How Much Does Fence Removal Cost? Complete Guide

The average cost to remove a fence ranges from $3 to $10 per linear foot, with most homeowners spending $400 to $1,500 for a standard yard.

But that number can swing up or down based on things like fence material, post depth, and local labor rates. Before you start tearing anything down you should know exactly what factors shape the price and where you can save.

In this guide, we break it all down so you can plan your fence removal project without any budget surprises.

Factors That Affect Fence Removal Costs 🔗

Fence removal isn’t one-price-fits-all. Several things can push the cost up or down. Here are the biggest factors that make a difference:

Fence Material 🔗

• Wood: Generally the cheapest to remove, especially if the posts aren’t set in deep concrete.
• Chain-link: Slightly more labor than wood because of metal ties and posts.
• Vinyl or composite: May require special tools to disassemble panels without damage.
• Wrought iron or metal: Heavier and harder to cut; costs more due to labor and disposal fees.

Fence Length and Height 🔗

The longer and taller the fence, the more material and labor needed. A 50-foot fence costs far less to remove than a 200-foot privacy fence.

Post Installation Method 🔗

Posts set in concrete cost significantly more to remove than those set directly in soil. Concrete footings may need to be broken apart with heavy equipment.

Fence Condition 🔗

• Old and rotting wood may fall apart easily, saving labor.
• Solid, well-built fences take longer and cost more to dismantle properly.

Accessibility and Terrain 🔗

• Tight backyards, fences near buildings, or steep slopes make removal harder.
• Limited truck access for hauling debris can also raise costs.

Local Labor Rates and Permits 🔗

Urban areas with high labor costs or strict building permits often charge more. Always check if your city or HOA requires a permit before starting.

Debris Removal and Disposal 🔗

Some contractors include hauling away materials in their price; others charge extra for it. Heavy concrete or hazardous materials can increase disposal fees.

Know more: How to remove a fence: Complete guide

Average Fence Removal Cost 🔗

Wondering what most people pay to remove a fence? Here are some ballpark figures to help you budget, plus examples to illustrate differences by fence type and project size.

Cost per Linear Foot	Typical Total for 100 ft	Notes
$3–$7 / ft	$300-$700	Basic wooden, chain-link type fences; costs rise with materials & concrete posts.
$4–$10 / ft	$400-$1,000+	Includes removal and disposal; heavier or harder to access fences push cost to the upper end.
$3–$10 / ft	Depends on material & complexity	Vinyl, metal, and privacy fences often cost more.
$2–$8 / ft	For a 150 ft fence, ~$300-$1,200	Shows how local labor, fence height, and removal difficulty shift price

Cost Breakdown by Fence Type 🔗

Not all fences cost the same to remove. Materials, weight, and installation methods play a big role. Here’s what you can expect for the most common types:

Wood Fence Removal Cost 🔗

Typical range: $3 – $7 per linear foot

• Why costs vary: Wood fences are usually easier to dismantle, but posts set in concrete or taller privacy fences add labor.

Chain-Link Fence Removal Cost 🔗

Typical range: $4 – $8 per linear foot

• Details: Removing the metal mesh and posts takes a bit more time than wood, especially if there are heavy gate sections or deep footings.

Vinyl or Composite Fence Removal Cost 🔗

Typical range: $5 – $9 per linear foot

• Why higher: Vinyl panels often require careful disassembly to avoid damaging pieces if you plan to reuse or recycle them.

Wrought Iron or Metal Fence Removal Cost 🔗

Typical range: $6 – $10+ per linear foot

• Why most expensive: Metal is heavier, harder to cut, and often anchored in deep concrete bases. Disposal fees for scrap metal may also apply.

Research from HomeAdvisor also shows metal and wrought iron fence removals ranking among the most expensive, averaging 20–30% higher than wood or chain-link fences.

Additional Costs to Consider 🔗

Fence removal isn’t always just about tearing down panels and posts. A few extra expenses can sneak into your budget if you’re not prepared:

Post and Concrete Footing Removal 🔗

Removing posts set in concrete is more labor-intensive and may require heavy tools like a jackhammer or post puller. Expect to pay $50–$150 per post if you hire professionals.

Hauling and Disposal Fees 🔗

Some contractors include disposal in their quote, while others charge separately. Large amounts of concrete, metal, or treated wood might need special disposal or recycling services. If you’re comparing prices, check if hauling is included otherwise, you’ll need to factor in a separate junk removal cost, which can vary depending on the amount of debris and local disposal rates.

Permit Costs 🔗

Depending on your city or HOA, you might need a permit for fence removal or replacement. Fees are usually small $20 to $60. But skipping them could lead to fines.

Temporary Fencing 🔗

If you’re removing a backyard fence that keeps pets or kids safe, you may need to set up a temporary barrier until the new one goes in. Temporary fencing rental can cost $1–$2 per linear foot per month.

