Fence removal costs an average of $510, with a typical range of $270 to $750 nationwide. However, your bill could be as high as $3,100 or as low as $200. The exact cost will depend on your fence type, length of your fence, location, and whether you plan to install a replacement fence.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- Average costs
- Cost estimator by size
- Other factors that affect cost
- Related services
- Pro cost vs. DIY cost
- Cost by location
- FAQ
Average Fence Removal Costs
| National Average Cost | $510 |
| Typical Price Range | $270 – $750 |
| Extreme Low-End Cost | $200 |
| Extreme High-End Cost | $3,100 |
These prices are based on national averages for all types of fencing. You can save money on this service by leaving cement footing in the ground or reusing posts for new installation. You also can remove and haul away the fence yourself to save the most money possible, but it will require time and a suitable vehicle to transport the materials.
Long fences with cement footings will inevitably increase prices. Removal also will cost more if significant barriers interfere with the removal. For example, you need to cut away overgrown plants along or directly on the fence before a pro can deconstruct the fence itself. Depending on the job, you can pay as little as $200 or as much as $3,100 to remove a fence from your yard.
Fence Removal Cost Estimator by Size
Your fence’s length is the number one factor that determines removal cost. The average rate per linear foot is $3.50. Here’s how much it would cost to remove fencing of different lengths based on this rate:
| Linear Feet of Fencing | Removal Cost |
| 100 | $350 |
| 150 | $525 |
| 200 | $700 |
Remember that fencing companies may have a minimum price or charge an extra fee for extremely long fences.
Other Factors That Affect Cost
While fencing removal costs may seem straightforward, other factors besides length will affect the final cost. Consider each carefully to see where you could cut costs or when to expect extra charges.
Type of fence
Some fence contractors charge different rates to remove fencing based on the type of fence. Here are the most common fence materials and their prices:
You may get a lower price if the materials are recyclable or resellable. Try and identify the type of metal or wood ahead of time to see if the fencing company pays different rates for specific materials. For example, redwood tends to be more valuable than cedar.
Fencing design may affect the labor required to deconstruct a fence, but there isn’t a significant price difference between privacy fences, picket fences, or other styles.
Fence height
Taller fences tend to be more expensive to remove than shorter fences of the same material and design. That’s because the materials will be heavier, more unwieldy, and take up more space when transported. Some companies may charge by square foot instead of the linear foot to account for the height of the fence.
Fence post removal
While removing fence panels and pickets may be easy, fence posts require more time to unearth. Fence contractors charge an average of $65 for each post, but prices can go as low as $30 or as high as $100 per post. However, you could cut costs by leaving the post holes or the posts themselves to use for a new fence. This strategy will save you money but is only possible if the posts are in good condition.
Check with the fence company to see whether post removal is included in the linear foot rate or is an additional cost.
Concrete removal
Fence posts are usually set in concrete for maximum stability and durability. However, that means it’s more work to remove. Your fence contractor will need to break up or loosen the concrete to release the posts, then remove the chunks from the ground.
Can you leave the concrete to save money? It depends. If you don’t intend to build another fence, you can ask the contractor to leave the concrete behind. Skipping this step will make the process quicker and less expensive. However, you need to remove the concrete if you intend to install a new fence now or in the future. That concrete can’t be reused and will only be in the way when installing new fence posts.
Hauling away the fence
What happens to all the fence parts once they’ve been deconstructed? You have a few options:
- Have the fence company haul them away. It will cost around $300 but save you time, effort, and space compared to dealing with the parts yourself.
- Bring the parts to the dump yourself. You’ll pay the contractors less, but you need transportation. You could haul the parts in a pickup truck or similar vehicle, but you’d likely need multiple trips to get the job done. Another option is to rent a roll-off dumpster for between $200 and $1,000. However, that won’t necessarily save you money overall. The dump usually charges by weight to dispose of junk. However, scrap yards may pay you for the parts if they’re recyclable or salvageable. Call ahead to see what they accept.
- List the parts online. Assuming your old fence was in relatively good condition, someone else could salvage those parts for their projects. Make a post on a local marketplace like Craigslist and see if anyone bites. However, if no one is interested, you may get stuck with the materials for longer than you’d like.
Removal and replacement
Homeowners often remove their old fence because they want a new one. In that case, don’t call two different pros. Plan what you’d like your new fence to look like, then reach out to a local fencing company to see if they can replace your current fence. They will most likely include removal costs in their installation quote, but make sure to ask so that there aren’t any surprises.
A combined project will cost less than splitting removal and installation into two projects. The pros will know to prep the area as they remove the old fence. They could even reuse post holes or posts to save on installation costs.
