Fence FAQ
Fence questions, answered.
Straight answers on fence costs, materials, permits, timelines and service area from Forbes Fence in Salem, Oregon. Updated October 2026.
FAQ
Pricing & offers
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How much does a new fence cost in Salem, Oregon?
New fence installs from Forbes Fence start at $40 per linear foot for 4-foot chain link, $45 per foot for vinyl and $55 per foot for aluminum. Cedar and wood fences are quoted to the project. Your final price depends on material, height, total length, gates and the site itself, and every customer gets a free, written quote before work starts.
What affects the price of a fence?
The biggest cost drivers are material, fence height, total linear feet, the number and type of gates, and site conditions such as slopes, hard or rocky ground, and removing an old fence.
Do you offer free fence estimates?
Yes. Forbes Fence gives free, no-obligation estimates on every residential and commercial fence. Call (503) 445-3024 or send the online form, and we'll set up a time to walk your property.
What do I get on a fence over 100 feet?
Every Forbes Fence installation over 100 feet includes three upgrades at no added cost: metal lifetime posts instead of wood posts, a free 4-foot walk gate, and $5 off every linear foot. On a 120-foot fence, the per-foot discount alone saves $600.
Are there hidden fees in your quotes?
No. Forbes Fence's rule is simple: what we quote is what you pay. Your written quote lists the material, height, length and gates, with no surprise line items added later.
FAQ
Materials
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What types of fences do you install?
Forbes Fence installs vinyl, chain link, aluminum, cedar and wood fences, plus matching gates, for homes and businesses across the mid-Willamette Valley.
What is the best fence for privacy?
For full privacy, most homeowners choose solid vinyl privacy panels or a board-on-board cedar or wood fence. Vinyl needs almost no upkeep; board-on-board wood overlaps its boards so there are no gaps.
What fence holds up best in Oregon's rain?
Vinyl and powder-coated aluminum don't rot or rust, so they shrug off Willamette Valley rain with almost no maintenance. Cedar is naturally rot-resistant, and on 100 ft+ jobs Forbes Fence sets every fence on metal lifetime posts, which last far longer than wood posts in wet ground.
How long does vinyl fencing last?
Most vinyl fencing carries a 25-year to lifetime manufacturer warranty and lasts 30 years or more with minimal care.
Can you install vinyl fencing on a slope?
Yes. Forbes Fence uses rackable vinyl panels designed to follow uneven ground.
Is vinyl fencing good for Oregon's wet weather?
Yes. Vinyl is built to resist moisture damage, warping and mold, which makes it a strong fit for Oregon's rainy climate.
How long does chain link fencing last?
Properly installed galvanized chain link lasts 20 to 30 years or more with minimal maintenance.
Can you add privacy to a chain link fence?
Yes. Forbes Fence adds vinyl privacy slats or mesh screens to new chain link fences and to existing ones.
What heights does chain link come in?
Common chain link heights are 4, 5, 6 and 8 feet, and custom heights are available for commercial projects.
Is chain link good for dogs?
Yes. Chain link is one of the most reliable ways to build a dog run or enclose a yard for pets.
Does aluminum fencing rust?
No. The aluminum fencing Forbes Fence installs is rust-proof and powder-coated for long-term weather protection.
Is aluminum fencing good for pools?
Yes. Aluminum meets most pool-barrier code requirements and is a safe, good-looking option around the water.
Can aluminum fencing go on a hill?
Yes. Rackable aluminum panels follow the slope of your land instead of stepping awkwardly.
What colors does aluminum fencing come in?
Black is the most common finish; bronze, white and custom shades are available on request.
Does a cedar fence need to be stained or sealed?
Not necessarily. Cedar is naturally rot- and insect-resistant, but sealing or staining extends its color and life.
How long does a cedar fence last?
A properly installed cedar fence lasts 20 to 30 years, depending on conditions and care.
Will my cedar fence turn gray?
Yes. Untreated cedar weathers to a silvery gray over time. Staining keeps the rich wood tone.
How long does a wood fence last in Oregon?
With proper installation and care, a wood fence in Oregon can last 15 to 30 years.
What kinds of wood do you use?
Forbes Fence builds wood fences in cedar, redwood and pressure-treated pine, depending on your budget and the look you want.
Can you build a wood fence on a slope?
Yes. We custom-build wood fencing to fit level or sloped properties.
FAQ
The process
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How long does fence installation take?
Most Forbes Fence fences are installed in 2–5 days, depending on the material, length and site.
What happens at the free consultation?
Forbes Fence walks your property and measures every line, shows you a 3D rendering of your fence on your layout, compares materials side by side with per-foot pricing, and then gives you a written quote.
Do I need a permit for a fence in Salem?
It depends on the fence height, where it sits on the lot and your city's rules. Cities in the Salem area, including Salem and Keizer, set their own fence standards, and front-yard fences usually have lower height limits than backyard fences. HOAs often add their own rules. Forbes Fence handles the permit paperwork when one is needed. This is general information, not legal advice.
Do I need to call 811 before a fence goes in?
Yes. Oregon law requires underground utilities to be located before anyone digs, through the Oregon Utility Notification Center (call 811). Private lines such as sprinklers and landscape lighting aren't marked, so point those out at your consultation.
What should I do before my fence is installed?
Confirm your property line, talk with your neighbors, check your HOA's rules, make sure underground utilities are marked through 811, and show us any sprinkler lines or other private buried lines.
Do you clean up after the install?
Yes. Forbes Fence picks up every nail, screw and post cap, then walks the finished fence line with you.
FAQ
Service area
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What areas does Forbes Fence serve?
Forbes Fence is based in Salem, Oregon, and builds fences across Marion, Polk and Linn County, including Salem, Keizer, Silverton, Dallas, Woodburn and Albany. If you're in the mid-Willamette Valley and not on the list, call (503) 445-3024. We likely cover it.
Do you install fences in Albany and Woodburn?
Yes. Albany and Woodburn are both in Forbes Fence's regular service area, along with Salem, Keizer, Silverton and Dallas.
Do you do commercial fencing?
Yes. Forbes Fence installs commercial chain link, aluminum and vinyl fencing for storage yards, warehouses, schools, multi-unit housing and public sites, including barbed wire, privacy screens and heavy-duty gates.
FAQ
About Forbes Fence
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Who owns Forbes Fence?
Forbes Fence is owned by Jonathan, who has built the company on honest quotes and fences made to last since 2017.
Is Forbes Fence licensed and insured?
Yes. Forbes Fence is licensed, bonded and insured. Oregon CCB #250424.
Free estimate
Still have a question? Ask us.
- Free on-site consultation and 3D design preview
- Most fences installed in 2–5 days
- Lifetime metal posts, a free walk gate and $5/ft off on 100 ft+
- What we quote is what you pay
Rather talk? (503) 445-3024