*This is an estimate. Actual local prices for labor and aluminum market rates may vary.
Understanding Aluminum Fencing Costs: A Comprehensive Guide
Aluminum fencing is one of the most popular choices for modern homeowners due to its durability, aesthetic appeal, and low maintenance requirements. Unlike wood, it won't rot, and unlike iron, it won't rust. However, calculating the exact price of an aluminum fence project involves several variables beyond just the length of the perimeter.
Key Factors Affecting Your Quote
Linear Footage: The most significant factor. Most residential aluminum fencing ranges from $25 to $40 per linear foot for materials.
Fence Height: A standard 4-foot fence is the baseline. Increasing to 5 or 6 feet requires more raw material and heavier posts, typically increasing costs by 15-30% per foot.
Grade: Residential grade is suitable for backyards and pools. Commercial and industrial grades feature thicker walls and larger pickets, designed for high-security or high-traffic areas.
Gates: Gates are the most expensive components. A single walk gate can cost between $300 and $500, while double drive gates can exceed $1,000 depending on the hardware.
Material Cost Breakdown
Component
Average Price Range
Residential Panel (6ft wide)
$90 – $150 per panel
Standard Post
$30 – $55 per post
Walk Gate (4ft wide)
$325 – $450 each
Drive Gate (10ft wide)
$850 – $1,400 each
Is Professional Installation Worth It?
Professional installation typically adds $10 to $20 per linear foot. While DIY installation is possible with aluminum (as many systems are "rackable" and use pre-punched posts), professional installers handle the difficult tasks of setting posts in concrete, ensuring proper leveling on sloped terrain, and navigating underground utilities. Our calculator adds a standard labor margin if selected, based on average industry rates for "dig and set" services.
Example Calculation
Suppose you have a 100-foot perimeter on a flat yard and you want a 4-foot residential fence with one walk gate:
Materials: 100ft x $28/ft = $2,800
Gate: 1 Walk Gate = $350
Subtotal: $3,150
Installation (if ~40%): $1,260
Total Estimate: $4,410
function calculateFencePrice() {
var linearFeet = parseFloat(document.getElementById('linearFeet').value);
var heightFactor = parseFloat(document.getElementById('fenceHeight').value);
var baseGradePrice = parseFloat(document.getElementById('fenceGrade').value);
var terrainFactor = parseFloat(document.getElementById('terrainType').value);
var walkGates = parseFloat(document.getElementById('walkGates').value) || 0;
var driveGates = parseFloat(document.getElementById('driveGates').value) || 0;
var includeInstall = document.getElementById('includeInstallation').checked;
if (isNaN(linearFeet) || linearFeet <= 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid number for linear feet.");
return;
}
// Calculation Logic
// Price per foot adjusted by height and terrain
var pricePerFoot = baseGradePrice * heightFactor * terrainFactor;
var materialFenceTotal = linearFeet * pricePerFoot;
// Gate pricing logic
var walkGateCost = walkGates * 380; // Average price per walk gate
var driveGateCost = driveGates * 950; // Average price per drive gate
var totalMaterials = materialFenceTotal + walkGateCost + driveGateCost;
var laborCost = 0;
if (includeInstall) {
// Installation typically ranges from 35% to 50% of project cost depending on terrain
laborCost = totalMaterials * 0.45;
}
var grandTotal = totalMaterials + laborCost;
// Displaying Results
document.getElementById('resultDisplay').style.display = 'block';
document.getElementById('materialCost').innerText = '$' + totalMaterials.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
if (includeInstall) {
document.getElementById('installRow').style.display = 'block';
document.getElementById('installCost').innerText = '$' + laborCost.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
} else {
document.getElementById('installRow').style.display = 'none';
}
document.getElementById('totalCost').innerText = '$' + grandTotal.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
}