A wood fence adds privacy, security, and classic curb appeal to any property. A residential wood fence costs, on average, $24 to $45 per linear foot, including materials and labor.
This means that a 150-foot wood fence will cost you between $3,600 and $6,750, depending on a few factors, such as the fence style, wood type, and fence height.
Our price ranges are based on average costs to install a wood fence collected from major metros and rural cities nationwide, so you can better estimate your project’s prices.
Cost by Location
Depending on where you live, you can pay more or less than the national average to install a wood fence. The local cost of living has a direct influence on the price of construction and home improvement materials, such as wood, and also on the cost of labor.
See the table below for the typical price ranges for a sample of major cities and smaller towns across the U.S. that can help you estimate the costs in your location.
| City | Average Cost Per Linear Foot (including labor and material) |
| Northeast U.S. | |
| Pawtucket, RI | $23.80 – $45.20 |
| New York, NY | $26.20 – $53.40 |
| Southeast U.S. | |
| Dothan, AL | $22.60 – $41.20 |
| Orlando, FL | $22.80 – $42 |
| Atlanta, GA | $22.90 – $42.20 |
| Midwest U.S. | |
| South Bend, IN | $24.20 – $46.40 |
| Chicago, IL | $25 – $49.30 |
| Northwest U.S. | |
| Corvallis, OR | $23.50 – $44.20 |
| Seattle, WA | $25.30 – $50.30 |
| Southwest U.S. | |
| Roswell, NM | $22.90 – $42.20 |
| San Diego, CA | $24.40 – $47.30 |
| Houston, TX | $22.80 – $41.80 |
These price ranges are for 6-foot tall fences and common grade wood.
Cost by Fence Length
Since most contractors charge by the linear foot, the size of your fence will be a major factor in your total cost.
The average cost to install a wood fence ranges from $24 to $45 per linear foot, so you can use the table below to estimate your potential cost based on the length of your fence:
| Fence Length (In Linear Feet) | Average Cost (materials and labor) |
| 50 | $1,200 – $2,250 |
| 100 | $2,400 – $4,500 |
| 150 | $3,600 – $6,750 |
| 200 | $4,800 – $9,000 |
| 300 | $7,200 – $13,500 |
| 400 | $9,600 – $18,000 |
| 500 | $12,000 – $22,500 |
Cost by Fence Style
Depending on their style, wood fences can use less or more wood and take fewer or more hours to install, making your overall budget vary significantly. Here are the most popular fence styles for homeowners and approximately how much you would pay for each one (including labor costs):
| Fence Type | Cost Per Linear Foot |
| Split-rail fence (Ranch style) | $12 – $29 |
| Picket fence | $15 – $43 |
| Privacy fence | $31.50 – $53.50 |
Our price ranges include standard-quality wood with a basic design and the average labor cost. Prices can double for premium-quality wood and custom designs.
Split-Rail Fences
Rail fences are the cheapest at $12 to $29 per linear foot because they require less materials and labor. Also known as ranch fences, they’re made of 2 to 4 horizontal rails installed on posts without pickets.
These fences are great around farms where they manage to keep large animals like cattle and horses inside. You can also use them to divide the yard into zones or as a decorative fence. To keep small pets inside, add a wire mesh costing another $1.5 to $4 per linear foot of fencing.
Picket Fences
With a bit more wood and work, the picket fence costs $15 to $43 per linear foot for 3- to 5-foot tall fences. Rectangular or rounded pickets (dog-ear) are more affordable than pointy pickets.
A picket fence has 2 or 3 rails and pickets typically placed with space in between, making a friendly fence that allows airflow and some visibility between neighboring yards. Picket fences are classic front yard options at 3 to 4 feet tall, but you can also install a taller one around your backyard.
Privacy Fences
Typically priced between $31.50 and $53.50 per linear foot for 6- to 8-foot tall models, privacy fences are built with compact panels with pickets or boards placed end-to-end, providing total protection from the outside world. They’re more of a backyard fence option since most HOAs don’t allow fences over 4 feet tall in the front yard.
Learn more about privacy fences and other materials you can choose from our guide: How Much Does a Privacy Fence Cost?
Cost by Type of Wood
People choose a particular type of wood for a fence for various reasons—color, texture, and upkeep, for example. Some like the rich color of redwood, while others choose more cost-effective options like spruce or pine.
