Delaware fence prices by material
The numbers below are rough installed ranges per linear foot for a typical home project, covering posts, panels or boards, concrete and labor. They leave out gates, removing an old fence, permits and unusual site work. Prices tend to run a bit higher in busy northern New Castle County and at the beach in peak season.
These are rough planning numbers, not quotes. Length, height, style and site conditions all move the price, and the final number comes from the contractor's on-site quote.
| Fence type | Common height | Per linear foot |
|---|---|---|
| Chain link (galvanized) | 4 ft | $14–$28 |
| Chain link (black vinyl-coated) | 4–5 ft | $18–$36 |
| Pressure-treated wood privacy | 6 ft | $22–$42 |
| Cedar privacy | 6 ft | $32–$55 |
| Vinyl privacy | 6 ft | $30–$58 |
| Aluminum ornamental | 4–5 ft | $32–$65 |
| Split rail (wood) | 3–4 ft | $12–$26 |
Sample budgets by yard size
To turn per-foot pricing into a budget, measure the line you want to fence and subtract any stretch along the house. A townhouse or small in-town yard might need 80 to 140 feet. A typical subdivision lot often needs 150 to 250 feet, and rural Kent and western Sussex properties can run well past 400 feet.
As a sanity check, 150 feet of six-foot vinyl privacy with one walk gate might come to roughly $5,000 to $9,500. The same run in pressure-treated wood could be about $3,800 to $7,000, and four-foot galvanized chain link around $2,300 to $4,600. A 400-foot split-rail run on a larger lot might land near $5,000 to $11,000. None of these replaces a real quote.
| Project | Approx. footage | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|
| Chain link, 4 ft, 1 gate | 150 ft | $2,300–$4,600 |
| Wood privacy, 6 ft, 1 gate | 150 ft | $3,800–$7,000 |
| Vinyl privacy, 6 ft, 1 gate | 150 ft | $5,000–$9,500 |
| Split rail, 3 ft, 1 farm gate | 400 ft | $5,000–$11,000 |
What moves the price
Length matters most, though the price per foot often drops a little on long runs because setup time is spread out. Height comes next: a six-foot privacy fence uses more material and deeper posts than a four-foot one. Style adds up too, so board-on-board wood or decorative vinyl tops cost more than plain panels.
Every gate adds a set cost, and wide driveway or farm gates, openers and pool hardware cost much more than a walk gate. Tearing out an old fence usually adds a few dollars a foot. Tree roots, wet ground, sandy soil that needs deeper posts, steep slopes and yards where materials have to be carried in by hand all add labor.
Timing plays a part as well. Spring and early summer are the busiest months, and at the beach many owners want work done before rental season, so booking early helps.
Costs that are easy to forget
Depending on your county or town, you may need a permit, and some offices ask for a survey or site plan showing the fence. If you don't have a recent survey, ordering one adds time and cost. HOA review in many New Castle County subdivisions can add a few weeks, and some associations require specific styles or colors.
Also budget for patching lawn or landscaping where crews dig, trimming along the fence line and long-term upkeep. Wood needs stain or sealer every few years; vinyl and aluminum mostly avoid that. Call 811 before digging: Miss Utility marking is free, and hitting a line is not.
How to compare quotes
Ask every installer to price the same footage, height, style and number of gates. Check that each estimate names the material grade, post size and spacing, post depth, concrete, gate hardware, removal and haul-away, permit handling, cleanup and warranty. A low total that leaves out removal or permits may not end up cheapest.
Confirm insurance and a current Delaware business license, look over the payment schedule, and get any changes in writing before work starts.
Ways to spend less
Fence only what you need, use a cheaper material on sides nobody sees, or pair privacy panels by the patio with open styles elsewhere. Splitting a shared fence with a neighbor can halve the cost if you agree in writing on the line, style and upkeep. Collecting a few quotes is one of the easiest ways to find a fair price.
Common questions
How much does a fence cost in Delaware?
Many home fences run roughly $12 to $65 per linear foot installed, depending on material and height. A typical backyard project often lands somewhere around $2,500 to $11,000, with the final price set by the contractor's on-site quote.
What's the cheapest fence to put in?
Split rail and galvanized chain link are usually the least expensive per foot. Pressure-treated wood is typically the most affordable privacy option.
Is vinyl or wood cheaper?
Wood usually costs less up front. Vinyl costs more to install but needs little upkeep, and near the coast it avoids the extra weathering wood faces, so the gap narrows over time.
Does tearing out my old fence cost extra?
Usually. Removal and disposal are often priced per foot or as a flat fee. Ask each installer to list it separately.
When is the best time to get fence quotes?
Late winter is a good time to collect quotes before the spring rush. Beach-house owners often book in the off-season to finish before summer.
Do fence quotes include gates and permits?
Not always. Some installers price gates, permit fees and old-fence removal separately. Ask each company to list every line item so you can compare totals on the same basis.