Free Fence Estimate Template
A fence estimate template is a pre-formatted document that itemizes posts, panels, concrete, labor, and hardware costs for residential and commercial fencing installations.
Create accurate fence estimates for any residential or commercial project. Track linear footage, post quantities, material costs, concrete requirements, labor hours, gate installations, and removal fees. This professional template helps you price wood, vinyl, chain link, and metal fence jobs competitively while maintaining healthy profit margins.
Free Fence Estimate Template Download
Professional fence estimate template designed for residential and commercial fencing projects. Calculate linear footage, post quantities, material costs, concrete requirements, and labor hours with built-in formulas. Create detailed, client-ready estimates for wood, vinyl, chain link, and metal fence installations that win more jobs and protect your profit margins.
Excel Template
Auto-calculate costs instantly
- Linear foot calculator
- Post quantity formulas
- Material cost tracking
PDF Template
Send professional estimates
- Client-ready format
- Print or email
- Clean layout
Word Template
Fully customizable template
- Easy editing
- Add your branding
- Custom line items
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Fencing Industry Insights
Key statistics and trends that help fence contractors price their services competitively and run profitable businesses.
Global Fencing Market Report
Market data and professional benchmarks
Average Installation Costs by Material
Chain link fencing costs $8-18 per linear foot installed. Wood privacy fences run $15-34 per foot. Vinyl fencing ranges $15-40 per foot. Metal and wrought iron fences cost $25-55 per linear foot installed.
Labor Cost Structure
Labor accounts for approximately 50% of total project cost. Professional fence installers charge $40-90 per hour, with most averaging $55 per hour. Per-linear-foot labor rates range from $10-20 for residential installations.
Production Rates and Timelines
Professional two-person crews install 50-80 linear feet per day for wood privacy fencing on flat terrain. Chain link installation is faster at 80-120 feet per day. Small yards under 150 feet take 1-2 days, while large projects over 300 feet require 3-5 days.
Material Durability and Maintenance
Chain link and vinyl fences last 20-30+ years with minimal maintenance. Wood fences last 10-15 years with routine maintenance or 25-30 years when well-maintained. Aluminum lasts 20-25 years, while composite materials last 20-25+ years.
Data current as of: February 2026
Sources: Globe Newswire Market Research, IBISWorld, Angi Cost Data
Everything You Need in a Estimate Template
Our templates include all the essential elements for professional estimates
Linear Foot Calculator
Calculate total fencing needed based on property perimeter measurements. Automatically compute post quantities based on spacing intervals. Works for any fence type and height.
Material Cost Tracking
Itemize posts, panels, rails, boards, concrete bags, and fasteners with quantities and unit costs. Track material markup and ensure every component is accounted for.
Labor Hour Estimator
Estimate installation hours based on fence type, terrain difficulty, and crew size. Calculate labor costs automatically using your hourly or per-foot rates.
Gate & Hardware Pricing
Price walk gates, vehicle gates, hinges, latches, and post caps separately. Gates require additional materials and labor that standard fencing calculations miss.
Removal & Disposal Costs
Include old fence removal, debris hauling, and disposal fees. Track removal labor separately from new installation to price accurately.
Professional Presentation
Client-ready estimates that look polished and professional. Add your logo, payment terms, project timeline, and warranty information.
7 Essential Elements Every Fence Estimate Must Include
Professional fence estimates must include client details, scope of work, itemized costs, payment terms, timeline, legal disclaimers, and company branding to ensure clarity and enforceability.
Client & Property Information
- Client name, address, phone, and email
- Property address if different from billing
- Property line verification notes
- HOA or local code requirements
Detailed Scope of Work
- Total linear footage and fence height
- Fence material type and style
- Post spacing and installation method
- What is NOT included in the estimate
Itemized Cost Breakdown
- Posts with quantities and spacing
- Panels, boards, or chain link sections
- Concrete bags and setting materials
- Gates, hardware, hinges, and latches
Labor & Installation Costs
- Post hole digging and setting
- Fence panel or board installation
- Gate installation and hardware
- Old fence removal if applicable
Payment Terms & Schedule
- Deposit amount required (typically 30-50%)
- Progress payment milestones
- Final payment due upon completion
- Accepted payment methods
Project Timeline
- Estimated start date
- Project duration in days
- Weather contingency language
- Completion date expectations
Legal Protections
- Estimate validity period (30-60 days)
- Change order procedures
- Warranty terms on materials and workmanship
- Liability and insurance information
Pro Tip: Call Before You Dig
Always call 811 to locate underground utilities before digging post holes. Hitting gas, electric, or water lines can cause injuries, service disruptions, and expensive repairs. Include utility location costs in your estimate if required.
