How much does a fence cost in Metro East IL?
Fence pricing depends on measured footage, material, height, gates, grade, access, demolition and local requirements. The figures below are illustrative planning ranges, not verified All-Pro job prices. Confirm boundaries and compare written estimates that specify installation, removal, gates and exclusions before deciding which fence fits the property and budget.
Illustrative planning ranges per linear foot by material — wood, vinyl, chain-link, aluminum — for comparing fence options across Metro East.
Fence Cost Per Linear Foot in Metro East Illinois
These figures are illustrative planning ranges, not a quote, guarantee, or record of verified All-Pro job prices. Materials, footage, access, grade, gates, permits, and current supplier pricing must be reviewed for the actual property.
| Fence Type | Cost Per Linear Foot | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wood Privacy (6 ft) | $22–$35/ft | Most popular in Metro East |
| Wood Privacy (8 ft) | $30–$45/ft | Requires deeper footings |
| Vinyl Privacy (6 ft) | $28–$45/ft | Low maintenance, holds up well |
| Chain-Link (4–6 ft) | $12–$22/ft | Cheapest option, no privacy |
| Aluminum Ornamental | $25–$40/ft | Decorative, no privacy |
| Split Rail (2–3 rail) | $14–$22/ft | Rural/decorative, no privacy |
| Gate (single walk) | $400–$900 each | Add-on to any fence type |
| Gate (double drive) | $800–$1,800 each | Vehicle access |
Illustrative arithmetic only: 200 linear feet at $22-$35 per foot is $4,400-$7,000 before checking gates, removal, site conditions, permit costs and exclusions. This is not a local average or an all-inclusive quote.
Total Cost by Yard Size
Most Metro East backyards need 150–300 linear feet of fencing. Here's what that looks like in real dollars:
| Linear Footage | Typical Yard | Wood Privacy | Vinyl Privacy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 ft | Small / partial | $2,200–$3,500 | $2,800–$4,500 |
| 150 ft | Standard backyard | $3,300–$5,250 | $4,200–$6,750 |
| 200 ft | Average backyard | $4,400–$7,000 | $5,600–$9,000 |
| 300 ft | Large lot / full yard | $6,600–$10,500 | $8,400–$13,500 |
| 400+ ft | Acreage / rural | $8,800–$14,000+ | Quote required |
Wood vs Vinyl vs Chain-Link: Which Is Right for You?
Wood Privacy Fence
- Lower upfront cost — $22–$35/ft installed
- Needs staining or sealing every 2–3 years to prevent rot and graying
- Can warp or lean over time with Metro East's freeze/thaw cycles
- Lifespan: 15–20 years with maintenance
- Best for: budget-conscious homeowners, shorter-term ownership, rustic look
Vinyl Privacy Fence
- Higher upfront cost — $28–$45/ft installed
- Zero maintenance — wash with a hose once a year
- Won't rot, warp, or need painting — holds up well in Illinois winters
- Lifespan: 25–30+ years
- Best for: forever homes, busy families, anyone tired of painting fences
Chain-Link Fence
- Cheapest option — $12–$22/ft installed
- No privacy — but great for containing pets and kids
- Almost zero maintenance
- Lifespan: 20+ years
- Best for: pet containment, utility areas, rental properties
Our honest take: Compare the selected products’ purchase, installation and maintenance costs for your planned use. Vinyl, wood and chain-link have different tradeoffs; no savings or payback period is guaranteed.
What Changes the Price
Linear footage
The single biggest factor. Measure your yard before calling — more accurate numbers mean more accurate quotes. The number of corners and post count also affects cost.
Terrain and obstacles
Sloped yards require stepped or racked fencing — more labor. Tree roots, buried utilities, and rocky soil all add time and cost. Metro East yards vary significantly from neighborhood to neighborhood.
Gates
Each gate adds $400–$1,800 depending on type. A walk gate for a pool area costs less than a double drive gate for vehicle access. Don't forget to budget for gates when pricing your project.
Old fence removal
Removing an existing fence adds $3–$8 per linear foot for tear-down and haul-away. A 200 ft fence removal adds roughly $600–$1,600 to the project.
Post depth and concrete
Post depth, footing dimensions and concrete requirements depend on the selected fence system, soil, site conditions and applicable local requirements. Confirm them for the specific project rather than applying a universal depth rule. Digging conditions and the approved footing design can affect labor and material costs.
Get a Free Fence Estimate
We'll measure your yard, talk through materials, and give you a written quote — no pressure, no obligation.
Fence Permits in Metro East Illinois
Permit rules vary by municipality. Here's the general picture for Metro East:
- Ask the permitting authority to review the proposed fence height, material and location.
- Confirm street-facing setbacks, visibility and any height restrictions for the actual address.
- Corner lots → sight-line restrictions apply — check setback rules before building
- Do not infer a permit exemption from a fence being under six feet; confirm the local rules.
- HOA neighborhoods → HOA approval often required before permit — check your covenants
Confirm permit, inspection and any association-approval responsibilities in the written scope before scheduling work.
How Long Does Fence Installation Take?
| Phase | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Free estimate + written quote | 1–3 days after site visit |
| Permit approval (when required) | 1–2 weeks depending on municipality |
| 811 utility locate (required) | 2–3 business days |
| Post setting + concrete cure | 1 day + 24–48 hr cure time |
| Fence installation | 1–3 days for most projects |
Most Metro East fence projects complete in 2–4 weeks from first call to finished fence. We call 811 for utility locates on every job — it's required by law and protects you from hitting buried lines.
How to Avoid Overpaying for a Fence
Know your linear footage before calling
Walk your property line and measure or use Google Maps to estimate. Contractors who quote without measuring are guessing. You want a firm per-foot price on a verified measurement.
Get written quotes — not ballpark numbers
A written quote should specify: linear footage, material brand/grade, post size, gate count, and whether old fence removal is included. Compare scope, not just total price.
Ask about post quality
Some contractors cut costs by using undersized posts or skimping on concrete. 4×4 posts are minimum for 6 ft privacy fence; 4×6 is better. Ask what post size is included in your quote.
Watch for these red flags
- No site visit before quoting — just a "ballpark over the phone"
- Can't provide proof of liability insurance
- Large cash deposit required (50%+) before work starts
- No written contract or detailed scope
- Pressure to sign same day
Ready to Get Fenced? We'll Give You a Straight Quote.
Written estimate and direct local contact. Permit responsibility, address, and scope require human confirmation.
More Fencing Resources
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Website and inquiry-system support: Tony Beal. Project scope and pricing are confirmed by All-Pro.