Fence Removal Demolition - Fencing

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📋 About Fence Removal & Demolition Services ▾

Fence removal and demolition is a specialized segment within the broader [Fencing](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=fencing) category — one that demands more than just brute force. Whether you're replacing a rotted wood privacy fence, pulling out decades-old chain-link with concrete-encased posts, or clearing a property line before a survey, the process involves careful planning, proper equipment, and — in many municipalities — a permit. Skipping any of those steps can result in underground utility damage, neighbor disputes, or a debris pile that violates local ordinances.

Q: Do I need a permit to remove an old fence?

Permit requirements vary by municipality, but many cities require a demolition or excavation permit when a fence exceeds 6 feet in height or when post removal involves significant soil disturbance. Some HOA communities add their own approval layer on top of municipal requirements. Your contractor should know the local rules, but you can also call your city or county building department directly to confirm. Skipping a required permit can result in a stop-work order, fines, or complications when you later sell the property. Budget $50–$200 for permit fees where applicable, and clarify in your contract who is responsible for obtaining them.

Q: How long does fence removal typically take?

A standard two-person crew can remove roughly 100–150 linear feet of wood privacy fencing per half-day, assuming posts are set in gravel rather than concrete. Chain-link removal moves faster on the panel side but slower on posts. Ornamental iron or aluminum fencing with deep concrete footings can slow progress to 50–75 linear feet per day. Site conditions — narrow gates that block equipment, vegetation intertwined with the fence, or extremely hard or rocky soil — can extend timelines significantly. Most residential jobs of 150–250 linear feet are completed within one full working day when no major concrete extraction is required.

Read full guide ↓

Old fence removal (per linear foot)

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Disposal and hauling of old materials

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Fence Removal / Demolition Hiring Guide

📖 Overview

The scope of a fence removal project is almost always driven by three variables: the fence type, the post-setting method, and what's happening to the site afterward. A 150-linear-foot cedar shadowbox fence with 4×4 posts set 18 inches deep in tamped gravel is a straightforward afternoon job for a two-person crew with a reciprocating saw and a post puller. A 200-linear-foot wrought-iron fence with ornamental posts set 36 inches deep in poured concrete footings is a half-day excavation project that may require a skid-steer or hydraulic post extractor. Understanding which situation you have before you call for quotes will save hours of back-and-forth and prevent lowball bids that balloon once the crew hits concrete.

[Old fence removal (per linear foot)](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=fencing&subcat=fence-removal-demolition&subsubcat=old-fence-removal-per-linear-foot) is the core labor component of any demolition job, and pricing it correctly requires knowing what's in the ground, not just what's above it. Contractors typically quote this service on a per-linear-foot basis — national averages run from $3 to $12 per linear foot for wood fencing, $5 to $15 for chain-link, and $8 to $25 for wrought iron or aluminum — but those figures assume the posts pull cleanly. Concrete footings, frost-heaved posts, or rust-welded hardware can push labor costs 30–50% higher. This sub-service covers the physical act of dismantling fence panels, rails, and posts; the per-foot metric makes it easy to compare contractor bids on an apples-to-apples basis.

[Disposal and hauling of old materials](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=fencing&subcat=fence-removal-demolition&subsubcat=disposal-and-hauling-of-old-materials) is often quoted separately — and for good reason. A 200-foot cedar fence generates roughly 1.5–2 cubic yards of debris, while the same length in chain-link with steel posts can weigh 800–1,200 lbs. Disposal costs vary significantly based on local landfill tipping fees, material recyclability (steel and aluminum fetch scrap value that can offset hauling costs), and whether a dumpster rental or direct haul-away is used. Some contractors bundle hauling into a flat job price; others itemize it at $150–$500 or more depending on volume. Getting clarity on disposal terms before signing any contract prevents surprise charges on invoice day.

Regulatory and site-specific factors add complexity that homeowners frequently underestimate. Many cities — including those governed by ICC-adopted building codes — require a permit for fence removal when the fence exceeds a certain height (typically 6 feet) or when excavation will disturb more than a defined soil volume. Before any crew breaks ground, the federally mandated 811 call-before-you-dig service must be contacted so underground utilities — gas, water, electric, telecom — can be marked. This is not optional; striking an unmarked utility line carries liability and, in most states, a fine. Contractors who skip this step should be disqualified immediately. In HOA-governed communities, demolition timing and debris staging may also be restricted by CC&Rs.

Cost drivers beyond the per-foot labor rate include site accessibility (a fenced backyard accessible only through a 36-inch gate limits equipment options and increases hand-labor time), fence age (pre-1978 structures may contain lead-based paint on metal components, requiring EPA RRP-compliant handling), and the condition of the surrounding landscape. Removing a fence that has ivy, wisteria, or other vines growing through it can triple removal time. If the site will be immediately re-fenced, coordinating the demolition contractor with the installation crew — or hiring a single firm to handle both — typically saves 10–20% versus scheduling them independently.

Fence removal is distinct from broader [Excavation](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=excavation) or [General Contractor](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=general-contractor) work in that it requires specific post-pulling equipment and knowledge of fencing hardware standards — but it overlaps with [Junk Removal](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=junk-removal) and [Landscaping](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=landscaping) when site restoration after removal is needed. For properties where the old fence footings will interfere with new construction or grading, coordinating with a [Concrete](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=concrete) contractor to break out and remove the footings cleanly is advisable. Emergency removal — after storm damage, vehicle impact, or a fire — typically carries a 25–50% premium for same-day response and should be coordinated through contractors who carry general liability minimums of $1 million per occurrence, as debris from compromised fences can create immediate safety hazards for neighbors and pedestrians.

