Aluminum Fence Cost – The #1 Best Guide

The most popular question from customers when deciding to get quotes on aluminum fence is……How much does aluminum fence cost? Aluminum fence is classy, requires no maintenance and has a lifetime warranty. It’s no wonder why it is such a popular choice of homeowners across the world.

There are many factors that will effect the cost. To give an accurate estimate of aluminum fence cost is impossible without knowing some of these factors. The height of the fence, the total linear footage, the grade of the fence and how many gates there are all come into play when estimating aluminum fence cost.

However, after reviewing other costs guides found on the internet, I’ve determined them very vague at best. With pricing estimates varying by thousands of dollars for the same job. And no explanation as to why or what effects a change in pricing. So, in order to get you started down the right path, we’ve created this guide to aluminum fence cost.

After reading this aluminum fence cost guide, you will have a better understanding of how much your aluminum fence will cost and how choosing certain options will effect the cost of your fence.

Standard Aluminum Fence Cost

The truth is, there is no standard aluminum fence. However, we have to start somewhere. After 27 years of fence service and both sales and installation, we know what the most popular configuration of height, grade and styles are for aluminum fence. The following configuration will be our standard or base starting point.

The Standard Configuration for Aluminum Fence

black aluminum fence cost
Standard Residential Grade Aluminum Fence

The standard we have come up with takes into account that most aluminum fences are for residential properties. It takes into account that they are residential grade and are 48″ tall. We use the the manufactures recommendations of setting the posts in concrete footers, set 24″ deep in dirt. This will be our starting point to base our per foot aluminum fence cost.

Standard Configuration

  • Residential grade panels
  • 48″ tall in height
  • 3 horizontal rails per panel
  • standard picket spacing
  • 2″ square, residential grade fence posts
  • concrete footers set 24″ deep in dirt

Aluminum Fence Cost Per Foot Installed

Based on our standard configuration, we’ve determined the average cost to fall between $27.00 – $32.00 per linear foot for a professionally installed aluminum fence. Therefore, for every 100′ linear feet, your aluminum fence will cost between $2,700 to $3,200 without including any gates.

So, what variables will effect the per foot price? There are many. Below we’ll take a look at the available options and we’ll learn how they effect aluminum fence cost.

Aluminum Fence Height

Of course the height go the fence is going to effect the cost. A shorter fence uses less materials. A taller fence requires more material. However, it may not effect the aluminum fence cost per foot as much as you may think. Using our 4′ tall standard configuration, adjusting the height of the fence, either 12″ shorter or 12″ taller changes the per foot price of the fence by approximately $3.00 – $5.00 per foot.

Fence Height to Cost Savings and Increases

  • Standard 48″ tall configuration – $27.00 to $32.00 per foot
  • Dropping height 12″ to 36″ tall saves – $3.00 to $5.00 per foot
  • Raising height 12″ to 60″ tall adds – $3.00 to $5.00 per foot

2 Rail and 3 Rail Aluminum Fence Cost

pointed top black aluminum fence
Standard Black Pointed Top Aluminum Fencing

The number of horizontal rails per section will effect the per foot cost of the fence. However, it also effects the strength and integrity go the fence as well. Aluminum is not as strong as steel. As a result, we recommend always choosing the 3 rail fence panel. When trying to stretch a budget, a 2 rail fence panel will save some costs. Where the fence is installed and what its intended use is will help determine if the strength of the third rail should be considered.

2 Rail Panels vs. 3 Rail Panels Cost Comparison

  • Standard 48″ tall configuration using 3 rails – $27.00 to $32.00 per foot
  • Choosing a 2 rail panel configurations saves – $2.00 – $3.00 per foot

Post Length Effect on Aluminum Fence Cost

Most aluminum fence manufacturers specify that the posts are set to a depth of 24″ deep inside of concrete footers. However, were in the midwest, where ground freeze is a factor, we recommend setting posts at a depth of 36″ deep.

The cost of the longer post does not add much to the cost of the fence. Usually less than a dollar per foot. However, digging the footer hole deeper requires more labor. Not to mention 12″ more of concrete for each hole. As result, the extra labor and concrete combined with the longer posts increases the aluminum fence cost. Although in my opinion, the extra cost is well worth the investment.

