Redwood fencing price and cost per foot can vary based on board grade, fence height, and site access. This article explains typical cost ranges for Redwood fencing in the United States and what drives price, from materials to installation labor. The goal is to help buyers form a clear budget and compare quotes accurately for redwood fence projects.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redwood fence material (boards) | $12–$20 per linear ft | $16–$28 per linear ft | $28–$40+ per linear ft | Includes pickets and rails for standard 6 ft tall panels |
| Labor for installation | $8–$15 per linear ft | $12–$22 per linear ft | $22–$40+ per linear ft | Depends on site, gate count, and complexity |
| Post materials | $6–$12 per post (pressure-treated) | $10–$18 per post | $18–$30 per post | Typical 6 ft spacing; variations for concrete set |
| Concrete / footings per post install | $25–$70 per hole | $40–$90 per hole | $90–$150+ per hole | Includes material and labor |
| Delivery and haul-away | $0–$300 | $100–$500 | $500–$1,000+ | Distance-based |
| Permits and inspections | $0–$150 | $100–$450 | $500–$1,000 | Regional variance |
Assumptions: Midwest labor rates, standard 6-foot tall, semi-private panels, no ornate posts, standard535 notations.
Direct price by panel length and height
Most Redwood fencing projects are priced per linear foot or per panel. A typical 6-foot-wide panel uses two or three boards with rails, held by posts every 6 to 8 feet. The cost per linear foot commonly falls in a narrow band that reflects wood grade, labor intensity, and weather delays. Homeowners usually pay $16 to $28 per linear foot for materials and $12 to $22 per linear foot for installation labor on mid-range projects. For higher-end redwood with tighter grain and thicker boards, the combined material and labor can rise to $40 per foot or more, especially when gates or multiple corners add complexity.
Assumptions: 6 ft high panels, standard stakes, typical suburban backyard alignment, no complex lattice work.
Material components that drive price for redwood fencing
Material costs split into boards, rails, posts, and fasteners. Redwood boards price fluctuates with grade: appearance grade (clear or premium) versus standard grade. A typical configuration uses 1×6 or 1×8 pickets with 2×4 rails and pressure-treated posts. Expect material costs to range from $12 to $40 per linear foot depending on grade and thickness. In many installations, posts are spaced 6 feet apart, increasing post count and price.
Assumptions: Standard 6 ft tall, 1×6 or 1×8 boards, clean, straight run with minimal miters.
Labor factors that most affect the final quote
Labor prices reflect local wage rates, crew size, and project duration. A small crew can install 300–600 linear feet in a few days, whereas larger or more intricate layouts may take longer. Typical labor ranges are $12–$22 per linear foot for mid-range projects, with higher rates for complex corners, gates, or steep terrain. Labor time scales with fence height, gate count, and soil conditions for post holes.
Assumptions: Regular workweek, average site access, standard gate sizes, no significant backfill or drainage issues.
Regional price differences that influence bids
Redwood costs vary by region due to supply, climate, and local labor markets. West Coast markets often show higher material prices and longer lead times, while inland regions may have lower material costs but higher delivery fees. A typical range shows material plus labor differences of about 10–25% between regions. Expect coastal installations to push total costs higher due to logistics and access challenges. Buyers should request regional quotes that show materials, labor, and haulage separately.
Assumptions: Redwood availability is steady, standard delivery radius within 50 miles; regional labor rates applied.
Height, style, and gate counts shift the price palette
Fence height and decorative style have a clear effect on price. A 6-foot privacy fence costs more per foot than a 4-foot picket run, and the addition of a decorative lattice or scalloped top raises both material and labor needs. Gates add substantial cost due to hardware, reinforcements, and hinges.
For every added foot of height, price per foot often climbs by 15–25% when materials require thicker boards and stronger posts. Conversely, small 4-foot replacements or repairs typically cost much less per foot than full-height new fences.
Assumptions: Standard gates included, no specialty hardware beyond heavy-duty hinges and latches, typical residential lot access.