How to Create a Fence Estimate Step by Step
Creating a fence estimate involves property measurement, post quantity calculation, material takeoff, labor estimation, adding overhead costs, and presenting the quote professionally to the client.
Follow these simple steps to create your first estimate
Measure Property Perimeter
Walk the property and measure total linear feet needed for the fence. Note fence height requirements, gate locations, corners, and grade changes. Check for obstacles like trees, rocks, slopes, and utility lines that affect installation.
Calculate Post Quantities
Divide total linear feet by post spacing (typically 6-8 feet for wood and vinyl, 8-10 feet for chain link). Add extra posts for corners, gates, and grade changes. For 150 linear feet with 8-foot spacing: 150 ÷ 8 = 19 posts, plus corner and gate posts.
Material Takeoff & Pricing
List all materials: posts, panels or boards, rails, concrete bags (2 per post), fasteners, and hardware. Contact suppliers for current pricing. Add 5-10% waste factor for cuts, damaged pieces, and unforeseen needs.
Estimate Labor Hours
Calculate installation hours based on fence type and terrain. Flat terrain: 50-80 linear feet per day for wood, 80-120 feet per day for chain link. Rocky or sloped terrain can double installation time. Include old fence removal if applicable.
Add Gates, Permits & Overhead
Price gates separately ($150-600+ each depending on size and material). Include permit fees ($50-200), disposal costs for old fencing ($3-5 per foot), and equipment rental. Factor in overhead: insurance, vehicle, fuel, and administrative time.
Apply Markup & Present
Mark up materials appropriately: 20-30% for most fence materials, 30-50% for specialty items. Add your desired profit margin on labor. Review all calculations, add payment terms and timeline, and send the polished estimate to your client. Follow up within 48 hours.
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Try Invoice Mama FreeEstimate vs. Quote vs. Proposal: Which Do You Need?
Estimates provide approximate costs, quotes offer fixed pricing, and proposals present comprehensive project plans with design details and value propositions.
Understanding the difference helps you use the right document for each situation and set proper client expectations.
| Feature | 📝Estimate | 💵Quote | 📋Proposal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing Type | Approximate range | Fixed, binding price | Detailed breakdown |
| Legally Binding? | Yes, when accepted | Yes, with signature | |
| Level of Detail | General scope | Specific line items | Comprehensive plan |
| Best For | Initial conversations | Ready-to-book clients | Large commercial projects |
| Time to Create | 15-30 minutes | 30-60 minutes | 2-4 hours |
| Price Can Change? | Yes, expected | No, unless scope changes | No, locked in |
| Includes Design? | Rarely | Usually yes |
Pricing Type
Legally Binding?
Level of Detail
Best For
Time to Create
Price Can Change?
Includes Design?
For most residential fencing jobs, a detailed estimate that converts to a fixed quote upon client approval works well. Large commercial projects benefit from full proposals with design drawings.
Sample Fence Estimate: Residential Privacy Fence
A typical residential fence estimate includes post materials, panels or boards, concrete, hardware, gates, labor, and removal costs with all items itemized separately.
See how a professional fence estimate breaks down costs for a residential wood privacy fence installation project.
Wood Privacy Fence Installation
Residential Property - 180 linear feet, 6 ft height
| Item | Qty | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fence Posts 4x4 pressure-treated posts, 8 ft length, 8 ft spacing | 24 posts | $18/post | $432 |
| Fence Panels 6 ft privacy panels, pressure-treated pine | 23 panels | $45/panel | $1,035 |
| Concrete Mix 50 lb bags for post setting, 2 bags per post | 48 bags | $6/bag | $288 |
| Hardware & Fasteners Brackets, screws, nails, post caps | 1 lot | $180 | $180 |
| Walk Gate 4 ft wide privacy gate with hinges and latch | 1 gate | $275/gate | $275 |
| Post Hole Digging & Setting Dig holes, set posts in concrete, level and brace | 180 linear ft | $6/linear ft | $1,080 |
| Panel Installation Install panels, rails, and trim | 180 linear ft | $8/linear ft | $1,440 |
| Gate Installation Hang gate, install hardware, adjust | 1 gate | $150/gate | $150 |
| Old Fence Removal Remove existing chain link fence and dispose | 180 linear ft | $4/linear ft | $720 |
| Permit Fee City building permit for fence installation | 1 permit | $125 | $125 |
Payment Terms
50% deposit ($2,863) to schedule project. Remaining 50% due upon completion. Payment due within 7 days of invoice. We accept check, credit card, Zelle, and cash.
