The cost of cedar and redwood fences varies by board quality, height, length, and installation specifics. Typical factors include material grade, gate count, soil conditions, and local labor rates. This guide provides cost ranges in USD and practical pricing insight for U.S. buyers seeking a cedar vs redwood fence price comparison.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials (cedar) | $8.00 | $12.50 | $20.00 | Per linear ft, common select grade |
| Materials (redwood) | $12.00 | $18.00 | $28.00 | Per linear ft, select grade, premium species |
| Labor (installation) | $10.00 | $18.00 | $25.00 | Per linear ft; includes fasteners |
| Fence height | $6–$12/linear ft variance | Higher for 6 ft vs 4 ft | ||
| Posts & concrete | $3.50 | $6.50 | $12.00 | Concrete footings may vary by soil |
| Hardware & fasteners | $1.50 | $3.00 | $6.00 | Stainless or hot-dipped options |
| Finish & stain | $2.00 | $4.00 | $8.00 | Optional for weather protection |
| Delivery | $50 | $200 | $400 | Depends on distance |
Overview Of Costs
Cost ranges for cedar and redwood fences are typically presented as total project estimates plus per‑unit measures. Cedar usually runs lower on materials, while redwood commands a premium for color stability and rot resistance. The total project often falls in the $3,000–$9,000 range for 100–250 linear feet, with per‑foot material costs ranging from $8 to $28 and installed per‑foot costs from $18 to $45 depending on height and complexity. Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Cost Breakdown
Material and labor split helps buyers compare options side by side. The table below shows typical components and how they contribute to the total price. Materials include boards, rails, and posts; labor covers framing, elevation, and fasteners; other expenses include permits or disposal where applicable.
| Category | Cedar | Redwood | Notes | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $8–$20 per ft | $12–$28 per ft | Higher for premium grades | Total depends on length |
| Labor | $10–$25 per ft | $12–$25 per ft | Includes framing and staining | 2–5 days for 120–180 ft |
| Posts & Concrete | $3.50–$12 per ft | $3.50–$12 per ft | Soil-driven variance | Depends on fence line complexity |
| Hardware | $1–$6 per ft | $1–$6 per ft | Gate hardware adds cost | Optional upgrade |
| Finish | $2–$8 per ft | $2–$8 per ft | Stain or sealant every few years | Applied after build |
| Delivery/Disposal | $50–$200 | $50–$200 | Distance dependent | One-time |
What Drives Price
Material selection and grading are the primary price levers. Cedar and redwood vary by species, grade, and finish. Redwood tends to be more expensive due to supply, color retention, and rot resistance. Labor costs reflect fence height, terrain, gate count, and accessibility. Per‑foot pricing is common for straight runs, while complex layouts add time and waste. Assumptions: standard suburban lot, no restricted zones.
Ways To Save
Shop smart on grades and installation depth to minimize costs. Consider select cedar or redwood with standard grain and fewer knots to reduce waste. Doing prep work, like clearing the line and grading, can cut installation time. If staining is not essential, forego it in the first season, or choose a lower‑cost finish. Assumptions: DIY prep by homeowner not included in professional quotes.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by region due to labor markets and material availability. In the Northeast, cedar may be nearer the low to average range owing to widespread supply, while the West Coast can push redwood prices higher due to local abundance and demand. The South often presents mid to high ranges due to labor intensity and long fence lines. Expect regional deltas of roughly ±10–20% from a national baseline.
Labor & Installation Time
Crew size and time on site impact total costs. A typical 120–180 ft fence may require 2–4 days with a crew of 2–3; longer runs or steep terrain add days and labor. Labor rate influences per‑foot totals, with higher rates in urban markets. Assumptions: standard 4 ft or 6 ft privacy fence.
Additional & Hidden Costs
Hidden costs can appear as permits, clearing, grading, or tree protection. Gate hardware upgrades, locksets, and vandal‑resistant fittings add marginally to the bill. Some jobs incur disposal fees for old fencing and concrete cleanup. Assumptions: no structural issues requiring reinforcement.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario snapshots help frame expectations.
- Basic — 100 ft cedar, 4 ft height, no staining, standard gate: materials $800–$1,200; labor $1,000–$2,000; total $1,900–$3,200.
- Mid-Range — 150 ft redwood, 5 ft height, stained, 1 gate: materials $1,800–$3,000; labor $2,500–$4,500; total $4,300–$7,500.
- Premium — 200 ft cedar or redwood, 6 ft height, premium grade, 2 gates, custom headers: materials $3,000–$6,000; labor $4,500–$9,000; total $7,500–$15,000.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Maintenance & Ownership Costs
Ongoing costs include periodic staining every 3–5 years and replacement of weathered boards. Cedar weathers to a natural gray and may require more frequent sealing; redwood maintains color longer but still benefits from protective finishes. Over a 5‑year horizon, maintenance can add $300–$1,000 depending on climate and exposure. Assumptions: climate and sun exposure moderate.
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