Cedar fencing typically costs $15-$35 per linear foot installed, with many standard 6-foot privacy fences near $25 per foot. Height, cedar grade, gate count, terrain, removal, and local labor rates can move the quote substantially.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed cedar fence | $15 per linear ft | $25 per linear ft | $35 per linear ft | Standard 6-foot privacy fence |
| Materials only | $8 per linear ft | $13 per linear ft | $20 per linear ft | Boards, posts, rails, and fasteners |
| 150-foot project | $2,250 | $3,750 | $5,250 | Before unusual site work or removal |
Cedar fence price per linear foot by height
For a basic 6-foot fence with pressure-treated posts, standard cedar boards, and typical access, installed pricing generally falls between $20 and $30 per linear foot. A 4-foot picket fence may cost $15-$25 per foot, while an 8-foot privacy fence can reach $30-$45 per foot because it uses more lumber and may require stronger posts or additional code review.
A practical budget for 150 feet of standard cedar privacy fencing is about $3,000-$4,500 before gates, demolition, or major grading. These are broad U.S. estimates, not guaranteed contractor rates. Assumptions: Standard cedar, ordinary soil, accessible backyard, and professional installation.
What cedar boards, posts, and labor add to the quote
A fence quote usually combines lumber and hardware with installation labor. The breakdown below gives typical installed-job allocations per linear foot; local material prices and contractor pricing can shift the shares.
| Quote item | Low | Average | High | Typical scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar boards, rails, posts | $8 | $13 | $20 | Standard grade lumber |
| Labor | $6 | $10 | $16 | Layout, post setting, assembly |
| Equipment and delivery | $1 | $2 | $4 | Tool use and material transport |
| Removal and disposal | $0 | $3 | $8 | Existing fence; often quoted separately |
| Permit or inspection | $0 | $1 | $3 | Where required, averaged per foot |
Labor is commonly estimated at $6-$16 per linear foot, or roughly $50-$100 per crew-hour depending on market and crew size. Ask whether the quote includes concrete, fasteners, haul-away, and sales tax; exclusions can make a low bid appear cheaper than it is.
Materials and labor usually account for most of the installed price, while removal and access problems create the largest extras.
How height, cedar grade, and slope change the rate
Fence height is a major cost driver: moving from 6 to 8 feet may add 20%-40% to the per-foot price, depending on design and structural requirements. Premium clear or tight-knot cedar can cost 15%-35% more than common-grade boards, while rough-sawn or lower-grade material may reduce the initial bill but show more knots and variation.
Sloped ground can add 10%-25% when the installer must step panels, cut boards, or adjust post spacing. Rocky soil, roots, retaining walls, and difficult machine access may trigger separate labor charges. A straight run with few corners is generally less expensive than a similar length divided by multiple turns.
Measure the total fence line and identify height changes, gates, and slope before comparing per-foot bids. Local rules may restrict fence height or require a permit, especially near streets, pools, or property boundaries.
Keep cedar fence costs down with a clear scope
Reducing corners, keeping the height consistent, and choosing a standard board pattern can limit cutting and labor. Confirm property lines before installation; moving posts after a boundary dispute can be costly. If an old fence is present, compare the contractor’s removal charge with local hauling options, while checking whether disposal is included.
Compare at least three written quotes using the same footage, height, cedar grade, post material, gate dimensions, and finish. Avoid paying extra for staining if the quote does not specify product and preparation. Cedar can be left unfinished, though weathering changes its color; stain or sealer is a separate maintenance expense.
The most reliable savings come from matching specifications across bids, not choosing the lowest unexplained per-foot number.
Regional labor can move cedar fence prices
Prices in high-cost metropolitan areas and parts of the West or Northeast may run 10%-25% above a national midpoint because of labor, delivery, and permitting costs. Rural markets may be 5%-15% below that midpoint, but limited contractor availability or long delivery distances can erase the difference. Cedar supply also varies by region and season.
These percentages are planning ranges, not fixed regional tariffs. Compare quotes from contractors serving the same area, and check whether each includes sales tax, delivery, and debris removal. A quote that uses a lower grade of cedar may not be comparable even when the stated rate is similar.
Installation time and removal affect the total
A two- or three-person crew may install roughly 100-200 feet of straightforward fencing in one to three days. Post holes, concrete curing, gates, uneven ground, and utility marking can extend the schedule. Contractors may charge a minimum job fee, so a short run can have a higher per-foot rate than a large project.
Removing an existing fence commonly adds $3-$8 per linear foot, with more for concrete footings or difficult disposal. Ask whether the crew will remove posts and haul debris, or only take down the panels. Marked underground utilities and clear access help avoid delays, but required utility locating should be arranged before digging.
For an accurate estimate, request separate line items for new installation, old-fence removal, gates, and disposal.
Cedar versus pine and vinyl at the same length
Pressure-treated pine fencing often costs about $15-$28 per linear foot installed, typically less upfront than cedar. Vinyl commonly runs $25-$45 per foot, depending on height and panel style. Cedar sits between basic pine and many vinyl options, with natural grain and a need for periodic upkeep.
For a 150-foot run, that translates roughly to $2,250-$4,200 for pine, $3,000-$5,250 for standard cedar, or $3,750-$6,750 for vinyl. These comparisons assume similar height and straightforward access. Material life depends on installation, climate, ground contact, and maintenance, so the lowest initial price is not necessarily the lowest long-term expense.
Compare like-for-like height, privacy, post construction, and warranty terms before treating material prices as equivalent.