Fort Smith Fence Pros put together this guide to fence installation cost in Fort Smith, AR so you can set a realistic budget before you request a free estimate from the independent local contractor we work with. The figures below come from national cost guides and are estimates, not our prices.
Your actual price depends on your yard. Two fences of the same length can differ by thousands of dollars because of material, height, gates and ground conditions.
Typical fence cost per linear foot by material
National cost guide Angi lists these typical installed ranges per linear foot:
- Wood: about $10 to $45
- Chain link: about $8 to $40
- Vinyl: about $15 to $40
- Aluminum: about $17 to $90
- Wrought iron: about $25 to $55
- Composite: about $11 to $45
For whole projects, Angi reports a national average of about $3,200, with most homeowners paying between roughly $1,850 and $4,750. HomeAdvisor reports a similar average of about $2,800. These are broad national estimates and should be treated as a starting point only.
What drives the price of a new fence
Length and height
Cost scales with footage, and a six-foot privacy fence uses more material than a four-foot fence of the same length.
Material and style
Board-on-board, shadowbox and decorative caps cost more than a basic dog-ear picket fence. Cedar costs more than pressure-treated pine.
Gates
Angi lists gates from roughly $150 to $2,000. Each gate also needs heavier posts.
Ground and access
Slopes, rock, roots and tight access slow the work. Fences that step or rack down a hill take more labor.
Removal
Taking out an old fence adds about $3 to $5 per linear foot, according to Angi.
Budget examples for a Fort Smith back yard
To see how the ranges play out, take a 150-foot back yard fence with one walk gate. At Angi's wood range of $10 to $45 per foot, the fence alone could run anywhere from about $1,500 to $6,750 before the gate. In chain link at $8 to $40 per foot, it could run about $1,200 to $6,000.
That spread is why a site visit matters. Simple, flat runs land near the low end, while tall, decorative or difficult installs land near the top.
Permits and other costs to plan for in Fort Smith
The City of Fort Smith's building permit FAQ says a building permit is not currently required for a residential fence, which removes one cost many cities charge. Rules can change, so confirm with the city. Properties in Sebastian or Crawford County outside city limits, or in Oklahoma, follow their own local rules.
- HOA review if your neighborhood has one
- A property survey if your lines are unclear
- Time for utility marking through Arkansas 811 before digging
- Stain or sealer for a new wood fence
How to compare fence quotes
- Compare the same scope. Check that each quote covers the same length, height, material, gates and removal.
- Look at the posts. Ask about post size, spacing, depth and whether posts are set in concrete.
- Check the materials. Board thickness, fastener type and chain link gauge all affect lifespan.
- Ask about cleanup. Haul-off of old fencing and dirt from post holes should be spelled out.
- Get it in writing. A written estimate lets you compare line by line.
The lowest number is not always the lower cost over the life of the fence.
Common questions
How much does a fence cost in Fort Smith, AR?
National cost guides give a rough starting point. Angi reports an average fence project of about $3,200, with most between roughly $1,850 and $4,750, and HomeAdvisor reports about $2,800. Per-foot ranges vary by material. These are estimates. A contractor needs to see your yard to give an accurate price.
What is the cheapest type of fence to install?
Chain link and basic pressure-treated wood are usually the most affordable fences per foot for a residential yard. Angi lists chain link at about $8 to $40 per linear foot and wood at about $10 to $45, installed. Taller fences, decorative styles and extra gates raise the price of either material.
Is a vinyl fence more expensive than wood?
Vinyl usually costs more to install than basic wood. Angi lists vinyl at about $15 to $40 per linear foot and wood at about $10 to $45, with the low end of wood well below vinyl. Vinyl needs no staining or sealing, so some owners find the total cost evens out over time.
Why do fence quotes vary so much?
Quotes can differ because of material grade, post depth and spacing, gate hardware, whether removal and haul-off are included, and how each contractor handles slopes and rock. Before comparing prices, make sure each quote covers the same scope. Ask each contractor to explain any line item that seems unusually high or low.