Cedar post and rail fence prices typically run $15-$35 per linear foot installed, with many straightforward projects averaging $22-$28 per linear foot. Total cost depends on fence length, rail count, cedar grade, terrain, post setting, access, and whether old fencing must be removed.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed cedar post and rail fence | $15 per linear ft | $22-$28 per linear ft | $35 per linear ft | Standard 3- to 4-foot fence, ordinary access |
| Materials only | $7 per linear ft | $10-$16 per linear ft | $22 per linear ft | Varies by rail count, cedar grade, and post size |
| 100 linear feet installed | $1,500 | $2,200-$2,800 | $3,500 | Excludes difficult terrain and major removal |
| 200 linear feet installed | $3,000 | $4,400-$5,600 | $7,000 | Typical residential perimeter or boundary run |
What a cedar post and rail fence costs to install
For a basic two-rail cedar fence, homeowners commonly pay $15-$25 per linear foot installed. A three-rail design, larger posts, premium cedar, or more demanding installation often brings the price to $25-$35 per linear foot. A 150-foot project may therefore cost about $2,250-$5,250 before unusual site work or removal.
For a standard residential installation, a practical planning figure is about $25 per linear foot. That estimate assumes 3- to 4-foot-high fencing, two or three horizontal rails, standard posts, average regional labor, and reasonably level ground. It does not assume a gate, stain, steep slopes, or rock excavation.
Post and rail fencing is usually priced by the installed linear foot rather than by a square-foot area. A low two-rail boundary fence uses less material than a three- or four-rail enclosure, but both are measured along the run. Some estimates may separately list corners, end assemblies, gates, or short-run minimum charges.
Assumptions: Typical U.S. residential labor rates, standard cedar components, 3- to 4-foot fence height, and normal access.
How cedar rails, posts, and labor shape the quote
Material and installation make up most of the bill. Cedar species, grade, post dimensions, rail count, fasteners, and local labor rates affect the exact breakdown. The table shows typical shares for a standard project; contractor estimates may group these charges differently.
| Quote component | Typical price | What changes the amount | Common scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar posts | $3-$8 per linear ft of fence | Post size, spacing, grade, and setting method | Posts spaced about 6-8 feet apart |
| Cedar rails | $3-$10 per linear ft | Two versus three rails, rail length, and grade | Rails fitted between posts |
| Hardware and supplies | $1-$3 per linear ft | Fasteners, brackets, concrete, and layout needs | Standard connections and incidental materials |
| Installation labor | $7-$16 per linear ft | Digging conditions, slope, crew efficiency | Layout, post setting, rail assembly |
| Removal and disposal | $2-$6 per linear ft | Old fence type, condition, and haul distance | Optional work, not included in base rates |
Materials alone commonly cost $7-$22 per linear foot. Basic cedar posts and rails sit near the low end; larger posts, clearer or higher-grade wood, and extra rails can move materials toward the top. Confirm whether the quote includes delivery, concrete or gravel for posts, hardware, and waste from cutting.
Labor can be estimated as . Fence crews often charge an effective $50-$100 per worker-hour, although many price the completed job by the foot. A compact crew may install about 80-150 linear feet in a day on uncomplicated terrain; layout, corners, gates, or digging can slow production.
Check whether the quote separates materials, installation, and removal before comparing totals. One contractor may include haul-away and post setting while another lists them as extras, making superficially similar per-foot prices misleading.
Why rail count, post spacing, and slope change pricing
Rail count is one of the clearest cost drivers. Two-rail layouts often cost $15-$25 per installed foot, while three-rail versions commonly run $20-$32. A four-rail design or closely spaced rails can reach $25-$35 or more, especially when paired with substantial posts. Each added rail increases cedar quantity, fastening time, and sometimes the number of supporting posts.
Post spacing also matters. Standard spans of about 6-8 feet generally balance material use and stability. Reducing spacing to 5-6 feet for a more rigid appearance can add roughly 10%-25% to post and labor costs, depending on the layout. Longer spans can lower the post count but may not suit the rail dimensions, soil, or intended use.
Fence height and rail size affect both the bill of materials and installation effort. A 3-foot fence is typically less expensive than a 4-foot fence with the same rail count. Larger 4-by-4 or 6-by-6 posts generally cost more than smaller posts, and heavy rails may require extra handling or closer support.
Terrain creates additional work. A gentle grade may add little, but steep slopes, uneven transitions, tree roots, or rocky ground can increase labor by 10%-30% or more. Digging post holes through rock may bring a separate charge of $25-$75 per difficult hole, depending on equipment and local conditions. Ask how the contractor plans to handle changes in grade.
Rail count and digging conditions can push a quote farther than the fence length alone suggests. A measured site visit is especially useful when the run has multiple corners, a changing slope, or buried obstructions.
Regional cedar fence rates from rural lots to cities
Installed prices vary by labor market, cedar supply, delivery distance, and contractor availability. As a broad comparison, rural projects with good truck access may run 5%-15% below a national planning range, while high-cost metro areas may run 10%-25% above it. These differences are not guaranteed: a remote job can cost more if materials must travel far or crews have limited availability.
In lower-cost markets, a basic two-rail installation may be near $15-$22 per linear foot. Many suburban projects fall around $20-$30, while dense or high-cost metro locations may reach $25-$40 for similar scope. Premium lumber, difficult access, and extra site preparation can raise any of these figures.
