A 6 ft cedar fence typically costs between $15 and $40 per linear foot installed, depending on wood grade, hardware, finishing, and site conditions. For most residential projects, homeowners report a total range around $2,700 to $6,800 for a standard 100-foot lot. The main cost drivers are board quality, labor time, and local permitting or evaluation needs. This article breaks down the cost to help buyers budget accurately for a cedar fence that stands 6 feet tall.
Assumptions: Midwest or Southern labor rates, standard 6-foot cedar pickets, pressure-treated posts, no specialized gates, and typical access.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed Price (per linear ft) | $15 | $28 | $40 | Includes materials and labor |
| Material Cost (per linear ft) | $8 | $14 | $22 | Cedar boards and rails |
| Labor Time (hours per 100 ft) | 6–8 | 9–12 | 14–18 | Crew of 2–3 |
| Post Material (per post) | $12–$18 | $15 | $25 | Pressure-treated concrete-anchored |
Expected Price for a 6 Ft Cedar Fence by Size and Wood Grade
The overall installed price for a 6 ft cedar fence scales with the total linear feet and the grade of cedar used. Clear-grade boards command the high end, while knotty or premade boards push toward the lower end. Typical total price ranges reflect a 100-foot run with standard gate access. For shorter runs, the price per foot tends to stay close to the low end, whereas longer runs approach the average or high bands due to material waste and extra stakes.
Key Cost Components in Cedar Fence Quotes
Quote breakdowns commonly show these major elements. Understanding each line helps compare bids accurately.
| Component | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $8/ft | $14/ft | $22/ft | Cedar boards, rails, posts, fasteners |
| Labor | $7/ft | $12/ft | $18/ft | Crew size, time on site |
| Permits/Inspections | $0 | $150 | $400 | Region dependent |
| Delivery/Waste | $0 | $2/ft | $6/ft | Offload and disposal |
| Hardware & Gates | $2/ft | $4/ft | $7/ft | Hinges, latches, concrete |
| Warranty/Service | $0–$2/ft | $1–$3/ft | $5+/ft | Post-install support |
Material Options: Clear Grade vs Knotty Cedar Per Linear Foot
Material choice strongly influences price. Clear-grade cedar offers fewer defects, which raises material cost, while knotty cedar provides more character and lower upfront pricing. A typical 6 ft fence uses cedar boards, matching rails, and pressure-treated posts. Expect clear-grade boards to push the per-foot price toward the high end, whereas knotty boards typically sit in the average range for most projects. Factor in waste and cut patterns when budgeting.
Installation Time and Crew Size for a 6 Foot Cedar Fence
Most residential runs of 100 feet take a two- to three-person crew two to three days, depending on terrain and gate count. In flat yards with good access, labor hours per 100 feet usually fall in the 9–12 hour range, while complex layouts or rocky soil can extend to 14–18 hours. Scheduling impacts price when crews are in high demand.
Common Add-Ons That Increase the Price
Gates, lattice panels, or decorative post caps can add $150–$500 per unit, while concrete footings for each post may add roughly $6–$12 per post. If the yard requires excessive grading or removal of existing fencing, expect higher disposal and prep costs. Plan for at least one added line item per gate or special feature.
Seasonal Fluctuations and Scheduling Effects on Cedar Fence Pricing
Prices tend to shift with demand, weather, and contractor availability. Peak season (spring through early summer) can raise per-foot rates by 5–15% due to higher labor demand, while winter projects may see discounts or slower schedules. Budget contingencies for weather delays can help avoid last-minute price spikes. Timing matters when locking in bids.
Ways to Cut Costs Without Sacrificing Quality
Smart choices preserve strength while trimming price. Consider using standard gate hardware and one gate instead of multiple upgrades, accepting knotty cedar for main boards, or choosing longer post cores with uniform spacing to reduce waste. Scheduling work in a slower season or bundling landscape projects with fencing can yield lower quotes. Small changes can lower total cost without compromising function.