How much does fence installation cost in Des Moines, IA?

Most Des Moines homeowners spend between $1,400 – $3,700 on fence installation, with an average around $2,350. Local labor prices 7% below the national average, so Des Moines quotes tend to land at the lower end of national ranges.

Why is fence installation more or less expensive in Des Moines than elsewhere?

Licensed trade labor in Des Moines runs about 93% of the national average, and the best crews book out fastest in spring and early summer. Iowa weather drives material choices here, so ask contractors what they install most often in Des Moines and why.

Do I need a permit for fence installation in Des Moines, Iowa?

Most Des Moines, IA projects that change structure, electrical, plumbing or mechanical systems need a permit from the local building department; cosmetic work usually does not. Always confirm current requirements with the local building department before signing a contract, and make sure the permit is pulled by your licensed contractor.

How many quotes should I get in Des Moines?

Get at least three written quotes from licensed, insured Iowa contractors. Comparing line items — not just the bottom line — is the fastest way to spot an inflated bid in the Des Moines metro market.

How much does a fence cost per foot?

Installed fencing runs $1 to $45 per linear foot. Wire and electric fencing sit at $1 to $6, wood and privacy at $10 to $20, and vinyl, aluminum, wrought iron and composite at $20 to $45.

How much does it cost to fence a typical backyard?

Most residential backyards have a 150 to 170 linear foot perimeter, which puts a wood fence at roughly $1,500 to $3,000 and a vinyl or composite fence at $3,500 to $7,000.

What is the cheapest fence to install?

Barbed wire, electric and woven wire at $1 to $6 per foot are cheapest, followed by chain link starting near $5 per foot.

Do I need a permit to build a fence?

Most cities require a permit for fences above 6 feet, and many require one for any fence. Permits typically cost $20 to $400 and HOAs often add their own approval step.

How long does a fence installation take?

A standard 150-foot residential fence takes a two-person crew one to three days, plus 24 to 48 hours for post concrete to cure before panels go on.

Does a fence add value to a home?

A well-built fence typically returns 50% to 70% of its cost at resale and matters most for homes marketed to families with kids or pets.

Home/Cost guides/Fence Installation/Des Moines, IA

Des Moines metro · Iowa

Fence Installation cost in Des Moines, IA

Des Moines homeowners typically pay $1,400 – $3,700 for fence installation. Local labor and materials price 7% below the national average.

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Des Moines average

$2,350

Typical low

$1,400

Typical high

$3,700

Per linear foot

$1 – $42

Sample ZIP

What drives Des Moines pricing

Local labor

Licensed trade labor in Des Moines runs about 93% of the national average, and the best crews book out fastest in spring and early summer.

Permits & code

Most Des Moines, IA projects that change structure, electrical, plumbing or mechanical systems need a permit from the local building department; cosmetic work usually does not.

Climate & conditions

Iowa weather drives material choices here, so ask contractors what they install most often in Des Moines and why.

Instant cost calculator

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Fence length160 linear feet

Fence material

Fence height

Terrain

Old fence removal

Gates

Estimated project cost

$126 – $759

Most homeowners pay around $443

Compare fence material

Cost by material in Des Moines

Installed Des Moines pricing per linear foot.

Option	Installed cost	Pros	Cons
Barbed wire	$1 – $6	Secure, inexpensive, ideal for farmland and ranches.	Dangerous around kids and pricey once you add accessories.
Electric / invisible	$1 – $6	Invisible from the street, keeps pets contained.	No physical barrier and needs training plus power.
Woven wire	$2 – $4	Strong and safe for horses, goats and sheep.	More complex to install than plain wire.
Metal chain link	$5 – $37	Durable, affordable and effective.	Least attractive option and can rust.
Wood & privacy	$9 – $19	Inexpensive and long-lasting with proper treatment.	Needs regular staining and upkeep.
Composite & Trex	$14 – $42	Looks like wood with almost no maintenance.	Highest upfront material cost.
Vinyl / PVC	$19 – $23	Lightweight, durable and easy to install.	Can be cut through, so weak for security.
Aluminum or steel	$19 – $28	Will not rust and needs little upkeep.	Not the most secure metal option.
Wrought iron	$19 – $33	Can last a lifetime and looks traditional.	One of the most expensive options.
Brick, stone or block	$28 – $56	Maximum privacy, noise blocking and curb appeal.	Needs footings and often an engineered permit.

Where the money goes in Des Moines

A typical $2,350 Des Moines project, broken down by line item.

Materials55% · $1,293
Labor35% · $823
Prep, permits & disposal10% · $235

Common add-ons

Extras that show up on Des Moines quotes but rarely in the headline price.

Walk gate (per gate)

$140 – $650

Driveway or double gate

$370 – $2,800

Automatic gate opener

$745 – $4,200

Old fence removal & haul-off

Per linear foot

$3 – $5

Property survey

$325 – $835

Building permit

$19 – $370

Stain or seal wood fence

Per linear foot

$2 – $6

Post-hole drilling in rock

Per post surcharge

$7 – $19

Ways to save in Des Moines

Get three bids: fence pricing spreads 20–40% between contractors in the same ZIP.
Build in the off-season (late fall or winter) when crews are hungry for work.
Share the cost with a neighbor on a shared property line — many split 50/50.
Keep the run straight and simple; every corner, gate and grade change adds labor.
Choose 4-foot picket instead of 6-foot privacy where privacy is not needed to cut roughly 15%.
Do the demo and brush clearing yourself to save $3 to $5 per foot.
Buy the material yourself only if the pro allows it — most get volume discounts you cannot match.

Des Moines FAQs

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