The cost comparison between cedar and pine fences hinges on material price, labor, and long-term maintenance. This article outlines typical price ranges, per-unit rates, and key drivers to help buyers budget accurately for a fence project.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material (cedar boards, posts, rails) | $7.50 | $12.50 | $20.00 | Wood type and grade drive variation |
| Material (pine boards, pressure-treated) | $4.50 | $6.50 | $9.50 | Common pricing for treated pine |
| Fence length (per linear ft) | $15 | $25 | $40 | Includes materials only for standard 6-ft height |
| Labor (installation) | $10 | $20 | $40 | Per linear ft installed; varies by region |
| Posts and hardware | $2.50 | $5.00 | $9.00 | Concrete footing often included in labor |
| Sealing/finishing | $0.75 | $2.50 | $6.00 | Stain or sealant every 3–5 years |
Cedar vs Pine Fence Cost for a 6-Foot Privacy Fence
Typical total cost ranges](for a 6-foot privacy cedar or pine fence) are commonly quoted as $1,500-$4,500 for pine and $2,800-$7,800 for cedar, depending on length, gate count, and local labor. Assumptions: standard 6–8 panels, 4×4 posts set in concrete, basic pressure-treated pine or cedar boards, and no specialized hardware. Cedar tends to push the high end due to material expense and natural durability.
Price components in a cedar vs pine fence quote
Major cost drivers split commonly into materials, labor, and accessories. A typical breakdown per 100 linear feet shows materials 60–70%, labor 25–35%, and permits or delivery 5–10%. The table below shows representative ranges.
| Cost Component | Cedar Range | Pine Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials (boards, rails, posts) | $1,200-$3,600 | $700-$2,700 | Cedar costs higher per board |
| Labor (installation) | $600-$1,800 | $450-$1,350 | Region and crew size affect rates |
| Hardware & Accessories | $100-$350 | $60-$250 | Latches, hinges, caps |
| Permits/Delivery | $50-$300 | $50-$300 | varies by locality |
| Finishing/Sealing | $60-$200 | $40-$140 | First sealant application |
What variables most influence the final cedar vs pine price
Size and layout drive the quote. Longer runs, irregular lot lines, or curved sections require more posts and rails, increasing both materials and labor. Another key driver is system type: a plain picket layout costs less per linear foot than a shadow box or boarded-style privacy fence. Cedar’s natural durability also raises initial material costs, but its longer lifespan can reduce replacement cycles over time.
Per-unit costs: cedar vs pine by the foot and panel style
Expect cedar boards to cost about $4-$12 per linear foot for materials alone, and pine around $2-$7 per linear foot. For 6-foot boards, typical pine panels run $1.50-$3.50 per foot of linear fence when installed, while cedar boards often push $3.50-$8.00 per foot. Panel styles like common picket, privacy, or cap-and-trim variants influence per-foot pricing as labor complexity grows.
Regional price differences that matter for cedar and pine fencing
Coastal and sunbelt regions typically see higher cedar costs due to supply and local demand, whereas inland markets may have lower pine pricing but higher freight for durable cedar. In the Pacific Northwest, cedar pricing can exceed pine by 2:1 to 3:1 on material costs, while in the Southeast pine may remain the more economical option for similar lengths.
Durability, maintenance, and long-term cost impact
Annual maintenance affects long-term cost planning. Cedar resists rot and insects naturally, often requiring fewer treatments than pine, but cedar may require occasional sealing to preserve color. Pine, especially pressure-treated, may need more frequent staining or sealing, typically every 3–5 years. Over a 15-year horizon, cedar can offer lower replacement costs, while pine may demand more frequent refinishing cycles.
Labor considerations: installation time and crew size
Labor hours depend on lot access, slope, and fence type. A standard 100-foot run with 2–3 installers can take 1–2 days. Winding tracks or gates add 8–16 hours of work. Labor rates commonly run $20-$40 per hour per worker, depending on region and crew experience. For cedar, expect slightly higher labor if boards require alignment to preserve grain patterns.
Options to reduce price without compromising safety or code compliance
Control scope and materials to cut costs. Consider a simpler panel design (fewer decorative elements), a shorter fence length, or using pine where a lower-cost option is acceptable. If cedar is preferred for aesthetics, use cedar rails with pine pickets or staggered panel configurations to balance look and price. Scheduling midweek installations can reduce labor charges in busy markets.
Three real-world quoting scenarios for cedar vs pine fences
- Scenario A: 150 ft, 6 ft privacy cedar, 2 gates, Midwest, standard grade cedar. Materials $2,500; labor $2,000; accessories $150; total $4,650.
- Scenario B: 120 ft, 6 ft privacy pine, 1 gate, Southeast, treated pine panels. Materials $1,100; labor $1,500; accessories $100; total $2,700.
- Scenario C: 200 ft, 6 ft shadow-box cedar, 3 gates, West region, premium cedar. Materials $4,000; labor $2,800; finish $200; total $7,000.
Finishing touches and ongoing costs to factor into the price
Finishes extend lifespan and can affect upfront price. A clear sealant or stain costs $0.75-$2.50 per linear ft for initial application, with maintenance every 3–5 years. Cedar’s aging patina may reduce finishing needs, while pine finishes may require more frequent refreshes. Expect a sealant job to add $60-$200 for 100 feet of fencing.
Exact price ranges you can expect by fence length and style
Use these practical ranges to budget a typical yard. For 50–100 feet of 6-foot cedar privacy: materials $1,400-$4,000, labor $1,000-$2,400, total $2,800-$6,600. For pine in the same scope: materials $800-$2,600, labor $900-$2,000, total $1,700-$4,600. Longer runs or gate-heavy layouts push totals higher in both materials and labor.
Assumptions: Midwest labor rates, standard materials, normal access.