How Much Does a Wood Fence Cost

A wood fence costs between $20 and $50 per linear foot installed, with most homeowners spending $4,000 to $10,000 total for a complete project. The final number depends on the type of wood you pick, how tall and long the fence is, the style you choose, and the labor rates where you live. According to data from HomeGuide, wood fence material prices alone run $10 to $30 per linear foot, while labor adds another $5 to $20 per linear foot on top of that. In this article, we break down every factor that affects wood fence pricing so you can plan your budget with confidence before your first post goes in the ground.

How Much Should I Expect to Pay for a Wood Fence?

You should expect to pay $20 to $50 per linear foot installed for a wood fence, with total project costs landing between $4,000 and $10,000 for most residential properties. According to Ergeon’s analysis of over 6,800 real wood fence installations across the United States, the national average works out to roughly $54 per linear foot when you include everything. That said, the number shifts based on where you live. West Coast markets average around $67 per linear foot, while Southern markets come in closer to $44 per linear foot.

The type of wood you choose is the biggest single driver of cost. Pressure-treated pine sits at the budget end at $20 to $45 per linear foot installed. Cedar runs $33 to $53 per linear foot. Redwood, the premium choice, costs $40 to $60 per linear foot installed, according to data from Fantastic Fence. We install red cedar, white cedar, and pine for our wood fence projects and help every homeowner pick the right material for their property and budget.

How Much Does 6ft Fencing Cost?

6ft fencing costs $25 to $50 per linear foot installed for a standard wood privacy fence. According to HomeGuide, this is the most popular height for residential backyards because it provides full privacy without requiring special permits in most areas. An 8-foot fence jumps to $45 to $75 per linear foot because it needs stronger posts, deeper footings, and extra boards.

HomeAdvisor reports that going from 6 feet to 8 feet can add 25% to 35% to the overall cost. For most homeowners, 6 feet is the sweet spot that gives you plenty of privacy fencing while keeping the budget in check. Shorter fences, like a 4-foot picket style, cost less at $20 to $40 per linear foot because they use significantly less material and labor.

How Much Does It Cost to Build a 100 Ft Wooden Fence?

It costs $2,000 to $5,000 to build a 100 ft wooden fence, depending on the wood type, height, and style. At the low end, a basic pressure-treated pine picket fence at $20 per linear foot totals $2,000. At the high end, a 6-foot cedar privacy fence at $50 per linear foot comes to $5,000. Adding a gate, staining, and permit fees can push the total a few hundred dollars higher.

According to Homewyse’s May 2026 cost calculator, which pulls data from major retailers like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Menards, the estimated national average for a 6-foot wood privacy fence falls between $33 and $53 per linear foot. That puts a 100-linear-foot privacy fence between $3,300 and $5,300 before extras.

How Much Is 300 Feet of Fencing?

300 feet of fencing costs $6,000 to $15,000 for a wood fence, depending on the style and wood type. A pressure-treated pine fence at the lower end of the price range ($20 per linear foot) totals $6,000 for 300 feet. A cedar privacy fence at $50 per linear foot comes out to $15,000.

How Much Does 300 Linear Feet of Wooden Fence in Your Backyard Cost?

300 linear feet of wooden fence in your backyard costs $6,000 to $15,000 installed, with most homeowners landing in the $9,000 to $12,000 range for a mid-grade cedar or treated pine privacy fence. This is a larger-than-average project. According to Ergeon, the typical residential wood fence project in the U.S. costs about $4,500 total, which covers roughly 150 to 200 linear feet. A 300-foot project essentially doubles the material and labor needs.

Longer runs can sometimes bring the per-foot cost down slightly since the crew is already on site and set up. However, if your yard has slopes, corners, or obstacles, those savings disappear quickly. Getting a detailed on-site estimate is the best way to know your exact number for a project this size.

How Much Does a 500 Ft Fence Cost?

A 500 ft fence costs $10,000 to $25,000 or more for a wood fence, depending on the material and height. At $20 per linear foot (basic pine), the total is $10,000. At $50 per linear foot (cedar privacy), the total hits $25,000. According to Angi, fencing a single acre costs between $8,350 and $25,050, and a 500-foot perimeter falls right in that range.

Projects this large often involve commercial fencing or full-property enclosures. For bigger jobs, many contractors offer volume pricing or are willing to negotiate on labor rates since the crew will be on site for several days.

How Much Will It Cost to Fence 1 Acre?

It will cost $8,350 to $25,050 to fence 1 acre with a wood fence, according to Angi. One acre has a perimeter of about 835 linear feet if the lot is perfectly square. At $10 to $30 per linear foot for materials and labor combined, you get that range. The actual shape of your lot matters too. Irregular lots with extra corners need more posts and more labor, which drives the cost up.

