An ipe wood fence typically costs $45-$90 per linear foot installed, with a common 100-foot project totaling about $4,500-$9,000. Board thickness, fence height, layout, site access, and local labor rates drive the final quote; custom gates and difficult removals can add substantially to the budget.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed ipe fence | $45 per linear ft | $65 per linear ft | $90 per linear ft | Typical 6-foot fence, standard layout |
| 100 linear feet | $4,500 | $6,500 | $9,000 | Before unusual site work or premium gates |
| Ipe boards only | $20 per linear ft | $30 per linear ft | $45 per linear ft | Varies by dimensions, grade, and supply |
| Gate installation | $500 | $1,200 | $3,000 | Single gate; wide or custom gates cost more |
What a 6-Foot Ipe Fence Usually Costs
For a straightforward 6-foot privacy fence, installed pricing commonly falls between $45 and $90 per linear foot. A 100-foot run averages around $6,500 when it uses standard ipe boards, treated or naturally durable posts, basic rails, and ordinary ground conditions. Labor and materials are included in that estimate; demolition, gates, staining, and major grading may be extra.
Lower quotes often assume a simple design and accessible, level soil. Dense ipe is heavy and hard, so cutting and fastening take more effort than with many common softwoods. Assumptions: 6-foot height, standard horizontal or vertical boards, Midwest-to-national average labor, normal access. For initial budgeting, $65 per linear foot is a reasonable midpoint before project-specific extras.
How Boards, Posts, and Labor Shape the Quote
Material choices influence both the upfront price and the fence’s appearance. Ipe boards may be used for the visible face while posts and rails use another durable material. Quotes should identify board dimensions, spacing, framing material, fasteners, and whether the price includes finish or delivery.
| Quote component | Typical price | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Ipe boards | $20-$45 per linear ft | Fence-face boards; grade and profile affect price |
| Posts and rails | $8-$18 per linear ft | Framing, post setting, and structural supports |
| Installation labor | $15-$35 per linear ft | Layout, cutting, fastening, and assembly |
| Fasteners and finish | $2-$8 per linear ft | Suitable screws, end treatment, or optional oil |
| Removal and disposal | $3-$12 per linear ft | Taking down and hauling away an existing fence |
Component amounts are broad estimating ranges and may overlap with bundled contractor pricing. A crew’s hourly rate and time on site help explain labor charges, but per-foot quotes are easier to compare when the scope is identical. Ask whether the quote includes framing, hardware, cleanup, and haul-away.
Board Height, Thickness, and Layout Change the Price
Fence height is a direct material and labor driver: a 4-foot boundary fence generally costs less than a 6-foot privacy fence, while an 8-foot design may require deeper posts, more boards, and additional structural work. Moving from 6 to 8 feet can raise the installed rate roughly 15%-35%, depending on local codes and engineering needs.
Board thickness and spacing matter too. A 1-inch-thick board or tight privacy layout uses more ipe than a thinner board with gaps; decorative horizontal patterns can also increase cutting and fastening time. Slopes, rocky soil, roots, and concrete removal can add $5-$20 per linear foot when they require extra labor or equipment. Confirm the height, board dimensions, and spacing in writing before comparing bids.
Regional Labor Rates and Difficult Sites
Metropolitan markets with higher wages and contractor demand may price ipe fence installation 10%-25% above a national-style estimate. Rural locations can be less expensive for labor, but freight may offset savings because ipe is dense and often shipped from specialty suppliers. Coastal areas may also have stricter wind-load rules that affect post depth and framing.
Access can change a quote regardless of region. Carrying boards through a narrow side yard, working on a steep grade, or installing near buried utilities can add labor or require hand digging. Utility marking is generally a separate planning step, and permit or inspection fees vary by municipality. Request a site visit when access, slope, or local fence rules could affect the scope.
Removal, Gates, and Finish Add to the Base Rate
Old-fence removal commonly adds $3-$12 per linear foot, with concrete-set posts, heavy panels, and disposal distance pushing costs upward. A basic walk gate may add $500-$1,200 installed; a wider driveway gate or custom hardware can reach $1,500-$3,000 or more. Staining or oiling is optional and may add roughly $1-$4 per square foot of fence surface.
Check whether the price includes delivery, post-hole digging, debris removal, and gate hardware. Some contractors charge a minimum mobilization fee for short runs, while freight for specialty lumber may appear as a separate line item. Separate necessary construction work from optional finishing and design upgrades.
Three Ipe Fence Quotes for Different Project Sizes
| Project | Scope and labor | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|
| 40-foot boundary fence | 4-foot height, simple layout, about 20-30 crew hours | $1,800-$3,600 |
| 100-foot privacy fence | 6-foot height, standard framing, about 45-65 crew hours | $4,500-$9,000 |
| 150-foot premium run | 6-foot horizontal boards, one custom gate, about 70-100 crew hours | $9,000-$16,500 |
These examples assume normal access and do not include major grading or extensive old-fence removal. Regional labor, gate dimensions, and material availability can move the total outside the ranges. Use matching specifications—not just total price—when evaluating contractor estimates.
Where to Trim an Ipe Fence Budget Safely
Keeping the design simple can reduce labor without changing the species: choose a straight run, standard board dimensions, and a conventional gate rather than custom patterns. A shorter fence or wider board spacing can also reduce lumber use where privacy requirements allow. Ordering enough material at once may limit repeat delivery charges, but the contractor should account for waste and matching stock.
Compare at least three written quotes that specify board grade, thickness, framing, fasteners, finish, removal, and warranty. If an existing frame is sound, ask whether replacing only the boards is structurally appropriate; repairing a few damaged sections may cost less than rebuilding the entire run. A clear scope and like-for-like bids are the most dependable ways to avoid paying for upgrades that do not meet the project’s needs.