Cedar fence pickets cost varies by size, grade, and regional labor. This article breaks down the price drivers, provides realistic USD ranges, and shows practical ways to estimate and compare quotes for cedar picket fencing.

Assumptions: Midwest to Southeast regions, standard 6-foot-tall pickets, typical residential yard access, pressure-treated posts with cedar pickets, standard staining not included in base price.

Cedar Fence Pickets Pricing by Grade and Width

Wood grade and board width drive price more than color or stain. Standard 1×6 cedar pickets priced by linear foot or by piece; wider boards increase per-unit cost but reduce required quantity. For 6-foot tall boards, plan on roughly $1.80-$3.50 per linear foot for select-grade cedar, with $2.50-$4.50 per linear foot for-graded premium stock. Per-picket pricing typically ranges from $12 to $22 for a 6-foot piece, depending on knot pattern and grain consistency.

Assumptions: common 1×6 cedar, tight grain, minimal defects, standard surface finish.

Materials Versus Labor: Breaking Down the Cedar Pickets Quote

Materials often account for the largest share of the upfront cost. In a typical cedar fence, pickets may represent 40-60% of the total materials cost, with posts, rails, hardware, and fasteners making up the rest. A standard 150-foot run might use about 150 pickets (6 ft tall) plus rails and hardware. For materials alone, expect roughly $225-$750 for pickets in a 50- to 100-picket batch, depending on quality and width.

Major cost components by line item

Key Variables That Change Cedar Pickets Quotes

Board width and height thresholds shift price bands. A switch from 1×6 to 1×8 cedar pickets adds roughly 15-25% to material costs. Taller boards (8 ft or 6 ft plus lattice) change labor time and hardware needs, raising the installed price per linear foot. Knot density and heartwood content can push per-picket costs up by $2-$6 for premium stock.

Regional Price Variations Across the United States

Location matters more than many buyers expect. Coastal regions with higher labor rates often see installed cedar fences priced 10-25% higher than inland markets. The table below shows rough regional deltas compared to a national midrange.

Prepping, staining, and fasteners can noticeably swing the budget. Delivery fees, wheelbarrow rental, and disposal of old fencing may add $60-$250. If staining or sealing is included, expect roughly $0.50-$1.50 per square foot for labor and materials. For gates, add per-gate costs of $150-$350 each for hardware and alignment.

Strategic planning helps reduce total spend while preserving durability. Consider ordering materials in bulk to unlock lower per-unit pricing, selecting standard widths rather than premium widths, scheduling during off-peak seasons, and bundling installation with other fencing work. If repairs are possible instead of full replacement, analyze the remaining post life to avoid unnecessary expenses.

Realistic quotes illustrate range by scope and crew size. The following three scenarios show different configurations and associated costs. All assume standard 1×6 cedar pickets, pressure-treated posts, and 6-foot height with 3.5-inch on-center spacing.

Assumptions: standard 6-foot boards, typical access, no unusual site obstacles, local carpentry rates apply.