Wood Fence Cost Calculator
Get an instant free estimate for wood fence installation based on length, wood type, height, and style.
How is Wood Fence Cost Calculated?
Wood fencing is priced per linear foot, combining posts, rails, pickets, and labor. Installed rates range from ~$15/linear ft for a basic pressure-treated fence to $45+/linear ft for premium redwood or composite. Fence height, style (privacy vs. picket vs. split-rail), and terrain then adjust the rate, and gates are added separately. A typical 150 linear ft, 6ft cedar privacy fence runs $4,000-$6,000 installed.
Estimate Your Project Cost
Project Location
Enter your state and zip code for a localized estimate.
Fence Length
Enter the total length of fence to be installed, measured in linear feet around the perimeter.
Wood Type:
Fence Style:
Fence Height:
Terrain:
Additional Services:
Key Factors Influencing Wood Fence Rates
Wood Type
The wood species is the biggest material-cost driver and determines longevity and maintenance. Pressure-treated pine offers the best value and rot resistance for the price. Cedar is the popular mid-range upgrade for its natural beauty and durability. Redwood and cypress are premium choices, and wood-composite trades a higher upfront cost for near-zero maintenance.
Height, Style & Terrain
- Height: Taller fences use more material and labor — a 4ft fence runs ~20% below the 6ft baseline; an 8ft fence ~30% above.
- Style: Open split-rail is cheapest; solid privacy is the baseline; shadowbox, board-on-board, and lattice-top add 15-25% for extra boards and detail.
- Terrain: Sloped or rocky ground makes post-setting harder, adding 15-30% in labor.
Average Wood Fence Cost by Wood Type
| Wood Type | Installed / Linear Ft | 150 Ft (6ft Privacy) | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-Treated Pine | $18 - $25 | $3,300 - $4,300 | 15-20 years |
| Cedar | $28 - $38 | $4,800 - $6,200 | 15-30 years |
| Cypress | $30 - $40 | $5,100 - $6,500 | 20-30 years |
| Redwood | $38 - $50 | $6,400 - $8,200 | 20-30+ years |
| Wood-Composite | $40 - $55 | $6,800 - $8,800 | 25+ years |
Common Add-Ons
| Add-On | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single Walk Gate | ~$350 | Standard 3-4ft gate with hardware. |
| Double Drive Gate | ~$750 | Wide gate for vehicle/equipment access. |
| Old Fence Removal | $4/linear ft | Tear out and haul away the existing fence. |
| Stain / Seal | $4/linear ft | Protective finish to extend fence life. |
| Concrete-Set Posts | $2/linear ft | Concrete footing on every post for stability. |
How to Estimate Wood Fence Cost Manually
Wood fencing is priced per linear foot. The wood type sets the base rate, then height, style, and terrain adjust it. Here's how to estimate it yourself.
Step 1: Measure the Perimeter
Measure the total run of fence in linear feet around the area you're enclosing. A typical quarter-acre backyard needs roughly 150-200 linear feet. Count how many gates you want (walk gates and/or a wider drive gate) since those are added separately.
Step 2: Pick a Wood Type and Base Rate
Wood species drives material cost and longevity:
- Pressure-Treated Pine: $18-$25/linear ft — economical, rot-resistant, most common
- Untreated Pine: $16-$22/linear ft — cheapest, shorter lifespan
- Cedar: $28-$38/linear ft — naturally rot/insect resistant, popular
- Cypress: $30-$40/linear ft — durable, regionally available
- Redwood: $38-$50/linear ft — premium appearance & longevity
- Wood-Composite: $40-$55/linear ft — low maintenance, long warranty
Step 3: Apply Height, Style & Terrain
Multiply the base rate by height (4ft 0.80×, 6ft 1.0×, 8ft 1.30×), then by style (split-rail 0.55×, picket 0.85×, privacy 1.0×, shadowbox 1.15×, board-on-board 1.20×, lattice-top 1.25×), then by terrain (flat 1.0×, sloped 1.15×, rocky 1.30×).
Step 4: Apply the Formula
Linear Ft × (Wood Rate × Height × Style × Terrain) + Gates + Add-ons = Total
Example: 150 linear ft of 6ft cedar privacy fence, flat ground ($32/linear ft), plus one walk gate ($350): 150 × $32 + $350 = $5,150.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a wood fence cost in 2026?
In 2026, wood fence installation averages $15-$45 per linear foot, including materials and labor. Pressure-treated pine — the most common choice — runs $18-$25/linear ft installed, cedar runs $28-$38, and premium redwood reaches $38-$50. For a typical 150-200 linear foot backyard fence, expect $3,000-$8,000 depending on wood type, height, and style. A 6ft privacy fence costs more than a 4ft picket or split-rail. Gates, old-fence removal, staining, and difficult terrain add to the total.