Setting Posts 24″ Deep vs. Setting Posts 36″ Deep

  • Standard 48″ tall configuration with 24″ deep posts – $27.00 to $32.00 per foot
  • Setting a longer post, 36″ deep in concrete adds – $2.00 – $4.00 per foot

Other Aluminum Fence Cost Factors

We’ve already discussed how the height of the fence, the number of rails per section and how deep the posts are set effects aluminum fence cost. However, those are only a few options that effect cost. The grade of the fence, the style of the fence and any accessories added to the fence will also effect the price.

The Grade of the Fence

Most aluminum fence manufacturers offer multiple grades. Residential, commercial and industrial grades are the most common. However, some offer grades that fall between the standard three. Residential grade was chosen for our standard configuration because it is the most popular.

To list the cost differences between residential, commercial and industrial grade aluminum fence, combined with the height, number of rails and length of posts options would be nearly impossible. As a result, we’ll use our standard configuration and show you the per foot price increase when using a heavier grade.

Residential Grade vs. Commercial Grade vs. Industrial Grade

  • Standard 48″ tall configuration – $27.00 to $32.00 per foot
  • To upgrade to commercial grade adds – $5.00 to $7.00 per foot
  • To upgrade to industrial grade adds – $10.00 to $12.00 per foot

Aluminum Fence Styles

Aluminum fence manufactures have 4 – 6 standard fence styles that all fall under the same price point. However, there are two styles, double picket spacing and puppy picket spacing, will add to the per foot aluminum fence cost. Double spacing panels have twice as many pickets as the standard spacing. As a result, the space between pickets is less than half that of the standard panel. Puppy picket spacing has twice as many pickets too, but only 18″ – 24″ tall. Therefore, requiring the addition of an extra rail.

Standard Aluminum Fence Styles vs. Puppy Picket Spacing vs. Double Picket Spacing

  • Standard 48″ tall configuration – $27.00 to $32.00 per foot
  • To change to the puppy picket option adds – $8.00 to $12.00 per foot
  • To change to double picket spacing adds – $12.00 to $14.00 per foot

Aluminum Fence Accessories

Finials, rings and scrolls are accessories for aluminum fences. Also called adornments. Adornments effect aluminum fence cost. Adornment combinations are endless. As a result, we will not even try to give a per foot cost on how they effect aluminum fence cost. Just know that adding adornments substantially adds to the cost of the fence.

Aluminum Gate Prices

aluminum fence line with gate
4′ Aluminum Fence with Gate

Per foot pricing does not include the aluminum gates. Therefore, adding to the overall cost of the fence after the per foot cost is calculated. The amount of gates, the width of each gate and the hardware chosen for the hinges and latches all effect the cost.

Gate posts also effect the price. Gate posts always have a heavier wall thickness than the rest of the posts. Many times they will have a larger dimension too. Together, the gate and the gate posts can be estimated as follows using our standard configuration specifications.

Adding Gates to The Standard Configuration Fence

  • To add a single walk gate, add – $400 to $600 per gate
  • To add a double gate, add – $800 to $1,200 per gate

Aluminum Fence Cost for Labor

Labor rates range in cost depending on region. For our standard configuration example, we figured $8.00 to $12.00 per foot for labor. Subtracting those estimated figures will give the cost of the materials only. However, other than the depth of the posts, which we’ve already discussed, there are other things to consider that will effect the per foot labor cost. Fence layout and the type of ground are two of them.

Fence Layout

Most residential aluminum fence panels are manufactured in length 6′ long. However, no fence layout ever works into even multiples of 6 feet. Just when you think you’ve reconfigured your layout to work, you add a gate and it throws it all off again. As a result, there are going to be cut sections.

Don’t loose sleep over trying to adjust the layout to eliminate cut sections. However, know that cut sections do require extra labor. Furthermore, they don’t allow for the most efficient use of the panel or section. When possible, adjust the layout to limit cut sections.

When estimating the budget of you fence, round each line of fence upwards to the next multiple of 6. Doing so will cover the cost of the extra labor charged for cuts.

Where the Fence is Installed

It’s not the location where the fence is installed that effects aluminum fence cost. It’s what it will be installed in that matters. Hard or rocky ground adds to labor costs. Fence installed through the woods or around mature trees will most certainly run into roots. As result, making for harder digging.

Asphalt and concrete cuts require special equipment in order to set the posts through. Therefore, also adding to aluminum fence cost. Sometimes the fence has to go where it has to go. However, choosing a layout that avoids large trees, asphalt and concrete will help keep labor cost down when possible.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many factors that influence aluminum fence cost. For most residential applications $27.00 – $32.00 per foot and $500.00 per gate will give you a close estimate of cost when aluminum fence is professionally installed.

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