Price will play a factor in your choice because different woods types and styles cost different amounts.
Here are some of the most common woods used for fences and how much each cost on average (including materials and professional installation):
| Type of Wood | Average Cost Per Linear Foot (with installation) |
| Pine | $12 – $58 |
| Spruce | $14 – $32 |
| Cypress | $20 – $39 |
| White oak | $23 – $70 |
| Cedar | $25 – $37 |
| Redwood | $26 – $97 |
| Tropical hardwoods | $27 – $53 |
| Western red cedar | $27 – $70 |
| Black locust | $30 – $73 |
| Composite | $42 – $75 |
Low-end prices are for rail fences, while high-end prices are for privacy fences.
Labor Costs
Labor costs for installing a wood fence typically range from $7 to $20 per linear foot, depending on the fence style and complexity. Privacy fences, which require taller posts, more materials, and precise installation, tend to be on the higher end of the price range.
Picket fences, which are shorter and simpler to install, generally cost less. Your location also plays a role in labor costs.
Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
Depending on the fence style, you can save 25 to 40% by installing a DIY wood fence (about $7 to $20 per linear foot in labor costs). However, these savings come with a time and labor investment on your part.
Professional fencing contractors take about two days to install 100 linear feet of picket fence or privacy fence and around a day and a half for the same length of a rail fence. If you’re working alone and don’t have experience, your installation can take up to two times longer.
To learn more about installing wood fences DIY and the detailed costs, read our articles:
Other Factors That Affect Cost
Cost by Fence Height
The prices in this guide refer to the standard height of each wooden fence style: 3 to 5 feet for picket fences, 4 to 6 feet for rail fences, and 6 to 8 for privacy models. Each foot you add increases the price by 10 to 15%, while subtracting a foot from the fence height decreases the price by 10 to 15%.
Cost of Wood Gates
Wood gates cost $175 to $1,300 per gate with installation, depending on style and size. Because of the gate’s hardware and the extra time it will take to install, this part of your fence will cost more per linear foot than the rest, increasing the total cost of your wooden fence. Custom and automated gates come with higher prices.
Cost to Install a Fence on Sloped Terrain
If the land where you want to build your fence has an incline, your contractor may have to grade the land before they start building. Depending on the space size and how much work your land needs, grading can cost an additional $0.8 and $2 per square foot.
Cost of Fencing Permits
Your city, county, state, or homeowners association may require a building permit for putting up a fence. Those permits can cost $20 to $150, depending on the project size and where you live.
Check your local building codes or ask your contractor if you’ll need to obtain a permit for your wood fencing project.
Cost of Fence Removal
If an existing fence is blocking your new fence’s path, you’ll pay $3 to $5 per linear foot to remove it. Most installers will remove and haul away the old fence for an additional fee. The overall cost of fence removal depends on how much fence the contractor has to tear down.
Cost of Fence Painting/Staining
Having a professional paint your wood fence costs $1.60 to $3.20 per square foot, while staining costs $1.30 to $2.70 per square foot, depending on the style, height, and length of the fence and the quality of the paint or stain.
Painting or staining a wood fence is an important part of the process since the coating protects the wood from rot, pests, and water damage. However, paint or stain isn’t usually included in the installation cost, and you’ll have to pay the contractor extra for this service.
For more information, check out our guides:
– How Much Does It Cost to Stain a Fence?
FAQ About Wood Fencing
Cedar will give you the most bang for your buck because it’s affordable, pretty, and naturally resistant to common issues such as pests and warping.
Wood fencing is much cheaper than PVC fencing upfront, but wood requires repainting or staining every few years, while PVC is practically maintenance-free.
Learn more about PVC fences and their costs from our guide, How Much Does a Vinyl Fence Cost?
Like so many other things, your fence’s longevity depends on the type of wood you use to build it. With proper maintenance, most wooden fences should last 15 to 20 years.
Enhance Your Property With a Wood Fence
Make your yard an elegant outdoor space with a sturdy, natural-looking wooden fence. Home Gnome delivers the best home service experience at the click of a button. Book reliable fencing services and leave the rest to us.
Read More:
– Pool Fence Cost Guide
– How Much Does It Cost to Install a Fence?
– How Much Does Fence Repair Cost?
Main Image Credit: karamysh / Adobe Stock Free / License
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