Locust fence post prices typically range from $8 to $35 per post for materials, with larger or hand-selected posts costing more. Installed prices commonly run $25-$65 per post, depending on post size, soil, labor, delivery distance, and whether old posts need removal.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Locust post material | $8 each | $18 each | $35 each | Roughly 6-8 ft long |
| Installed post | $25 each | $42 each | $65 each | Standard soil and access |
| Post material per linear foot | $1.25 | $2.50 | $5.00 | Varies by diameter and grade |
| Delivery | $50 | $125 | $300 | Per order, based on distance and load |
What a Locust Fence Post Costs for a Typical Fence
For a basic livestock or field fence, a 6- to 8-foot black locust post about 3-5 inches in diameter often costs $10-$25 before delivery. A 7- to 9-foot corner or brace post, commonly 5-7 inches thick, may cost $20-$45. Prices are usually lower for bulk orders of uniform, rough-cut posts and higher for peeled, sorted, or unusually straight stock.
Installed estimates often assume posts spaced 8-10 feet apart, ordinary soil, and no removal of an existing fence. At that spacing, a 100-foot run needs about 11-13 line posts, excluding extra corner and gate supports. A practical materials budget is $150-$325 for 100 feet of line posts, before rails, wire, gates, and delivery.
Assumptions: U.S. mid-market pricing, untreated black locust, normal access, and standard agricultural fencing.
How Post Materials, Labor, and Delivery Shape the Quote
Quotes may price posts individually or combine them with setting, hauling, and site preparation. The table separates common charges; actual bids may group line-post labor into a per-foot fence rate. Confirm whether the quoted unit price includes delivery and setting before comparing suppliers.
| Quote item | Typical price | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|
| Line post material | $10-$25 each | Length, diameter, straightness |
| Corner or brace post | $20-$45 each | Thicker stock and longer lengths |
| Setting labor | $12-$30 per post | Soil, equipment, spacing, access |
| Delivery | $50-$300 per order | Distance, load size, unloading |
| Old-post removal | $5-$20 per post | Concrete, decay, or difficult extraction |
When labor is billed hourly, a two-person crew may run $70-$140 per hour, with the time per post depending on digging conditions and equipment.
Diameter, Length, and Grade Can Shift Locust Post Prices
Post dimensions are major price drivers. Moving from a 3-4-inch line post to a 5-7-inch brace post can add $10-$25 per piece because the larger timber uses more wood and is heavier to handle. Posts longer than 8 feet may add roughly $3-$10 each, especially when the supplier has to select uncommon lengths.
Grade also matters. Straight, peeled posts with consistent diameter generally cost more than rough, tapered posts. For a 4-foot fence, a 6-foot post may be sufficient where about 2 feet can be buried; soft or frost-prone ground may call for deeper setting or longer stock. Ask for the minimum top diameter and usable length in writing, not just a nominal size.
How Soil and Crew Time Affect Installation Rates
In loose, workable soil, contractors may set posts at the lower end of the $12-$30 labor range each. Rocky ground, dense clay, buried debris, steep slopes, and roots can raise labor to $25-$50 per post or require a machine. Small jobs can also carry a minimum charge, often $150-$400, even when only a few posts are being replaced.
For a straightforward 100-foot line with 11-13 posts, setting may take a two-person crew about 3-6 hours. A long run with machinery can reduce time per post, while hand digging through rock can extend the job. Ask whether the estimate includes layout, digging, tamping, and cleanup.
Regional Locust Post Prices and Delivery Differences
Black locust supply is stronger in parts of the eastern and central U.S., where the species grows readily and local sawyers may sell posts directly. In those areas, material prices can be 10%-25% below a comparable order shipped long distance. In western states or areas without nearby suppliers, freight and limited availability may push delivered prices 15%-40% above local-market estimates.
Urban labor rates may be 10%-25% higher than rural rates, while remote properties can incur mileage or equipment transport charges. Delivery is often most economical when several dozen posts are ordered together. Request a delivered quote for the full quantity rather than comparing per-post prices alone.
Black Locust Compared With Treated Pine and Cedar Posts
Pressure-treated pine posts often cost about $8-$25 each for common sizes, while cedar posts may run $15-$40. Black locust commonly falls around $10-$35, depending on dimensions and local supply. Treated pine can be cheaper upfront, but prices vary by treatment rating, and buyers should check that the product is rated for ground contact.
Locust is naturally rot-resistant and usually sold without preservative treatment. Cedar is also naturally durable but can be less available or more expensive in some regions. Compare the delivered cost, dimensions, and expected replacement needs rather than choosing on species name alone. For a short fence or temporary enclosure, lower-cost treated posts may make sense; for long-term ground contact, durable locust can justify a higher initial price.
Delivery, Drilling, and Old Post Removal Add-ons
Separate charges commonly apply for unloading, post-hole drilling, clearing brush, and hauling away old materials. A tractor auger or skid-steer may add $100-$400 for a small project, while difficult access or a distant mobilization can cost more. Concrete around existing posts can add removal time and disposal expense; ask whether concrete chunks are taken off-site or left for the property owner.
Some suppliers sell posts with a minimum order, such as 20-50 pieces, or charge more for small quantities. Custom lengths, debarking, and sorting for uniform diameters can each raise the material price. List every requested service in the bid so a low post price does not conceal separate job charges.
Ways to Lower the Locust Fence Post Budget
Use larger posts only at corners, gates, and ends, where added strength matters; standard line posts can often be smaller. Buying a full bundle may reduce the per-post price, but only if delivery and unused inventory do not erase the savings. Verify spacing and required post depth with the fence design before ordering, since overbuying length or diameter increases material and hauling costs.
Compare at least three quotes using the same length, minimum diameter, quantity, delivery location, and installation scope. If existing posts are sound, replacing only failed posts may cost less than rebuilding the full line. Keep the specification consistent across bids and separate material, delivery, setting, and removal charges.