Removing an Old Fence: What Tear-Out Really Costs

Removing an old fence is often the most physical part of installing a new one — and it's the part most homeowners forget to budget for. Plan on $3–$6/ft for hired removal, or a full weekend of brutal work for DIY.

Hired removal cost per linear foot

• Wood fence, basic tear-out: $3–$5/ft
• Vinyl fence: $3–$5/ft (easier; lighter material)
• Chain-link: $2–$4/ft
• Add post removal (digging out concrete): $20–$40 per post
• Add disposal fees: $100–$300 per dumpster

What you're paying for

Unscrewing or prying panels off posts, removing rails, then the hard part — digging up posts set in concrete. Each post is a 50-100 lb concrete footing that has to come out of the ground (or get cut off below grade and left). Disposal at a transfer station runs $50–$150 per truckload.

DIY removal tools

1. Sawzall or angle grinder — cut nails and bolts holding panels
2. Pry bar — pop boards off rails
3. Sledgehammer — break concrete footings off posts
4. Truck or trailer — haul to disposal
5. Work gloves and safety glasses — old fence wood is splintery and rusty

The buried-post shortcut

If your new fence will reuse the same property line and the old posts are sound enough, you can sometimes cut old posts off at ground level and pour new concrete around new posts adjacent. Cuts removal time in half. Doesn't work for fences with new spacing or different post locations.

When removal goes wrong

Old chain-link wrapped around mature trees, concrete poured over a buried utility line (always call 811 even for removal!), or wooden posts so rotted they snap off at the soil line leaving the concrete footing trapped. Build a 15% buffer into removal budget — surprises are the rule, not the exception.