A 6-foot wood fence typically costs $20-$45 per linear foot installed, with a national average near $32 per foot. Wood species, fence style, yard access, regional labor rates, and whether an old fence must be removed have the biggest effect on the quote.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed 6-foot fence | $20 per linear ft | $32 per linear ft | $45 per linear ft | Standard wood and typical access |
| 100 linear feet installed | $2,000 | $3,200 | $4,500 | Excludes major grading or removal |
| Materials only | $8 per linear ft | $15 per linear ft | $25 per linear ft | Style and wood species vary |
What a standard 6-foot wood fence costs to install
For 100 linear feet of 6-foot privacy fencing, a typical installed estimate is $2,000-$4,500, with about $3,200 as a useful planning average. That assumes a straightforward yard, standard pressure-treated pine, posts set in concrete, and a basic board or stockade design. Cedar, decorative tops, gates, difficult soil, and higher-cost metro areas can push the total above that range.
Per-foot quotes usually include materials, labor, and ordinary installation supplies, but may exclude permits, old-fence removal, staining, and taxes. A short project can carry a higher per-foot rate because mobilization and gate costs are spread over fewer feet. For a simple 100-foot run, budgeting roughly $3,000-$3,500 provides a reasonable starting point.
Assumptions: U.S. national planning range, standard materials, normal access, and no major grading.
How posts, boards, labor, and gates shape the quote
Fence estimates divide into lumber and hardware, post-hole work, installation labor, and any gates or disposal. Posts are commonly spaced about 6-8 feet apart; tighter spacing or unusually uneven ground can increase material and labor needs. The breakdown below uses a 100-foot standard fence as a practical example.
| Quote component | Low | Average | High | Typical basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lumber and hardware | $800 | $1,500 | $2,500 | $8-$25 per linear ft |
| Labor | $800 | $1,300 | $2,000 | $8-$20 per linear ft |
| Concrete and post setting | $150 | $300 | $500 | Posts, mix, and hole work |
| Gate and hardware | $150 | $350 | $700 | One basic walk gate or upgrade |
| Removal and disposal | $0 | $400 | $900 | Existing fence, if required |
Line items vary by contractor, and some quotes combine labor, concrete, and hardware into one installed rate. Check whether gates, cleanup, and disposal are included before comparing total bids.
Which wood species and fence styles change the price?
Pressure-treated pine is usually the lowest-cost common choice, while cedar often costs more for its appearance and natural decay resistance. Redwood and premium-grade boards can cost substantially more, especially when the design uses fewer knots or uniform finishes. A stockade or board-on-board privacy fence uses more lumber than a simple spaced-picket design, so matching the style in each estimate matters.
For materials, a basic pine privacy fence may run about $8-$15 per linear foot, while cedar or upgraded designs can reach $15-$25 or more. A 6-foot height generally needs larger posts and more boards than a 4-foot fence. Specify wood species, board style, post dimensions, and picket spacing to make quotes comparable.
Staining is another potential expense: professional application commonly adds about $1-$3 per square foot of fence surface, depending on preparation and product. Ask whether the lumber is delivered dry enough to stain and whether both sides are included.
When do length, slope, and soil raise installation prices?
Fence length affects the total directly, but layout and site conditions determine the rate per foot. A straight 150-foot run can cost less per foot than a 40-foot project with several corners, gates, and difficult access. Rocky soil, tree roots, and buried utilities can slow post-hole digging or require alternate methods.
Slopes also matter. Mild grade can often be followed with stepped or contoured panels, while steep changes may require additional layout work and custom cuts. On a 6-foot fence, a slope that changes elevation by more than roughly 1 foot across an 8-foot panel may require a different installation approach. Confirm the fence line, gate openings, and grade treatment during the site visit.
Permit rules and height limits vary by city and by location on the lot. A 6-foot fence may be allowed along a backyard boundary but restricted near a street or corner. Permit fees commonly range from about $20-$200 where required; confirm local rules before ordering materials.
What do removal, gates, and finishing add?
Taking out an old wood fence may add about $3-$8 per linear foot for dismantling and disposal, with costs higher for heavy, rotted, or concrete-encased posts. A basic walk gate often adds $150-$500 installed; wider or reinforced gates can cost more. Staining or sealing can add several hundred dollars to a small project, depending on total surface area and prep.
Delivery, haul-away, and minimum job charges may appear as separate quote items. In some markets, small installations have a minimum charge of $500-$1,000 even when the fence is short. Request separate prices for removal, gates, finishing, and delivery so optional work does not obscure the base rate.
How regional labor rates shift a 100-foot fence estimate
Local labor and material delivery can move installed prices well beyond the national average. Dense metro areas and regions with high contractor demand may run roughly 10%-25% above a typical quote, while some lower-cost rural markets may be 5%-15% below it. These are broad comparisons, not guaranteed regional price lists; access, local lumber supply, and seasonal demand still matter.
For a 100-foot standard pine fence, a lower-cost market might produce a $1,800-$3,000 estimate, while a high-cost metro quote could reach $3,500-$5,500 for similar scope. Cedar, demolition, and multiple gates can raise either figure. Compare at least three local written estimates using the same height, species, layout, and removal assumptions.
Is repair cheaper than replacing the full wood fence?
Replacing a few boards or a single post can cost far less than rebuilding an entire run. Small repairs often fall around $150-$500, while replacing several posts or a longer damaged stretch may cost $500-$1,500. A contractor may charge a minimum service fee even when the repair takes only a few hours.
Repair makes sense when most posts are solid and the damage is limited. Widespread leaning, rot at multiple post bases, or loose sections across much of the run can make repeated fixes poor value. Compare the repair price with the cost of replacing only the affected span, not automatically the entire fence.
How to lower the 6-foot fence price without cutting durability
Keep the layout straight, limit unnecessary gates, and choose a standard panel style to reduce custom cutting. Clearing brush and confirming property lines before installation can reduce delays, but utility locations should be marked through the appropriate local service rather than guessed. Scheduling outside peak demand may improve contractor availability, though weather and local conditions affect timing.
Choose a wood grade that fits the intended appearance instead of paying for premium boards where they will not be visible. Compare pressure-treated pine and cedar by installed price and expected upkeep, and avoid upgrades that do not solve a specific need. A detailed scope and comparable written bids are usually the strongest tools for controlling the final per-foot price.