The seven things that move a fence quote
Fence pricing is not a mystery, it is arithmetic. Here is what a contractor is measuring when they walk your yard.
- Linear footage — the single biggest driver. Measure the run, not the yard.
- Material and grade — vinyl, cedar, chain link, ornamental aluminum, and composite-infill systems each sit at a different price point, and within each there are wall thicknesses and post sizes that matter.
- Height — a 6' privacy fence uses more material and deeper posts than a 4' yard fence.
- Gates — gates are the most expensive foot of any fence. A 12' double drive gate with a drop rod costs far more than a 4' walk gate.
- Terrain and slope — stepped or racked panels on a hillside take more labor and more posts.
- Soil and obstacles — Davis County clay, cobble along the bench, tree roots, and old concrete footings all slow digging.
- Tear-out and haul-away — removing an existing fence and disposing of it is real labor, and some bids quietly leave it out.
Why we do not publish a price per foot
Anyone advertising one flat per-foot number in Utah is either quoting the cheapest possible build or planning to revise the number after they see the job. Two 150-foot vinyl fences can differ by a third once you account for two gates, a 14-degree slope, and a cobble-filled post line.
What we do instead is walk the property, measure the actual run, and hand you a written, itemized estimate — material, posts, gates, tear-out, and labor broken out — so you can see exactly what you are paying for and compare bids line by line.
How to compare Utah fence bids fairly
Put the bids side by side and check that each one answers these questions the same way.
- Is post depth listed, and is it below the frost line?
- Are posts set in concrete, and how much per post?
- What gauge or wall thickness is the material?
- Are gate hardware, hinges, and latches specified by name?
- Is old fence removal and disposal included?
- Who pulls the permit and calls Blue Stakes?
- Is the contractor licensed and insured in Utah, and can they show the number?
Permits, property lines, and Blue Stakes
Most Davis, Weber, and Salt Lake County cities require a permit for a fence over a set height, and nearly all have front-yard height limits and corner-lot sight-triangle rules. Rules differ city to city — Bountiful is not Layton.
Before anyone digs, Blue Stakes utility locates are free and legally required. And if your property line is uncertain, a survey before install is far cheaper than moving a finished fence.
Common Questions
Is vinyl or wood cheaper to install in Utah?
Cedar usually costs less up front; vinyl usually costs less over the life of the fence because it does not need staining or board replacement. Which one is cheaper for you depends on how long you plan to stay in the home.
Does removing my old fence add much to the cost?
It adds real labor — pulling posts, breaking out concrete footings, loading, and dump fees. It is a line item on our estimates so you can see it rather than having it buried in the total.
Do I need a permit for a fence in Davis County?
It depends on your city and the fence height. Most cities allow a shorter fence in the front yard without a permit and require one for a taller backyard fence. We check the current rule for your address as part of the estimate.