Deciding to put up a new fence around your North Shore, IL home—whether in Northbrook, Wilmette, Glenview, Skokie, Mount Prospect, Arlington Heights, Palatine, Schaumburg or nearby suburbs—is exciting, but figuring out whether a quote is reasonable can feel tricky. Here’s what to check so you can be confident your fence is priced right, what local costs look like, and what questions to ask when getting bids.
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In the North Shore / Chicagoland area, typical installed fence costs vary widely based on material, height, design, and other site-specific factors. Here are some rough ranges you’ll see:
Wood fences (privacy, board-on-board, picket): approximately $20 to $50+ per linear foot depending on height and wood type.
Vinyl fences (privacy or picket styles): roughly $30 to $60 per linear foot in many cases.
Chain link fences (basic galvanized): often $10 to $30 per linear foot; higher if you add coatings, slats, or extra height.
These are base estimates. The final price for your fence will depend on many other specifics (see next section).
When you get a fence quote in North Shore, ask or look for details in the following areas to know whether the price is fair or not:
Material Quality
Type of wood (cedar, pressure-treated pine, redwood) or whether vinyl is standard grade or premium.
Gauge & coating for metals or chain link; thickness of vinyl.
Whether the materials include posts, rails, caps, hardware (hinges, snap locks, etc.).
Height & Length
Taller fences (6-8 ft) cost significantly more per foot than lower fences (3-4 ft).
Length matters — linear foot includes all sides, corners, gates, etc.
Design & Style Complexity
Simple straight privacy boards vs. decorative tops, lattice, shadowbox style, scalloped tops, horizontal slats, etc.
Number of gates, gate type (pedestrian or driveway), gate hardware.
Site Conditions & Access
Is the ground flat or sloped? Slopes often need stepped fences or extra posts which increase labor.
Accessibility: tight yards, obstacles, proximity to street.
Removal of old fence, hauling debris.
Permits, HOA & Local Regulations
Some villages require fence permits; there may be rules about height, style, materials.
If neighbor’s property or trees are involved, setbacks or approvals may be needed.
Labor & Installation Costs
Season (spring/summer often more expensive).
Local labor rates. Skilled installers generally cost more but yield better long-term quality.
Maintenance, Warranty, & Lifespan
Estimate how much upkeep (painting, sealing, winter prep) will be needed.
Does the contractor offer warranty or guarantee on materials & work?
Watch out for:
Quotes that are much lower than all others without obvious reasons — possibly low materials, skipping important work (like proper post set), or missing gates or accessories.
Vague descriptions (just “wood fence,” “vinyl fence”) without specifying heights, material type, hardware, or finishes.
No line items for post footing, hardware, permits, debris removal.
No warranty or example of past work — especially for more complicated or high-exposure areas (wind, snow load, etc.).
If all the boxes are checked — decent quality materials, proper height (often 6 ft for privacy), gates, proper installation, warranty — then expect a quote in a reasonable range, e.g.:
Wood privacy fence, 6 ft tall, with a standard gate, on flat ground: $35-$60 per linear foot depending on wood and finish.
Vinyl privacy fence, similar specs: $40-$70 per linear foot (premium vinyl or decorative styles push the higher end).
Chain link (galvanized, no privacy slats), for standard heights (4-6 ft): $15-$30 per linear foot.
These are approximate; final quote may vary depending on your exact location in North Shore, conditions, and extras.
Ask for at least 2-3 quotes from local fence contractors (like Atlantic Fence Inc, etc.).
Ensure each quote is itemized: material, labor, gates, permits, removal of old fence, any extras.
Compare not just price, but materials (brand, quality), warranty, and installation style.
Be clear about what you want (privacy vs. decorative vs open view) so bids are apples-to-apples.
A fair fence price in North Shore, IL takes into account many pieces — not just the cost of boards or panels. A properly installed fence with good materials and clear terms will last longer, look better, and cost less over time (because you’re not fixing or replacing parts). When you see a quote that aligns with the ranges above, detailed, and includes what you expect, you can be confident you’re paying fairly.
(847) 766-5976
Atlantic Fence Inc is your trusted local fencing expert in Northbrook, IL. We provide durable residential and commercial fencing solutions with a focus on quality, security, and honest service.
