How Much Does a New Fence Cost in North Georgia?
From the rolling hills of Jasper to the rocky slopes of Blue Ridge, we provide honest, site-specific pricing.
The “Big Three” Cost Drivers
The “price per linear foot” is only part of the story.
The “type” of fence is obviously going to affect the “cost per foot”. The cost examples below are based on an average 4-foot-tall backyard fence measuring approximately 300 linear feet.
1. Material Choice:
Comparison of costs for Pressure-Treated Pine, Western Red Cedar, Aluminum, and Black Vinyl-Coated Chain Link Fencing.
- Horizontal 4-Board rough-sawn pressure-treated pine wood fence with 2×4 welded wire “pet containment” field fence attached, 4×4 posts, and two 4-foot-wide gates. With pet containment wire: Without pet containment wire:
- A three-hole western red cedar split rail fence with two 4-foot-wide gates. With $22.00 and without $20 pet containment wire
- An Aluminum Ornamental fence with two gates. 4-foot tall: $38.50/ 5-foot tall $42.00:
- A steel powder-coated ornamental fence with two gates. 4-foot tall: $48.00 / 5-foot tall $53.00:
- Galvanized chain-link fence with two gates. 4-foot tall: $15.00/ 5-foot tall: $16.00
- A vinyl-coated black, brown, or green chain-link fence with two 4-foot-wide walk gates. 4-foot tall: $18.25 / 5-foot tall: $20.00
- An agricultural “goat wire” field fence with two 4-foot-wide tubular farm-style metal gates. $12.00
2. Total Footage:
How the perimeter size influences the overall material cost.
Fences under 300 linear feet cost more per linear foot because they still require a full day of labor to install, unless the project is very small.
Larger than 300 feet will stay close to the price per foot quoted above.
3. Gate Customization:
Differentiating between standard walk gates and heavy-duty automated driveway gates in mountain estates.
We build gates to match our horizontal 4- and 3-board fences, as well as our cedar and pine split-rail fences. These types of gates are included in the price per foot quoted above.
Driveway gate pricing depends on the specific gate the customer chooses. Generally, we charge $500 to drill the holes, set the posts in concrete, and return the next day to hang the gate, provided we are also performing additional work at the site, such as installing a fence or adding an automatic gate opener system to the new driveway gate installation.
The “Mountain Factor” (Why North Georgia is Different).
Installing a fence on mountain terrain is very different from installing one on a flat, manicured lawn in a city like Atlanta. In mountain areas like Jasper, Ellijay, Cherry Log, Blue Ridge, and Morganton, or Dahlonegh, the ground is uneven and sloped; brush often needs to be cleared; access to the fence line can be difficult and dangerous; and the soil is hard and full of large rocks. Specialized equipment and hardware are required, and the work is extremely labor-intensive.
The Grade (Slope):
“Racking” vs. “Stepping”; methods for installing on hills.
Ornamental fence (metal or aluminum fence with 5/8″ square tube vertical pickets every 4 inches, usually black) will not run paralle with a steep slope over 20 degrees unless it is special ordered with what is called a “double punch” hole in the rails allowing the fence to rack up to 40 degrees. This type of fence can be “stepped” (run level from post to post), but on a slope this will leave an opening on the lower part of the slope where it doesn’t meet the ground. On a very steep slope, this opening can get quite large.
All other types of fencing can follow the terrain’s slope.
- Steeper grades require more labor and specialized hardware.
- The Ground (Rock & Roots):
- North Georgia’s red clay and hidden rock layers often require power augers or jackhammers for post-hole digging. Many properties are forested, so tree roots must be addressed.
- Accessibility:
- Is the site reachable by truck, or must materials be carried by hand up a ridge?
Estimated Price Ranges (Table)
FENCE TYPE | Estimated Price per Linear Foot | Best Use Case |
| Split Rail / Wire | $15 – $22 | Large acreage, keeping dogs in. |
| Horizontal Board Fence | $25 – $38 | Yards, Rural Land, classic look. |
| Ornamental Aluminum | $30 – $50 | Durable, view-preserving, pool-safety, decorative boundary |
| Black Vinyl Chain Link | $18 – $26 | Security, a perfect dog fence, blends into the woods. |
| Agricultural Goat Wire | $12 – $16 | Woods, Large Acreage, Livestock, Backyard Dog Fence |
| Deer Fence | $22 – $28 | Orchard, Garden |
The “North Georgia Advantage” FAQ
The Mountain Factor: Why Geography Matters
In the North Georgia mountains, no two projects are the same. While a flat suburban lot in Atlanta might be straightforward, our local terrain requires specialized equipment, extra labor, and a deep understanding of the land. When we provide a quote, we look at the specific “Mountain Factors” that will impact your installation.
