Wood Fence Cost Calculator
Estimated Total Cost
$2,000 – $3,600
$20.00 – $36.00 per linear ft
Material
$1,200 – $2,000
Labor
$800 – $1,600
Fence Length
100 LF
Approx. Posts
13
Not Included: Gates ($150–$500 each), post caps ($3–$10 each), and stain/sealant ($0.50–$1.50/LF) are not included in this estimate. Most fences need 1–2 gates.
Maintenance Tip: Cedar is naturally rot-resistant but should be sealed or stained every 2–3 years to maintain its color and extend its lifespan to 20–30 years.
Disclaimer: Estimates are for budgeting purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, contractor, material availability, and project complexity. Always get professional quotes for exact pricing.
Wood Fence Cost Breakdown
| Wood Type | Material / LF | Labor / LF | Total / LF |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-Treated Pine | $8 – $15 | $7 – $15 | $15 – $30 |
| Cedar | $12 – $20 | $8 – $16 | $20 – $36 |
| Redwood | $18 – $30 | $9 – $18 | $27 – $48 |
| Composite | $20 – $35 | $10 – $20 | $30 – $55 |
* Costs shown for 6 ft privacy fence (baseline). Adjust by height and style multipliers.
Average Project Costs (Cedar, Privacy Style)
| Project | Size | Posts | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side Yard | 50 LF × 6 ft | 7 | $1,000 – $1,800 |
| Front Yard Picket | 60 LF × 4 ft | 8 | $765 – $1,395 |
| Backyard Privacy | 150 LF × 6 ft | 19 | $3,000 – $5,400 |
| Full Perimeter | 300 LF × 6 ft | 38 | $6,000 – $10,800 |
How We Calculate
Our wood fence cost calculator estimates project costs based on fence length, height, wood type, and fence style. Material and labor costs are priced per linear foot at a 6-foot baseline, then adjusted by height and style multipliers.
How the math works: Material cost = fence length × material rate × height multiplier × style multiplier. Labor cost = fence length × labor rate × height multiplier. Style multiplier adjusts material only (more or fewer boards), while height multiplier affects both material and labor (taller fences need longer boards and take more time to install).
Wood Type Comparison
Pressure-Treated Pine ($8–$15/LF material, $7–$15/LF labor) is the most affordable option. Chemical treatment makes it rot- and insect-resistant. Wait 6–12 months before staining. Lifespan: 15–20 years with maintenance.
Cedar ($12–$20/LF material, $8–$16/LF labor) is the most popular premium wood fence material. Naturally rot-resistant with a beautiful grain. No chemical treatment needed. Lifespan: 20–30 years.
Redwood ($18–$30/LF material, $9–$18/LF labor) is the premium natural wood choice. Exceptional beauty, natural insect resistance, and dimensional stability. Limited availability outside the western US. Lifespan: 25–35 years.
Composite ($20–$35/LF material, $10–$20/LF labor) is a wood-plastic blend that looks like wood but requires zero maintenance. No staining, painting, or sealing ever. Higher upfront cost but lowest lifetime cost. Lifespan: 25–50 years.
Fence Style & Height Factors
Privacy (solid board) is the baseline (1.0×). Semi-privacy (board-on-board) uses overlapping boards (1.15× material). Picket uses fewer, spaced boards (0.75× material). Shadowbox alternates boards on each side (1.10× material).
Height multipliers: 4 ft (0.75×), 5 ft (0.85×), 6 ft (1.0× baseline), 8 ft (1.4×). Taller fences require more material and labor per linear foot.
Additional Cost Factors
Our estimates cover fence panels (posts, rails, and pickets/boards) and installation labor. Not included: gates ($150–$500 each), post caps ($3–$10 each), stain or sealant ($0.50–$1.50/LF), old fence removal ($3–$5/LF), grading on slopes ($5–$10/LF extra), and permit fees ($50–$200).
Data Sources
Pricing data is compiled from HomeAdvisor, Angi, home improvement retailers, lumber pricing databases, and verified contractor estimates across multiple US regions. Prices reflect standard #2 grade lumber and typical residential installation conditions.
Last updated: 2026-02-02
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a wood fence cost? +
A wood fence costs $15–$55 per linear foot installed, depending on wood type, height, and style. Pressure-treated pine runs $15–$30/LF, cedar $20–$36/LF, redwood $27–$48/LF, and composite $30–$55/LF. A typical 150 LF backyard cedar privacy fence costs $3,000–$5,400.
What is the cheapest wood for a fence? +
Pressure-treated pine is the cheapest wood fence material at $15–$30 per linear foot installed (6 ft privacy). It’s widely available and resistant to rot and insects due to chemical treatment. The tradeoff is it requires staining after 6–12 months and regular maintenance every 2–3 years.
How long does a wood fence last? +
With proper maintenance, pressure-treated pine lasts 15–20 years, cedar 20–30 years, and redwood 25–35 years. Composite fencing lasts 25–50 years with virtually no maintenance. Regular staining/sealing every 2–3 years significantly extends the life of natural wood fences.
Is cedar or pressure-treated pine better for a fence? +
Cedar is naturally rot-resistant, looks better, and doesn’t contain chemicals — but costs 30–50% more than pine. Pressure-treated pine is cheaper and equally durable but needs time to dry before staining. Cedar is the better long-term value if you plan to stain or seal regularly.
How much does it cost to fence a backyard? +
A typical backyard fence (150 linear feet, 6 ft cedar privacy) costs $3,000–$5,400 installed. A full perimeter fence (300 LF) runs $6,000–$10,800 in cedar or $4,500–$9,000 in pressure-treated pine. Add $150–$500 per gate.
Do I need a permit for a wood fence? +
Most municipalities allow fences up to 6 feet without a permit, but always check local regulations. Fences over 6 feet, fences in front yards, and fences near property lines often require permits. HOA approval may also be needed. Call your local building department before starting.
Can I install a wood fence myself? +
Yes, DIY fence installation can save $7–$20 per linear foot in labor. You’ll need a post hole digger or auger, level, string line, circular saw, and basic tools. A two-person team can install 30–50 LF per day. The hardest part is setting posts straight and level — this step determines the quality of the entire fence.
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