Corrugated Metal Fence Cost
Installing a corrugated metal fence is a popular and affordable choice for residential and commercial properties.
While metal fencing may have a slightly higher upfront cost than other materials, it offers excellent durability and low maintenance over the long run.
In this guide, we'll break down the various factors that influence corrugated metal fence prices and provide a detailed cost estimate for your project.
Material Types and Costs
The material used for the corrugated sheets is one of the primary determinants of metal fence costs. Here are the main material options and their average price ranges:
- Galvanized Steel - $7-12 per linear foot. Galvanized steel is the most basic and affordable option. It offers decent rust resistance but will require repainting more frequently than other materials.
- Aluminum - $12-18 per linear foot. Aluminum is more durable and corrosion-resistant than steel. It maintains its appearance longer but does come at a higher cost.
- Stainless Steel - $20-30 per linear foot. As the most premium material, stainless steel stands up excellently to all weather conditions with little to no maintenance required long-term. However, it also carries the steepest price tag.
Within each material category, corrugated panels measuring 5, 6, or 8 feet in width are common. Wider panels allow for fewer installation joints but are more expensive on a per foot basis.
Posts, rails, and hardware also contribute to the overall material costs.
Fence Dimensions and Design
The height, length, and design complexity of your fence project will impact costs. Here's a breakdown:
Fence Height
A 6-foot high corrugated fence is standard for residential use. For every additional foot in height, add approximately $3-5 per linear foot to the base material costs. Taller industrial-grade fences for commercial settings may range from 8-12 feet high or more.
Fence Length
Longer continuous runs of 100+ feet will be marginally cheaper per foot than shorter segmented sections of 25-50 feet each due to reduced installation joints and footings required. Calculate your total linear foot measurement for an accurate estimate.
Design Elements
Simple uniform designs stick to a standard corrugated panel pattern and hardware. More intricate options like curved fronts, entry gates, and custom post tops can increase costs significantly depending on fabrication needs.
Installation Difficulty and Cost
While metal fencing products are relatively easy for DIY homeowners to put together, professional installation is typically recommended. Hiring crews to do the job adds $10-25 per linear foot on average to the total project cost.
Factors like the fence route, surface terrain, need for footings or concrete, and use of equipment all influence a contractor's quote. Fences requiring any blasting or surface regrading are more difficult and costly to put in. The project timeline also impacts pricing, with faster turnarounds costing more per day of labor.
Additional Expenses
Aside from materials and labor, other common line items in a fence estimate include:
- Footings/concrete - $5-10 per linear foot for poured foundations.
- Permitting fees - Allow $100-300 depending on your municipality.
- Demolition of an existing fence - Budget $3-8 per linear foot for removal if replacing.
- Landscaping/restoration - $500-1000 to returf or replant affected areas.
Estimating Your Corrugated Metal Fence Costs
Now that you understand all the key factors, here are the steps to estimate costs for your specific project:
- Determine your total linear footage needed based on the fence route.
- Select the desired material type, panel dimensions, and average height.
- Account for any special design elements, gates, or curved segments.
- Consult multiple contractors to get installation quotes.
- Add in other project expenses like permits and landscaping.
- Your total should be reasonably close to the final estimate.
As an example, a 200 foot galvanized steel fence at 6 feet tall with a basic design and contractor installation would typically range from $3,500-5,000. For a 250 foot aluminum fence with entry gates, the cost might be $7,000-9,000. And a high-end 300 foot stainless steel project could exceed $15,000 without batting an eye.
While metal fencing carries a premium over other options, its longevity, weather resistance and low maintenance more than make up for the higher upfront investment over the long run. With thorough planning using this cost guide, you'll have realistic expectations for your project budget.