What is the best wood for a fence?
The best wood depends on your budget, climate, and maintenance tolerance. Pressure-treated pine is the most popular and economical — chemically treated to resist rot and insects, lasting 15-20 years, though it can warp and needs periodic sealing. Cedar is a favorite mid-range choice: naturally resistant to rot and insects, dimensionally stable, ages to an attractive silver-gray, and lasts 15-30 years. Redwood is the premium option with excellent durability and beauty but at a high price. Cypress is durable and regionally popular in the South. For zero maintenance, wood-composite costs more upfront but never needs staining and resists rot entirely.
What fence height should I choose?
Height depends on your goal and local rules. 4ft fences are common for front yards, decorative boundaries, and containing pets — they're the most affordable and often required (rather than taller) in front-yard zones. 6ft is the standard for backyard privacy and security — it blocks sightlines and is the most common residential privacy height. 8ft offers maximum privacy and sound buffering but costs ~30% more and may exceed local height limits (many municipalities cap residential fences at 6ft in back and 3-4ft in front without a variance). Always check your local code and HOA rules before choosing height.
What are the different wood fence styles?
Common styles include: Split Rail — open post-and-rail, rustic, cheapest, no privacy. Picket — spaced vertical boards, classic, partial visibility, good for front yards. Privacy — solid side-by-side boards with no gaps, the most popular for backyards. Shadowbox (good-neighbor) — alternating boards on opposite sides of the rail, looks the same from both sides with partial airflow. Board-on-board — overlapping boards for full privacy even as wood shrinks, uses more material. Lattice-top — a privacy fence topped with decorative lattice for an upscale look. Each step up in board count and detail adds material and labor cost.
Do I need a permit to build a fence?
Often, yes. Many municipalities require a permit for fence installation, particularly for taller fences (over 6ft, sometimes over 3-4ft in front yards). Permit requirements and fees vary widely by location. Beyond permits, you should: verify your exact property lines (a survey may be needed to avoid building on a neighbor's land or in an easement), call 811 to mark underground utilities before digging post holes, and check HOA rules which often dictate allowed materials, styles, heights, and colors. Building without required permits or over property lines can force costly removal, so confirm local requirements before starting.
How long does a wood fence last?
Lifespan varies by wood type and maintenance. Untreated pine lasts 5-12 years. Pressure-treated pine lasts 15-20 years. Cedar lasts 15-30 years. Redwood and cypress can last 20-30+ years. Wood-composite often carries 25-year+ warranties. Longevity depends heavily on climate (humid and wet climates accelerate rot), ground contact (posts rot first — concrete-setting and proper drainage help), and maintenance. Sealing or staining every 2-3 years, keeping vegetation off the fence, and promptly replacing damaged boards can significantly extend any wood fence's life.
Should fence posts be set in concrete?
Setting posts in concrete is the standard for most wood fences because it provides maximum stability and resists leaning, frost heave, and wind load — especially important for tall privacy fences that act like sails. The typical method digs a hole about 1/3 the post height deep, adds gravel for drainage at the bottom, sets the post, and fills with concrete sloped to shed water. The main drawback: if water collects against a wood post in concrete, it can accelerate rot at the base over time (good drainage and using treated posts mitigates this). Some installers use gravel-only setting for certain soils or rail fences, but concrete is recommended for privacy and security fencing.
Who owns and maintains a fence between two properties?
This depends on where the fence sits and local laws. A fence built entirely on your property is yours to maintain. A fence on the shared property line is often considered a 'boundary fence,' and many states have 'good neighbor' laws where adjoining owners share maintenance costs and responsibility — but rules vary significantly by state and locality. Before building on or near a property line, it's wise to confirm the exact boundary (survey), discuss cost-sharing with your neighbor in writing, and check your local boundary-fence statutes. Disputes over fence ownership and upkeep are common, so clear upfront agreements prevent problems.
Is it cheaper to install a fence myself?
DIY fence installation can save the labor portion (roughly 50% of the total cost), but it's physically demanding and detail-sensitive work. You'll need to dig many post holes (often through roots or hard soil), set posts plumb and concrete them, keep runs straight and level, handle gates, and dispose of any old fence. Renting an auger helps but the job typically takes a determined DIYer a full weekend or more for an average yard. Mistakes — posts that lean, gates that sag, uneven lines — are common and hard to fix later. DIY makes sense for shorter runs, simple styles, and handy homeowners; professional installation is worth it for large yards, privacy fences, sloped lots, and warranty-backed results.