A standard 6-foot wood privacy fence typically costs $15-$30 per linear foot installed, with a common 150-foot project averaging about $3,300. Pressure-treated pine is usually the lowest-cost solid option; terrain, tear-out, gate count, and local labor rates can shift the final quote substantially.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed 6-foot pine fence | $2,250 | $3,300 | $4,500 | 150 linear feet; standard access |
| Installed price per linear foot | $15 | $22 | $30 | Basic wood privacy construction |
| DIY materials per linear foot | $7 | $11 | $16 | Excludes tools and labor |
| One basic walk gate | $150 | $300 | $600 | Added to fence project |
What a 6-foot pine privacy fence usually costs
For a straightforward 150-linear-foot installation, budget $2,250-$4,500, or about $3,300 at typical midrange pricing. That assumes pressure-treated pine pickets, standard posts and rails, one uncomplicated gate, and a mostly level yard. Quotes often include setting posts in concrete and basic cleanup, but may exclude old-fence removal, staining, or permit fees.
For the lowest installed price among common solid fences, basic pressure-treated pine is often the practical starting point. DIY material costs run roughly $1,050-$2,400 for 150 feet, before tools, delivery, and disposal. Local lumber prices and fence design affect this range.
Assumptions: 6-foot height, standard pine materials, ordinary soil, accessible backyard, and no major grading.
How posts, pickets, and labor shape the quote
A contractor’s estimate combines materials, installation, and job-specific charges. The table shows typical shares for a basic 150-foot pine fence; actual line items vary with post spacing, picket quality, and crew pricing.
| Quote component | Typical range | Approximate share | What it covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pickets, rails, and posts | $1,050-$2,100 | 35%-50% | Pressure-treated lumber and fasteners |
| Labor | $900-$1,800 | 30%-45% | Layout, digging, assembly, and cleanup |
| Equipment and delivery | $150-$450 | 5%-12% | Auger, vehicle, and material delivery |
| Removal and disposal | $300-$900 | 0%-20% | Existing fence tear-out, if needed |
| Permit and inspection | $0-$250 | Varies | Local approval where required |
Labor and lumber account for most of the price, while removal can add several hundred dollars. A useful labor estimate is ; crews commonly charge the equivalent of $40-$75 per worker-hour, though quotes are usually project-based.
Which fence specifications push the price up
Height and linear footage are direct cost drivers. A 6-foot fence often costs 20%-40% more per foot than a 4-foot version because it uses more material and may require stronger posts. For a 200-foot boundary, adding 50 feet to a 150-foot plan can raise a basic installed pine quote by roughly $750-$1,500.
Terrain and access matter too. Rocky soil, steep slopes, tree roots, or limited equipment access may add 10%-30% to labor. A second gate can add $150-$600 or more depending on width and hardware. Switching from standard pine pickets to cedar may raise material costs by about 25%-60%; decorative caps, thicker rails, and custom spacing add further expense.
Get measurements and gate locations settled before comparing bids, because even a small scope difference changes the per-foot rate. Check whether the quote counts both sides of a corner, includes the full gate assembly, and specifies post depth and spacing.
What regional labor and delivery do to fence prices
Installed fencing can cost 10%-25% more in high-cost urban markets than in lower-cost rural areas, particularly where contractor labor and disposal fees are high. Remote properties can also pay more when crews travel farther or delivery requires a special trip. These differences are estimates, not fixed regional price schedules.
Ask local contractors whether a quote includes sales tax, delivery, disposal, and utility marking. Before digging, homeowners generally need to arrange underground utility locating; this is often available without charge through the state’s 811 service. Permit rules and maximum fence heights vary by city and property location.
Compare local bids using the same footage, height, lumber grade, gate count, and removal scope. A low quote may omit charges that another contractor has already included.
How long installation takes and what can delay it
A two- or three-person crew may complete 100-200 feet of uncomplicated fence in one to three working days. Layout, post holes, concrete setting, and uneven ground determine the pace. Labor may take longer when crews must remove an old fence, work around trees, or step the fence along a slope.
Weather, wet soil, frozen ground, and contractor backlogs can delay the start date. Rush scheduling may carry an added charge, while a standard appointment during a contractor’s slower period can make scheduling easier. Confirm whether the crew returns after concrete has set to finish the rails and pickets.
Clear brush and mark property boundaries before installation, but leave post-hole digging to the crew unless the contractor approves it. Incorrect boundary assumptions or unmarked utilities can lead to costly rework.
Pine, cedar, vinyl, and chain-link privacy compared
Basic pine usually has the lowest upfront price for a fully solid fence. Cedar resists decay naturally but costs more; vinyl typically costs about $25-$45 per linear foot installed, with lower routine upkeep but a higher initial bill. Prices depend on product grade, height, and local labor.
Chain-link with privacy slats may cost around $18-$35 per linear foot installed, but the slats can make it less private and less uniform than solid panels. It can be a budget alternative where a metal framework is acceptable. Compare the full installed price and expected maintenance, not just the material price.
Choose pine when the upfront budget is the priority and periodic sealing or staining is acceptable. Compare vinyl or cedar when reduced wood maintenance matters enough to justify a larger initial expense.
Three sample quotes for common backyard layouts
These examples use typical U.S. installed rates and show how footage, access, and gates affect the total. They are planning estimates, not guaranteed bids.
| Project | Scope and rate | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|
| Small level yard | 100 feet; pine at $18-$24 per foot; one basic gate | $1,950-$3,000 |
| Typical backyard | 150 feet; pine at $20-$26 per foot; one gate and easy access | $3,150-$4,500 |
| Old fence and slope | 150 feet; pine at $23-$32 per foot; tear-out and extra labor | $3,900-$6,000 |
Use these totals to screen estimates, then compare written bids that specify materials, labor, gates, and disposal separately. A contractor should measure the actual fence line before confirming a price.
Ways to lower a pine fence installation bill
Keep the design simple: standard 6-foot panels, ordinary pickets, fewer gates, and a straight fence line typically cost less than custom patterns or multiple corners. If the existing posts and rails are sound, ask whether repair or partial replacement is possible instead of replacing every section. Do not assume old materials can be reused; condition and code requirements matter.
Request at least three itemized quotes for the same scope. Ask whether homeowners can remove and dispose of the old fence themselves, but compare the contractor’s removal charge with local disposal costs and labor. Buying materials independently may not save money if it removes the contractor’s bulk pricing or complicates warranty responsibility.
Controlling fence length, gate count, and upgrade choices usually saves more than choosing marginally cheaper fasteners. Verify property lines and local height rules before work begins to avoid moving a completed fence.