Based on 7,969 real quotes from businesses in United States.
$300
TYPICAL
$1400
Yelp calculates estimated costs by gathering and analyzing real quotes provided to consumers by businesses on Yelp. Actual costs may vary.
Key takeaways
Wood fences cost less than vinyl but more to maintain
The price of a new wood fence depends on its size, style, and type of wood
Straight fences on even ground are the least expensive to install
Wood fencing has a classic, natural look that few other materials can match. And installing a new fence, made of redwood, cedar, or another popular species, is a great way to give your home more curb appeal, privacy, security, and a sense of enclosure.
Wood fencing is a readily available material that lends itself to tooling by contractors and fence builders. For that reason, wood fences can be built in practically any fence style, shape, or size—as privacy fences, picket fences, or simple barriers like split-rail fences (horizontal beams supported by heavy posts).
Privacy fences—typically 6 feet tall—usually consist of vertical or horizontal boards or slats nailed to horizontal rails that connect one fence post to another. The fence panels or boards can be butted together for complete privacy, or spaced out for a more interesting look. Classic picket fences, with evenly spaced, pointed narrow slats, or “pickets,” provide a stylish landscape barrier (often in the front yard).
Compared to other fence materials, such as vinyl or metal, wood fencing requires a certain amount of maintenance that adds to installation costs. Wood needs painting, staining, or application of a sealant to protect it from mold, mildew, rot, sun damage, warping, and wood-dwelling insects. Average lifespan of wood fences is generally 15–20 years.
For most homeowners, fence installation is not a DIY home-improvement job. Professional wood fence installers have the knowledge and equipment needed to ensure a sturdy, long-lasting result. (Make sure the one you hire is licensed, bonded, and insured.) Some local building codes may require a building permit to install a fence, which your pro can handle.
This cost guide will look at the price of professional installation or repair of a wooden fence.
Wood fence contractors will provide a free quote based on length and height of the fence, the exact style and product you choose, and the difficulty of installing a fence on your yard’s terrain and soil. The price will include fencing, installation hardware, and labor.
The two most popular types of wood fencing are 6-foot wood privacy fences and 3- to 4-foot picket fences. Here are the typical costs for each:
Privacy fence cost. The national average cost for a typical 6-foot-tall, 100-foot-long wood privacy fence is $1,700–4,500, or $17–45 per linear foot. If you want something taller than a 6-foot privacy fence along your property lines, the total cost will be 15–30% more. High-end “shadowbox” privacy fences, with alternating boards on each side of the rail, cost an additional 10–20%, because they require more materials and time to install.
Picket fence cost. The average cost estimate for a 3- or 4-foot wooden picket fence that’s 100 feet long is $1,400–2,200, or $14–22 per linear foot.
For either style, the addition of a swing gate typically adds $180–600 to the total fence price, depending on size, type of wood, and specific hardware.
Labor costs make up 20–30% of wooden fence installation prices; fence materials account for 70–80%. The following elements can affect how much you’ll pay:
Type of wood. Common choices include pine, redwood, and cedar fences. Pine is generally the cheapest at $10–25 per linear foot, installed. Western red cedar is a popular choice due to its rich color and natural resistance to rot and insect damage—it costs $15–30 per linear foot. Redwood is also sought after for its distinct beauty and resistance to weather, decay, and insects, and costs $20–45 per linear foot.
Paint or stain. By sealing your wood fence with paint or stain, you’ll ensure that you get the most out of its organic materials. Sealing helps deter insects and prevent water damage, which can cause mold, mildew, and rot over time. The cost to seal a 6-foot-tall, 100-foot-long wood fence averages $350–1,500, or $0.60–2.50 per square foot.
Access and terrain. Installing a fence on a steep slope or in rocky terrain may cost 150–200% more than on flat, even surfaces, where the work is uncomplicated.
Removal of an old fence. If you’re replacing an existing fence, removal and disposal typically cost $1.50–4.00 per linear foot.
Here are the best ways to reduce your fence installation expenses:
Don’t overdo it. If you don’t need a 6-foot-tall privacy fence, consider a 5-foot fence. Every square foot adds to installation and future maintenance costs.
Keep the design as simple as possible. A straight fence on level ground is easier to install than an irregular fence with direction and elevation changes.
Clear the way. Remove objects, debris, and overgrowth from the planned fence’s path before the crew arrives to start the job.
Consider the season. By waiting to start your fence project till late fall or early winter—many contractors’ slow season—quotes from fencing pros might be slightly lower.
Watch the warranty. Wood fences typically have a 1-year workmanship warranty, so look out for any installation issues during that period.
Avoid DIY. Fence installation is only for the handiest homeowners, who have enough knowhow and experience to dig deep post holes with an auger or post hole digger, measure precisely, and pour concrete. Attempting this yourself can lead to unanticipated additional costs.
Fence repair costs depend on the type of fence you have and extent of the damage. Average cost of wooden fence repair by a professional fence company is $100 –700.
When damage is minor and limited to a couple vertical slats, a bottom rail, or a crossbar, the cost to repair or replace these elements is $75–200 for picket fences and $80–350 for privacy fences. A handyperson may be more cost effective for minor fixes, at an average rate of $40–80 per hour, plus materials costs.
If a post needs replacement due to damage or rot, this costs around $75–140 for picket fences and $100–300 for privacy fences.
If a wooden fence is older, falling over, or has other significant damage, ask the professional if some or all of it should be replaced.
What is the average cost to install a wood fence?
The average price range for a 6-foot-tall, 100-foot-long wood privacy fence is $1,700–4,500 or $17–45 per linear foot, installed. Increasing fence height to 8 feet—for example, with lattice on the top 2 feet—will add an additional 15–30% to the project cost.
How much is a wooden fence per foot?
A 6-foot-high wooden privacy fence will cost $17–45 per linear foot, installed. For a 3- to 4-foot white picket fence, the national average cost is $14–22 per linear foot.
Is wood fencing expensive?
A wood fence costs less than a vinyl (PVC) fence of similar size and style. But they may not last as long, and require more maintenance over time.
Find a wooden fence professional in your area.
Need other fence services? These guides can help you make the right purchasing decisions:
Can’t decide? Read How to choose a home fence.
Every year, millions of consumers request quotes on Yelp from top-rated local professionals. We combine these real-life project quotes with data from the millions of people who interact with businesses on Yelp today. We use our years of expertise to create handy local cost guides that you can trust. Get accurate estimates on projects in your area, from roofing to moving.
Every year, millions of consumers request quotes on Yelp from top-rated local professionals. We combine these real-life project quotes with data from the millions of people who interact with businesses on Yelp today. We use our years of expertise to create handy local cost guides that you can trust. Get accurate estimates on projects in your area, from roofing to moving.
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