Get estimates from contractors familiar with local soil, frost depth, and property-line practices. Those conditions can affect post depth and setting methods. Local labor rates matter, but so do delivery charges: bulky rails and posts can make a distant supplier more expensive even when its listed lumber prices appear lower.
Assumptions: Price comparisons describe standard installations, not gated enclosures, rock excavation, or extensive demolition.
How crew size and installation hours affect the total
A straightforward 100-foot run may take a small crew about one workday, while 200 feet may require one to two days. These are rough production ranges for accessible ground and standard rails; a complicated layout can take longer. A larger crew does not automatically mean a faster or cheaper job if the site has limited working room.
Contractors may quote a flat per-foot rate, a project total, or labor separately. When labor is itemized, a common effective rate is $50-$100 per worker-hour. For example, two workers spending 16-24 combined crew hours at that rate could represent roughly $800-$2,400 in labor, before materials and other charges. The estimate should clarify whether the quoted hours are total crew-hours or hours per worker.
Short fence runs sometimes have a minimum charge because travel, layout, equipment setup, and delivery do not shrink in proportion to footage. A project under 50 linear feet may therefore cost more per foot than a 150-foot installation. Ask whether the minimum covers materials, removal, and cleanup.
For labor comparisons, match the same length, rail design, post spacing, and site assumptions. A low hourly figure is not a reliable bargain if the crew expects more billable hours or excludes preparation and cleanup.
When removal, gates, and post concrete add charges
Removing an existing fence commonly adds $2-$6 per linear foot, with heavier or deeply set posts costing more. Some contractors charge $10-$30 per post for removal when the old fence is already down but the posts remain. Hauling and disposal may be included or billed separately, so the estimate should specify whether debris leaves the property.
A standard walk-through gate may add about $150-$500, depending on width, hardware, and how it is built. Wider access gates or paired gates can cost $400-$1,200 or more. Gate posts need to resist movement, so larger posts, bracing, and heavier hinges can add to material and labor totals.
Post setting is another detail to check. Gravel, compacted soil, and concrete are all used depending on site conditions and contractor practice. Concrete itself may add roughly $2-$6 per post in materials, while the larger charge is often the labor and digging needed to set each post correctly. Do not assume concrete is included just because installation is listed.
Staining or sealing is optional for many cedar fence projects. A contractor-applied finish may cost about $1-$3 per linear foot, or more for extensive preparation and multiple coats. Cedar naturally weathers outdoors; a finish changes appearance and may require periodic upkeep rather than eliminating maintenance.
Other potential charges include survey or layout work, delivery, brush clearing, and repair of sprinkler lines or landscaping. A permit may be required under local rules, particularly for certain locations, heights, or property-line conditions. Permit fees vary widely, often from $25-$200, and should be verified with the local building department.
Two-rail cedar versus three-rail and pressure-treated options
A two-rail cedar fence is generally the lower-cost choice for marking a boundary or creating an open rural look. A three-rail design uses more wood and often costs several dollars more per linear foot, but provides a fuller appearance. Neither style is a privacy fence; gaps between rails remain open unless wire mesh or another material is added.
Pressure-treated pine can cost less than cedar, with installed post and rail fencing often around $12-$28 per linear foot depending on design and region. Cedar is commonly chosen for its natural appearance and resistance to decay, but actual durability depends on the wood grade, exposure, drainage, and installation. Compare the full specification, not just the species name.
Adding welded wire or field fencing to a rail fence can help contain pets or livestock, but the added mesh, fasteners, and installation may add about $2-$8 per linear foot. The result depends on wire gauge, height, and whether the mesh is attached to two or three rails. Confirm that the intended animals and property conditions are addressed before comparing bids.
Compare equal rail counts and post dimensions when weighing cedar against pine or mesh-backed designs. A lower material price may be offset by added rails, specialized hardware, a finish, or more labor.
How to reduce a cedar fence estimate without cutting corners
Keep the design consistent and avoid unnecessary changes in rail count, post size, or height. Standard 6- to 8-foot post spacing and common rail dimensions can reduce cutting waste and labor. Where a fence crosses a slope, ask for a clear explanation of whether the rails will follow the grade or step between sections; a simpler layout may use less labor.
Measure the intended run and identify gates, corners, and tie-ins before requesting bids. A clean sketch helps contractors price the same scope. If the boundary is uncertain, confirm the property line before installation; correcting a misplaced fence can cost more than obtaining a survey or layout service first.
Compare at least three written estimates that state cedar grade, post dimensions, rail count, spacing, setting method, delivery, cleanup, and warranty terms. Ask contractors to price removal and gates separately so the base installation can be compared fairly. A detailed quote is more useful than a single low per-foot figure.
Prepare the site when practical by clearing movable debris and trimming back vegetation, but confirm that the crew wants this work done before arrival. Avoid cutting corners on post depth or structural support to save a small amount. Instead, consider whether every section needs three rails, whether a gate can be placed more conveniently, or whether sound existing posts can remain.
Scheduling can also affect the quote. During busy spring and summer periods, contractor availability may be limited; flexible timing in a less crowded period can sometimes improve scheduling or pricing. Weather, frozen ground, and wet soil can delay installation, so the lowest bid should not be treated as a saving if the proposed timing or scope is unclear.
The most reliable savings come from standardizing the design and making every bid cover the same work. A practical budget should also reserve about 5%-10% for unexpected roots, rocky soil, or minor changes discovered during installation.