A wooden fence typically costs $49-$148 per linear metre installed in the U.S., with many standard projects near $89 per metre. Fence height, lumber type, terrain, gate count, and removal of an old fence make the largest difference; U.S. contractors usually quote by linear foot, so this article converts prices to metres.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed wood fence | $49 per metre | $89 per metre | $148 per metre | Standard 4- to 6-foot fence, labor included |
| Materials only | $16 per metre | $39 per metre | $82 per metre | Varies by lumber, picket style, and posts |
| Installation labor | $25 per metre | $48 per metre | $82 per metre | Higher for slopes, difficult access, or short runs |
| Old fence removal | $10 per metre | $20 per metre | $39 per metre | May include hauling and disposal |
Typical installed prices for a 4- to 6-foot wooden fence
For a standard residential wood fence, budget about $49-$148 per linear metre installed, or roughly $15-$45 per linear foot. A common 6-foot privacy fence made from pressure-treated pine often falls around $66-$115 per metre. Cedar, decorative boards, premium framing, and complex layouts can push the quote higher.
On a 30-metre run, the installed total is approximately $1,470-$4,440, with a typical midrange estimate around $2,670. That assumes ordinary access, no major grading, standard post spacing, and no old fence removal. Gates, staining, and permits may be charged separately.
For early budgeting, use about $89 per metre for a basic installed wood fence, then add for gates, removal, and difficult ground. The low end generally represents simple treated-pine construction and uncomplicated labor; the high end can reflect cedar, detailed designs, taller fencing, or higher-cost markets.
Assumptions: Residential U.S. pricing, standard pressure-treated pine or cedar, normal access, and no major retaining or grading work.
How lumber, posts, and crew labor shape the quote
A contractor’s estimate usually combines lumber and hardware, installation labor, equipment or delivery, and any removal or disposal. The exact split depends on design: a board-on-board privacy fence uses more material than a spaced-picket fence, while post holes in rocky soil can increase labor and equipment charges.
| Quote component | Typical rate | What it covers | When it rises |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lumber and hardware | $16-$82 per metre | Boards, rails, posts, fasteners, and concrete | Cedar, thicker boards, decorative caps, or closer spacing |
| Installation labor | $25-$82 per metre | Layout, digging, setting posts, and attaching boards | Slopes, rocky soil, tight access, or custom patterns |
| Equipment and delivery | $2-$10 per metre | Material delivery and digging tools or auger | Remote sites, small orders, or difficult unloading |
| Removal and disposal | $10-$39 per metre | Taking down and hauling away an existing fence | Concrete-set posts, heavy panels, or limited access |
| Permits and tax | $0-$16 per metre equivalent | Local permit fees and applicable sales tax | Jurisdiction rules and project value |
The line items can overlap: some companies include delivery, disposal, or minor permit handling in a combined labor rate. Ask whether the quote covers concrete, post caps, gate hardware, cleanup, and tax before comparing bids.
Materials and labor together usually account for most of the installed price. A labor estimate can be checked with ; typical fencing labor may run $50-$100 per crew-hour, depending on market and crew size.
Fence height, lumber species, and terrain change the metre rate
Height is a key cost driver because taller fences require more boards and may need stronger posts or rails. A 4-foot fence can cost about $41-$99 per metre installed, while a 6-foot version commonly runs $66-$132. An 8-foot privacy fence may reach $99-$197 per metre, where local rules allow it.
Wood species also matters. Pressure-treated pine is often the lower-cost choice at roughly $49-$99 per metre installed. Cedar commonly adds 15%-35%, while premium redwood or custom hardwood designs may cost 40%-80% more than a basic pine layout. Prices vary with local lumber supply and board grade.
Post spacing and ground conditions affect both material quantities and work time. Posts set 6-8 feet apart are common; reducing spacing to 4-5 feet for a sturdier design increases post and concrete quantities. Rocky soil, roots, steep slopes, and retaining walls can add 10%-30% or more to labor.
Gate count is another distinct expense. A basic walk gate may add $150-$450, while a double driveway gate can add $400-$1,200 or more depending on width, framing, and hardware. For a short fence, a gate’s fixed charge can raise the effective per-metre price substantially.
Confirm fence height, post spacing, wood species, and gate dimensions in writing before accepting a per-metre comparison. Two bids can show similar rates yet cover different board thicknesses, post sizes, or gate hardware.
What regional labor rates and soil conditions do to pricing
Labor and material prices differ by location. Large coastal metros and high-cost urban areas often run 15%-30% above a broad national estimate. Smaller towns and lower-cost regions may come in 5%-20% below it, although a remote location can lose that advantage through delivery charges or limited contractor availability.
Climate affects material choices and upkeep more than it sets one universal regional surcharge. Wet climates may favor rot-resistant cedar or treated lumber and careful post installation. Areas with freeze-thaw cycles may require deeper posts, while windy locations can call for stronger framing or closer post spacing. Those upgrades can add roughly 5%-20%, depending on design and local practice.