Key Takeaways from This Estimate
- 1Post quantities calculated with 8-foot spacing plus corners and gate posts
- 2Concrete calculated at 2 bags per post for proper setting
- 3Labor separated into post setting and panel installation for transparency
- 4Old fence removal priced separately at $4 per linear foot
- 5Gate materials and labor itemized separately from standard fencing
Common Fence Project Types
Common items and services you might bill for
Residential Privacy Fence
- Site measurement and layout
- Property line verification
- Pressure-treated wood posts (4x4 or 6x6)
- Privacy fence panels or boards
- Horizontal rails (top, middle, bottom)
- Concrete mix for post setting
- Post caps and trim boards
- Fasteners, brackets, and hardware
- Walk gate with hinges and latch
- Post hole digging and installation labor
- Panel or board installation labor
- Gate installation and adjustment
- Old fence removal and disposal
- Permit fees and inspections
Chain Link Fence Installation
- Terminal posts (corner and end posts)
- Line posts (every 8-10 feet)
- Top rail sections
- Chain link fabric rolls
- Tension wire and bands
- Post caps and fittings
- Concrete for post setting
- Chain link gate with frame
- Gate hardware and latches
- Post installation labor
- Fabric stretching and attachment
- Gate installation
- Privacy slats (optional)
- Barbed wire topping (optional)
Vinyl Fence Installation
- Vinyl fence posts with sleeves
- Vinyl fence panels or pickets
- Vinyl rails and brackets
- Post caps and finials
- Concrete for post anchoring
- Vinyl gate with hardware
- Hinges and latch sets
- Post hole digging
- Post installation and leveling
- Panel installation labor
- Gate hanging and adjustment
- Cleanup and debris removal
- Warranty documentation
Commercial/Agricultural Fence
- Heavy-duty steel posts
- High-tensile wire or panels
- Barbed wire or electric wire
- Corner bracing systems
- Concrete for terminal posts
- Vehicle gates (single or double)
- Gate operators or manual hardware
- Grounding rods for electric fence
- Fence charger/energizer
- Warning signs for electric fence
- Clearing and grading
- Large-scale installation labor
- Equipment rental (post driver, auger)
Fence Estimating Best Practices
Best practices for fence estimates include thorough site assessment, accurate post calculations, realistic labor hours, and transparent communication with clients about scope and limitations.
Always Walk the Property
Photos and measurements from the client are never enough. Walk the entire fence line to check for slopes, rocks, tree roots, utility lines, and access limitations. Terrain dramatically affects labor time and material needs.
Verify Property Lines
Confirm exact property boundaries with the homeowner and check for survey markers. Fences installed on the wrong property line are expensive to relocate. When in doubt, recommend a professional survey before starting work.
Call 811 Before Digging
Contact your local utility location service at least 2-3 business days before starting work. Hitting underground gas, electric, water, or fiber optic lines can cause injuries, service disruptions, fines, and expensive repairs.
Price Gates Separately
Gates cost significantly more per linear foot than standard fencing due to additional hardware, labor, and structural requirements. Itemize walk gates ($150-400) and vehicle gates ($400-800+) separately with hardware included.
Account for Terrain Difficulty
Flat, soft soil is fastest to work. Rocky terrain, slopes, tree roots, and hard clay can double or triple post hole digging time. Adjust labor hours accordingly or include equipment rental costs for augers or hydraulic post drivers.
Include Removal Costs
Don't forget to price old fence removal if applicable. Charge $3-5 per linear foot for removal and disposal. Include labor for pulling posts, cutting up sections, hauling debris, and disposal fees at the landfill or transfer station.
Fence Calculation Reference Guide
Essential formulas and conversion factors for accurate fence estimates.
Post & Material Calculations
Accurate post quantities and material takeoffs are the foundation of profitable fence estimates. Use these formulas for common calculations.
