How Long Does It Take To Install A Fence? (Find Out Now!)
Fences are an integral part of any home. They offer protection and privacy, but many people don’t know much about how long it takes to install one.
It takes an average of 2 days to install a standard-sized, 150-foot fence. While materials like chain link and steel are quick to put in, wood and wrought iron are more time-consuming. Hiring a professional may be more costly upfront, but it will save you installation time.
Painting is also a 2-day job. Be sure to check the weather, as a rainy day can ruin fresh paint altogether and set you back a few days!
Follow along to learn how long it takes to install a particular type of fence. Additionally, we’ll detail the installation schedule of a new fence and how time-consuming the painting process is.
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How Long Does It Take to Install a New Fence?
Putting in a brand new fence is usually one of the first steps of a backyard remodel. That way, you can landscape last and not worry about your plants being ruined by contractors.
Typically, it takes around 2 days to install a new fence. However, it depends on a variety of factors, including:
- Type of fence
- Size of the fence (how much yard it needs to cover)
- Condition of the grounds (are there tree roots or concrete slabs beneath the surface?)
- Design intricacy
- Amount of gates
- Home location (if you’re in a rural location, the commute for workers may be longer than expected)
- Weather (rain or snow may cause delays)
All of these play a role in determining the exact amount of time it will take to construct your fence. Keep in mind that unexpected delays (i.e., supply shortages) may occur, but if your contractor has no explanation for why it’s taking so long, he/she may be pulling the wool over your eyes.
Let’s talk about the specifics of each type of fence below.
The Timeline of Installing a Fence by Material
Some common residential fence materials are:
- Wood
- Chain Link
- Steel or Aluminum
- Wrought Iron
- Vinyl
Each fencing material has a semi-different installation process, which is why some take longer than others to put in.
Installing a Wood Fence
Wood fences are a classic way to close off your backyard and add privacy. They come in a variety of heights, and the installation process is relatively simple.
It usually takes 3 days to install a wood fence, but it can take up to 5 days if the ground is particularly difficult to work with (e.g., there are plants, roots, or rocks below the surface).
One thing to keep in mind is that wood fences require additional maintenance, such as drilling in the panels, staining, and painting. If you’re not keen on doing this yourself, your contractor can take care of it for a fee.
Installing a Chain Link Fence
It takes about 2 days for someone to install a 150-foot chain link fence. First, you have to install posts into concrete (and wait for that to dry), then you can connect the fence panels.
The total cost to do this would be around $400, including all the materials. Fences that are professionally installed will likely start at $2,000 and go up from there.
Chain link fences are probably the least aesthetically pleasing but are the most budget-friendly if you’re looking for a quick and easy solution.
Installing a Steel or Aluminum Fence
Depending on the size of the fence, aluminum or steel fences take about 2 days to install.
Typically, the steps are similar to a chain link fence. They involve inserting the posts into the ground, attaching the panels the appropriate amount of inches off the ground, and using several self-tapping screws to secure the structure.
Installing a Wrought Iron Fence
Wrought iron fences are a beautiful addition to any home, and they come in many different configurations. However, they’re also one of the most expensive options.
It can take up to 5 days to install a wrought iron fence, as it requires a more labor-intensive process than other fencing material installations. This is because each panel must be welded together on-site, and several posts must be hammered into the ground.
The good news is that these are high-quality fences and can last more than 50 years!
Installing a Vinyl Fence
Vinyl fences are growing in popularity because they’re low-maintenance and durable. They come in a variety of colors and styles, so if you want a unique look for your backyard, a vinyl fence is the way to go.
The installation process is similar to a wood fence. Your contractor should arrive at the job site within 1 day and will likely finish in about 3 or 5 days (depending on how extensive the project is).
However, if he/she needs to remove trees or concrete slabs from the ground, it can take up to 10 days.
How Long Does It Take to Paint a Fence?
So your fence has been installed, but you want to change the color- now, what?
Painting a standard-sized fence typically takes around 2 days. Whether you’re doing so by hand or using a spray-paint machine, fences require 2 coats, and each coat takes about 10 hours to dry.
This is where you really need to pay attention to the weather forecast. There must be at least 48 hours of clear skies to complete a fence painting job correctly. Even the slightest droplet of rain can throw off your project schedule and ruin any progress you’ve made!
Additionally, if you’re not particularly skilled at painting, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. For a budget-friendly price, they can do each coat in about 3 hours.
Related Questions
What is the cheapest type of fence to install?
Aside from installing a barbed wire fence (which most people wouldn’t ever consider), chain link fences, at around $10 per foot, are the cheapest fence to install upfront.However, it’s important to note that they are prone to rusting unless treated and provide little privacy.Picket fences, made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), are another cost-friendly option that gives a little bit more isolation for the homeowner!
How long does a vinyl fence last?
Vinyl fences usually last about 25 years, depending on the amount of wear and tear they receive.
How long does it take to install an electric fence?
Electric fences are fairly simple to put in and, if done by a qualified professional, only take a few hours to install!
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In Conclusion
So there you have it- a comprehensive guide to how long it takes to install a fence.
There are a number of factors that will affect the timeline for installing a fence, from the type of material to weather conditions.
Generally speaking, aluminum and steel fences take about 2 days to install, wrought iron fences can take up to 5 days, and vinyl fences typically take 3 days. If you’re painting the fence by hand or using a spray machine, it will typically require 2 days to complete.
The most important thing is to plan ahead and make sure you have enough time before your project starts. Keep in mind that the timelines detailed above are approximate and may vary depending on the contractor or materials you choose.
Happy fencing!
Emily is a copywriter with over five years of experience in crafting content for the home renovation and remodeling industry. She loves house projects, whether it be painting a room or tweaking small design elements to transform a space. Her favorite aesthetic is french modern because of its clean lines and airy feeling! When not writing, Emily loves to travel and check out architectural details all over the world.
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