How Much Does a Wood Fence Cost? Our Experts Share What it Really Costs in 2024
Know exactly what wood fence costs to expect with our in-depth guide. Our experts share everything you need to lookout for when budgeting you new wooden fence project.
Wood fence costs can be hard to forecast. Many contractors won't quote you until they come out to visit your property- which takes your valuable time- and even then, it's difficult to know what a fair price for your fence should be.
In this article, we break down everything that influences wood fence costs to help you budget and plan.
The average cost to build a residential wood fence in the U.S. is between $2,500 and $4,500. This is based on a range of about $15 to $35 per linear foot (materials and labor.) While prices will vary from contractor to contractor, this range is a good baseline to help you plan.
Wood fence costs depend on so many factors it can be hard to budget accurately. So we built a wood fence cost calculator to help you budget and plan your wood fence project.
Our calculator factors in everything you need to plan your fence project accurately:
It's the easiest way to plan your fence project and it will avoid a lot of headaches.
The national average cost per linear foot of wooden fencing is between $15-35, including labor and materials.
The average labor rate for fence installation will vary from state to state and even city to city. The more complications there are on your property, the more additional labor charges you will see reflected in your cost per foot.
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There are many factors that impact the cost of a wood fence. Important factors to consider include the type of wood, fence style, terrain and additional required labor.
Different types of wood will have varied prices. Common wood types for fencing include pine, cedar, redwood, oak, spruce and cypress. Spruce and pine woods are typically on the more economic end of the price spectrum, with cedar options mid-range pricing and redwood being more high-end. The availability of certain types of woods to suppliers will also play into the relative price for a new fence.
The material cost of Redwood is generally higher than pine or cedar, however with proper maintenance it is more durable than other woods. The average price for a 6 ft. tall Redwood picket is around $8. There are also many different 'grades' of Redwood. The grade refers to the characteristics and appearance of the lumber. Some of the most commonly offered Redwood grades are: Redwood Con Common, Redwood Con Heart, and Redwood Clear Heart.
Oakwood is a hardwood known for its strength and durability. It usually has a lighter color with visible grain knots. The average national price for a 6 ft. tall Oak picket is $5 to $10.
Spruce is a cost-effective option, however, the low cost comes with a lower lifespan for the fence. Untreated and well maintained spruce will typically last around 4-7 years. It's prone to warping, especially in damp climates. However, those in dryer climates who are on a budget may find spruce to be a good option. A 6 ft. tall Spruce picket will run about $5.
Cedar fences are a popular option across the U.S. Common lumber options are Western Red Cedar and Japanese Cedar. Cedar wood is durable in damp climates and able to withstand weather conditions well. Cedar is lightweight but stable, making it a great choice for residential wood fences. The average national price for a 6 ft. tall Cedar picket is $3 to $4.
Cypress fences are lighter in tone than other wood types and have a coarse texture with some grain. Cypress will be resistant to rots and insects. This economical option will typically range from $2 to $4 for a 6 ft. tall picket.
A pine fence will typically last at least 5 years, and even up to 10 if it's pressure treated. While this isn't the longest-lasting material, some homeowners find the look of pine to be appealing. It's also a more affordable and low-maintenance option than other types of wood. The average national price for a 6 ft. tall Pine picket varies from $1 to $5 depending on whether it's pressure treated or not.
Some fence styles require more material and labor than others. For example, the picture frame style features additional wood boards around the perimeter, versus a nail-up style. You can learn more about how to build a wood fence on our guide to fence installation.
A privacy fence can be a great option for areas where you want more coverage and security. A 4-6 ft. privacy fence costs an average of $25 to $55 per linear foot for materials and labor. Privacy fences are more expensive on average than other build types because they require more wood (either a taller fence, an add-on like a lattice, or simply more wood because there won't be gaps in between pickets.) Special fence types, such as wood and metal hybrid fences or board-on-board fences will cost more than standard privacy fences. Discover more styles with our blog post on privacy fence ideas!
