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Costs & PricingFence Installation Cost in Chicagoland
Fence pricing is quoted per linear foot, but the number that actually determines whether your fence is standing straight in ten years is invisible: post depth and set. In Cook County frost country, that's everything.
Typical 2026 installed ranges below; gates, slopes, and tear-out priced separately.
Installed cost per linear foot
| Fence type | Typical range/linear ft | 150 ft yard, typical |
|---|---|---|
| Chain link (4 ft) | $15–$30 | $2,300–$4,500 |
| Wood privacy (6 ft, treated) | $30–$55 | $4,500–$8,300 |
| Wood privacy (cedar) | $40–$65 | $6,000–$9,800 |
| Vinyl privacy | $45–$75 | $6,800–$11,300 |
Gates add $250–$800+ each; removal and haul-away of an old fence adds $3–$6 per foot.
Built for freeze-thaw
- Posts set below frost depth (42" around here) in properly sized concrete — the difference between straight and drunken fencing by year three
- Post caps and grade clearance keep wood pickets out of standing snow and soil contact
- Screws over nails on gates and rails; ring-shank where nails are used
- Call JULIE (811) before any digging — it's free and it's the law in Illinois
Lifespan & maintenance math
- Treated wood: 15–20 years with staining every 2–3 years
- Cedar: similar life, better looks, resists rot naturally
- Vinyl: 20–30 years, soap-and-water maintenance, brittle in extreme cold impacts
- Chain link: 20+ years of zero-drama utility
These are market ranges — your exact number is one free estimate away. Free quote · (224) 551-3643
Frequently asked questions
Do I need my neighbor's permission?
Not on your own property inside setbacks — but confirming the line with your plat of survey (often required for the permit anyway) prevents the single most common fence dispute.
When's the best time to build a fence?
Fall through early spring often books faster and prices better; frozen-ground months can still work with the right equipment.
How long does installation take?
Typical yard: 2–4 days including post-set cure time before panels hang.
Repair or replace my leaning fence?
Isolated leaning posts can be re-set. Widespread lean means shallow posts — re-setting the whole line usually approaches replacement cost.
Cost figures are typical Chicagoland market ranges for planning purposes, current as of 2026, and are not a quote. Every project is priced individually after an on-site estimate — condition, selections, and scope change the numbers.