Homeowners typically pay a moderate price for 6 by 6 by 12 pressure treated posts, depending on wood grade, treatment method, and supplier. The main cost drivers are material grade, length, coating or preservative chemistry, and delivery distance. Cost and price ranges provide a practical budgeting guide for fence and deck projects that require sturdy support posts.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 post | $15 | $28 | $40 | Includes common SPF or southern yellow pine; treated |
| Delivery | $20 | $60 | $120 | Within 20 miles |
| Installation hardware | $5 | $15 | $30 | Post anchors, concrete screws, brackets |
| Concrete or setting料 | $8 | $20 | $40 | Per post or per hole |
| Total per post | $48 | $123 | $230 | Assumes basic setup |
Overview Of Costs
Typical ranges for a 6x6x12 pressure treated post include the base material cost, delivery, and basic installation. The total per post typically runs from around $50 to $230, with midpoints near $120 to $150 depending on region and supplier. Per unit pricing for longer runs or bundled posts can adjust this range. Assumptions: region, single post, standard treatment, standard delivery.
Itemized Cost Table
| Category | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $15 | $28 | $40 | Pressure treated wood, common species |
| Labor | $0 | $10 | $40 | Short install; DIY vs pro |
| Equipment | $0 | $5 | $10 | Saw, level, auger bits |
| Permits | $0 | $0 | $0 | No permit needed for typical residential post |
| Delivery / Disposal | $20 | $60 | $120 | Distance sensitive |
| Warranty | $0 | $5 | $15 | Material warranty often included |
| Taxes | $0 | $5 | $15 | Local sales tax |
Cost Drivers
Materials grade and treatment depth affect price, with higher grade post or longer preservative cycles adding cost. Length and diameter have a direct impact; 12 ft posts tend to cost more per post than shorter options, and a 6×6 profile costs more than thinner options. Regional supply chains and lumber moisture content also shift pricing in practice.
Factors That Affect Price
Important variables include the type of preservative, the presence of a rot resistant cap, and whether the posts are planed smooth or rough sawn. Regional market conditions influence base material prices and delivery fees, while bulk purchases or contractor-furnished hardware can reduce per post costs.
Ways To Save
Strategies to reduce costs include DIY installation for simple fences, batching multiple posts in one delivery, and choosing standard length stock to avoid specialty cuts. Compare quotes from several suppliers and plan a single delivery to lower freight charges per post.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary across regions. In the Northeast, post costs plus delivery may run higher due to transport distances and seasonal demand. In the Midwest and South, bulk pricing and local mills can reduce per post costs, while the West may show a mix of higher delivery fees and variable timber availability. Expect a regional delta of about ±10 to 25 percent depending on the market and time of year.
Labor, Hours & Rates
Labor costs depend on whether the job is DIY or contractor driven. Basic installation might require 0 to 1 hour per post for a DIYer, while pros could average 1 to 2 hours per post including setting and alignment. Labor rates often range from $40 to $100 per hour depending on local rates and crew size.
Real World Pricing Examples
Basic Post only, DIY installation, no extras: 6x6x12, one post with simple setting, delivery included. Total per post around $40 to $70. Assumptions: region, DIY, standard soil, no concrete
Mid Range Post with basic setting and concrete footing, delivery included, minor hardware: total per post about $90 to $140. Assumptions: region, single post, standard concrete mix, basic brackets
Premium Treated posts with coated hardware, enhanced preservative, professional installation, and disposal: per post around $150 to $230. Assumptions: region, pro crew, extended setting time, delivery limits