How Much Does Fence Installation Cost in Des Moines, WA?
Real 2026 fence prices for Des Moines and the 98198 ZIP: 6-ft cedar privacy runs $35–$55 per linear foot installed — about $5,250–$8,250 for a typical 150-foot yard. These are South Puget Sound regional rates; get an exact Des Moines quote in minutes.
Fence Installation in Des Moines, WA typically costs $5,250–$8,250 for a typical 150-ft, 6-ft cedar privacy fence ($35–$55 per linear foot installed) per visit in 2026, depending on property size and job conditions. Most Des Moines property owners pay the mid-range tier. Get an exact, itemized price for your address in under 60 seconds with an instant Quotly quote.
Fencing a yard in Des Moines usually means one thing: a 6-foot cedar privacy fence that shrugs off the region's wet winters. Across town — from the bluff-top lots near the Des Moines Marina and Marine View Drive to the flatter parcels around Woodmont, Redondo, and Highline College — cedar is the default, and it anchors local pricing at $35–$55 per linear foot installed. For a standard 150-foot suburban perimeter, that works out to roughly $5,250–$8,250 before gates, removal, or permits. Vinyl and chain link have their own price bands, covered below. The figures on this page are South Puget Sound regional rates (Seattle-metro / South King County), not a verified quote from a specific Des Moines contractor — actual bids shift with your fence length, slope, soil, and how much old fence has to come out first. A short lakefront run in Zenith and a full corner-lot enclosure in North Hill can price very differently even at the same per-foot rate. Neighboring Federal Way, Kent, SeaTac, and Burien draw from the same contractor pool, so quotes tend to land in a similar range. Use the calculator to turn these ranges into an exact Des Moines number for your yard.
2026 Fence Installation Prices in Des Moines
| Lot Size | Per Visit | Monthly (4×) |
|---|---|---|
| 6-ft cedar privacy (most common) | $35–$55 / linear foot | $5,250–$8,250 for a 150-ft yard |
| Vinyl privacy | $40–$85 / linear foot | $6,000–$12,750 for a 150-ft yard |
| Chain link | $18–$38 / linear foot | $2,000–$6,500 typical project |
| Common add-ons | Gates $150–$1,600 · old-fence removal $3–$7/lf · permit $100–$500 | Additive — not included in the base per-foot rate |
Prices reflect 2026 rates from verified contractors serving the 98198 ZIP code area. Need an exact number? Get an instant Des Moines fence installation quote based on your actual lot.
Real Quote Example from Des Moines
Sample quote based on a typical Des Moines property. Your actual price may vary — get your own Des Moines fence installation quote in 60 seconds.
What's Included in a Standard Des Moines Fence Installation Service
A professional Des Moines fence installation quote through Quotly is priced end-to-end, so the per-foot rate you see covers the real work — not just materials dropped in your driveway. A typical cedar privacy install includes:
- On-site measurement and layout, including marking the fence line and gate openings
- 811 utility locate before any digging
- Digging post holes and setting pressure-treated or cedar posts in concrete
- Installing rails, pickets, and cap/trim boards for a 6-ft privacy panel
- Hanging gates with heavy-duty hinges and latches
- Haul-away of scrap and daily job-site cleanup
Compare Fence Installation Companies in Des Moines: Pricing Models
The material you choose drives most of the price. Here is how the three common Des Moines options compare for a standard residential run:
| Pricing Model | Typical Price | Best For | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6-ft cedar privacy | $35–$55 / lf installed | Full backyard privacy with a warm, natural look that suits PNW homes; the local default | |
| Vinyl privacy | $40–$85 / lf installed | Homeowners who want zero staining and a bright, low-maintenance finish and will pay more up front | |
| Chain link | $18–$38 / lf installed | Budget enclosures, pet runs, and side/back yards where privacy isn't the goal |
How to Save Money on Fence Installation in Des Moines
Fence only what you need
Privacy fencing the two side yards and the back — and leaving the street side open or lower — cuts linear footage and cost. Every foot you skip is $35–$55 saved at the cedar rate.
Reuse sound posts and framing
If your old fence has solid concrete-set posts, a contractor can sometimes re-skin the panels instead of a full teardown. That avoids both removal ($3–$7/lf) and new-post labor.