✅ What it covers

Site assessment and measurement of total linear footage to be removed
Locating and marking underground utilities via an 811 call-before-you-dig request
Obtaining any required municipal permits for demolition or excavation
Disconnecting or cutting fence panels, rails, and pickets from posts
Extracting fence posts — by hand, with a post puller, or by excavation for concrete-set posts
Breaking out or coring concrete footings where they will interfere with future use
Segregating materials by type (wood, metal, vinyl) for appropriate recycling or disposal
Loading debris onto a trailer or into a dumpster for haul-away
Grading or backfilling post holes to leave the site level and safe
Final site walkthrough to confirm all hardware, wire, and fasteners are cleared

💵 Typical cost range

$300 to $3,500

Total project cost for fence removal ranges from roughly $300 for a short, simple wood or chain-link fence (50–75 linear feet, no concrete footings) to $3,500 or more for long runs of heavy wrought iron or vinyl fencing with deep concrete-encased posts. The national per-linear-foot average across all fence types falls between $5 and $15, with wood on the lower end and ornamental metal at the top. Concrete footing removal adds $50–$150 per post depending on footing depth and diameter. Disposal and hauling is typically $150–$500 extra unless bundled. Permit fees, where required, run $50–$200. Properties with limited equipment access, hazardous materials (lead paint on pre-1978 metal fencing), or steep terrain can push total costs 30–60% above baseline. Always request itemized quotes separating labor, disposal, and permit costs.

🛡️ Hiring tips

Verify the contractor carries general liability insurance of at least $1 million per occurrence and ask for a current certificate of insurance before work begins
Confirm the contractor will submit the 811 call-before-you-dig request at least three business days ahead of the start date — never accept a verbal assurance alone
Request an itemized written quote that separates per-linear-foot labor, post removal, concrete footing extraction, and disposal/hauling so you can compare bids accurately
Ask specifically whether concrete footings are included in the base price or billed as a separate line item; this is the most common source of cost overruns
Check whether local permits are required and confirm which party — you or the contractor — will pull and pay for them
For fences on or near the property line, have a copy of your survey on hand and notify neighbors in writing before demolition begins to avoid boundary disputes
If the fence contains metal components installed before 1978, ask the contractor whether they are EPA RRP-certified or equipped to handle lead-paint debris per 40 CFR Part 745 guidelines
Get at least three quotes and ask each contractor for references from jobs involving the same fence material and post-setting type as yours

More frequently asked questions

What happens to the old fence materials after removal?

Disposal method depends on material type and your contractor's arrangement. Steel and aluminum posts often have scrap metal value — some contractors will credit this against your hauling fee, so it's worth asking. Untreated wood can sometimes be chipped for mulch or donated through services like Habitat for Humanity ReStores. Pressure-treated lumber, vinyl, and composite materials typically go to a licensed landfill. Disposal is either bundled into the project price or billed separately at $150–$500 depending on volume and local tipping fees. Confirm disposal terms in writing before signing so you're not surprised by a debris pile left on your lawn or a line-item charge at invoice.

Can I remove a fence myself to save money?

DIY fence removal is feasible for light wood or chain-link fences with shallow posts, but it carries real risks. Failing to call 811 before digging can result in striking a buried gas or electrical line — a potentially fatal mistake that also carries legal liability. Concrete-encased posts require manual post pullers, hydraulic equipment, or jackhammers that most homeowners don't own. Disposal of several hundred pounds of debris requires a truck and trailer or a dumpster rental. For simple jobs under 100 linear feet with no concrete footings, DIY can save $300–$600. For anything more complex, the equipment rental costs and physical labor often make professional removal the more economical choice.

How are concrete fence post footings removed?

Contractors use one of three methods: a hydraulic or manual post puller that leverages the post itself to break the footing free from the soil; a jackhammer or electric rotary hammer to break the concrete in place before extraction; or mini-excavator digging to expose and lift the entire footing out intact. The right method depends on footing depth, diameter, and what will be done with the site afterward. If you're re-fencing in the same location, some contractors will leave the old footing in the ground and core through it for a new post — acceptable in stable soils but not recommended for areas with expansive clay or poor drainage.

Will removing the fence damage my yard?

Some yard disruption is unavoidable, especially when pulling concrete footings, but a skilled crew minimizes damage by using narrow post pullers rather than excavating broadly, backfilling and tamping post holes immediately after extraction, and staging debris on tarps rather than dragging it across turf. You can reasonably expect some soil disturbance at each post location and possible turf damage along the fence line where equipment or heavy debris is dragged. Discuss site restoration expectations with your contractor in advance — specifically whether backfilling, seeding, or grading is included in the scope — to avoid disputes after the job is done.

What's the difference between fence removal and fence replacement?

Fence removal covers only demolition, post extraction, and debris disposal — it leaves you with a cleared fence line. Fence replacement bundles removal with installation of a new fence and is typically priced as a combined project. Hiring one contractor for both phases usually saves 10–20% compared with coordinating separate crews, since the removal team can prep post locations specifically for the incoming installation specs. However, if you're not sure yet what replacement fence you want, or if you need the site cleared quickly for another reason (a survey, grading work, or a property sale), removing the old fence as a standalone job makes sense.

How do I know if my old fence contains hazardous materials?

The main hazards in older fences are lead-based paint on metal components installed before 1978 and, in rare cases, creosote-treated wood posts used in agricultural or industrial settings. If your wrought-iron or steel fence was painted before 1978, assume it may contain lead paint and ask your contractor whether they hold EPA Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) certification under 40 CFR Part 745. Creosote-treated timber requires special disposal at a certified facility. Vinyl, cedar, and modern pressure-treated (post-2004 ACQ-treated) lumber pose no significant hazard. When in doubt, a contractor or environmental consultant can perform a quick XRF test on metal surfaces before demolition begins.

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