Cost To Install A Vinyl Fence

Last Updated on December 27, 2023
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

We are going through a period in which the practical sense manifests itself more strongly than ever. We are looking for solutions that meet our needs immediately, at low costs, and without compromising on aesthetics, when it comes to decorations and other elements that define our homes. Having said that, today we have chosen to discuss vinyl fences, one of these modern and efficient solutions that can add personality to a property.

How Much Does It Cost To Install A Vinyl Fence?

The cost of installing a vinyl fence will greatly depend on where it will be installed and how much fencing you need. Also, there are some other accessories you need to consider when budgeting for a vinyl fence installation. These would include any gates you may need, hanging boxes, and solar lights.

In the table below you will find the average costs of installing different types of vinyl fences.

You should expect to pay anywhere between $13 and $20 per linear foot for the fencing material, while the labor costs would be anywhere between $4 and $8 per linear foot, resulting in a total cost of anywhere between $17 and $28 per linear foot. In the table below you will find the average costs of installing 200 linear feet of vinyl fence.

Which are the additional expenses?

If during the installation redundant grading or digging will be required then the costs will increase. Make sure you check what are the site preparation costs.

There are different colors for vinyl fences. You can choose between black, wood grain, or white, but each of these will have its own price. In the tables above you could see the average costs for standard white vinyl fences.

You might also like our articles on the cost of having an aluminum fence, a corrugated metal fence, or a wooden stockade privacy fence installed.

You need to consider the additional expenses with the accessories and gates. These would add thousands of dollars to your project cost, depending on the style you wish and the number of components you need.

Pre-built panels are also available on the market, but these come at a premium cost. As opposed to building a vinyl fence from scratch, pre-built panels can be installed by a professional. If you are going on this route, you will save significantly on labor costs. However, the costs of materials may be a little higher.

Building a vinyl fence step by step

To build a PVC fence, regardless of the model, you must follow some essential steps:

Step 1 – Creation of the project: A successful project is the guarantee of quality work. Furthermore, the local authorities request a building plan for issuing the building permit.

Step 2 – Purchase of materials: An estimate made based on the project will help you buy the right quantities of parts and materials. We need, at least, the following: vinyl profiles, support pillars, fastening elements, and the necessary materials for the foundation: gravel, and cement.

Step 3 – Measurements and marking: According to the construction plan, the on-spot measurements and the marking of the fence route with the rope will be carried out. The places where the support poles will be mounted are also marked. We take into account to leave equal space between the supporting posts of the fence (maximum 8.2 feet) and the space provided in the plan for the posts of the access gate.

Step 4 – Execution of the foundation: The digging for the foundations of the pillars in the ground is done first. The depth will be established according to the frost level of the soil in the respective area. The gravel is poured into the foundations, then the pillars are inserted and aligned and, finally, concreted. The poles must not be sunk more than a quarter of their size into the ground. For foundations above the ground, above zero level, formwork is applied;

Step 5 – Mounting the vinyl profiles: First, mark the profile attachment points on the poles. Then, panel after panel is attached until you reach the next post.

Step 6 – Decoration and finishing: The vinyl fence is not ready without technical quality control. Each built area is checked and imperfections are adjusted. If the fence model is decorated, the vinyl decorations are applied. The last operation is the dust washing of the vinyl fence with water under pressure.

Important things to consider

The maintenance of vinyl fences is as simple as possible. It only needs periodic cleaning with pressurized water, possibly a usual liquid detergent, previously applied to the fence. If the fence suffers some damage, it is simply rehabilitated by replacing the affected profile with a new one.

The tensile strength of the vinyl fence is up to five times better than that of wood, it is protected against the power of the sun’s ultraviolet rays, and the freeze-thaw phenomenon does not affect it.

How can I save money?

Before hiring a fence installer, you should hire someone to prepare the difficult site. This will help you to save a lot of time and money.

Also, you can save on labor costs if you choose to install the vinyl fence by yourself. But you need to have some experience with fence installation or other similar outdoor projects. You can purchase individual panels and vinyl fencing kits from stores such as Home Depot and build your own fence.

Why choose a vinyl fence?

It is not easy to choose between so many options available on the market for fencing the property. You might be tempted by heavy, traditional materials, but also by the benefits of new, innovative solutions.

You can choose the vinyl fence if you appreciate, first of all:

• Comfort: Once built, you will not have to intervene with anything on the PVC fence. From time to time, a wash with water, perhaps together with watering the garden, can even be a pleasurable activity;
• The practical side: It is a fence that is easy to assemble and repair. Everything is practical and functional;
• Acceptable cost: If you choose the vinyl fence, you will not have to push the budget beyond its limits. Both the purchase price and the operating price are very favorable.