Homeowners typically pay more for cedar and redwood fencing than some alternatives, with price driven by wood species, panel height, coating, and lineal feet installed. This article outlines cost ranges, why cedar and redwood differ, and practical budgeting tips for a fence project in the United States.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material ( Cedar ) | $15-$25 / linear ft | $20-$40 / linear ft | $40-$60 / linear ft | Board quality varies; includes pickets and rails |
| Material ( Redwood ) | $20-$30 / linear ft | $25-$45 / linear ft | $45-$70 / linear ft | Redwood premium due to natural durability |
| Labor & Installation | $j 8-$12 / linear ft | $15-$25 / linear ft | $25-$40 / linear ft | Local rates and crew size impact totals |
| Post & Hardware | $2-$6 / linear ft | $4-$9 / linear ft | $9-$15 / linear ft | Metal posts or treated wood add durability |
| Stain/Sealant | $0.50-$1.50 / sq ft | $1.50-$3.50 / sq ft | $3.50-$6.00 / sq ft | Maintenance improves longevity |
| Permits/Fees | $0-$50 | $50-$250 | $250-$500 | Some regions require fencing permits |
Overview Of Costs
Fence cost for cedar or redwood includes both materials and labor, with total ranges influenced by height, length, and finish. Typical installations use standard 6-foot panels with covered rails. The per-foot price for cedar starts lower on average, while redwood commands a premium due to supply and finishing quality. For a 150-foot run, expect a total project in the mid-range with variations by region and crew efficiency.
Cost Breakdown
Material quality and grade have the strongest impact on price. Cedar is generally less expensive per lineal foot than redwood, but high-grade cedar can approach redwood pricing. The table below shows a typical mix of costs across common project sizes. The Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
| Category | Cedar | Redwood | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials (typical fence) | $20-$40 / ft | $25-$50 / ft | Panel, rail, and board costs |
| Labor (installation) | $15-$25 / ft | $20-$35 / ft | Includes setting posts |
| Post & Accessories | $4-$9 / ft | $6-$12 / ft | Hardware and caps included |
| Finish & Sealant | $1.50-$3.50 / sq ft | $1.80-$4.50 / sq ft | Stains extend life |
| Permits | $0-$250 | $0-$500 | Region-dependent |
What Drives Price
Species durability, local log costs, and finish choices are the main price drivers. Cedar tends to be cheaper due to widespread availability, while redwood commands a premium for tighter grain, decay resistance, and aesthetics. Labor costs rise with fence height, gate quantity, and complex layouts. Regional supply constraints can swing material prices by 10–25% in some markets.
Labor, Hours & Rates
Labor rates vary by region and contractor experience. Typical installation time ranges from 1 to 2 days for a basic 150-foot run with crew of two, depending on terrain and permitting. Expect higher rates in urban areas and for custom gates or decorative posts. A simple formula is data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”> to estimate labor cost.
Regional Price Differences
Prices differ across the U.S. by market size and timber supply. In the Northeast and coastal regions, redwood may be more common and pricier, while the Midwest and Southeast see robust cedar options with competitive rates. Suburban areas often incur higher labor costs than rural regions, and coastal markets may add surge pricing during peak construction seasons.
Pricing By Region
- <b Northeast/Coast: Cedar $22-$38 / ft; Redwood $28-$55 / ft; Labor $28-$40 / ft
- <b Midwest/South: Cedar $18-$32 / ft; Redwood $24-$48 / ft; Labor $20-$28 / ft
- <b Rural/Desert Southwest: Cedar $16-$30 / ft; Redwood $24-$46 / ft; Labor $18-$26 / ft
Ways To Save
Shop for grade-appropriate wood and plan for efficient layouts. Some savings come from ordering standard lengths, choosing fewer decorative features, and sealing or staining at the right time. Doing prep work yourself or scheduling in cooler months can reduce labor hours. Consider combinations, such as cedar for boards with redwood posts, if regional pricing favors one path.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario snapshots show typical totals and per-unit costs for Cedar vs Redwood fences.
Basic Scenario
Landscape lot, 125 feet, standard 6-foot panels, minimal gates. Cedar with basic stain. Assumptions: suburban yard, no complex gates. Materials: $2,750–$5,000; Labor: $1,875–$3,125; Permits: $0–$100. Total: $4,625–$8,225. Per-foot: $37–$66.
Mid-Range Scenario
Medium lot, 150 feet, two gates, treated posts, medium-grade cedar or redwood. Assumptions: mixed-grade materials, local crew. Materials: Cedar $3,000–$6,000; Redwood $3,600–$7,500; Labor: $2,250–$4,000; Finish: $350–$1,000. Total: Cedar $5,600–$11,500; Redwood $6,250–$12,800. Per-foot: Cedar $38–$77; Redwood $42–$85.
Premium Scenario
Large lot, 200 feet, decorative caps, privacy enhancements, custom gates. Cedar or redwood high-grade. Assumptions: urban area with higher labor rate. Materials: Cedar $5,000–$9,000; Redwood $6,500–$12,000; Labor: $4,000–$7,000; Finish: $600–$1,500. Total: Cedar $9,600–$17,500; Redwood $11,100–$20,500. Per-foot: Cedar $48–$87; Redwood $56–$102.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Note on maintenance costs: Ongoing staining or sealing every 3–5 years adds $0.50–$2.00 per sq ft over the fence’s lifetime, depending on product and climate. For longevity, redwood’s natural durability may reduce maintenance needs slightly compared with cedar in high-moisture regions.