Most residential lots are much smaller than a full acre, so the typical backyard fence project runs closer to 150 to 200 linear feet. According to data compiled by Scheiderer Fencing, a standard 150-linear-foot backyard costs $2,400 to $3,300 for wood when professionally installed. If you have a large property, getting a survey done first helps your contractor give a more accurate quote.

How Much Do Fencers Charge Per Hour?

Fencers charge $25 to $60 per hour on average, though many contractors prefer to quote by the linear foot instead. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, fence contractors earn a mean hourly wage of about $22 per hour across the United States. However, what they charge customers is higher, typically $25 to $60 per hour, to cover overhead, insurance, equipment, and profit.

Most fence companies quote by the linear foot because it gives homeowners a clearer picture of the total cost. Labor rates per linear foot run $5 to $20 depending on your region and the complexity of the job. Urban labor rates run 40% to 60% higher than rural rates, according to Scheiderer Fencing’s 2026 pricing guide. A fence costing $4,000 in a rural area could run $5,500 to $6,000 in a major metro area for the same materials and footage.

What Are the Hidden Costs of Building a Wood Fence?

The hidden costs of building a wood fence include permit fees, old fence removal, land grading, tree clearing, land surveys, and post-installation staining or sealing. These extras can add 10% to 25% to your total project cost if you do not plan for them upfront.

Permit fees typically range from $40 to $500 depending on your city and county rules. Old fence removal runs about $3 to $7 per linear foot, or $300 to $750 for a typical yard. Land grading for uneven ground costs $500 to $3,000. A land survey to confirm your property lines runs $200 to $1,200, and it is a smart step to take before any posts go in the ground.

Staining or painting your new wood fence costs $2 to $14 per linear foot for materials and labor. We always recommend sealing or staining your fence within the first year to protect it from harsh weather, especially the freeze-thaw cycles that can crack and warp untreated wood. Adding a standard walk gate costs $200 to $600 each, while a double drive gate runs $300 to $800. A custom gate with decorative hardware or an automated opener adds even more.

Is Fencing Very Expensive?

Fencing is not very expensive compared to most major home improvements, but the total can add up depending on your material choice and project size. The national average for a fence installation sits around $4,000, according to Mr. Handyman, with costs ranging from $1,000 on the low end to about $7,000 on the high end. Wood fencing is one of the more affordable material options, costing $20 to $50 per linear foot installed.

To put that in perspective, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reports that the average new single-family home uses about 15,000 board feet of framing lumber. A fence project uses a fraction of that. And according to Remodeling Magazine’s 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, 90% of the highest-ROI home improvement projects were exterior improvements. A fence falls into that category, making it one of the smarter ways to spend money on your property.

What Is the Cheapest Type of Fence?

The cheapest type of fence is a chain link fence, which costs $8 to $35 per linear foot installed, according to Scheiderer Fencing’s 2026 guide. Among wood fences specifically, a split rail fence using pressure-treated pine is the cheapest option at $15 to $35 per linear foot. Split rail fences use the fewest boards since they consist of just 2 to 4 horizontal rails with no pickets.

For homeowners who want an enclosed wood fence on a tight budget, a pressure-treated pine picket fence at $20 to $40 per linear foot is the most affordable option. Chain link fencing beats wood on price, but it provides no privacy and has a more utilitarian look. The right choice depends on what matters most to you, whether that is cost, privacy, curb appeal, or security.

Is It Cheaper to Buy or Build a Fence?

It is cheaper to buy fence materials and build a fence yourself than to hire a professional, but the savings come with real tradeoffs. DIY wood fence installation typically costs $850 to $2,200 for materials only, saving about 50% compared to professional installation, according to Scheiderer Fencing. However, mistakes in post depth, alignment, or spacing can lead to sagging, leaning, and premature failure that costs more to fix later.

Buying pre-built fence panels from a home improvement store and installing them yourself is the most common DIY approach. The panels themselves run $50 to $200 each depending on size, wood type, and style. You will also need to buy posts, concrete, hardware, and rent or buy a post hole digger. When you add up all the materials and your time, the savings over hiring a pro typically come out to 30% to 40% rather than the full 50%.

Can I Install a Fence Myself?

Yes, you can install a fence yourself if you have basic tools, a strong back, and some patience. Simple picket fences on flat, even ground are the best candidates for DIY installation. Privacy fences, sloped yards, and any project involving gates are much harder to do well without experience.

In cold climates, frost lines require posts to be set at least 42 inches deep to prevent heaving during winter. If posts are not deep enough, the entire fence can shift and lean after just one or two freeze-thaw seasons. Permit applications also become your responsibility with DIY, and code violations can be expensive. For most homeowners, the labor cost of $5 to $20 per linear foot for professional installation pays for itself in avoided headaches and longer fence life.

