Enter your fence length, style, and height - the calculator figures out panel count, post spacing, gate kits, and total installed cost. Aluminum fence costs $25-$75 per linear foot installed. Updates live as you adjust style, height, and location.
Aluminum fence is sold in pre-assembled panels - not by the board or the roll. This calculator converts linear footage into exact panel count, post count, and total cost.
Use Expert Mode for a fast takeoff or Step-by-step Mode for a 5-step aluminum panel workflow.
All inputs update the estimate immediately.
Unlike wood or chain link, aluminum fence is sold in pre-assembled panels, typically 6 ft wide x 4 or 6 ft tall. Enter your run and the calculator converts footage into panel count. Not sure of your run? Use the backyard fence calculator.
Black is the baseline powder-coat color. Bronze, pewter, and white add $2-$4/ft; custom colors add $5-$10/ft. Each gate deducts its opening from the run and adds a gate kit.
Results show panel count, post count, concrete bags, gate kits, and a low-to-high installed cost range adjusted for your state. Switch to DIY mode for a materials-only list.
Net Run = Total Run - Gate Widths. Panel Count = ceil(Net Run / Panel Width). Always round up because a partial panel still needs a full post on each side.
| Fence Run | Gate Deduction | Net Run | Panels Needed | Posts Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 ft | 4 ft | 46 ft | 8 panels | 9 posts |
| 100 ft | 4 ft | 96 ft | 16 panels | 17 posts |
| 150 ft | 4 ft | 146 ft | 25 panels | 26 posts |
| 200 ft | 4 ft | 196 ft | 33 panels | 34 posts |
| 300 ft | 4 ft | 296 ft | 50 panels | 51 posts |
Order 5-10% extra panels as a breakage buffer, especially for ornamental styles with decorative finials.
| Style | Installed Cost/ft | 150 ft Total | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Split Rail | $20-$40 | $3,000-$6,000 | Boundary, large property, horses |
| Picket | $25-$50 | $3,750-$7,500 | Front yard, curb appeal, decorative |
| Pool | $30-$45 | $4,500-$6,750 | Pool enclosure, code compliance |
| Ornamental | $40-$75 | $6,000-$11,250 | Decorative, high-end residential |
| Privacy | $75-$130 | $11,250-$19,500 | Full privacy, backyard screening |
Ornamental aluminum replicates wrought iron at a fraction of the weight and with no rust maintenance. Aluminum privacy is premium priced, so compare it with vinyl fence calculator estimates before committing.
| Height | Installed Cost/ft | Post Length | Permit? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 ft | $20-$35 | 5 ft | Usually no |
| 4 ft | $25-$50 | 6 ft | Usually no |
| 5 ft | $30-$60 | 7 ft | Usually no |
| 6 ft | $35-$75 | 8 ft | Usually no |
| 8 ft | $50-$100+ | 10 ft | Yes - most cities |
4 ft is the most common aluminum fence height and often meets pool enclosure rules. Use the fence post calculator for exact hole depth and concrete bags.
All aluminum fence is powder-coated: an electrostatically applied finish baked onto the aluminum for durability and scratch resistance.
| Color | Cost Premium | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Black | Baseline | Most popular; classic look |
| Bronze | +$2-$4/ft | Warm, traditional appearance |
| Pewter | +$2-$4/ft | Gray-silver; modern look |
| White | +$2-$4/ft | Classic; HOA-friendly |
| Custom colors | +$5-$10/ft | Special order; longer lead time |
Powder coating is permanent. Minor scratches can be touched up, but significant damage usually means panel replacement.
| Feature | Aluminum | Wrought Iron | Steel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Installed cost/ft | $25-$75 | $25-$55 | $20-$50 |
| Weight | Light | Very heavy | Heavy |
| Rust resistance | Excellent | Poor | Moderate |
| Maintenance | None | Annual painting/sealing | Occasional touch-up |
| Lifespan | 30-50 yr | 50+ yr with maintenance | 20-30 yr |
| DIY-friendly | Moderate | Difficult | Difficult |
| Appearance | Replicates wrought iron | Traditional, classic | Industrial |
| Best for | Residential ornamental | Historic, premium estates | Commercial security |
Aluminum is the practical choice for most homeowners who want the ornamental iron look without rust maintenance.
