How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Fence?

Fence removal costs about $500 depending on the size and type of fence, though it can range between $300 and $750. Frequently, fence removal is charged by the linear foot, with those prices ranging from $3 to $7 per linear foot. Simple post fences are easiest to remove, so it makes sense that the price increases when fences have cement footing or require dismantling. If you plan on recycling the fencing material, that will also increase the cost because it will take longer if you plan on preserving the material.  

The cost to remove a fence varies significantly depending on the following factors:

1. Fence Size:

• Linear footage: The primary factor is the length of the fence. Most removal services charge per linear foot.
• Height: Taller fences may require more labor and time to dismantle, slightly increasing the cost.

2. Fence Material:

• Wood: Generally the easiest to remove, leading to lower costs.
• Chain link: Requires unfastening and careful rolling for disposal, slightly increasing the price.
• Vinyl: Can be more labor-intensive due to the way panels are connected, making it slightly more expensive.
• Iron or Masonry: These are the most complex to remove and may necessitate specialized tools and skills, significantly raising the cost.

3. Condition of the Fence:

• Age and state of repair: Severely rotted or damaged fences may take longer to disassemble, increasing labor costs.
• Support Structures: Fences with concrete footings in the posts are more difficult and time-consuming to remove, increasing the cost.

4. Labor:

• DIY Vs. Professional: Doing it yourself only incurs the cost of disposal fees. However, it can be physically demanding and time-consuming. Professional fence removal services will include labor costs, increasing the overall expense.

5. Disposal Costs:

• Waste disposal fees: Landfill or recycling fees may apply depending on your location and the materials.

6. Location:

• Regional differences: Labor rates and disposal costs vary across different regions in the United States.

Estimated Cost Ranges:

• Typical Range: Most projects fall between $300 to $750.
• Average Cost: The national average sits around $500.
• Per Linear Foot: Prices generally range from $3 to $7 per linear foot.

Getting Accurate Quotes:

The best way to get a precise idea of the cost is to obtain quotes from several fence removal companies in your area. Provide them with the following details:

• Length of the fence
• Material type
• Condition of the fence
• Presence of concrete in posts

Important Note: Some fence installation companies might incorporate the old fence removal cost into their quote for a new fence installation.

Cost Breakdown

You can think of fence removal costs in three categories: type of material, size, and how much labor is required. A change in one of these categories tends to affect the other. For example, a wooden fence takes longer to remove and has higher disposal fees due to weight. Any trees or vegetation around the fence will also increase the time required to remove them and may even require special equipment.

Types

The type of fence you’re removing plays a large part in the total cost. A chain link fence will be the most affordable to remove, while anything heavy, like wrought iron or concrete fences, requires significantly more work. While removal is much less expensive than the cost of fence repair, it still isn’t the least costly work to contract or DIY. 

Which material you need to remove also matters because of degradation. A vinyl or wrought iron fence will likely be in one solid piece and you can treat it as hard as you want. However, if you’re removing an old wooden fence that has rotted, it’ll take much longer to remove if the material is breaking down during removal.

Fence Type	Average Removal Cost per Linear Foot
Chain link	$3–$4
Vinyl	$3–$4
Wooden picket	$3–$4
Wooden split rail	$3–$5
Concrete	$4–$7
Wrought iron	$4–$6

Size

The size of your fence is the most significant determining factor in your total costs. Larger fences may have more complicated aspects, like corners or concrete posts every hundred feet. Hiring a fence contractor is a good idea if you don’t know how your fence is secured. 

Another consideration with size is disposal expenses if you don’t plan on reusing the material. While there can be an economy of scale when renting dumpsters, most residential fence disposal will take place at a city dump, where the weight of the material determines the cost. Multiple trips also cost more in gas, time, and rental charges (if you don’t own a truck or utility van).

Fence Size in Linear Feet	Chain Link Removal Cost	Wooden Split Removal Cost
100	$300–$400	$300–$500
175	$525–$700	$525–$875
325	$975–$1,300	$975–$1,625
500	$1,500–$2,000	$500–$2,500

Materials 

It’s not often you can remove a fence with just your bare hands. A pro will know which tools to use for each fence type, but you’ll need some materials no matter what the job entails. The bare minimum required gear is protective eyewear, thick gloves to prevent blisters and splinters, and thick shoes. Nothing hurts like a wooden post falling on your toes, so wear steel-toe boots if you have them.

Tool	Average Cost
Thick gloves	$25
Protective goggles	$15
Hammer	$18
Hand saw or reciprocating saw	$75
Shovel	$40
Heavy-duty wire cutters	$35
Fence post puller	$80 (rental price per day)

Labor

Only a professional will be able to break down your individual project into labor costs, but expect to pay between $40 and $90 per hour for fence removal. There are certain factors that will determine if you need specialized workers or specific tools (like bulldozers or excavators). Some factors that determine total labor costs are:

• Fence condition
• Material
• Accessibility
• Complexity
• Distance to a disposal site
• Regional labor costs
• Required equipment rental 

Cleanup

Cleaning up after fence removal is an important step that can considerably affect the project cost. There tends to be a lot of leftover material that needs disposal after a fence removal.

Where possible, recycle. This is easier with metal than wood, which usually needs to be taken to a municipal dump. If you have land and your neighbors are far away, you might be tempted to burn the old fence, but that isn’t a good idea. Fencing wood is often treated with chemicals that aren’t safe to burn. Another reason not to burn it? You could be looking at heavy fines for doing so. 

If you need to rent a truck or van for removal, it should be factored into the cleanup cost. 

It’s a good idea to call some friends—many hands make light work—when you’re ready to take the material to the recycling facility or dump.   

Permits

You may be surprised to learn that even tearing down an old fence often requires a building permit. Every city deals with this issue differently—some cities won’t require permits for fences under 6 feet tall, for example. You can bring your proposal to the relevant department of your local government office or, if you hire a fencing pro, they will do this for you as part of the project. 

Give your fence the best shot at a long life

DIY vs. Hiring a Fencing Pro

Photo: Robert/ Adobe Stock

It’s not easy to say whether or not fence removal is a good DIY project; there are just too many variables. A chain link fence, while inexpensive to remove, won’t be easy for someone unfamiliar with wire cutters or removing metal posts. That same person, however, might find it extremely easy to break through a split wooden fence. 

Another factor when determining whether or not you should DIY—other than to save on labor costs—is whether you plan on replacing the fence. If all you’re doing is ripping posts out of the ground and filling in the post holes with dirt, you don’t need to be precise. If you’re reusing the materials (or need to insert concrete posts), the job becomes significantly more involved, and more care is needed. 

Removing a fence is heavy work, and not everyone has the strength to undertake this type of project. Even a simple fence can take more than 40 hours to remove, which equates to an entire workweek of manual labor. It’s a good idea to talk to a pro before deciding to undergo the project yourself because they will have insight gained from years of experience. 

Tips to Reduce Cost While Removing a Fence 

There are a few ways to reduce the cost of fence removal. Some tips to keep costs low are:

• Hire professionals during a slow season.
• Use the closest waste facility.
• Borrow a friend or family’s truck for disposal.
• Try to recruit friends and family for removal help.
• See if a pro will let you work with their team to lower labor costs.