Buying a fence involves two main cost considerations: material price and installation. Trex composite fencing and vinyl fencing both offer low maintenance benefits, but they differ in upfront cost, durability, and long-term value. This guide focuses on cost, including typical price ranges and what drives the total for a mid-sized project. Cost figures reflect typical installed pricing in the United States and assume standard 6-foot fencing with 100 linear feet of material.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trex fence (installed, 100 ft) | $2,800 | $4,000 | $7,000 | Composite panels, posts, caps; higher when accessories are included |
| Vinyl fence (installed, 100 ft) | $2,100 | $3,600 | $6,000 | PVC panels and posts; simple styles cheaper, ornate styles cost more |
| Per-foot installed range (average) | $25 | $34 | $60 | Trex tends toward the higher end; vinyl sits mid-range |
Typical Cost Range
Understanding total project costs helps with budgeting for a fence replacement or new installation. For a 100-foot run, installed Trex fencing generally ranges from $2,800 to $7,000, with typical projects around $4,000 to $5,500. Vinyl fencing typically lands between $2,100 and $6,000, with most installations near $3,000 to $4,500. The exact totals depend on style, height, gate count, and site conditions.
Cost Breakdown
| Component | TREX (Composite) | VINYL | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $15-$28 per ft | $10-$18 per ft | Trex uses composite boards; vinyl uses PVC) |
| Labor | $8-$18 per ft | $8-$16 per ft | Includes framing, post setting, and gate installation |
| Equipment | $2-$5 per ft | $2-$4 per ft | Excavation, digging, trenching tools |
| Permits | $0-$150 | $0-$150 | Depends on locality; some require permits |
| Delivery/Disposal | $1-$4 per ft | $1-$3 per ft | Removal of old fence may add cost |
| Warranty | $0-$300 | $0-$300 | Material and workmanship coverage varies |
| Contingency | 5-10% | 5-10% | Budget cushion for site issues |
Pricing Variables
Key drivers include material grade, style, and installation specifics. For Trex, higher-end lines with embossed textures, longer spans between posts, and more decorative caps raise prices. Vinyl prices swing with panel profiles (tongue-and-groove vs. overlapping boards) and post-assembly complexity. Important variables include fence height (standard 6 ft vs. 4 ft), gate count, ground conditions, and accessibility for equipment. Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Ways To Save
Cost control comes from planning and selecting sensible options. Consider standard 6-foot panels, fewer gate openings, and matching accessories to minimize duplication. Choosing stock colors and simple lattice designs reduces both material and labor time. In some regions, vinyl may be cheaper due to material rebates or lower maintenance costs over time.
Regional Price Differences
Geography affects labor rates and material availability. In the Northeast and West Coast, installed costs tend to be 10-20% higher than the national average due to labor and permitting. The Midwest often sits around the average range, while the Southern regions may run 5-15% lower, driven by lower labor rates and different contractor competition. For a 100-foot installation, expect Trex to be roughly 0%–15% higher in coastal markets and vinyl to follow a similar trend.
Labor & Installation Time
Install duration and crew size directly impact total cost. A typical 100-foot fence with two gates may require 1–2 days of labor for a two-person crew. Labor costs can range from $8 to $18 per linear foot for Trex and $8 to $16 for vinyl, depending on site access and post-hole requirements. The labor time also affects scheduling and permit fees, which may vary by jurisdiction.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario snapshots illustrate how choices affect totals.
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Basic — 100 ft of 6-foot vinyl, two gates, standard posts, no contouring:
Assumptions: flat lot, standard color, no upgrades.- Materials: $1,900
- Labor: $1,800
- Permits/Delivery: $200
- Subtotal: $3,900
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Mid-Range — 100 ft of 6-foot Trex with embossed texture, two gates, some decorative caps:
Assumptions: moderate terrain, standard color.- Materials: $3,200
- Labor: $1,900
- Delivery/Disposal: $250
- Subtotal: $5,350
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Premium — 100 ft of 6-foot Trex with upgraded caps and lattice accents, three gates:
Assumptions: sloped terrain, complex installation.- Materials: $4,600
- Labor: $2,400
- Permits/Delivery: $450
- Subtotal: $7,450
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