Navigating the Grade: Slopes and Ridges
Whether your property overlooks the Toccoa River or sits on a Blue Ridge hillside, you likely have an incline. We use two primary methods to ensure your fence looks professional and functions perfectly on a slope:
- Racking: The fence panels are constructed to follow the contour of the ground. This keeps the bottom of the fence close to the grass—essential for keeping pets in or critters out.
- Stepping: For steeper mountain grades, we “step” the fence sections like stairs. This provides a clean, architectural look while managing dramatic changes in elevation.
The Ground Beneath: Red Clay and Solid Rock
North Georgia is famous for its beauty, but it’s notorious for what lies beneath the soil. Unlike sandy or loamy regions, our ground is often packed with dense red clay, roots, or solid rock layers.
- Specialized Equipment: Standard hand-digging often won’t cut it here. We use power augers and, when necessary, pneumatic jackhammers to ensure your posts are set deep enough to withstand high-mountain winds and seasonal ground shifts.
- Post Stability: A fence is only as strong as its foundation. We take the extra time to ensure every post is anchored securely, regardless of how many rocks we encounter along the way.
Accessibility and Forested Lines
A “fence line” in the mountains rarely follows a clear, paved path.
- Dense Undergrowth: Many of our projects involve installing through thick brush, mountain laurel, or timber. If the line isn’t clear, we can assist with light clearing to ensure the perimeter is accurate.
- Manual Labor: If your dream fence is at the top of a ridge where trucks can’t reach, our team manually transports materials to the site. This “high-access” labor is factored into our transparent pricing, so there are never surprises on your final bill.
Weather Resistance (UV and Humidity)
Our elevation means your fence is closer to the sun and subject to heavy mountain mist and humidity. We prioritize materials and sealants—such as Western Red Cedar, pressure-treated rough sawn pind, or powder-coated aluminum—that are specifically rated to resist rot, warping, and fading in the unique Appalachian climate.
The Bottom Line: We don’t just build fences; we build structures that respect the North Georgia landscape. By accounting for these factors upfront, we ensure your fence lasts for decades, not just seasons.
Homeowner Preparation Checklist: Getting Ready for Installation Day
Installing a fence in the mountains is a big investment. To ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible—and to keep your project on schedule—please use this checklist to prepare your property.
1. Survey and Boundaries
- Locate Property Pins: While we can estimate based on plat maps, it is the homeowner’s responsibility to identify official property pins. If your pins are buried or missing, we recommend a professional survey before we dig.
- Mark Your Lines: If you have a specific vision for the fence path that differs from the property line, please mark it with “inverted” spray paint, flagging, or string.
2. Utilities and Underground Lines
- Call 811 (Georgia 811): We will handle the public utility locates (gas, water, power). However, please note that 811 does not mark private lines.
- Identify Private Lines: Please mark the location of any:
- Septic tank lids and drain fields.
- Propane lines (common in our area!).
- Outdoor lighting wires or irrigation systems.
- Invisible pet fences.
3. Clear the Path
- Vegetation: Our team needs about 3 feet of clearance on both sides of the fence line. Please trim back any mountain laurel, blackberry briars, or low-hanging branches that obstruct the path.
- Debris: Remove any firewood piles, lawn furniture, or construction debris that may be sitting where the new fence will go.
4. Neighborly Relations
- Communication: It’s always a good idea to let your neighbors know a crew will be working. This is especially important if we need to access their side of the property line to finish the “face” of the fence.
- Pet Management: For the safety of our crew and your furry friends, please keep all pets inside or secured in a separate area for the duration of the install.
5. Day-of Essentials
- Access: Ensure all gates, driveways, or private gravel roads are accessible for our trucks and equipment.
- Power & Water: While we often bring our own power, having access to an outdoor outlet or water spigot is always appreciated.
- The Final Walk-Through: Please plan to be available for 15 minutes on the first morning of the install to walk the line with our crew lead and confirm fence and gate placements.
Pro-Tip for North Georgia Owners: If your property is behind a gated community or governed by an HOA (like those in Big Canoe, Coosawattee, or Bent Tree), please ensure you have received written architectural approval before our arrival date.
Why Choose North Georgia Fence Company?
- Locally Owned & Operated: We live where we build. We know the clay, the rock, and the weather.
- Mountain Terrain Specialists: We have the heavy-duty equipment required for steep grades and rocky soil.
- Turnkey Service: From utility marking to final staining, we handle the hard work so you can enjoy the view.
About North Georgia Fence Company
We aren’t just contractors; we’re your neighbors. Based in the heart of the Blue Ridge mountains, North Georgia Fence Company was founded on the belief that a fence should be as rugged as the landscape it surrounds.
While “big city” companies often struggle with our vertical terrain and rocky soil, we thrive on it. We understand the specific needs of Appalachian homeowners—from navigating steep grades in Big Canoe to selecting materials that withstand our unique humidity and UV exposure. When you hire us, you’re getting a team that treats your property like our own backyard.
Serving: Jasper, Ellijay, Blue Ridge, Dawsonville, Blairsville, and the surrounding mountain communities.
