Cedar split rail fence cost typically runs $15-$35 per linear foot installed, with a common 100-foot project priced around $1,500-$3,500. Rail count, cedar grade, terrain, gates, removal, and local labor rates have the biggest effect on the quote.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed fence | $15 per linear ft | $24 per linear ft | $35 per linear ft | Two or three rails; standard access |
| 100-foot installation | $1,500 | $2,400 | $3,500 | Before unusual site work or extensive removal |
| Materials only | $7 per linear ft | $11 per linear ft | $16 per linear ft | Cedar posts and rails, excluding installation |
| Gate | $150 | $350 | $700 | Typical single cedar walk or farm gate |
| Old fence removal | $2 per linear ft | $4 per linear ft | $8 per linear ft | May include hauling and disposal |
What Cedar Split Rail Fence Costs Per Linear Foot
For a straightforward installation, homeowners commonly pay $15-$25 per linear foot for a two-rail cedar fence and $20-$35 per linear foot for three rails. A 150-foot two-rail layout may therefore cost about $2,250-$3,750, while the added rail and labor can bring a three-rail version to $3,000-$5,250.
A practical planning figure is $24 per linear foot installed for a typical cedar split rail project. That assumes standard-grade cedar, ordinary soil, an accessible site, and no major gates, demolition, or slope corrections. Premium hand-split rails, decorative end posts, and remote delivery can put a quote above the high end.
Per-foot prices often include posts, rails, layout, digging, setting posts, and installation labor. They may exclude gates, taxes, permits, old fence disposal, and unusually difficult digging. A contractor may also set a minimum charge for a short run, so a 25-foot job can cost more per foot than a 100-foot installation.
Assumptions: Typical U.S. contractor pricing, standard cedar components, normal access, and a straight fence run.
How Posts, Rails, Labor, and Removal Shape the Quote
Material and labor make up most estimates, but quotes can differ in what they include. Ask whether the per-foot rate covers post setting, corner bracing, delivery, cleanup, and disposal. The table shows typical installed-project allocations, not separate charges that every contractor will itemize.
| Quote component | Low | Average | High | Typical pricing basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar posts and rails | $7 per linear ft | $11 per linear ft | $16 per linear ft | Rail count, grade, and post spacing |
| Installation labor | $6 per linear ft | $10 per linear ft | $16 per linear ft | Digging, setting, leveling, and fitting rails |
| Equipment and delivery | $75 | $250 | $600 | Project charge; higher for remote access |
| Removal and disposal | $2 per linear ft | $4 per linear ft | $8 per linear ft | Existing fence condition and haul distance |
| Gate hardware and installation | $150 | $350 | $700 | Per gate; size and hardware affect price |
Installed rates can bundle materials and labor, so component figures should not simply be added to a per-foot quote. As a separate labor check, a crew rate of $75-$125 per hour may be used for small repairs or hourly work; full installations are more often quoted by foot or project.
Compare the scope line by line before choosing the lowest total. A bid that omits hauling or gate hardware may look cheaper but require a later add-on charge.
Which Rail Count, Terrain, and Gate Specs Raise the Price
Rail count is a direct material and labor driver. Moving from two rails to three typically adds about $3-$10 per linear foot, depending on the rail size and local labor. A fourth rail or closer post spacing can add more, especially when the design requires additional braces or careful fitting.
Fence length also affects the unit price. A run under 50 feet may incur a contractor minimum, while 100-200 feet usually gives the crew more continuous work. Long straight runs can cost less per foot than several short sections with corners, returns, and changes in direction.
Ground conditions matter. Rocky soil, buried roots, steep grades, and limited equipment access can add roughly $3-$15 per linear foot where they require hand digging, extra bracing, or stepped sections. A slope above about 10%-15% may need more layout and fitting than a nearly level yard.
Gate dimensions and post requirements affect the total separately from the rail count. A standard 3-4-foot walk gate may cost $150-$400 installed; a wider 8-12-foot farm gate can run $300-$900 or more with heavier posts and hardware. Confirm the opening width and whether the price includes latches and hinges.
For a reliable estimate, provide the measured length, rail count, gate widths, and slope or soil concerns. Cedar grade and rail dimensions should also be named in the quote, since rough-sawn split rails and more uniform milled rails are not equivalent products.
How Midwest, West, and Northeast Quotes Compare
Labor rates, cedar supply, delivery distance, and seasonal demand create meaningful regional differences. As a broad budgeting adjustment, Midwest and many Southern markets may fall near the national midpoint; high-cost coastal metro areas can run 15%-30% above it. Rural locations may have lower labor rates but higher delivery or travel charges.