A wood lattice added on the top of a wood fence is one of the most common fence accessories. They add a decorative element to your fence and can enhance your property's curb appeal. Typically lattices are added on to picture frame fences which already have a top rail. The cost to add on a lattice is about $2 to $12 per linear foot.
If you desire the traditional look of the "white picket fence" then a vinyl closed picket style is perfect for you. Wood picket fences are typically shorter than other fence types, averaging 3-4 ft. However, the installation is more complicated than other builds, which impacts the price. A wood picket fence will be anywhere from $10 to $45 per linear foot to install (materials and labor.)
When it comes to dimensions, anything that deviates from the standard height will increase the price per foot. Non-standard fence heights often mean the contractor will need to source non-standard parts.
The standard fence height in most residential areas across the country is 6 ft. If you require a fence that is higher than that (and the increased height is permitted by your city & HOA) then that will cost more because it will require more materials. Also, boards often come in pre- cut sizes, so having to cut custom board sizes can add time and extra materials. The height plays into the fences' square foot so is important.
The addition of a gate to your wood fence will increase the cost. Adding a gate will cost anywhere from $150 to $1,000. The size and style of the gate impact the price, for example, certain gate styles, like sliding gates, require additional hardware. Automatic gates will also cost more than a manual one.
Having someone haul the old fence away will incur additional labor costs. Some contractors or local pros will include brush or existing fence removal as part of the total cost for your wood fence, but some won't. In general, added haul-away labor will range from $3 to $10 per linear foot.
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Your property could have any number of factors present that make building a fence more complex. The more complicated the install, the more the labor will cost.
Here are the main types of addons that ca affect the costs of your wood fence.
Post caps costs range from $5 to $50 depending on the materials you choose. They can represent a significant addition to your wood fence installation costs but they look good and will help make your wood fence more durable by protecting your posts from elements and insects.
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A kickboard, also called a "rot board", is a piece of wood installed at the bottom of a fence. This is the part of your fence that will be in contact with the ground. Because it comes into contact with the ground, the kickboard is usually pressure treated to withstand rot, decay and pest infestations. The addition of a kickboard typically costs between $3- $13 per linear foot.
A new stain can give your fence an easy makeover and extend its lifespan. Staining protects your fence from UV rays fading its color. Sealing your fence protects it from water seeping in, which can cause splintering. Painting can complete the look of a new fence or give an old one a makeover. These staining add-ons will cost about $1 to $4 each per linear foot.
The best type of wood for fencing will depend on the needs of your home and property. It will also depend on where you live and the characteristics of your outdoor space. Your budget will be a factor as well, because there will be different costs of materials for different wood fences. Redwood, Pine, Cedar, Douglas Fir and others can all be great options.
You will need the measurements for each part of your property line where you'd like to add in fencing. Cost estimates are based on linear feet of fence needed. Our team can help you by using satellite imagery to determine the measurements needed and confirm those measurements through a remote onsite visit.
In general, the average price for wood fencing will be cheaper than vinyl fencing.
It's recommended that you use high-quality lumber and professional wood fence installation if you want it to look great and last longer. However, even fences built from high-quality materials will need regular maintenance. Staining and sealing your fence is recommended. There are also smaller DIY care steps such as repairing small cracks and knotholes to your fence. For larger issues like post or board damage to your existing fence, it's best to call professionals.
With high-quality materials and professional installation, a fence can have a lifespan of around 25 years with regular maintenance. Redwood is very long-lasting, and some other types of lumber (e.g., spruce, pine) may only last 5-15 years because they're not as resistant to rot and insects as redwood is. If you go the extra step and apply sealant, a wood fence can last anywhere from 30 to 40 years.
We are making it easier than ever to estimate the overall cost of your new wood fence. Our 3D fence quoting tool allows you to design, edit and price out your new fence all online and all for free.
Gone are the days of waiting around for a call back from a fence contractor or wondering if you've been quoted fairly. Our process is convenient, transparent and saves you valuable time and energy while you work to build your dream outdoor space. All of our fence projects are backed by warranty to give you additional peace of mind.
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