When budgeting a wood fence, buyers commonly pay by the foot installed. Typical price movement comes from material type, labor rates, gate counts, and local permitting. This article presents realistic cost ranges in USD, with per-foot, per-board, and per-project details to help plan a fence project.
Assumptions: standard 6-foot privacy fence, suburban residential site, typical access, mid-range materials, and normal weather-impacted scheduling.
Price per foot installed by wood type and profile
Most homeowners see a range of roughly $12 to $28 per linear foot installed for common wood fences, with higher-end profiles and premium wood trending toward the upper end. This section breaks out typical materials and how they affect total per-foot costs, including whether boards are pressure-treated, cedar, or redwood, and whether the picket style is stockade, shadowbox, or board-on-board.
| Material | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated pine, 6′ privacy | $12 | $18 | $28 | Most budget option; standard durability |
| Cedar, 6′ privacy | $16 | $23 | $34 | Natural resistance; nicer grain |
| Redwood, 6′ privacy | $20 | $28 | $40 | Premium timber; highest aesthetics |
| Picket style (4′ or 5′ board), pressure-treated | $12 | $16 | $22 | Less material per foot; faster install |
Assumptions: standard 6-foot privacy fencing for a rectangular lot, average slope, no extensive excavation.
Labor costs and regional differences per foot
Labor is a major driver of the per-foot price and varies by region, crew size, and access. Typical labor is $6-$12 per linear foot in many markets, but some coastal or high-cost metro areas push higher. The table below shows common regional ranges and what contributes to the variance, including crew travel, setup, and site prep.
| Region | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midwest | $6 | $9 | $12 | Moderate labor; good access |
| South | $7 | $10 | $15 | Sun exposure and weather windows matter |
| West Coast | $8 | $12 | $18 | Higher daily rates; permits sometimes apply |
| Northeast | $9 | $12 | $16 | Dense markets; availability affects timing |
Assumptions: standard 6-foot privacy fence, no complex gates, typical access.
Impact of post spacing, gates, and accessories on per-foot price
Adding gates and tighter post spacing increases cost per foot due to more materials and labor time; each extra gate typically adds $600-$1,500 per gate installed, depending on hardware and swing type. Post spacing (commonly 6 feet on-center) affects the number of posts and concrete needed, influencing overall price per foot.
| Component | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gate (single) | $600 | $900 | $1,500 | Basic latch and hinge |
| Post concrete per hole | $6 | $9 | $14 | Standard 6×6 concrete |
| Hardware (latches, hinges) | $50 | $100 | $180 | Varies by quality |
Assumptions: rectangular yard, standard 2- or 3-rail board, one gate.
Regional price variations by climate and access
Regional variation may shift per-foot pricing by 15% to 40% depending on climate-related wear, soil conditions, and supply chain. Coastal areas often incur higher processing and delivery costs. The chart shows typical multipliers to apply to base material and labor rates by region.
| Region | Multiplier vs National | Typical Range (per ft) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Plains | 1.0x | $12-$22 | Lower cost, moderate demand |
| Pacific Northwest | 1.15x | $14-$26 | Moisture-sensitive wood care |
| New England | 1.25x | $15-$28 | Higher labor; shorter install windows |
| Sun Belt | 1.10x | $13-$24 | Weather impacts scheduling |
Assumptions: mid-range fence height and standard gate counts.
Scenarios by project scope: 4-foot privacy vs 6-foot privacy
Fences around 4 feet typically cost less per foot than 6-foot models due to fewer materials and lighter posts, with typical ranges around $12-$20 per foot for pine and $16-$26 for cedar. For 6-foot privacy, expect $18-$28 per foot on average in common markets, depending on wood choice and labor rates.
| Scenario | Material | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4′ pressure-treated privacy | PT Pine | $12 | $15 | $20 | Shorter panels, less material |
| 6′ cedar privacy | Cedar | $18 | $24 | $34 | Higher aesthetic value |
| 6′ board-on-board | Mixed hardwoods | $20 | $28 | $40 | Labor-intensive install |
Assumptions: standard lot frontage length, gates as needed.
Maintenance vs installation costs per foot over 5 years
Maintenance can add $0.50-$2.50 per foot per year, depending on wood type and sealant use, potentially totaling $2.50-$12 per foot over five years. It’s useful to compare ongoing upkeep against a higher upfront cost for premium wood with better durability.
| Cost Type | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sealant/wood treatment per year | $0.50 | $1.50 | $2.50 | Periodic maintenance |
| 5-year upkeep per ft | $2.50 | $7.50 | $12 | Includes staining and minor repairs |
Assumptions: standard exposure, 6-foot privacy, climate with typical seasonal cycles.
How to compare quotes to control costs per foot
When comparing quotes, focus on the per-foot material rate, labor rate, gate costs, and any delivery or disposal fees to avoid hidden charges. Use a side-by-side table to validate that each quote includes the same scope of work and materials, and ask for itemized line items.
| Quote Element | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials per ft | $12 | $18 | $28 | PT pine to cedar to redwood |
| Labor per ft | $6 | $9 | $12 | Varies by region |
| Gate cost | $600 | $900 | $1,500 | Dependent on hardware |
| Delivery/Disposal | $0 | $50 | $150 | Site access matters |
Assumptions: standard 100 ft frontage, one gate, no liner or decorative features.
Minimum and maximum total estimates for common lot fronts
For a typical 60-foot frontage, installed wood fence costs commonly fall in the $1,080-$1,680 range for pressure-treated pine, up to $1,920-$2,520 for cedar, and $2,400-$4,000 for solid redwood with premium hardware. These numbers help set expectations before bidding or planning around a budget.
- Low range reflects budget materials and favorable access
- Average range reflects mid-range materials and standard labor
- High range reflects premium materials and challenging access
Assumptions: single 60 ft frontage, standard gate, no extensive grading.
Summary pricing table
Below is a compact snapshot to help quick comparisons between materials and scope.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4′ privacy pine per ft | $12 | $15 | $20 | Budget option |
| 6′ privacy cedar per ft | $18 | $24 | $34 | Mid-range to premium |
| 6′ privacy redwood per ft | $20 | $28 | $40 | Premium aesthetic |
| Single gate installed | $600 | $900 | $1,500 | Standard hardware |
Assumptions: standard lot frontage, one gate, suburban conditions.