Soil conditions can be more important than the state or region. Easy-to-dig soil generally fits standard labor pricing. Rocky ground, buried concrete, or roots may add $10-$30 per metre; severe obstacles can require separate equipment or hand excavation. A site visit is useful when the ground is not visibly level or clear.
Use local written bids rather than applying a national average blindly. Request at least two estimates based on the same fence length, height, wood type, gate count, and removal scope. Compare the total and the included specifications, not only the quoted metre rate.
How long a fencing crew needs to build a residential run
A crew of two or three workers may install about 15-30 metres of straightforward fence in a day, after layout and post digging. A 30-metre project commonly takes one to two workdays; slopes, rocky ground, custom gates, or concrete curing can extend the schedule. Removal of an existing fence may add several hours or another day.
Labor time influences the final estimate, but a project is not always priced by the hour. Contractors often quote a fixed total based on measured length and expected conditions. Short runs may have a minimum charge, commonly $500-$1,000, because travel, setup, and equipment time remain similar even when there are fewer metres to build.
Seasonal availability can affect scheduling and quotes. Spring and early summer are busy periods in many markets, so crews may book several weeks ahead. Off-season work may be easier to schedule, but frozen ground, wet weather, or local demand can limit savings. Urgent scheduling can carry a rush charge of 10%-25% where contractors offer it.
Ask whether the schedule includes removal, post setting, installation, and cleanup. A low labor figure may exclude teardown or return visits, while a fixed-price bid may include them. Confirm what delays from weather or utility marking mean for the project timeline.
Three sample quotes for common wooden fence projects
These examples use approximate U.S. pricing to show how scope changes the total. They are not fixed national rates; local labor, lumber prices, and site access can shift each estimate. The per-metre figures include the listed scope and should not be compared with materials-only rates.
| Project | Scope and rate | Estimated total | Price notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic backyard boundary | 20 metres of 4-foot treated pine at $62 per metre | $1,240 | Flat yard, no gate, no removal |
| Typical privacy fence | 30 metres of 6-foot pine at $92 per metre, plus one gate at $275 | $3,035 | Standard access and one walk gate |
| Cedar fence on a slope | 25 metres of 6-foot cedar at $139 per metre, plus $450 site adjustment | $3,925 | Stepped layout and extra labor |
A 30-metre 6-foot fence at $92 per metre equals $2,760 before the gate in the second example. If old-fence removal adds $20 per metre, that project would rise by about $600. Staining, survey work, or unusually deep post holes would be additional unless explicitly included.
Ask each contractor to separate the base fence, gates, removal, and site adjustments. That makes it easier to see whether the difference comes from wood quality, labor assumptions, or add-on work.
Wood versus vinyl and repair prices per metre
Wood often has a lower initial price than vinyl, especially when pressure-treated pine is selected. A basic installed vinyl fence may run about $100-$230 per metre, while wood commonly falls between $49 and $148. Vinyl avoids routine staining but can cost more upfront and may require replacement of larger sections after impact damage.
Repair can be less expensive than replacing a whole run when damage is limited. Replacing a few pickets may cost $75-$250, while resetting or replacing one post can run $150-$400. A small repair visit may carry a minimum service charge, and matching an older fence’s wood or stain can be difficult.
Wood requires periodic inspection and protective treatment. Staining or sealing commonly costs $4-$10 per square foot of fence surface, depending on preparation and product. For a 6-foot fence, that can add a meaningful upkeep expense over several years, particularly if both sides are treated.
Compare the initial quote with likely maintenance and repair needs, not just the installation rate. Repair is often the lower-cost choice when posts remain sound and damage is localized; widespread rot, leaning, or multiple failed sections may make replacement more economical.
Lower the wooden fence price by controlling scope
Keep the design consistent and avoid unnecessary height changes, decorative tops, and custom board patterns. Each transition or detail can add layout time and material waste. If privacy is the main need, compare a standard board style with board-on-board construction before specifying the more material-intensive option.
Choose a practical wood grade and ask for separate prices for pine and cedar. Pressure-treated pine can reduce the initial budget, while cedar may offer greater natural resistance to decay in some settings. The best value depends on local lumber prices, exposure, and willingness to maintain the fence; the cheapest board is not automatically the lowest-cost choice over time.
Reduce labor by clearing brush, moving stored items, and confirming the property line before the crew arrives. Do not remove posts or dig near utilities without checking local requirements and utility-marking procedures. Ask whether the contractor’s quote includes disposal, since handling the old fence yourself may not save money if hauling fees or labor are still required.
Compare at least three detailed estimates using the same measured length and specifications. Request line items for materials, labor, gates, removal, delivery, and permits, then verify warranty terms and payment schedule. If timing is flexible, ask whether the contractor has a lower-demand date, but weigh any discount against weather and soil conditions.
The clearest savings usually come from simplifying design, comparing equivalent bids, and avoiding unneeded upgrades. Do not cut costs by reducing post depth or using unsuitable lumber without understanding the impact on stability and service life.