In this guide
Replace or repair? The decision first
Replacement only makes sense when repair has stopped being economical. Angi’s repair-or-replace guidance points to replacement when a fence is 15–20+ years old, when damage is widespread — broken sections, leaning runs, rot or rust across multiple panels — when the structure no longer complies with code, or when earlier repairs have not held. Repair stays the better call when the fence is under about 10 years old, the damage is limited to a section or two, and the posts and structure are still sound. Work through the numbers on our fence repair cost guide before you commit: if the repair quotes you are getting approach the per-foot replacement ranges below for the whole run, replacing once is usually cheaper than repairing twice. If you are weighing doing the work yourself, read DIY or hire a pro? — replacement is a bigger, heavier job than most repairs, and post-setting is where DIY replacements most often go wrong.
Replacement cost by material (Angi, 2026)
Angi’s 2026 fence installation guide prices a new fence at $6–$50 per linear foot overall, averaging $23 per linear foot, with total projects typically between $1,860 and $4,844. Its per-material installed ranges:
| Material | Cost per linear foot |
|---|---|
| Chain-link | $8–$40 |
| Wood | $10–$45 |
| Composite | $11–$45 |
| Vinyl (PVC) | $15–$40 |
| Aluminum | $17–$90 |
| Wrought iron | $25–$55 |
Source: Angi, “How Much Does Fence Installation Cost? [2026 Data]” (linked at the end). Angi bases its figures on verified projects reported by its pros; height, style and region move a given job within each range.
Replacement cost by material (HomeGuide, 2026)
HomeGuide’s 2026 fence installation guide surveys a different project mix and lands higher for most materials. Crucially for a replacement budget, HomeGuide separates replacement from new installation: for common wood and vinyl fences it puts new installation at $20–$60 per linear foot and replacement at $30–$80 per linear foot, with the gap explained by removal of the old fence (next section). Its installed per-material ranges:
| Material | Cost per linear foot |
|---|---|
| Chain-link | $9–$30 |
| Wood | $20–$50 |
| Composite | $20–$85 |
| Aluminum | $25–$75 |
| Vinyl | $30–$60 |
| Wrought iron | $50–$85 |
Source: HomeGuide, “How Much Does Fence Installation Cost? (2026)” (linked at the end). Shown separately from Angi’s table on purpose — do not average the two; use the range that matches the quotes you are actually getting locally. For what each material is like to live with, see our fence types guide.
Removing and disposing of the old fence
Replacement always includes a job a new build does not: getting rid of the old fence. The two sources price it differently. Angi lists removing an existing fence at $3–$5 per linear foot. HomeGuide puts old fence removal and disposal at $10–$20 per linear foot, depending on fence type and hauling distance. The difference is largely what is included — pulling panels and posts is the cheap part; hauling and disposal fees are what push a quote toward HomeGuide’s end. Ask every bidder to itemise removal separately so you can compare like with like, and read our step-by-step guide to removing an old fence if you plan to do the tear-out yourself and put the savings into the new fence.
Permits and the 811 rule
Many cities and counties require a permit for a replacement fence, especially if the height, material or line changes. Angi puts a fencing permit at $20–$60; HomeGuide puts a fence permit at $40–$150, depending on the boundary size. Check with your local building office and your HOA, if you have one, before the old fence comes down — a replacement built on the wrong line or above a height limit can be ordered moved at your cost.
Call 811 before any digging. Replacement means new post holes, and post holes are digging. Call 811 (the national call-before-you-dig line) or use your state’s 811 centre a few business days before work starts so buried utility lines on your property are marked for free. Never dig for a new post until the marks are down or the service confirms the ground is clear — striking a buried line is dangerous and the repair bill lands on the digger.
Replacement questions, answered
How long does a full fence replacement take?
HomeGuide puts fence installation at 2 to 4 days on average, depending on fence type, length and material, with extra time for the concrete around new posts to cure. Removal of the old fence can add a day on longer runs.
Can I reuse the old posts to save money?
Only if they are genuinely sound — straight, solid at ground level, and set at the spacing the new fence needs. Posts are the part of a fence that fails first, and hanging new panels on tired posts is the most common false economy in replacement. If a bidder proposes reusing posts, ask them to show you each post’s condition at the base.
Which material is cheapest to replace like-for-like?
Chain-link is the cheapest installed material in both sources above ($8–$40 per linear foot from Angi; $9–$30 from HomeGuide), followed by wood. Vinyl, composite and metals cost more up front but need less ongoing maintenance — weigh the per-foot price against the upkeep described in our fence types guide.
Sources: Angi, “How Much Does Fence Installation Cost? [2026 Data]”; HomeGuide, “How Much Does Fence Installation Cost? (2026)”. Ranges checked October 2026 and shown separately by source. Prices vary by region, height, terrain and access — always confirm with local quotes.