Fencing Materials Compared: Cost Per Foot (2026)
Based on aggregated cost data, there are 10 common fencing materials ranging from $8 to $55 per linear ft installed. The most affordable option is Split Rail at $8–$18 per linear ft, while Wrought Iron offers the longest lifespan at 50–80 years.
| Material | Cost per linear ft ↑ | Lifespan | Maintenance | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Split RailMost Affordable | $8 – $18 | 15–20 years | medium | ★★★☆☆ | ▸ |
| Chain Link (Galvanized)Best Value | $8 – $20 | 20–30 years | low | ★★★☆☆ | ▸ |
| Bamboo | $10 – $25 | 10–15 years | medium | ★★★★★ | ▸ |
| Chain Link (Vinyl-Coated) | $12 – $25 | 25–35 years | low | ★★☆☆☆ | ▸ |
| Pressure-Treated Pine | $15 – $35 | 10–15 years | high | ★★☆☆☆ | ▸ |
| Aluminum | $20 – $40 | 30–50 years | low | ★★★★☆ | ▸ |
| Cedar Wood | $20 – $45 | 15–25 years | medium | ★★★☆☆ | ▸ |
| Wrought Iron | $25 – $50 | 50–80 years | medium | ★★★★☆ | ▸ |
| Vinyl/PVC | $25 – $55 | 20–30 years | low | ★★☆☆☆ | ▸ |
| Composite | $25 – $55 | 25–30 years | low | ★★★★☆ | ▸ |
Fencing Materials by Cost
| Material | Cost per linear ft | Lifespan | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Split Rail | $8 – $18 | 15–20 years | medium |
| Chain Link (Galvanized) | $8 – $20 | 20–30 years | low |
| Bamboo | $10 – $25 | 10–15 years | medium |
| Chain Link (Vinyl-Coated) | $12 – $25 | 25–35 years | low |
| Pressure-Treated Pine | $15 – $35 | 10–15 years | high |
| Aluminum | $20 – $40 | 30–50 years | low |
| Cedar Wood | $20 – $45 | 15–25 years | medium |
| Wrought Iron | $25 – $50 | 50–80 years | medium |
| Vinyl/PVC | $25 – $55 | 20–30 years | low |
| Composite | $25 – $55 | 25–30 years | low |
Best Value Analysis: Cost Per Year of Lifespan
Dividing the mid-range installed cost by maximum lifespan gives a cost-per-year metric. Lower values indicate better long-term value.
Choosing by Climate
Hot Desert
For hot desert climates: Chain Link (Galvanized), Wrought Iron perform well in these conditions.
Humid Continental
For humid continental climates: Chain Link (Galvanized), Chain Link (Vinyl-Coated), Pressure-Treated Pine, Cedar Wood, Composite, Split Rail perform well in these conditions.
Humid Subtropical
For humid subtropical climates: Chain Link (Galvanized), Chain Link (Vinyl-Coated), Vinyl/PVC, Aluminum, Composite, Bamboo perform well in these conditions.
Mediterranean
For mediterranean climates: Chain Link (Galvanized), Chain Link (Vinyl-Coated), Cedar Wood, Vinyl/PVC, Aluminum, Wrought Iron, Composite, Bamboo perform well in these conditions.
Oceanic
For oceanic climates: Chain Link (Galvanized), Chain Link (Vinyl-Coated), Pressure-Treated Pine, Cedar Wood, Vinyl/PVC, Aluminum, Composite, Split Rail perform well in these conditions.
Semi Arid
For semi arid climates: Chain Link (Galvanized), Pressure-Treated Pine, Cedar Wood, Wrought Iron, Split Rail perform well in these conditions.
Tropical
For tropical climates: Chain Link (Galvanized), Chain Link (Vinyl-Coated), Vinyl/PVC, Aluminum, Composite, Bamboo perform well in these conditions.
Price the whole job
Material price is per linear ft; the figures below are whole projects, adjusted to the metro you pick.
Cost Calculator
To get exact pricing for your project, request written quotes from at least three licensed contractors in New York.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest fencing material?
Based on aggregated cost data, Split Rail is the most affordable option at $8 to $18 per linear ft installed, with a typical lifespan of 15–20 years.
What fencing material lasts the longest?
Wrought Iron offers the longest lifespan at 50–80 years. It costs $25 to $50 per linear ft installed.
What is the best value fencing material?
Measured as installed cost divided by the top of its expected lifespan, Chain Link (Galvanized) is the cheapest per year of service here at about $0.47 per linear ft per year. Composite, the dearest to install at $25 to $55 per linear ft, lasts 25–30 years.
Which fencing materials require the least maintenance?
5 of the 10 are rated low-maintenance: Chain Link (Galvanized), Chain Link (Vinyl-Coated), Vinyl/PVC, Aluminum, Composite. That rating means no scheduled sealing, staining or refinishing — not that nothing is ever done to them.
Related Comparisons
How the scale is built
Base ranges
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025
- Published contractor and industry pricing ranges
- Manufacturer and retailer material pricing
Metro adjustment
Labor adjustment factors are measured from BLS metropolitan wage data: the median ratio of local to national hourly wages across the ten trades this site prices.
Drawing rules
Every chart on a page shares one axis unless its caption says otherwise. Bars are drawn from zero and are never truncated. Full method →
Estimates, not quotes. These cost estimates are based on aggregated data from public sources. Actual costs vary by project scope, contractor, and local conditions. Always obtain multiple written quotes from licensed professionals. This site sells nothing, lists no contractors and takes no payment for placement. Methodology →
Cost data last updated: March 2026