The national average cost for metal fence repair is $589, with most repairs falling between $265 and $1,080. Depending on the extent of the damage, repairs can cost as little as $133 and as much as $1,530.
Not all metal fences will cost the same to repair. It will depend on their material, construction, and damage. This guide covers several types of metal fencing, including chain-link, steel, wrought iron, and aluminum fences.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- Average Costs
- Cost Estimator By Size
- Other Factors that Affect Cost
- Related Services
- Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
- Cost by Location
- FAQ
Average metal fence repair costs
| National Average Cost | $589 |
| Typical Price Range | $265 – $1,080 |
| Extreme Low-End Cost | $133 |
| Extreme High-End Cost | $1,530 |
The prices above reflect the average total project costs for all types of metal fencing. The averages would vary when broken down by specific material or style. For example, the average cost to repair chain-link fencing is much cheaper than repairing wrought iron.
You can reduce repair costs with regular maintenance and DIYing simple issues. However, welding repairs need to be done by a professional and will hike the cost.
Metal fence repair cost estimator by size
While some repair people charge by the hour or the project type, others charge by linear foot. The repair cost per linear foot varies from $9 to $100, with an average cost of $54. Why the wide range? Not all metal fences are made equal; some are much more difficult to make or re-make. Here’s the cost per linear foot, depending on the type of fence:
Other factors that affect cost
The type of damage, metal, design, height, and hourly rate of the repair professional all swing prices up or down.
Type of metal
We’ve already reviewed how costs per linear foot vary based on the type of fence. However, the same type of fence could be made of different metals. For example, chain-link fences can be made of aluminum or steel.
Here are the typical total repair costs for the three main metal types:
Your fence may be made of a different metal than you think. For example, many fences marketed as wrought iron are made of steel. Genuine wrought iron is costly and challenging to work with. A professional can identify your fence’s material if you’re unsure what it is.
Type of repair
Many things could be wrong with your fence. Repair costs will vary depending on the root of the problem, the extent of the damage, and which parts (if any) need to be replaced. The fencing company may charge by the hour, by the part, or by linear foot.
Posts
Posts are the backbone of your fence. If anything is wrong with them — and many things could be — your fence’s structural integrity is at risk. Fence post repair costs between $100 to $450 per post, with an average cost of $275 per post. If the repair person charges by the linear foot, expect the cost to be between $13-$23 per linear foot, with an average cost of $18 per linear foot.
One common repair is the cement footing that holds posts upright. If it cracks, shifts, or was improperly installed, it costs between $30 to $75 an hour to repair, or an average of $52 per hour.
What if the post is too far gone? In that case, it costs an average of $125 each or between $60 to $190 each to replace. The fencing pro also could charge $100 per hour.
Railing
Fence rails provide horizontal support along your fence, holding up the pickets, panels, or fabric between posts. If the railings need repairs, it will cost an average of $48 or between $20 to $75 per linear foot, depending on the material and extent of the damage. The upper end represents replacements, and the lower end represents simple fixes like loose rails.
Panels
Panels are the fence sections between posts. Metal panel repairs cost an average of $14 per linear foot or between $8 to $20 per linear foot. The lower end represents simple repairs like patching, while the higher end covers replacement.
Gates
A broken fence gate leaves you in a sticky situation. It’s annoying to open at best, but at worst, it can stop working entirely and threaten the security of your property. Gate repair costs between $50 and $225 per linear foot, with an average cost of $138 per linear foot. Gate replacement costs between $195 and $530 in total, with an average price of $363.
Fallen, shifted, leaning, or loose sections
Wind, flooding, snow, or blunt force can push even the sturdiest metal fences. If you want to straighten things out, it costs around $55 per linear foot for professional repairs or somewhere between $40 and $70. Leaning metal fences cost between $215 and $785 to repair, with an average price of around $500.
Holes
Holes are most common in chain-link or metal panel fences. They’re often the result of escape or entry attempts but also can be caused by age or severe weather. Patching up holes will cost around $14 per linear foot, though it ranges between $12 and $15 per linear foot.
Warping or twisting
Blunt force or steady pressure can bend metal fences, and it’s not always easy to bend them back. It costs $13 to $22 per linear foot to repair the warped or twisted metal, for an average cost of $18 per linear foot.
Rust
One type of damage unique to iron and steel is rust. This corrosion starts appearing when there is excessive moisture. You can remove small amounts of rust, but you’ll need replacement parts once it starts eating holes in the metal. It costs between $7 and $13 per linear foot, or an average of $10 per linear foot, to address this problem.
To avoid rust, redirect water sources like sprinklers away from your fence and trim nearby greenery. You also can use aluminum parts since they’re rust-resistant.
Storm or car damage
Metal is one of the best materials for high-traffic and hurricane-prone areas, but it’s not completely invulnerable to damage. Severe storms and car crashes can leave metal fences bent, broken, or knocked down. It costs an average of $46 per linear foot, or between $22 to $70 per linear foot, to restore a metal fence damaged by a storm or vehicle.
Fence design
Metal fences come in three main designs: chain-link, picket, and solid privacy panels. Chain-link fences are the least expensive to repair, with a typical price range of $280 to $705, or an average price of $490. That’s because chain-link fabric is easy to work with and requires no welding.
Picket fences tend to be more expensive to repair, but it depends on how they’re constructed. For example, some metal picket fences come in panels that you attach with screws. These are easier to repair but could fall apart if the screws come loose. However, other picket fences are welded together. Welded fences are more secure but cost more to repair and aren’t DIY-friendly.