Is It Cheaper to Build a Wall or Put Up a Fence?

It is much cheaper to put up a fence than to build a wall. A wood fence costs $20 to $50 per linear foot installed, while a brick or stone wall costs $50 to $125 per linear foot or more depending on the material and height. A concrete block wall runs $15 to $50 per linear foot for the materials alone, before adding labor costs that are significantly higher than fence installation labor.

Fences are also faster to install. A professional crew can finish a typical residential wood fence installation in 1 to 3 days, according to Angi. A comparable length of masonry wall can take a week or longer. For most residential properties, a fence is the clear winner on both cost and timeline.

What Is the Lifespan of a Fence?

The lifespan of a fence depends on the material. A pressure-treated pine fence lasts 15 to 20 years, a cedar fence lasts 15 to 30 years, and a vinyl fence can last 50 years or more. According to Smucker Fencing, around the 15-year mark is when most homeowners notice significant cosmetic decline in a pressure-treated wood fence, including rotting and splitting.

The single biggest factor in how long a wood fence lasts is how the posts are installed. Posts set directly in soil absorb moisture and rot much faster than posts set in concrete footings with proper drainage. We set every post in concrete with attention to drainage, especially in areas where heavy rain and snowmelt can saturate the ground.

Regular maintenance also makes a big difference. According to Angi, sealing a pressure-treated pine fence every 2 to 3 years and a cedar fence every 3 to 5 years prevents moisture damage, UV fading, and insect problems. Proper fence repair at the first sign of a cracked board or loose hardware prevents small issues from turning into expensive section replacements.

What Is Better, a Metal or Wooden Fence?

A metal fence is better for durability and low maintenance, while a wooden fence is better for privacy, natural appearance, and affordability. The right choice depends on what you need most from your fence.

Wood fences cost $20 to $50 per linear foot installed and provide full privacy when built as a solid board design. They last 15 to 30 years depending on the wood type and maintenance. Aluminum fencing costs $20 to $45 per linear foot and lasts 50 years or more with almost no maintenance, according to Smucker Fencing. However, aluminum does not block the view or provide privacy.

Steel picket fencing offers the strongest option at $17 to $90 per linear foot, according to Mr. Handyman. Steel picket fences look elegant and last for decades, but they still do not provide the full privacy that a solid wood fence delivers. For homeowners who want both privacy and curb appeal at a reasonable price, wood remains the most popular choice in the United States.

Wood Fence Cost Comparison by Material Type

Sources: HomeGuide (2026), Angi (2026), HomeAdvisor (2025), Fantastic Fence (2026)

Cedar offers the best balance of cost and longevity for most homeowners. It resists rot, insects, and moisture naturally, which means less money on treatments and repairs over the life of the fence. According to Angi, cedar’s natural oils make it resistant to humidity, pests, and decay, and cedar fences can last up to 30 years. Pressure-treated pine costs up to 50% less upfront but requires sealing every 2 to 3 years to prevent rot.

What Are Common Fencing Mistakes?

Common fencing mistakes include not checking property lines before building, setting posts too shallow, skipping the permit process, choosing the cheapest materials without considering lifespan, and spacing posts too far apart.

Not confirming property lines is one of the most costly mistakes. If your fence ends up on a neighbor’s property, you may be forced to tear it down and rebuild it. A land survey costs $200 to $1,200, which is far less than the cost of removing and reinstalling an entire fence. Setting posts too shallow is another major problem. In cold climates, posts must be set below the frost line, typically 42 inches deep, or the fence will heave and lean after winter.

Skipping the permit process can result in fines and forced removal. Choosing the cheapest lumber without factoring in maintenance costs often ends up costing more in the long run. A pine fence that rots in 10 years because it was never sealed costs more to replace than a cedar fence that lasts 25 years with minimal upkeep. Finally, spacing posts more than 8 feet apart weakens the structure and causes sagging, especially with heavy wood privacy fences.

How Do Lumber Prices Affect Wood Fence Costs?

Lumber prices directly affect wood fence costs because wood is the largest material expense in any fence project. According to Gordian’s RSMeans Data for Q2 2026, the national average price of framing lumber sits at $916.62 per thousand board feet, up 5.11% from the prior quarter. Year-over-year prices have climbed for nine consecutive quarters.

The U.S. has imposed combined tariffs of roughly 35.9% on Canadian softwood lumber imports, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Canada supplies about 25% of the lumber used in the United States, so these tariffs push domestic prices higher. For homeowners in Metro Detroit and across the Midwest, this means fence material prices in 2026 are higher than they were a few years ago but more stable than the wild swings seen during 2020 and 2021.

Locking in a quote and scheduling your project sooner rather than later is a smart move if additional tariff increases are expected. According to a 2026 analysis from Scheiderer Fencing, scheduling your fence project during fall or winter can save 5% to 10% since contractor demand drops during those months. Shoulder seasons like March through May or September through October can also yield 10% to 15% savings on labor.