Post Quantity Calculation
Number of Posts = (Linear Feet ÷ Post Spacing) + Corner Posts + Gate Posts- 1Measure total fence perimeter in linear feet
- 2Determine post spacing: 6-8 feet for wood/vinyl, 8-10 feet for chain link
- 3Divide linear feet by spacing: 150 ft ÷ 8 ft = 18.75, round up to 19 posts
- 4Add 1 post for each corner (typically 4 corners = 4 posts)
- 5Add 2 posts for each gate location
- 6Example: 150 ft fence with 4 corners and 1 gate = 19 + 4 + 2 = 25 posts total
Concrete Requirements
Concrete Bags = Number of Posts × 2 bags per post- 1Standard practice uses 2 bags of 50 lb concrete mix per post
- 2For larger posts (6x6) or unstable soil, use 3 bags per post
- 3Calculate total bags: 25 posts × 2 bags = 50 bags needed
- 4Add 5-10% extra for waste and unforeseen needs
- 5One 50 lb bag of concrete mix costs $5-7
Panel or Board Quantity
Panels = Linear Feet ÷ Panel Width (minus gate openings)- 1For pre-made panels: Divide linear feet by panel width (typically 6 or 8 feet)
- 2Subtract gate opening widths from total linear feet first
- 3Example: 150 ft - 4 ft gate = 146 ft ÷ 6 ft panels = 24.3, round up to 25 panels
- 4For board fencing: Calculate board feet based on fence height and board spacing
- 5Add 5-10% waste factor for cuts, damaged pieces, and errors
Pricing & Labor Guidelines
Industry-standard pricing and labor rates ensure your fencing business remains profitable while staying competitive.
Material Costs by Type
$8-55/ftInstalled fence costs vary significantly by material type. These ranges include materials and labor.
- •Chain link: $8-18 per linear foot installed
- •Wood privacy: $15-34 per linear foot installed
- •Vinyl: $15-40 per linear foot installed
- •Aluminum: $20-35 per linear foot installed
- •Wrought iron/metal: $25-55 per linear foot installed
Labor Billing Rates
$40-90/hrFence installation labor rates vary by region and project complexity. Most contractors charge $55 per hour on average.
- •Per linear foot: $10-20 for residential installations
- •Hourly rate: $40-90 per hour, averaging $55/hour
- •Labor accounts for approximately 50% of total project cost
- •Difficult terrain or complex projects command higher rates
Production Rates
50-120 ft/dayProfessional two-person crews work at these rates on flat terrain. Rocky or sloped terrain can cut production in half.
- •Wood privacy fence: 50-80 linear feet per day
- •Chain link fence: 80-120 linear feet per day
- •Vinyl fence: 60-90 linear feet per day
- •Post hole digging is the most time-consuming task
Common Pricing Add-Ons
Additional costs that should be itemized separately in your fence estimates.
Gates, Removal & Extras
Walk Gates (3-4 ft wide)
$150-400 depending on material and style
Includes gate, hinges, latch, and installation labor
Vehicle Gates (10-16 ft wide)
$400-800+ for single gate, $800-1,500+ for double gates
May require additional posts and structural reinforcement
Old Fence Removal
$3-5 per linear foot for removal and disposal
Includes labor to pull posts, cut sections, haul debris, and disposal fees
Permit Fees
$50-200 depending on municipality
Most cities require permits for fences over 6 feet or front yard fencing
Staining or Sealing
$1-3 per linear foot for labor and materials
Recommended for wood fences to extend lifespan and improve appearance
📝 Remember
These are industry guidelines. Track your actual costs and production rates to build estimates specific to your business, crew efficiency, and local market conditions.
Why Use This Fence Estimate Template
Move beyond templates and transform your invoicing workflow
Win More Jobs
Professional estimates with clear breakdowns build client confidence. Show prospects you run a legitimate business that prices work accurately and transparently.
Protect Your Margins
Stop losing money because you forgot gate hardware, concrete bags, or underestimated labor hours. The template prompts you to capture every cost component.
Save Hours Each Week
Create estimates in 15-30 minutes instead of hours. Reuse your pricing for similar projects. Spend more time selling and installing fences, less time doing paperwork.
Reduce Disputes
Detailed line items set clear expectations. Clients know exactly what they get. Change orders are documented. Everyone stays on the same page throughout the project.
Look Like a Pro
First impressions matter. Polished estimates separate you from competitors handing out scribbled notes or verbal quotes that lead to misunderstandings and disputes.
Scale Your Business
Consistent estimating processes let you train employees, compare job profitability, and make data-driven decisions about which fence types and services to focus on.
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