Aluminum handles slopes better than vinyl but requires more planning than chain link.
| Slope Level | Grade | Handling Method | Cost Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat | 0-2% | Standard installation | None |
| Slight slope | 2-8% | Racking | +5-10% labor |
| Moderate slope | 8-15% | Stepping | +10-20% labor |
| Steep slope | 15%+ | Custom cut or step + infill | +20-35% labor |
Many aluminum panels can be racked to follow grade while posts stay vertical. Pool fencing on slopes must keep the bottom gap at 4 inches or less.
| Requirement | Standard | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum height | 4 ft | Some codes require 5-6 ft |
| Maximum bottom gap | 4 inches | Prevents child crawl-through |
| Maximum picket spacing | 4 inches | Prevents child climb-through |
| Gate type | Self-closing + self-latching | Latch must be on pool side |
| Gate latch height | 54 in min if outside | Or key-lockable |
| Enclosure | Fully enclosed | No perimeter gaps |
Always verify pool fence requirements with your local building department before ordering. Use the pool fence calculator for enclosure-specific planning.
| Gate Type | Width | Installed Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walk gate (single) | 3-4 ft | $450-$1,000 | Standard residential entry |
| Walk gate (wide) | 5-6 ft | $600-$1,200 | Riding mower, equipment access |
| Drive gate (double swing) | 10-12 ft | $1,200-$3,000 | Manual operation |
| Drive gate (automatic) | 10-16 ft | $2,000-$6,000 | With opener installed |
Drive gates with automatic openers require electrical rough-in before fence installation.
| Scenario | 150 ft Cost | Savings vs. Pro | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full DIY | $2,250-$7,500 | $1,500-$3,750 | Intermediate |
| DIY + rented auger | $2,450-$7,700 | $1,300-$3,550 | Intermediate |
| Professional install | $6,000-$11,250 | Baseline | N/A |
Aluminum requires virtually zero maintenance: it does not rust, rot, or require painting.
| Task | Frequency | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Rinse with garden hose | Annual | $0 |
| Mild soap wash | Every 3-5 years | $0 |
| Touch-up paint | As needed | $15-$30/can |
| Gate hinge lubrication | Annual | $5 |
| Post inspection | Annual | $0 |
Expected lifespan is 30-50 years. Vehicle impact, powder-coat scratches, frost heave, and dissimilar-metal corrosion are the main damage risks.
Regional labor rates vary by 40-60% across the U.S. This table estimates a 150 ft ornamental aluminum fence, 4 ft tall, black finish.
| State | Installed Cost | vs. National Avg | Labor Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $8,400-$14,000 | +25-35% | High |
| New York | $7,200-$12,000 | +15-25% | High |
| Massachusetts | $7,000-$11,500 | +15-20% | High |
| Washington | $6,800-$11,000 | +10-18% | Above avg |
| Colorado | $6,500-$10,500 | +5-15% | Above avg |
| Illinois | $6,000-$10,000 | At avg | Average |
| Florida | $5,500-$9,000 | -5-10% | Below avg |
| North Carolina | $5,200-$8,500 | -10-15% | Below avg |
| Texas | $5,000-$8,000 | -15-20% | Low |
| Georgia | $4,800-$7,800 | -15-20% | Low |
| Mississippi | $4,200-$7,000 | -20-25% | Lowest |
Use the calculator above to select your exact state for a precise labor adjustment.
$25-$75 per linear foot installed for most residential styles. Split rail runs $20-$40/ft, picket $25-$50/ft, pool $30-$45/ft, ornamental $40-$75/ft, and privacy $75-$130/ft.
Divide net fence run by panel width and round up. For 150 ft with one 4 ft walk gate and 6 ft panels: net run is 146 ft, so 146 / 6 = 24.3, rounded up to 25 panels.
Comparable upfront, but usually cheaper over 20 years because aluminum needs no rust treatment. Wrought iron may add $4,000-$8,000 in maintenance over 20 years for a 150 ft fence.
Ornamental aluminum is the most popular backyard choice for clear boundaries and curb appeal. For full privacy, compare aluminum privacy with vinyl privacy because vinyl is usually more cost-effective.
No. Aluminum does not rust. Use aluminum or stainless steel fasteners to prevent electrolytic corrosion from contact with dissimilar metals.
30-50 years with minimal maintenance. The powder-coat finish commonly lasts 20-30 years before significant fading.
Yes, especially picket and pool styles on flat terrain. DIY saves $10-$25/ft in labor, or $1,500-$3,750 on a 150 ft fence.
6 ft panels are standard. Choose 4 ft panels for slopes, tighter spacing, privacy panels, or runs that need more end-of-line flexibility.
Usually not for 4-6 ft residential fences. Permits are commonly required for pool enclosures, fences over 6 ft, and front-yard height exceptions.
Walk gates run $450-$1,000 installed, wide walk gates $600-$1,200, manual drive gates $1,200-$3,000, and automatic drive gates $2,000-$6,000.
Need a deeper pricing-only page? Read the aluminum fence cost per foot guide.
