A 4x4x8 redwood post typically costs $18-$55 for the lumber alone, with an average price near $32; premium heartwood or appearance grades can cost more. The final budget depends on grade, local supply, delivery, cutting, and whether the post is installed or finished.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One redwood post | $18 | $32 | $55 | Standard retail board, before tax |
| Per linear foot | $2.25 | $4.00 | $6.90 | Based on an 8-foot length |
| Delivered post | $25 | $43 | $85 | Small-order delivery varies widely |
| Installed fence post | $90 | $165 | $300 | Includes labor and typical setting materials |
What an 8-foot redwood 4×4 costs at retail
For a basic project, budget $18-$55 per post, or roughly $2.25-$6.90 per linear foot. The average $32 estimate assumes a standard-grade board from a U.S. lumberyard or home-improvement retailer, with no special surfacing or delivery charge. Redwood supply and selection differ by region, so local prices can sit outside this range.
The listed 4×4 size is nominal. Its finished dimensions are usually about 3.5 by 3.5 inches, and the 8-foot measurement is the board length. A post sold for fencing may have different appearance or treatment expectations from a board chosen for a visible deck or garden structure. Check the grade, straightness, moisture condition, and intended use before comparing prices.
Assumptions: One standard 8-foot board, ordinary retail purchase, no installation, tax, or delivery.
How lumber, delivery, and setting shape the quote
A quote for posts can include more than the wood. Small orders may carry a delivery minimum, while installation adds excavation, concrete or gravel, fasteners, and labor. The table separates common charges so buyers can compare a material-only price with a project estimate.
| Quote item | Typical range | Pricing basis | What changes it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redwood post | $18-$55 | Per post | Grade, appearance, local stock |
| Delivery | $25-$100 | Per order | Distance, order minimum, access |
| Cutting or sizing | $3-$12 | Per cut or post | Shop service and cut complexity |
| Concrete or gravel | $8-$25 | Per post setting | Hole size, depth, soil conditions |
| Installation labor | $50-$140 | Per post | Digging, removal, layout, crew rate |
Material prices are only comparable when delivery, cutting, and installation are listed separately. A basic labor estimate can be checked with ; contractors may instead quote per post or per fence run.
Why grade and moisture change the board price
Clearer, straighter boards with fewer knots generally cost more than utility-grade lumber. Premium redwood selected for visible surfaces may reach $45-$90 or more per 8-foot piece, especially when the supplier has limited inventory. Standard grades with knots are usually less expensive and may suit a fence where appearance is secondary.
Redwood heartwood and sapwood can differ in color and natural decay resistance. For ground-contact use, buyers should confirm the product’s rating and installation suitability rather than assuming every redwood 4×4 is rated for burial. A post with a rough-sawn finish may also price differently from a surfaced board.
Length and condition matter as well. A board over 8 feet, kiln-dried stock, or selected appearance lumber can carry a premium. Reject twisted or badly checked boards if straight alignment matters, since a low shelf price does not help if the post cannot be used cleanly.
How much does installation add per fence post?
Setting a post typically adds $50-$140 in labor per location for straightforward work, putting an installed post near $90-$300 when lumber and setting materials are included. The low end assumes open access and soft, diggable soil; the high end may include difficult digging, layout, or removal of an old post.
One worker may set a post in about 1-2 hours when measuring and digging are included, but a crew can complete several posts efficiently once the layout is established. Contractors often apply a minimum service charge on very small jobs. Ask whether the labor rate includes hole digging, concrete, cleanup, and disposal.
Regional redwood pricing from coastal yards to inland stores
In California and other western markets near redwood supply, standard posts may run about 10%-20% below comparable prices in distant inland markets. In parts of the Midwest, South, or Northeast, freight and fewer local suppliers can push material prices roughly 10%-30% higher than a western benchmark. These are planning differences, not fixed regional price lists.
Urban delivery can cost more because of access restrictions, parking, or minimum charges, while rural delivery may rise with distance. For a single post, pickup often saves more than negotiating a small per-board discount. For a larger order, compare the delivered total rather than the shelf price.
Redwood versus pressure-treated pine for an 8-foot post
Pressure-treated pine commonly costs about $10-$25 for a nominal 4x4x8, less than many redwood options. Redwood may be chosen for its appearance and natural properties, while treated pine is widely available for projects where budget and ground-contact rating are priorities. Neither material should be assumed suitable for every structural application without checking product ratings and project requirements.
For a visible garden or fence project, compare the total cost of the chosen grade, finish, and maintenance plan. A cheaper rough board may need more sorting or trimming, while a premium redwood board may be unnecessary where it will be hidden. Compare equivalent dimensions and intended-use ratings, not just the species name.
Three post-count examples for common project sizes
For a small repair using one standard-grade post, the material might cost $18-$55; pickup keeps the total close to that range, while a dedicated delivery could make the effective cost $43-$155. For a six-post garden fence, lumber may total $108-$330, plus around $48-$150 for setting materials and any delivery charge.
A contractor installing ten posts could quote roughly $900-$3,000 total, depending on board grade, labor, access, and whether old posts need removal. These examples assume ordinary 8-foot posts and do not include fence rails, panels, gates, or staining. Assumptions: Standard-grade wood, typical U.S. retail supply, and no major rock excavation.
Ways to lower the 4x4x8 redwood post bill
Measure the required finished height before ordering, then ask whether a shorter length or cut from longer stock reduces waste. Buying several posts at once may spread delivery charges, but only if all boards can be stored flat and protected from weather. Inspect each piece at pickup to avoid paying for unusable twists or splits.
Request itemized quotes from at least two suppliers, including grade, actual dimensions, delivery, and cutting fees. Keep premium appearance lumber for exposed locations and use an appropriate lower-cost grade where appearance is less important. For installation, group post work into one visit and clarify whether existing posts, concrete, or debris require separate removal charges.