Guide · Estimates
Fence estimate template
A worked fence example, the exclusions that matter in this trade, and a PDF you can print. No sign-up.
A fence estimate needs your business details and license number, the customer and job address, one line per task and material with quantity and price, the total, any deposit, what is excluded, and a place to approve. The template below is the generic contractor estimate pre-filled with a fence job so you can see what good looks like, plus the exclusions fence builders most often forget. It's free, printable, and there's no sign-up.
Download the fence template
Download the PDF (US Letter, 1 page)
The example rows are in grey; write over them. Blank rows below for your own lines, then tax, deposit, exclusions, terms and a signature line. The blank version has no example.
Worked example: Remove old wood fence, build 6 ft cedar privacy fence, one walk gate
| Line | Qty | Price | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Remove and haul old wood fence | 96 ft | $4.00 | $384.00 |
| 6 ft cedar privacy fence, posts set in concrete | 96 ft | $38.00 | $3,648.00 |
| 4 ft walk gate with hardware | 1 ea | $350.00 | $350.00 |
| Total before tax | $4,382.00 |
Example prices only; use yours. In Settle you'd say this job out loud and it writes these lines from the prices you charged last time.
Exclusions to put on every fence estimate
- Customer confirms the property line; utilities located through 811 before digging.
- Permit and HOA approval fees not included unless listed.
- Rock, concrete or large roots hit while setting posts may add cost, priced before continuing.
- Sprinkler lines damaged where not marked are not the contractor's responsibility.
Terms that fit fence work
Valid for 30 days. Deposit due on approval if listed; balance due on completion by card, bank transfer or check.
What matters in fence estimates
- Name the style and height. "6 ft cedar privacy" plus the footage is a price the customer can check with a tape.
- Gates get their own line. A gate takes more time and hardware than a section of fence.
- Put 811 and the property line in writing. Say who confirms the line and that utilities get marked before digging.
- Write the rock clause. Rock and roots are the classic surprise when setting posts.
Copy the text version
Paste into Notes, a text or an email and change the numbers.
[Your business name] [Phone] · [Email] · License #[number] ESTIMATE #0001 Date: [date] Valid until: [date] Prepared for: [Customer name] Job address: [address] Job: Remove old wood fence, build 6 ft cedar privacy fence, one walk gate ITEMS Remove and haul old wood fence 96 ft × $4.00 = $384.00 6 ft cedar privacy fence, posts set in concrete 96 ft × $38.00 = $3,648.00 4 ft walk gate with hardware 1 ea × $350.00 = $350.00 TOTAL BEFORE TAX: $4,382.00 Not included: - Customer confirms the property line; utilities located through 811 before digging. - Permit and HOA approval fees not included unless listed. - Rock, concrete or large roots hit while setting posts may add cost, priced before continuing. - Sprinkler lines damaged where not marked are not the contractor's responsibility. Terms: Valid for 30 days. Deposit due on approval if listed; balance due on completion by card, bank transfer or check. Approved by: ______________________ Date: ________
Is this fence estimate template free?
Yes. Download the PDF or copy the text. There is no sign-up and no watermark beyond a one-line footer you can cut off.
What should a fence estimate include?
Business details and license number, customer and job address, an estimate number and valid-until date, one line per task and material with quantity and price, the total, any deposit, exclusions, terms, and a signature line. This template has all of them.
Can I make a fence estimate on my phone instead?
Yes. Settle is a free iPhone app for fence builders: describe the job out loud and it writes a priced estimate from your own prices, which you text from your own phone. See the fence estimate app page.
Or say the job and Settle writes the fence estimate for you.
Free on iPhone. Unlimited estimates and invoices. 7 days of Pro to try the voice drafts, and you cancel in two taps.
Download on the App StoreiPhone, iOS 17 or later. Questions? Text Nina: (818) 945-9686