Delivery, permits, and job-site prep affect the bottom line
Delivery fees cover transport of heavy redwood panels and posts; distant jobs incur higher charges. Permitting varies by jurisdiction and can add a few hundred dollars in urban areas or be negligible in rural zones. Prep work, grading, and removal of old fencing also impact total cost. Deliveries and permit fees can add 5–15% to the project price in many markets.
Assumptions: No major site remediation; standard curbside delivery; local permit process followed.
Cost-saving moves that often hold up quality
Smart choices can trim costs without sacrificing durability. Options include choosing standard redwood grades, consolidating panel lengths to reduce cuts, reusing existing posts if they are sound, and batching multiple sections with a single contractor visit. Comparisons show that replacement of damaged boards and selective repair typically costs less than a full rebuild. Bundling installation of several sections in one phase can reduce labor and delivery expenses.
Assumptions: No major structural issues; standard fasteners; no custom carvings or built-in features.
Warranty, maintenance, and five-year cost of ownership
Redwood fences may carry a contractor’s workmanship warranty plus any manufacturer’s wood warranty. Maintenance costs include cleaning, sealing, and re-staining every few years to preserve color and decay resistance. Long-term expenses should factor resealing and occasional board replacement. Projected maintenance costs add roughly $0.50–$1.50 per linear foot annually for routine sealant and minor repairs. This adds to the initial price over a multi-decade horizon.
Assumptions: Standard sealants; climate exposure moderate; typical house lot with moderate shade.
Concrete setting, post spacing, and system type
Post installation methods influence price. Concrete footings provide durability in soils with poor drainage but add material and labor. If a contractor uses ground-level augering with soil and minimal concrete, prices can drop but may affect longevity in some environments. For a typical residential system, post spacing is 6 feet, with terminal posts at corners and near gates. Switching to 8-foot spacing reduces post count but can reduce structural integrity in windy regions.
Assumptions: Standard 6-foot panels; level yard; no slope beyond gentle grade.
Comparison snapshot: Redwood versus alternatives
Redwood is often contrasted with pressure-treated pine and cedar. While plastic composites may offer low maintenance, they carry different price trajectories. A common comparison shows redwood fencing running higher, with materials in the mid-to-upper range and installation labor reflecting craftwork. Redwood typically costs 20–40% more than basic pressure-treated pine for comparable height and length. Cedar sits in a similar neighborhood but can differ by region due to supply and local carpentry preferences.
Assumptions: Common backyard fence size; standard board widths; no specialty finishes or trims beyond typical staining.
How to read a Redwood fence quote effectively
A well-structured quote separates materials, labor, and extras. Look for itemized post counts, panel lengths, gate hardware, and any site-prep charges. A practical quote should show per-foot pricing bands and a total project price. Compare multiple bids to identify whether a higher price reflects premium materials or better labor standards. Ask for regional price deltas and lead times to avoid sticker shock.
Assumptions: Bids reflect a standard 6-foot privacy fence with two gates in a typical suburban yard.
Concrete table: cost components by quote
| Component | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials (boards, rails, posts) | $12–$20 per ft | $16–$28 per ft | $28–$40 per ft | Depends on grade and thickness |
| Labor (installation) | $8–$15 per ft | $12–$22 per ft | $22–$40+ per ft | Complexity increases rate |
| Post holes and concrete | $25–$70 per hole | $40–$90 per hole | $90–$150 per hole | Soil and depth vary |
| Delivery | $0–$300 | $100–$500 | $500–$1,000 | Distance-based |
| Permits | $0–$150 | $100–$450 | $500–$1,000 | Regional rules |
Assumptions: Average suburban lot, standard gate count, no exotic hardware.
Putting it together: a practical price example
Consider a 140-foot run of 6-foot Redwood privacy fence with a single 4-foot gate in a mid-sized town. Materials might be around $16 per foot, totaling about $2,240. Labor at $18 per foot adds roughly $2,520. Post holes and concrete could add another $1,200. Delivery and disposal may add $300, with permits around $200. The total would land near $6,460 before tax and contingency. Factor a 5–10% contingency for weather or schedule shifts.
Assumptions: Normal soil, standard gate hardware, no drainage remediation, suburban zoning.