Fence Removal Cost Calculator
Estimate demolition labor, haul-away truck fees, and dumpster rental costs to tear out old wood, chain link, or vinyl fencing.
Fence removal & disposal cost
Enter your measurements and the result updates as you type.
Overview
Replacing an old fence begins with tearing down and disposing of the existing structure. Demolition costs depend heavily on the material: lightweight chain link is fast to roll up, while heavy wood posts encased in concrete footings require jackhammers and dumpsters.
This calculator provides realistic budget ranges for demolition labor, debris hauling, and roll-off dumpster rentals based on your linear footage and fence type.
Common mistakes
- Assuming concrete post footings can be left in the ground when new posts must occupy the exact same property line locations.
- Underestimating the massive weight of waterlogged wood and concrete chunks, exceeding municipal pickup limits.
- Failing to locate underground gas and electrical utilities before digging out deep concrete balls with a backhoe.
- Overpaying for dumpster rentals when local scrap metal recyclers often pick up old chain link pipe and wire for free.
Related calculators
- Fence cost calculator Estimate total fence cost from run length, height and your local material and labor rates, with the budget math shown.
- Privacy fence calculator Calculate posts, rails and pickets for a solid privacy fence in any material, with a zero-gap board layout by default.
- Wood fence calculator Calculate posts, rails, pickets and concrete for a pressure-treated pine, cedar or redwood fence. Every formula shown, cost optional.
- Chain link fence calculator Calculate line posts, terminal posts, top rail and concrete for a chain link fence run, with 10 foot post spacing as the default.
Related reading
In-depth guides
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost per foot to remove an old fence?
Contractors typically charge $3 to $5 per linear foot for chain link, $5 to $10 per foot for wood privacy fencing, and $6 to $10 per foot for vinyl fencing including concrete footings.
What is the hardest part of tearing down an old fence?
Digging out the heavy concrete footings around old posts. Each concrete ball can weigh 150 to 300 pounds and often requires a farm jack, engine hoist, or mini excavator.
Can old fence posts be cut off at ground level instead of removed?
Only if your new fence posts will be placed in completely new locations. If new posts follow the exact same layout, every old concrete footing must be completely removed.
What size dumpster is needed for 150 feet of wood privacy fence?
A 15-yard or 20-yard roll-off dumpster is recommended for 150 feet of 6-foot wood privacy fence and its concrete footings.
Can old chain link fencing be recycled?
Yes. Galvanized steel pipe and chain link mesh have scrap metal value. Many local metal recyclers accept them for free or pay a nominal scrap rate.
Can pressure-treated wood fencing be burned?
Never burn pressure-treated wood. The chemical preservatives release toxic chemical ash and fumes. It must be disposed of in an authorized municipal landfill.
How long does it take to tear down 100 feet of fence DIY?
Two people can dismantle pickets and rails in 2 to 3 hours, but pulling out 13 concrete post footings by hand typically takes a full day of heavy labor.
Do fence contractors include old fence removal in their new fence quote?
Most fence contractors list tear-out and hauling as a separate line item on their quote. Always clarify whether concrete footing removal is included.