Landscaping Repairs 🔗

Removing posts and footings can leave holes or uneven spots in your yard. Soil, grass seed, or grading work may be needed to restore the area.

DIY Fence Removal vs. Hiring Professionals 🔗

When planning fence removal, the big question is: should you do it yourself or bring in the pros? Let’s break it down:

DIY Fence Removal 🔗

Cost: Typically just the price of tools and disposal fees, around $50–$200 total.

Pros:

• Saves money if you already own basic tools.
• Full control over the timeline and process.
• Satisfying if you enjoy hands-on projects.

Cons:

• Can be physically demanding, especially with posts set in concrete.
• It may take several days if you lack experience.
• Risk of damaging underground utilities if not careful.

Hiring Professionals 🔗

Cost: Around $3–$10 per linear foot, or $500–$1,500 for an average backyard fence.

Pros:

• Faster and less stressful, most jobs are done in a day.
• Proper tools and experience for tough footings or large fences.
• Usually includes cleanup and hauling away debris.

Cons:

• More expensive than DIY.
• Scheduling depends on contractor availability.

Best Approach: 🔗

• DIY works well for small fences or if the panels and posts are in decent condition.
• Professionals are better for big projects, fences with concrete posts, or when you want the job done quickly and safely.

Tips to Save Money on Fence Removal 🔗

Fence removal can get expensive, but there are smart ways to cut costs without sacrificing safety or quality.

Reuse or Sell Materials 🔗

• Wooden panels, vinyl sections, or metal fencing in good condition can be repurposed, donated, or sold.
• Platforms like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or Habitat for Humanity ReStores are great options.

Combine Removal with Installation of a New Fence 🔗

• Some contractors offer discounts if you schedule fence removal and new installation together.
• Saves on labor costs and debris hauling fees.

DIY Where Feasible 🔗

• If the fence is short, simple, and posts aren’t set in concrete, consider removing it yourself.
• Even partial DIY work, like taking down panels before the pros arrive, can reduce labor charges.

Get Multiple Quotes 🔗

• Compare 2–3 local contractors to ensure you’re getting a fair price.
• Ask if quotes include debris removal, hauling, or permit costs to avoid surprise fees.

Recycle Materials 🔗

• Recycling wood, metal, and concrete can save on disposal fees.
• Some recycling centers accept fence materials for free or at a lower cost than a landfill.

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Eco-Friendly Disposal Options 🔗

Removing a fence doesn’t have to mean sending everything to a landfill. There are several environmentally friendly ways to handle old materials while potentially saving money:

Recycle Wood, Metal, and Concrete 🔗

• Wood: Untreated wood can be chipped into mulch, composted, or used for DIY projects.
• Metal: Chain-link fences, gates, and fasteners can usually be recycled at scrap metal facilities.
• Concrete: Broken concrete from posts or footings can be crushed and reused as gravel or fill material.

Donate Usable Materials 🔗

• Organizations like Habitat for Humanity ReStores accept gently used fencing, wood, and other building materials.
• Donating keeps materials out of landfills and supports local communities.

Repurpose Materials at Home 🔗

• Fence panels can become garden trellises or raised bed frames.
• Posts can be cut and reused for outdoor projects like pergolas or compost bins.

Use a Certified Junk Removal Service 🔗

• Some junk removal services sort and recycle fence materials automatically.
• This option is especially useful for large projects or materials that are difficult to transport.

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Know more: How Wecycle is Changing the Junk Removal Industry

Conclusion 🔗

Fence removal costs can vary widely depending on your fence type, post installation, labor, and disposal needs. Understanding these factors helps you budget realistically and avoid surprises.

Planning ahead makes all the difference. From checking permits to deciding the best removal method, the right approach ensures a smooth, safe, and efficient process.

Ready to remove your old fence without the hassle? Sign up now to schedule your fence removal with our professional team.

Frequently Asked Questions 🔗

How much does it cost to remove a fence in the USA? 🔗

Fence removal typically costs $3–$10 per linear foot, depending on the material, post installation, and disposal needs. For an average 100-foot fence, expect $400–$1,500.

Does the fence material affect removal costs? 🔗

Yes. Wood is generally cheaper to remove, chain-link is slightly more labor-intensive, vinyl requires careful handling, and wrought iron or metal is the most expensive due to weight and concrete footings.

Can I save money by removing the fence myself? 🔗

DIY removal can save labor costs, especially for small or simple fences. However, it can be physically demanding and risky, particularly with posts set in concrete. Hiring professionals ensures safety and efficiency.

What additional costs should I expect? 🔗

Extra costs can include hauling and disposal fees, permits, temporary fencing, and landscaping repairs after removal. Planning ahead helps you avoid surprises.

How can I dispose of old fence materials responsibly? 🔗

Old materials can be recycled, donated, or repurposed. Wood can be chipped into mulch, metal can go to scrap yards, and concrete can be crushed for fill. Our professional team also handles eco-friendly disposal.