How the estimate works
The fence line is the length you enter times a typical DFW-area installed range per linear foot for the style, covering posts, concrete, rails and pickets or panels on a reasonably level run. An 8 ft privacy fence adds 25% to 40% to the per-foot range. Tear-out, staining, each gate and the City of Allen permit are added as their own lines, so you can see what each one contributes.
| Item | Typical DFW-area range |
|---|---|
| Cedar board-on-board, 6 ft | $35 to $50 per ft |
| Cedar board-on-board with cap and trim, 6 ft | $45 to $60 per ft |
| Cedar side-by-side, 6 ft | $18 to $35 per ft |
| Wrought iron or ornamental steel | $28 to $55 per ft |
| Vinyl (needs Building Official approval in Allen) | $25 to $45 per ft |
| Chain link (needs Building Official approval in Allen) | $12 to $30 per ft |
| 8 ft privacy fence instead of 6 ft | 25% to 40% more |
| Old fence removal and haul-away | $3 to $8 per ft |
| Staining one side | $3.50 to $7 per ft |
| Walk gate | $150 to $600 each |
| Double drive gate | $400 to $900 each |
| Automatic gate with opener | $1,500 to $4,000 each |
| City of Allen fence permit | $75 |
Slope, a narrow side yard and old concrete in the post holes each add a note saying whether they push the job toward the high end or the low end. There is no dependable way to turn those into a percentage, so the calculator does not.
Why every option is on steel posts
The City of Allen's Residential Fence Guideline requires metal posts on all fencing, with metal caps and hardware, set at least 18 in deep in concrete. A cedar fence in Allen is cedar pickets and rails on steel posts, so the calculator offers no wood-post option. Allen's Houston Black clay shrinks and swells with the seasons, which is one reason posts and footings carry so much of the cost.
Material approval and the permit
The guideline accepts brick, wood and wrought iron by name. Vinyl, chain link and other materials need the Building Official's approval, so the calculator flags them. Allen requires a permit for a fence, and the City fee schedule lists it at a flat $75. Check with your HOA before the permit is applied for, and have utilities located through Texas811 before anyone digs. The Allen fence permit rules guide covers heights, easements and sight lines.
Pool fences
A fence that encloses a pool or hot tub in Allen must be at least 4 ft tall with self-closing, self-latching gates, and the latch on the pool side at least 4.5 ft above the ground. The price depends on the gates, hardware and layout of each enclosure, so the calculator lists what sets it rather than giving a range.
What the range leaves out
- A property survey when the line is in doubt
- Lawn, sprinkler or landscape repair along the line
- Heavy custom ironwork, which sits above the iron range
- Pool barrier hardware and layout