Does a Wood Fence Increase Property Value?

Yes, a wood fence increases property value by helping homeowners recoup 30% to 70% of the installation cost at resale. According to KW Appraisal Group, the typical return on investment for a fence sits in the 30% to 40% range from a strict appraisal standpoint. However, the real value often goes beyond the dollar figure on a home appraisal.

The National Association of Realtors reports that 35% of homeowners say functionality is the top goal of a remodeling project, while 22% prioritize durable, long-lasting materials. According to data cited by Cedar Rustic, over 62% of U.S. households own pets, and a fenced yard is one of the most requested features among families with children or animals. In neighborhoods where most homes already have fenced yards, not having a fence can actually hurt your home’s appeal to buyers.

Is It Worth It to Hire a Professional Fence Installer?

Yes, it is worth it to hire a professional fence installer for most projects. A professional brings the tools, experience, and code knowledge needed to install a fence that stays straight, lasts for decades, and meets local regulations. The labor cost of $5 to $20 per linear foot pays for itself in avoided repairs, code violations, and time savings.

A pro handles measuring and marking the fence line, digging and setting posts at the correct depth, assembling rails and boards with proper spacing, and adding gates and finishing touches. They also pull permits, call for utility locates, and keep the job moving on schedule. According to Angi, most professional crews finish a standard residential fence in 1 to 3 days.

We are a 3rd generation family-owned company with over 40 years of experience. Every fence installation we complete is backed by a 2-year labor warranty, giving you peace of mind that the job is done right.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Wood Fence?

It costs $4,000 to $10,000 to replace a wood fence on average, which includes removing the old fence and installing the new one. Old fence removal adds about $3 to $7 per linear foot, or $300 to $750 for a typical yard, according to HomeGuide. The rest of the cost follows standard new-installation pricing based on your chosen wood type, height, and total footage.

How Much Does a Wood Fence Gate Cost?

A wood fence gate costs $200 to $600 for a standard 4-foot walk gate and $300 to $800 for a double drive gate, according to Scheiderer Fencing’s 2026 pricing data. Gate costs depend on the material, size, hardware, and whether you add features like self-closing hinges or locks. Electric gate openers add additional cost for the motor and wiring.

Do I Need a Permit to Build a Wood Fence?

Whether you need a permit to build a wood fence depends on your local city and county regulations. Most municipalities require permits for fences above a certain height, typically 6 feet. Permit fees range from $40 to $500. Always check with your local building department before starting any fence project to avoid fines or required removal.

How Often Do You Need to Stain a Wood Fence?

You need to stain a wood fence every 2 to 4 years for pressure-treated pine and every 3 to 5 years for cedar. According to Angi, regular staining protects the wood from moisture, UV damage, and insect activity. Skipping this maintenance shortens the fence’s lifespan by several years and leads to cracking, warping, and discoloration.

Is Cedar or Pine Better for a Fence?

Cedar is better for a fence if you want longevity and low maintenance. Cedar naturally resists rot and insects and lasts up to 30 years. Pine is better if budget is your top priority. According to Angi, pressure-treated pine costs up to 50% less than cedar but only lasts about 15 years and needs sealing every 2 to 3 years. Many professionals recommend pine posts paired with cedar pickets for the best value.

Is a Wood Fence Cheaper Than Vinyl?

Yes, a wood fence is cheaper than vinyl upfront. A wood fence costs $20 to $50 per linear foot installed, while a vinyl fence costs $30 to $60 per linear foot installed, according to HomeGuide. Over 20 years, vinyl can cost less total because it needs almost no maintenance, while wood requires staining every few years. The right pick depends on your upfront budget and maintenance preferences.

What Is the Best Wood for a Fence?

The best wood for a fence is cedar for most homeowners because it naturally resists rot, insects, and moisture while looking beautiful for decades. Pressure-treated pine is the best budget pick. Redwood is the best premium option for homeowners who want top-tier durability and appearance. Cedar is especially popular in Michigan because it holds up well against humid summers and freezing winters.

The Takeaway

A wood fence is one of the best investments you can make for your home. It adds privacy, security, curb appeal, and real value to your property. The total cost depends on the wood type, height, length, style, and labor rates in your area. Pressure-treated pine is the most affordable option, cedar offers the best balance of cost and durability, and redwood delivers the premium look and longest lifespan. Getting multiple quotes, scheduling during the off-season, and choosing a licensed, experienced installer are the best ways to stretch your budget.

At Eastside Fence, we have been helping homeowners and businesses across Metro Detroit with professional fence installation for over 40 years. If you are ready to start planning your wood fence project, give us a call at 586-806-0482 for a free estimate.