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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
What else do homeowners ask?
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, and 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.