Pull permits and share lines with a neighbor
A boundary fence you split with the neighbor halves your bill on that run. Agree on the line before the crew arrives to avoid a costly reset.
Book in the dry season
Crews in Des Moines are busiest June–September when the ground is dry and easy to dig. A shoulder-season install in spring or fall can win you a better rate and faster scheduling.
Bundle the gate, don't add it later
Gates cost less installed with the fence than as a return visit. A single wood walk gate runs $150–$300 up front versus a separate trip charge afterward.
Des Moines Service Area by ZIP Code
| ZIP | Neighborhoods Covered |
|---|---|
| 98198 | Woodmont, Redondo, Zenith, North Hill, Marina District, Pacific Ridge, and the Des Moines Creek corridor |
Local Regulations & HOA Notes for Des Moines Fence Installation
Fence rules in Des Moines are set by the city, not by Quotly. Confirm the current requirements with the City of Des Moines before you build — the notes below are general guidance, not a code citation:
- Height and placement: residential fences are typically capped lower in front yards than in back yards, and corner lots have sight-triangle rules that keep fences low near the intersection. Taller privacy fences may need a permit.
- Property lines: confirm your boundary — a survey or existing pins — before setting posts, and get a neighbor's sign-off on any shared line to avoid a rebuild.
- Utility locates: call 811 for a free locate before digging post holes; hitting a buried line is both dangerous and expensive.
Fence Installation in Des Moines: Neighborhoods We Cover
Verified contractors on Quotly serve fence installation customers across Des Moines and surrounding King County neighborhoods, including:
Des Moines Fence Installation Calendar
What to expect month-by-month for fence installation in the Des Moines, WA climate.
| Month | Recommended Activity |
|---|---|
| January | Wet, soggy ground makes digging slow; most homeowners plan and get quotes rather than install. |
| February | Still the rainy stretch — a good time to lock in a spring install date before crews fill up. |
| March | The last spring frost lands around March 2; ground begins drying and early-season installs pick up. |
| April | Growing season opens and demand climbs — book now for a start before the summer rush. |
| May | Prime installation weather arrives; dry, workable soil makes post-setting fast. |
| June | Peak season begins — crews are busiest, so schedule a few weeks ahead. |
| July | Dry summer conditions are ideal for concrete-set posts and clean lines. |
| August | Still peak building weather; expect the fullest schedules of the year. |
| September | Warm, dry days continue and demand eases slightly — a smart shoulder-season window. |
| October | Growing season closes and rain returns; finish installs before the ground softens. |
| November | First fall frost around November 23 and heavier rain slow digging; plan winter projects now. |
| December | Off-season quoting month — line up early-year work and negotiate calmer-schedule pricing. |
What Affects Fence Installation Cost in Des Moines?
Material and grade
Cedar anchors the market at $35–$55/lf, vinyl runs higher at $40–$85/lf, and chain link is the budget tier at $18–$38/lf. Post choice and lumber grade move the cedar band within that range.
Fence length
You pay by the linear foot, so total perimeter is the biggest lever. A standard suburban run is about 100–200 feet; 150 feet of cedar lands at $5,250–$8,250 before add-ons.
Gates
Gates are additive: a single wood walk gate is $150–$300 ($400–$600 for vinyl), doubles run $400–$900, and a single drive gate is $1,100–$1,600.
Old-fence removal
Tearing out and hauling the existing fence adds $3–$7/lf; a full replacement adds roughly $15/lf over a new-install base once removal and disposal are counted.
Terrain and site access
Slopes, rocky soil, and tight backyard access all add labor. Des Moines bluff lots near the water can be trickier than flat inland parcels.
Permits
When a permit is required it adds $100–$500. Whether you need one depends on fence height and location — confirm with the City of Des Moines.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a fence cost in Des Moines, WA?
Why is cedar the standard fence material here?
How much do gates add to the price?
What does it cost to remove my old fence first?
Is chain link a lot cheaper than cedar?
When is the best time to install a fence in Des Moines?
Are these prices verified Des Moines contractor rates?
Do I need a permit to build a fence in Des Moines?
Who offers fence installation near me in Des Moines, WA?
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