How Much Does It Cost to Build Deer Fencing?

Average Cost to Install a Deer Fence

Deer Fence Material Price

Materials run from $7 to $30 per linear foot, though you can get by with cheaper fencing materials if you aren’t too concerned with aesthetics. Here’s a breakdown of expected costs for each major material, as well as pros and cons for each one.

Metal Wire

You’ll pay $1.30 to $3 per linear foot, with rolls unfurling to around 100 feet each at varying heights. Metal wire is the most common material for a deer fence. You can buy metal wire fences in rolls, which simplifies the installation process. They last around 30 years, are fairly nondescript, and are relatively inexpensive.

• PVC-coated fences better for inclement weather throughout multiple seasons

• General opening size of 2”

• Not aesthetically pleasing but functional and long-lasting

• Good for DIY projects

Plastic Wire

You’ll pay $0.85 to $3 per linear foot, with rolls unfurling to 100 feet each at varying heights. Plastic wire fences are also available in pre-made rolls, simplifying the installation process for DIY-ers. They tend to be UV-resistant but don’t last as long as metal fences, at around 15 to 25 years.

• Long-term exposure to sun could weaken materials though usually weather-treated

• General opening size of 2”

• Easier to chew through than metal

• Extremely economical

Chain-Link

Chain-link fences cost around $5 to $20 per linear foot, though they offer a long lifespan of around 30 years without requiring significant regular maintenance. Color-coated ones cost around $5 to $25 per linear foot. An average chain-link fence is a good option for dissuading deer from entering your property, as long as the fence is at least 8 feet high.

• Relatively simple install for DIY-ers

• Functional and long-lasting, though lacking in the aesthetics department

• Metallic-coated most popular chain-link option because of its price point

Solid Wood

Solid wood fences are expensive, as a standard wood fence costs anywhere from $4,000 to $9,000. Of course, there are two primary benefits to choosing a solid wood privacy fence as your primary deer deterrent. These fences are attractive and suit most outdoor decor schemes. Also, you won’t have to go quite as high as other fence types since deer can’t see through solid wood and are wary of encountering predators.

• Difficult to install compared to other fence types

• Less durable than metal wire or even plastic wire

• Can be painted or stained for more aesthetic appeal

Though the average deer fence costs $1,500, you can spend anywhere from $350 to $4,000 or more depending on its size and components.

Deer Fence Installation Cost

Fencing contractors charge anywhere from $30 to $80 per hour, and the number of hours needed is completely dependent on the type of fence and the size of your property. Installing a deer fence is exacting work, as a 150- to 200-linear foot fence takes a professional around 20 to 35 hours to complete. A roll-out metal wire or plastic wire fence should only take a pro around five to 10 hours of work, putting the installation cost at $150 to $800.

Contractors could also charge by the project, though installing chain-link fences costs $1,000 to $3,000 for 150 linear feet since they take a bit more work, as chain-link fences need to be built out and not just laid down like mesh fences.

Solid wood fences can take dozens of hours to finish, costing $4,000 to $9,000 for 150 linear feet, including labor and materials.

Deer Fence Installation Cost Factors

In addition to the fence materials and labor, some additional cost factors come into play for many consumers.

Fence and Property Sizes

If you’re looking to protect a large and varied property from deer and other animals, consider metal wire or plastic wire fences, as they ship in 100-feet partitions. For chain-link and wood, you’ll pay per linear foot for materials and then again for added labor.

In addition, if you’re cobbling together a deer fence by yourself, consider height. Deer can easily hop over many obstacles, so your fence must be anywhere from 6 to 10 feet high. Typical deer fencing ships in heights of 6 feet, 8 feet, 10 feet, and 12 feet. The higher the fence, the more you’ll pay.

Building Permits

At $20 to $60 per permit, fence permits are on the cheaper side when compared to other types of building permits. Confirm details with your local building department or your contractor.

Additional Features

For around $300, a tensioning kit includes a monofilament wire to place along the fence, clips, tighteners, guide clamps, and all the necessary tools. For added security and durability, consider tensioning kits and ground stakes. These stakes cost $20 to $35 for a 20-pack, depending on the materials used. Ground stakes increase stability and prevent deer from digging below the base.

Depending on the height, you can also buy a gate kit that integrates with a metal wire or plastic wire deer fence for $150 to $250. You may want a gate or another type of entrance somewhere along the deer fence, so yourself, friends, and family members can easily enter and exit at will. Additionally, count on adding $200 for labor to install the gate. Consult your pro ahead of time to ask about adding a gate or entrance to a chain-link or solid wood fence, as both materials and labor will increase over adding one to wire.

Warning banners cost around $5 for a pack of 20. Deer have poor eyesight and could run into any fence you install. To prevent injury, add warning banners at regular intervals throughout the fence, placing them along the fence at intervals of around 10 meters.

Cost to Install Deer Fencing Yourself

Installing a wire deer fence yourself will save you some bucks, as you won’t pay for labor costs. You will, however, have to purchase materials, such as $1.30 to $3 per linear foot for metal wire and $0.85 to $3 per linear foot for plastic wire. You’ll get by using everyday tools listed below.

• Hammer

• Wire cutters or pruners

• Stapler with carpenter staples

• Protective gloves

• Ladder

Note: Installing chain-link or wooden deer fences should be left to the pros due to the complexity of the job.

DIY vs. Hiring a Fence Installation Pro

Generally speaking, pre-rolled wire deer fences are manufactured with the DIY enthusiast in mind, though you should ensure you have plenty of tools on hand, as well as a variety of posts and caps for the fence itself. You can install a standard wire deer fence by yourself, though it’s exacting work. Additionally, mistakes could render the fence useless, as deer would easily be able to find ways around the structure. A local fence contractor will ensure everything is done right the first time.

Chain-link fences and solid wood fences require more professional know-how and plenty more time to complete a successful install. Keep in mind that deer fences are large and heavy no matter which material type you choose.

FAQs

What kind of maintenance does a deer fence require?

When it comes to wire fences, tighten up any posts every year and be on the lookout for tree- and weather-related damage, replacing sections if necessary. For chain-link fences, apply a coating of anti-rust solution yearly and keep the fence clean. Wood fences require the most maintenance of the bunch, as regular yet gentle cleanings are a must. Keep bushes away from the wood, and be on the lookout for any weather-related damage.

Can I just fence off some of my property?

Yes and no. Fencing off a portion of your property will prevent some deer-related damage, but these animals will eventually find a way through. If you are dead-set on going with a partial fence, divert deer away from the most frequently visited sections of your property.

What about terrain changes, rocky ground, and water crossings?

Each property is unique. Take note of any part of your property that could impede the fence-building process, and talk it over with a professional contractor. Dedicated deer fences typically integrate with a wide variety of common land obstacles. Experiences will vary, but if you can get a post in the ground, you should be able to roll out and install a wire-type deer fence. The same may be true of chain-link or wood fences.