Prices for a wooden fence vary widely based on length, height, wood type, and labor. The main cost drivers are materials, installation, and gate hardware. This guide provides practical pricing ranges in USD and clear factors to estimate your project.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials (lumber, posts, rails) | $8-$15 | $12-$25 | $30-$40 | Includes boards, posts, and rails for 6’ fence per linear ft |
| Labor & installation | $15-$25 | $25-$45 | $60-$100 | Typical crew time; depends on terrain and design |
| Gates & hardware | $150-$350 | $300-$650 | $900-$1,500 | One or two gates; latch, hinges, and hardware included |
| Permits & codes | $0-$100 | $100-$300 | $500-$1,000 | Varies by city and fence height |
| Delivery & disposal | $0-$100 | $50-$250 | $300-$600 | Transport to site and debris removal |
| Warranty & maintenance | $0-$50 | $50-$150 | $250-$500 | Typically 1–20 year options by material |
Assumptions: region, wood species, fence height, and linear footage vary cost estimates.
Overview Of Costs
Typical total project ranges reflect common yards and standard 6-foot privacy fencing. A basic installation with pressure-treated boards often lands in the $15-$40 per linear foot range, including materials, labor, and basic gates. Higher-end cedar or redwood, reinforced posts, and custom designs push costs higher to the $40-$80 per linear foot bracket. For a typical 150-foot fence, total costs commonly span $2,250-$9,000, depending on wood choice and site conditions.
Per-unit pricing helps compare options quickly: pressure-treated wood often sits around $12-$25 per linear foot installed, cedar can be $25-$50 per linear foot, and premium hardwoods or specialty posts may exceed $60 per linear foot.
Cost Breakdown
Table below shows how much each category contributes to the overall price.
| Category | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $8-$15 | $12-$25 | $30-$40 | Board quality, grade, and spacing affect price |
| Labor | $15-$25 | $25-$45 | $60-$100 | Crews, site access, and weather influence hours |
| Gates & Hardware | $150-$350 | $300-$650 | $900-$1,500 | Single vs. double gates, metal vs. vinyl hardware |
| Permits | $0-$100 | $100-$300 | $500-$1,000 | Code compliance, setbacks, and inspections |
| Delivery/Disposal | $0-$100 | $50-$250 | $300-$600 | Truck delivery and waste removal |
Pricing Variables
Key drivers include fence height (4–6 feet is common; taller fences cost more), length, wood type (pressure-treated pine vs. cedar vs. redwood), post spacing, slope, and terrain. For example, a 6-foot cedar fence on uneven ground typically costs more than a straight, 100-foot, pressure-treated fence. A mid-size project might require extra bracing or corner posts, increasing both material and labor time.
What Drives Price
Material choice determines most of the material cost. Cedar and redwood carry premium wood premiums but offer natural rot resistance. Labor intensity rises with long runs, irregular terrain, or complex gates. Base costs increase with fence height, custom lattice panels, or decorative caps. Finally, permits and disposal can add noticeable totals in certain jurisdictions.
Ways To Save
Cost-saving strategies include choosing pressure-treated lumber, standard 6-foot panels, and a single-gate design. Scheduling installation in late fall or winter can reduce labor rates in some markets. DIY prep and arranging site access may cut crew time, but professional installation typically yields better alignment, post stability, and warranty coverage.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by region due to labor markets, material transport, and permit costs. In the Northeast, expect higher labor rates and occasionally higher material taxes. The Midwest may show moderate costs with more favorable climate for year-round work. The Southwest often features higher material costs for drought-resistant wood and coatings. Typical regional deltas are +/- 10–25% from national averages.
Labor, Hours & Rates
Labor time estimates assume standard soil, clear paths, and minimal obstructions. A 100-foot fence with two gates may require 16–32 hours of labor for a small crew, equating to $25-$60 per hour depending on local rates. Complex installs in rocky or sloped lots can push hours up and, consequently, per-foot costs higher.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Scenario cards offer practical snapshots of typical projects.
Basic — 80 feet, pressure-treated boards, no custom gates, flat terrain. Specs: 6-foot privacy, standard posts, two gates. Hours: 14–18; Materials: $1,000–$1,600; Labor: $1,200–$2,000; Total: $2,200–$3,600.
Mid-Range — 150 feet, cedar boards, one 4-foot gate, mild slope. Specs: built-in cap, clean line. Hours: 22–34; Materials: $2,800–$4,800; Labor: $2,800–$5,000; Total: $5,600–$9,800.
Premium — 200 feet, redwood, two decorative gates, lattice sections, harder terrain. Hours: 40–60; Materials: $6,000–$12,000; Labor: $6,500–$12,500; Total: $12,500–$24,500.
Assumptions: region, fence height, length, and design details vary quotes.
