Concrete split rail fence cost typically runs $20-$55 per linear foot installed, with many standard residential projects near $34 per foot. Fence length, rail material, number of rails, concrete footing depth, terrain, and local labor rates shape the final quote.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed fence | $20 per linear ft | $34 per linear ft | $55 per linear ft | Wood rails and posts set in concrete |
| 150-linear-foot project | $3,000 | $5,100 | $8,250 | Before unusual access or removal charges |
| Concrete per post | $25 | $45 | $80 | Materials and setting labor, where itemized |
| Fence removal | $2 per linear ft | $5 per linear ft | $10 per linear ft | Higher for buried concrete or difficult hauling |
What a concrete-set split rail fence costs
For a straightforward 150-foot wood fence with two or three rails, a typical installed budget is $3,000-$8,250, with an average near $5,100. The estimate assumes standard pressure-treated or comparable wood, ordinary access, and posts set in concrete at regular intervals. Premium cedar, larger posts, steep slopes, and extensive digging can push a project above the high range.
Budget around $34 per linear foot for a typical job, then adjust for post spacing, rail count, and site conditions. A contractor’s per-foot quote may include materials, installation, and basic cleanup, but concrete, old-fence removal, gates, and tax are not always included.
Assumptions: U.S. residential project, standard wood components, normal access, and no major grading.
How posts, rails, concrete, and labor shape the quote
Split rail fences use fewer components than privacy fences, but post spacing and concrete work still affect the total. A two-rail layout usually costs less than a three-rail layout, while a long run can lower the average delivery and setup charge per foot.
| Quote component | Typical range | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|
| Posts and rails | $8-$22 per linear ft | Wood species, rail count, post size |
| Concrete and footing supplies | $3-$9 per linear ft | Post spacing, hole diameter, soil |
| Installation labor | $8-$20 per linear ft | Digging, layout, slopes, access |
| Equipment and delivery | $150-$700 per project | Distance, machine access, project size |
| Removal and disposal | $2-$10 per linear ft | Old posts, concrete, hauling distance |
Labor commonly accounts for a substantial portion of the bill. Some contractors price installation by the foot; others quote labor by crew hours. Compare written quotes by checking which materials and site services are included, not just the stated per-foot rate.
Post spacing and rail count can shift the per-foot price
Most split rail layouts place posts about 8-10 feet apart, although the fence design and terrain can require closer spacing. At 8-foot spacing, a 150-foot run needs roughly 20 posts before corner, end, and gate posts; at 10-foot spacing, it needs about 16. More posts mean additional concrete, holes, and labor.
Two rails are generally the lower-cost choice; adding a third rail can raise material and installation costs by roughly 15%-30%. A post hole around 10-12 inches wide and 24-36 inches deep may suit ordinary conditions, but local frost depth, soil stability, and fence height can require deeper or wider footings.
Ask the installer to show the planned post count and footing dimensions in the estimate. Rocky ground, roots, buried utilities, and slopes can add $5-$20 per linear foot when they require extra digging, smaller sections, or stepped installation.
Wood grade and terrain change concrete fence estimates
Pressure-treated pine usually keeps material costs lower, while cedar and other naturally durable woods can add about $3-$10 per linear foot. Higher-grade, thicker rails may cost more but can reduce the chance of early splitting or replacement. The best comparison is the quoted wood species, dimensions, and grade rather than a general label such as “standard wood.”
Flat, open yards are usually closest to baseline pricing. Slopes may require stepped rails or custom cuts, while narrow side yards can make equipment access difficult. Urban labor rates can run 10%-25% above many rural markets; remote locations may instead face higher delivery and travel fees. Site access and local labor can matter as much as the wood choice.
How long installation takes and what labor covers
A two- or three-person crew may install roughly 80-150 linear feet per day in ordinary soil, including layout, digging, setting posts, and fitting rails. A 150-foot project may take one to two days, with additional time needed if concrete must cure before rails are loaded or if the route has obstacles.
For itemized work, labor may equate to about $50-$100 per worker-hour, though many fence contractors use a project or per-foot price. Clarify whether the quote includes layout, concrete placement, cleanup, and return visits. A separate minimum service charge of $150-$400 may apply to small repairs or short fence sections.
Removal, gates, and uneven ground add separate charges
Removing an existing fence often costs $2-$10 per linear foot, depending on whether posts can be pulled cleanly or must be cut out of concrete. Disposal may be included, billed separately, or limited to a certain volume. Call utility locating services before digging; repairs for damaged underground lines can be costly, and marked utility routes may require hand digging.
A basic walk gate can add about $200-$600 installed, while a wider or heavier gate may cost $500-$1,200 or more. Clearing brush, trimming roots, or minor grading can add $100-$1,000 depending on the work. Get add-ons listed separately so the base fence rate remains easy to compare.
Three sample quotes for common fence lengths
| Project | Scope | Estimated total | Approx. rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 linear ft | Two rails, treated wood, easy digging | $2,200-$3,800 | $22-$38 per linear ft |
| 150 linear ft | Three rails, concrete-set posts, mild slope | $4,500-$7,500 | $30-$50 per linear ft |
| 200 linear ft | Two rails, cedar, old fence removal | $6,000-$10,500 | $30-$52.50 per linear ft |
These examples assume standard residential access and do not include major grading, unusual permits, or extensive rock excavation. Use the scope details—not the total alone—to judge whether a quote is comparable.
Ways to lower the concrete split rail fence bill
Keep the route straight and avoid unnecessary corners, which require additional posts and layout time. Choose two rails where the intended use allows, and compare pressure-treated wood with cedar using the same post dimensions and rail count. If an existing fence is sound, replacing only damaged posts or rails may cost less than rebuilding the full run.
Request at least three itemized bids that state linear footage, post spacing, concrete quantity, wood grade, gate price, removal, and cleanup. Scheduling outside peak spring and summer demand may improve contractor availability, although savings vary by location. Control the scope and verify inclusions before negotiating the final price.