Fence Removal Cost in 2026
Fence removal is a money-maker that most contractors undercharge for. It's also the most common add-on to any fence installation job. Here's what removal actually costs and how to price it.
Fence Removal Cost by Type
| Fence Type | Cost per Linear Foot | 100ft Job | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood privacy (6ft) | $3-6 | $300-600 | Posts with concrete = higher end |
| Chain link (4ft) | $2-4 | $200-400 | Fastest to remove |
| Chain link (6ft) | $3-5 | $300-500 | Heavier framework |
| Vinyl/PVC | $3-6 | $300-600 | Panels pop out, posts need digging |
| Split rail | $2-4 | $200-400 | Usually just pull and stack |
| Wrought iron | $5-10 | $500-1,000 | Heavy, may need cutting torch |
| Aluminum ornamental | $4-7 | $400-700 | Panels are light, posts are deep |
| Concrete/masonry | $10-25 | $1,000-2,500 | Jackhammer territory |
Add for disposal: $150-400 per truckload to the dump (varies by location and material).
What Affects Removal Cost
Post Depth and Concrete
This is the #1 variable. A post set in 2 feet of concrete takes 3-4x longer to remove than a post that was just packed with dirt.
Options for concrete-set posts:
- Dig them out — slow but thorough ($15-25 per post)
- Break at grade — cut the post at ground level, leave the concrete below ($5-10 per post)
- Pull with equipment — skid steer or tractor ($10-15 per post, but you need the machine)
Terrain and Access
- Flat, open yard: standard pricing
- Hillside: +20-30%
- No truck access: +25-40% (carrying materials out by hand)
- Overgrown with vines/brush: add time for clearing first
Disposal
- Wood: most dumps take it. Some charge by weight ($40-80/ton).
- Metal (chain link, aluminum): scrap yards will PAY you for it. Chain link fabric = $0.05-0.15/lb, aluminum = $0.30-0.60/lb.
- Vinyl: landfill only. No recycling.
- Concrete: clean fill sites, $20-50/ton.
Pro tip: On chain link removal jobs, the scrap value can offset 20-40% of your disposal costs.
How to Price Fence Removal (For Contractors)
Simple Method
Walk the fence. Count the posts. Estimate time.
(Linear feet × per-foot rate) + (# posts with concrete × post pull rate) + disposal = quote
Example: 150ft wood fence, 20 posts in concrete
- 150 LF × $4/ft = $600
- 20 posts × $18 = $360
- Disposal (1 truck) = $250
- Total: $1,210
Bundle with Installation
Most customers want the old fence removed AND new fence installed. Bundle them:
- Quote removal as a separate line item (transparency builds trust)
- Offer 10-15% discount on removal when bundled with install
- This prevents them from trying DIY removal and messing up the layout
Should You Offer Removal as a Standalone Service?
Yes. Here's why:
- Low barrier to entry — you already have the tools and truck
- Fast money — most removal jobs take half a day or less
- Lead generator — "while we're here, want a quote for the new fence?"
- Off-season work — removal can be done year-round, even in winter
Quote Removal Jobs in Minutes
FenceCalc lets you add removal as a line item on any estimate — set your per-foot removal rate and it calculates automatically alongside the installation quote.
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