Landscape obstacles
A professional will likely want to get the lay of the land before providing a quote. They need to know what obstacles they may face when removing your fence. Will they need to remove trees, bushes, vines, or stones? You will either need to pay them extra to remove or work around obstacles or hire a different pro before fence removal begins.
The average cost of bush removal is $650, and the average cost of tree removal is $850.
Labor costs
There will be little, if any, material costs for fence removal since you’re paying them for the labor of dismantling your fence. Every contractor sets their rate based on a few main factors: experience, cost of living, and demand. They will usually include labor costs in the total or linear foot quote, but you can always ask to clarify.
Permits
You may need permits regardless of whether you’re building a new fence. Check your local zoning laws and homeowners association rules to see whether you’ll need a construction or demolition permit. Ask the companies you get quotes from whether they’ll handle permits and if it’s included in the total cost.
Fence installation permits cost between $30 and $200. Demolition costs range from $50 to $325.
Related Services
Before you start seeking fene repair estimates, consider whether you need these related services. They could add (or subtract) from your total project costs.
Fence installation
Are you tearing down your old fence to install something new? Fence installation costs $3,000 on average, but it can be as low as $500 or as high as $8,500, depending on what fence you want, how long the fence is, and where you live. If you have a specific material in mind, here are the prices per linear foot so you can estimate your cost:
Fence repair
Your existing fence may not be a lost cause after all. A good repair professional can save your fence and do wonders for your home’s curb appeal. Fence repair costs an average of $460. However, fence repairs can cost as little as $50 or as much as $2,500, depending on the extent of the damage.
Landscaping
If you’re removing your fence, you may have some big ideas to transform your yard. The cost of landscaping ranges from $3,300 to $13,200.
Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
You can always tear down the fence yourself, but it will be time-consuming. The specific supplies you need vary by fence type, but here’s a list of possible tools and materials:
| Materials and Tools | Average Cost |
| Gloves | $18 |
| Protective goggles | $14 |
| Shovel | $20 |
| Hammer | $18 |
| Screwdriver | $15 |
| Wrench | $12 |
| Pliers | $26 |
| Wire cutters | $17 |
| Reciprocating saw | $220 |
| Reciprocating saw rental | $24 a day |
| High lift jack | $96 |
| Chain | $23 |
| Roll-off dumpster rental | $600 |
You could save hundreds of dollars on fence removal by doing it yourself, especially if you already have these tools and a means to dispose of the parts.
However, it likely isn’t worth it if you need to purchase most, if not all, of them. Roll-off dumpster rental is costly, so you may as well hire a pro. You also should consider hiring a pro if you need to remove metal or electric fences, since they can be dangerous.
Cost of Fence Removal by Location
This cost guide is based on national averages. However, some local factors may affect pricing. Costs in rural areas tend to be lower than in metropolitan areas. The terrain in your area also could make fence removal more difficult and expensive. Rocky or heavy clay soil makes it harder to dig, so it will take more labor to remove fence posts.
FAQ About Fence Removal
Quite the opposite. Fences almost always add to property value. They boost curb appeal and entice parents and pet owners. However, a poorly maintained fence will reduce property value. It gives a bad first impression, makes the whole property seem unkempt, and reduces security and privacy.
A professional can usually remove a fence in a couple of hours. It will take longer if you’re doing it on your own. The bigger the fence, the longer it will take.
It depends on whether it’s a shared fence. Fences almost always belong to the person whose property they’re on. A fence directly on the property line would be a shared fence. Get a land survey to be sure who it belongs to.
If it’s entirely on your property, you can take it down if you wish, with no permission needed from your next-door neighbor. You can let them know to be polite.
If the fence is a boundary or shared fence, you need to talk to your neighbor first. You can share the costs of removal if you’re both on board. You may need to negotiate a solution if they object to the fence’s removal. Local laws vary, so it may come down to who built the fence in the first place.
If the fence is on your neighbor’s side of the property line, you cannot remove it. It is their property to do as they choose unless it breaks any local laws or HOA rules.
What if your neighbor built the fence, but it’s on your side of the property line? It would be best if you discussed your options with them and with a legal professional. Local laws may give them a grace period to remove the fence, after which you can remove it yourself. You may also be able to move it onto their property. In that case, they would likely need to pay for the relocation.
DIY or Hire a Pro to Remove a Fence?
If you want a clean slate, removing your fence might be the way to go. The average cost is $510 for fence removal, but prices will vary depending on the material, location, and local labor costs. You can save money by doing certain parts yourself or save time by letting pros handle everything. Ready to get some quotes? Reach out to fencing companies in your area for estimates.
Note: Fence Gnome may get a referral fee for matching you with contractors in your area.
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