How to Start a Fencing Business: Licenses, Equipment, Suppliers and Customers
How to start a fencing business or fence company
In this article
To start a fencing business, learn fence installation (work for a fence company first), choose the fence types you'll install, get a contractor license where required and liability insurance, buy or rent post-hole equipment, open supplier accounts, and win jobs from homeowners, builders and businesses. Startup costs are often $15,000 to $50,000.
Step 1: Get experience
Work for a fence company to learn layout, post setting, stretching chain link, building wood fences, gates and dealing with slopes and rock.
Step 2: Choose fence types
| Type | Notes |
|---|---|
| Wood | Popular, many styles |
| Vinyl | Low maintenance, higher price |
| Chain link | Residential and commercial |
| Aluminium / ornamental | Pools and front yards |
| Farm and ranch | Wire, split rail, livestock |
| Commercial / security | Larger jobs, specialised |
| Gates and automatic openers | High-value add-on |
Step 3: Licenses and insurance
LLC, EIN, business license, contractor license where your state requires it, general liability, workers' comp and commercial auto.
Step 4: Equipment and startup costs
| Item | Rough cost |
|---|---|
| Truck and trailer | $20,000 – $50,000 (used) |
| Post-hole digger or auger | $500 – $5,000 |
| Skid steer or mini auger | Rent at first |
| Saws, nail guns, levels, string lines | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Post driver, concrete mixer | $500 – $2,000 |
| Insurance and licenses | $3,000 – $8,000 per year |
Step 5: Suppliers
Open accounts with fence distributors for contractor pricing and delivery to job sites.
Step 6: Price per linear foot
Include materials, labour, gates, removal of old fence, permits, terrain difficulty and concrete. Set a minimum job price.
Step 7: Permits and utility locates
Always call 811 before digging. Check property lines, HOA rules, height limits and pool fence codes.
Step 8: Find customers
- Google Business Profile and reviews
- A website with photos and free estimate booking
- Builders, landscapers and pool companies
- Realtors and property managers
- Yard signs on finished jobs
Profit and growth: How profitable is a fencing business? and How to grow a fencing business.
Frequently asked questions
How do I start a fencing business?
Learn installation, get licensed and insured, buy equipment, open supplier accounts and market to homeowners.
How much does it cost to start a fencing company?
Often $15,000 to $50,000, mostly for a truck, trailer and equipment.
Do I need a license to install fences?
In some states yes; all businesses need a local business license.
How do fence companies price jobs?
Usually per linear foot, plus gates, removal and difficult terrain.
Is fencing a good business?
Yes. Demand is steady and jobs have good margins.
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Start a conversationWritten by Sachin Rawat
AI & automation engineer · websites, apps and motion design
I build AI agents, automations, websites, apps and motion design for businesses. These guides answer the questions people actually search, written from hands-on experience building them.
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