How Much Does an Aluminum Fence Cost?

Cost of Aluminum Fence Per Foot

Aluminum fence materials cost between $7 and $32 per foot, or between $700 and $3,200 per 100 feet. Aluminum fencing typically comes preassembled in panels that range from four to eight feet long and three to six feet tall. Aluminum is a lightweight, malleable metal that resists rust and is ideal for damp, humid, or coastal conditions. It’s easy to install and requires little maintenance.

Cost by Type of Aluminum Fence

Black Aluminum 

A single four-by-six-foot panel of black aluminum fencing costs $60. Some fencing systems come with panels that lock securely into place without brackets or screws. This makes it easier to install yourself and creates a seamless look for your yard. Suppliers also sell fencing that contours to the slope of your yard and resists rust.

Ornamental 

Ornamental aluminum fences run between $15 and $48 per linear foot, with high-end rates reaching close to $100 per foot. While not as strong or visually appealing as ornamental steel or wrought iron, improved manufacturing technology has increased the strength and style of ornamental aluminum over time without driving up costs.

Aluminum Pool Fence

A standard four-by-six-foot panel of residential aluminum fencing costs $60. These panels feature strong aluminum and titanium alloys and multi-layer color coatings to ensure weather resistance, making them a sturdy, elegant choice for a pool enclosure. Local ordinances usually require pool fences to be at least 48 inches tall, so standard-sized panels are the perfect height.

Powder-Coated 

Aluminum fences with a rust-resistant protective powder coating usually cost about $11 to $29 per linear foot when purchased as standard-sized four-by-six-foot panels. Alternatively, you can have a professional apply a powder coating to an existing aluminum fence for $6 to $8 per foot. Exact pricing depends on the size of your fence; larger fences require higher labor costs.

Privacy

Six-foot tall aluminum privacy fence panels can run anywhere from $27 to $36 per linear foot. 100% aluminum panels will fall on the higher end of the cost spectrum, as will powder-coated panels or fences with other custom features. Privacy fences are the least popular type of aluminum fence, with solid panels that block both noise and views.

Cost Factors 

Aluminum fences are highly versatile and customizable to the different needs of every homeowner. With that versatility comes variation in both appearance and price. For the most accurate fencing cost estimate, first decide which features are most important to you.

Fence Height 

Residential aluminum fences come in a variety of heights, though most fall between two and a half and six feet tall. There are taller fences available, but most neighborhood zoning laws restrict fence height. In the case of pool fences, most are required to be at least four feet high. Higher fences require more tools, materials, and labor, increasing installation costs.

Thickness

Fences come in different gauges, or thicknesses. The pickets on most residential aluminum fencing panels have around 3-13/16” spacing between them. However, homeowners may decide to install different sizes, and each provider will have differences in thickness and size that can increase installation costs. Thinner aluminum is easier and less expensive to install, but also less durable.

Permits

Before starting your project, check with your local municipality to see if you need a building permit to install a fence in your yard, and whether there are any restrictions on fence height. Permit fees can range from $20 to $400. Professional fence installers should be aware of the local laws and be able to obtain permits for you, building the cost into their fees.

Additional Costs

If you have steep hills, existing fencing, or large trees and bushes where you plan to install aluminum fencing, you may also have some additional costs. These situations each require extra services to prepare your property for the new fencing installation. Below are examples of such services and the extra costs to expect on top of fencing materials and installation labor:

• Land grading: $900–$3,000

• Fence removal: $3–$5 per linear foot

• Tree or bush removal: $385 to $1,070 per plant or $10 to $14 per foot of plant height

Aluminum Fence Gate Costs

The standard width size ranges from 32 to 36 inches and can cost as little as $100 and as much as $4,000 to $6,000. Double-check pricing numbers and detail any additional installation costs, such as a standard gate or an automatic gate.  

Gates and other accessories for aluminum fencing vary in price by style, and the type of gate you need usually depends on your fence’s purpose. Pool gates are usually small and simple, costing as little as $100.Driveway gates can range from simple to ornate, and optional high-end security features, such as keypads or automatic openers, can bring your total costs up to $7,500.

Pros and Cons of Aluminum Fencing 

Aluminum is a versatile material for fencing with many advantages, but it boasts a lower price point than other materials like steel because it tends not to be as strong or secure. Below is a list of aluminum fence pros and cons to help you decide whether aluminum fencing is the right material for your project.

Pros

• Low-density and malleable

• Corrosion-resistant

• Many style options

• Ideal for damp, humid, or ocean-side conditions

• Not affected by sprinklers, lawn chemicals, or many other residential factors.

• Usually comes with a lifetime guarantee

• Requires little to no maintenance

• Costs significantly less to ship than heavier fence materials

• Installation is often cheaper because of lightweight pieces

• Comes in a variety of styles because of its malleability 

Cons

• Significantly weaker than steel

• Strength of aluminum alloy depends on the company that produces them

• Vulnerable to pressure from large dogs or rambunctious children

• Not recommended as security fences or barriers against intruders

• Can develop a patina due to oxidation over time. May require maintenance to retain its look.

DIY vs. Hiring a Contractor

With labor averaging $15 to $40 per foot, the cost of installing a fence yourself is generally less than hiring a pro. However, DIY installation can bring unexpected complications that add to the price of your project. Reduce the risk of expensive mistakes and significant future repair work by hiring a local fencing contractor to build your aluminum fence quickly and professionally.

A contractor can help you:

• Get an appropriate permit.

• Determine exactly what material you need.

• Survey whether your fence meets residential codes.

• Discuss whether any warranties exist for materials or labor.

• Survey your property to consider landscaping challenges to installation.

Note: If attempting aluminum fence installation as a DIY project, first check with a surveyor or your local HOA to make sure you won't incur a fee or lawsuit. When purchasing materials, hardware stores sometimes have slimmer selections than a contractor. Consulting a professional can give you more design options. The choice between aluminum and traditional steel fencing comes down to striking a balance between cost and maintenance needs with durability, strength, and security.

FAQs

Which is cheaper: a wood fence or aluminum fence?

The average upfront cost of a wood fence is $2,700, less than the $4,270 you’ll pay for the average aluminum fence. However, wood fencing requires frequent maintenance to protect it from bending, warping, rot, and pests, leading to long-term costs up to 40% higher than maintenance-free aluminum fencing.

How much fencing do I need for my property?

How much fencing material you'll need depends on the size and shape of your property, as well as any landscape obstructions that might complicate installation. Add exterior fence border lengths, then subtract openings for decks or gates. A contractor can give you more accurate estimates.