For a standard two-rail fence, a Midwest quote might land around $15-$24 per linear foot, while a coastal urban quote could be closer to $18-$31. A three-rail installation may run about $20-$34 in a lower-cost market and $24-$43 in a high-cost metro. These are planning ranges, not fixed regional price lists.
Local availability can shift the material portion as well. Cedar sourced nearby may reduce freight charges, while a contractor ordering specialty rails for a small project may pass along a delivery minimum. Request quotes from contractors serving the same local area and specify the same rail count, length, and gate scope.
Use local bids rather than a national average when setting the final budget. A difference of 15%-30% between markets is plausible, but access, soil, and project size can matter as much as state or region.
How Many Crew Hours Does 100 Feet Take?
A two-person crew may install about 75-150 feet in a day on accessible, level ground, depending on post spacing and how readily the soil can be dug. A 100-foot straightforward run often takes 6-10 crew hours, while a sloped or rocky layout may require 10-16 hours or more.
Labor time includes marking the line, digging post holes, setting posts, fitting rails, and cleaning the work area. Corners, gates, grade changes, and hand digging slow production. The contractor may price the job as a fixed project rather than disclose crew hours, so production estimates are useful for comparing scope, not predicting an exact invoice.
Scheduling can affect availability more than the base rate. Spring and early summer demand may make it harder to secure a prompt installation, while a small repair may be subject to a minimum visit charge of roughly $150-$400. Ask whether mobilization, delivery, and cleanup are included in the quote.
For 100 feet, plan on one workday for a simple layout and longer for difficult ground or multiple gates. A quote with a much shorter stated schedule should still identify crew size and site assumptions.
What Gates, Old Fence Removal, and Delivery Add
Removal costs depend on the existing fence material, its condition, and disposal distance. Removing old split rail can cost about $2-$5 per linear foot when posts come out easily; concrete-set posts, wire attached to rails, or dense vegetation can push the charge toward $5-$8 per foot. Disposal may be included or billed separately.
Delivery charges commonly range from $75-$300 for a local order, but long travel distances or a small specialty load can cost $300-$600. Ask whether materials will be unloaded near the fence line. Moving rails by hand across a long yard can add labor even when the delivery fee appears modest.
Utility marking is essential before digging. In the United States, homeowners generally contact 811 before excavation; the service is typically free, but private lines such as irrigation or yard lighting may not be marked. Repairs to unmarked private lines can become a substantial unplanned expense.
Confirm removal, hauling, delivery, and utility marking responsibilities before work begins. These items can change the final bill without changing the stated per-foot fence rate.
Cedar Versus Pine and Vinyl Rail Pricing
Cedar usually costs more than pressure-treated pine, but it is naturally resistant to decay and insects. A two-rail pressure-treated pine split rail installation may run about $12-$22 per linear foot, compared with roughly $15-$25 for cedar. Availability and local labor can narrow or widen that gap.
Vinyl rail fencing often costs about $20-$40 per linear foot installed, depending on rail count, color, post design, and manufacturer. It avoids routine staining but may require matching replacement parts if a rail is damaged. Cedar can weather to a gray tone unless treated or maintained for a different appearance.
For a 100-foot run, the initial difference between cedar and pine may be several hundred dollars, while premium vinyl could cost $500-$1,500 more than a basic cedar option. These comparisons assume similar fence height, rail count, and site conditions; decorative styles are not directly comparable.
Compare expected upkeep as well as the installed price. Cedar may need periodic cleaning or treatment depending on appearance goals and exposure, while untreated wood naturally changes color over time.
Where Can a Cedar Fence Budget Be Trimmed?
Keeping a straight, continuous layout can reduce post adjustments and labor. Combining short segments into a longer run, limiting unnecessary corners, and choosing a standard two-rail design can lower material use. Avoid reducing post quality or spacing without confirming the fence will remain stable for its intended use.
Measure the property line carefully before ordering. An extra 20 feet at $15-$35 per linear foot adds $300-$700, and errors can leave unused materials or require a second delivery. Confirm boundary locations and local rules before installation, particularly near property lines, roads, or easements.
Compare at least three written quotes using matching specifications: cedar grade, rail count, post spacing, total footage, gate size, removal, and cleanup. Ask contractors to separate optional upgrades from required work. If an existing fence has only a few damaged rails or posts, a repair may cost less than replacing the full run.
Material choices can also control spending. Standard rails and posts are usually less expensive than larger dimensions or decorative finishes. If staining is optional, compare the price of installation without coating and decide whether the appearance benefit justifies the added expense.
The clearest savings usually come from controlling scope and comparing equivalent bids, not choosing an unspecified low rate. Keep a 5%-10% reserve for unexpected roots, rocks, or small layout changes when the site has not been inspected.