How this calculator works
Fence removal is priced per linear foot, but the per-foot rate hides four separate cost drivers: labor to dismantle, concrete breaking at each post, haul-away by weight or volume, and site access. This calculator builds the cost from those components instead of applying one flat rate — which is why two 100 ft fences can differ by hundreds of dollars.
Labor = Run × Base rate × Height factor × Access factor
Concrete = Posts × Concrete posts × $18 per post
Haul = Estimated weight × Dump rate + Minimum haul fee
Base rates by fence type run from $2/ft for chain link to $10/ft for concrete masonry. Height scaling uses a 6 ft baseline: a 4 ft fence runs about 80% of the rate, an 8 ft fence about 125%. Access multiplies the labor line by 1.0, 1.25, or 1.6 depending on carry distance and slope.
Fence removal cost by type (2026 US)
Per-linear-foot rates below are for professional tear-out including haul-away, at standard 6 ft height and easy access. Use them as a check against the calculator output.
| Fence type | Labor / ft | Concrete / post | Typical 100 ft total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chain link | $2–$4 | $15–$25 | $300–$600 |
| Wood privacy / picket | $3–$6 | $15–$25 | $450–$900 |
| Split rail / farm | $2–$5 | $12–$20 | $300–$700 |
| Vinyl / composite panel | $5–$8 | $15–$25 | $650–$1,100 |
| Aluminum / ornamental | $5–$9 | $18–$30 | $700–$1,200 |
| Concrete / masonry | $8–$15 | n/a | $1,200–$2,000 |
Most homeowners spend $400–$1,500 for a standard residential fence removal; a 100 ft wood fence typically lands at $500–$900.
What drives the price up
| Factor | Cost impact | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Posts set in concrete | +$15–$30 per post | Concrete must be broken, lifted, and hauled |
| Difficult access | +25–60% on labor | Manual carry over long distance or slope |
| Height above 6 ft | +15–25% | More material, heavier panels, taller work |
| Vinyl / aluminum | +$2–$4/ft over wood | Heavier panels, careful dismantling for resale |
| Concrete / masonry | +$5–$9/ft | Demolition tools, heavy debris, special disposal |
| Disposal by weight | $40–$120 per ton | Dump fees vary widely by region |
| Permit required | $0–$500 | Some municipalities require a demolition permit |
DIY removal vs hiring a pro
DIY removal typically costs $375–$600 for a 100 ft wood fence including a dumpster, pry bars, saw, and backfill. It saves roughly 40–60% of the professional total, but takes 1–2 full days and carries injury risk when posts are set in concrete.
Professional removal costs $450–$900 for the same fence and includes haul-away, disposal, and liability coverage. For concrete footings, heavy vinyl, or difficult access, the pro option is usually worth the premium because the equipment and crew are already in place.
The calculator handles both — set disposal to “Self-haul” and labor rate to your own time value to compare.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to remove a 100 ft fence?
How much does fence removal cost per foot?
Is it cheaper to remove a fence yourself?
Do I need a permit to remove a fence?
How much does it cost to remove concrete fence posts?
How much debris does a fence removal produce?
Can I reuse or sell the old fence materials?
How long does a fence removal take?
Standards and sources
Rates and cost drivers are compiled from 2026 removal contractor pricing surveys, junk-removal company rate cards, and published fence-cost calculators. Key references:
- Typical professional fence removal rates of $3–$10 per linear foot, with most residential work at $3–$6/ft.
- Concrete post breaking at $15–$30 per post, rising to $30–$50 for deep or oversized footings.
- Debris weight of 1.5–2.5 tons per 100 ft of 6 ft wood privacy fence, and dump fees of $40–$120 per ton.
- Access and height multipliers used as planning factors, not engineered specifications.
Related guides
Go deeper on the questions behind this calculator.
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Estimates only. Confirm permit requirements, disposal fees, and contractor scope with local providers before starting. Last reviewed October 2026.