. Simpler styles like Floridian are a more affordable fencing idea, while ornate styles like the opulently named castle fencing are more expensive. Height is a factor, too; a standard-height aluminum picket fence costs $25 to $50 per linear foot installed, but if you want a taller aluminum fence option to add privacy to your yard, you're looking at $90 to $130 per linear foot installed. Because of the height requiring additional materials, privacy fences are typically one of the most expensive options.

There are stylistic elements to consider in addition to the fence itself, like painting the fence and adding a gate. If you want your aluminum fence in a color other than black or silver, budget an extra $4 to $10 per linear foot for aluminum treatments. You'll probably need a gate, but how much you spend depends on how large it will be — a basic swing-open gate is only around $100, but if you want a driveway gate, prepare to shell out $3,000 to $6,000.

Style isn't the only thing affecting your aluminum fencing installation's price tag. One of the biggest factors is the size of your yard, since that will determine the amount of materials necessary. Obviously, more materials mean more labor and cost, but the grade of those materials matters, too — residential, commercial, and pet-safe aluminum come at different prices. And the size of your yard could cost you in another way: you may need a land survey to show where you can legally build your fence, which costs anywhere from $200 to upwards of $1,000 depending on your property's size.

Then, there's what you're building on top of. Do you need to remove a preexisting fence? That's anywhere from around $3 to $20 per linear foot for professional removal, depending on the size and material of the old fence being removed. For the new aluminum fence, if your yard is sloped or uneven, some fence panels may need to be adjusted to account for that, which adds to labor and specialized materials costs. Overall, what it will cost to install your chosen style of aluminum fence for your specific yard can vary significantly. The only way to get an accurate estimate is to get quotes from a local contractor.