How to Estimate a Fence Job (Step-by-Step)

Accurate estimating is the difference between profitable fence jobs and ones that cost you money. Here's the complete process.

Step 1: Measure the Property

Walk the property line with a wheel measurer or use satellite imagery to calculate total linear feet. Note:

• Number of corners (each corner requires an extra post)
• Grade changes and slopes
• Obstacles (trees, rocks, existing structures)
• Gate locations and sizes

Pro tip: FenceCalc lets you trace fence lines on a satellite map for instant measurements without a site visit.

Step 2: Select Materials

Based on the customer's preferences and budget, determine:

• Fence type: Privacy (board-on-board, stockade), semi-privacy, picket, chain link, ornamental
• Material: Wood (cedar, pine, treated), vinyl, chain link, aluminum
• Height: Standard is 6ft for privacy, 4ft for decorative
• Post type: Wood 4x4, metal, or concrete-filled

Step 3: Calculate Material Quantities

For a standard 6ft wood privacy fence:

• Posts: 1 every 8 feet + 1 extra per corner + 1 extra per gate
• Rails: 2-3 per section (top, bottom, optional middle)
• Pickets: ~16 per 8ft section for board-on-board
• Concrete: 1-2 bags per post (depending on soil)
• Hardware: Screws, brackets, hinges for gates
• Gates: Materials + hardware + hinges + latch

Step 4: Price Materials

Contact your supplier for current pricing or use your price book. Material costs fluctuate — update prices monthly.

Average material costs (2026):

Material	Cost per Linear Foot
Cedar privacy	$15-25
Treated pine	$10-18
Vinyl	$20-35
Chain link	$8-15
Aluminum	$25-40

Step 5: Calculate Labor

Most fence contractors charge $20-40 per linear foot for labor, depending on:

• Terrain difficulty
• Height of fence
• Post hole conditions (rocky soil costs more)
• Removal of existing fence

Step 6: Add Overhead and Profit

• Overhead: Truck, insurance, tools, office costs — typically 15-25% of job cost
• Profit margin: 20-40% on top of costs
• Formula: (Materials + Labor) × 1.15 (overhead) × 1.30 (margin) = Price

Step 7: Generate and Send the Proposal

The faster you get a professional-looking proposal in front of the customer, the more likely you are to win the job. Contractors who quote same-day close at significantly higher rates.

Your proposal should include:

• Company branding
• Scope of work
• Material specifications
• Price breakdown
• Timeline
• Terms and conditions
• Signature line

Generate professional fence proposals in seconds with FenceCalc →