Solid metal privacy fences are the least common metal fence type. They are usually screwed into place rather than welded, but the amount of metal needed might drive repair costs up compared to chain-link or picket fencing.
Fence height
On average, taller fences will be more expensive to repair than shorter ones of the same design and material. A 6-foot fence would need about twice the materials as a 3-foot fence. Taller fences are usually heavier, requiring more reinforcement to stay upright and more labor to transport and install.
Labor costs
A large chunk of your final bill will reflect the labor costs. Hourly rates vary based on the cost of living, the pro’s experience, and the demand for their work.
Labor costs are also based on the specific work being done. While metal fence repairs generally cost $45 to $105 per hour, welding work costs $65 to $165 per hour. That’s because it’s more difficult, more dangerous, and requires special skill. Some welders may charge a flat rate of around $300.
Not all professionals or handypersons can weld, so make sure you find one who can. A metal fence specialist will likely be able to handle all kinds of metal repairs, including welding, but a general handyperson may not be equipped.
Related services
Since you’re hiring a pro for metal fence repairs, consider whether you need the following services.
Fence installation
Whether you need fence replacement or extension, new fence installation costs between $2,000 and $4,500 on average. You’ll need to decide if you want the same fencing material or something new. Here’s how much each material costs per linear foot, starting with metal fencing and followed by your other options:
| Fencing Material | Average Cost per Linear Foot |
| Chain-link | $12-$40 |
| Aluminum | $19-$55 |
| Steel | $20-$70 |
| Wrought iron | $25-$50 |
| Wood | $15-$33 |
| Vinyl | $13-$37 |
| Composite | $20-$40 |
Metal fence removal
Feel sick of your metal fence or it is just too much to maintain? A pro can remove it for you for around $8 per linear foot. Some recycling centers may accept metal fences, but you must remove all the cement first. Call your local scrap yard for more information about how much it would cost (or whether they might pay you).
Painting
While you can paint metal fences purely for aesthetic reasons, don’t forget the practical benefits. Paint protects metal from moisture and rust, increasing its lifespan. A professionally painted metal fence costs $5 to $16 per linear foot.
The pro must sand down your fence before repainting it if it has old paint or rust. Sandblasting a metal fence costs around $8 per linear foot.
Repairs for other fence types
You may have more than one fence on your property made of different materials. The average repair price for all fencing materials is between $255 and $685, with an average cost of $460.
Shrub and bush trimming and removal
The greenery along your metal fence might look nice, but it could make your fence more challenging to repair. Overgrown plants make fences difficult to access and may need to be trimmed before work can begin. Another potential issue is excessive moisture. Water collects on leaves, dripping onto nearby structures. The shade these plants provide makes the water evaporate slower, which increases the risk of rust.
A landscaping professional can trim the shrubs and trees along your fence for $6 to $15 per bush. They also may charge by the hour, with an average rate of $50 to $75. If your bushes and shrubs are causing more grief than joy, consider removing them for an average cost of between $260 and $640.
Pro cost vs. DIY cost
Want to cut down on costs? Some metal fence repairs are simple enough to DIY. Chain-link fences, in particular, are easy to work with. Here are the supplies you would need to repair metal fencing yourself:
| Tools and Materials | Price |
| Safety goggles | $14 |
| Work gloves | $18 |
| Hearing protection | $16 |
| Pliers | $26 |
| Wrench | $12 |
| Shovel | $20 |
| Hacksaw | $19 |
| Reciprocating saw | $220 |
| Renting a reciprocating saw | $24 a day |
| Extension cord | $30 |
| Tension bar | $9 |
| Tension band | $2 |
| Fence stretcher | $41 |
| Chain-link fabric | $4 per linear foot |
| Replacement metal fence panels | $85 |
| Replacement rail | $30 per rail |
| Replacement metal post | $20 per post |
| Replacement post cap | $3 |
| Wire ties | $15 for a 100-pack |
| Fast-set concrete | $6 per 50-pound bag |
| Renting a pressure washer | $70 a day |
| Buying a pressure washer | $400 |
| Sandpaper | $4 |
| Fine wire brush | $4 |
| Rust converter | $9 |
| Tarps | $90 |
| Oil-based metal primer | $50 |
| Oil-based metal paint | $48 |
You could save hundreds of dollars repairing simple problems yourself. However, it may not be worth buying specialized equipment, especially if you don’t have much storage space in your shed. While some aluminum and steel repairs are DIY-friendly, others are best handled by a pro. Welding is challenging and can be dangerous for those who are not experienced.
Cost of metal fence repair by location
This cost guide is based on national average costs. Fencing services tend to be more expensive in metropolitan areas than in rural areas. The local cost of living and proximity to suppliers also impacts costs. If you live in a coastal area or high-humidity climate, you may need more frequent repairs to deal with quicker rust formation, adding to expenses in the long run.
FAQ About Metal Fence Repairs
Metal fences generally last 30 years. However, they can last much longer with regular maintenance. Wrought iron can last 80 years, steel 50 years, and aluminum 70 years in optimal conditions with proper care.
You should paint your metal fence every couple of years. Want a visual reminder? Inspect your fence yearly for chipped paint, and you’ll know when it needs a touch-up.
Wood fences are cheaper upfront than any metal fence except for chain-link fencing. However, wooden fences don’t last as long and need more maintenance, which could make their long-term cost more expensive.
DIY or Hire a Pro to Repair Your Metal Fence?
While most homeowners will pay between $265 and $1,080 for metal fence repair, the only way to know your bill is to get the damage assessed. Local fence contractors can provide personalized quotes and help you with any other fencing issues you may have.
Note: Fence Gnome may get a referral fee for matching you with contractors in your area.
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