How Much Does Wood Fence Installation Cost in 2025?

Installing a wooden fence is a big project, with the average cost to build a typical 150-linear-foot wood fence being $3,220. Most people account for the expense of posts, pickets, and rails, but they may fail to consider the additional cost of gates, hardware, and paint or stain. Expect the total price to range between $1,920 and $4,821, with the most significant cost factors including the fence length, height, and wood type. Choose a local fence contractor to give you an accurate quote and ensure you have suitable materials for a fence that'll last. 

Wood Fence Installation Cost Factors

The two biggest price determinants are the type of wood you choose and the fence style you install. 

Fence Size

On average, wooden fencing costs $20 to $50 per linear foot, including labor and materials. In metropolitan areas or new developments, standard yard sizes are about one-fifth of an acre and require 150 linear feet of fencing.

The fence height affects the price as well. The average residential fence is six feet tall, and increasing your fence to eight feet high can add 25% to 35% to the overall cost. Depending on your neighborhood, you could find fences from three to 12 feet tall.

Wood Type

Wood fences are often made from treated pine, redwood, cedar, or other water-resistant lumber. Spruce and pine tend to be on the less expensive end of the spectrum, whereas redwood and tropical hardwoods generally price out on the higher end. Pricing for cedar options tends to fall in the middle. 

Wood prices will fluctuate with the market price of raw lumber, but these figures represent typical ranges. Check with your local lumber yard or pro for current pricing. 

Pine, Cedar, and Cypress 

Pine, cedar, and cypress are common choices for wood fencing and are often combined into one fence. Cedar and cypress cost about $27 to $43 per linear foot, including installation. Pine ranges in quality and price, falling between $45 and $90 per linear foot. 

Some builders might suggest using pine for the fence posts and cedar for the pickets to maximize durability and overall longevity. This is primarily because of how the materials differ, with treated, decay-resistant pine performing much better in the ground. 

On the other hand, cedar is more resistant to the effects of sun and rain. From a cost standpoint, using pine can make a big difference in your budget without compromising quality because cedar typically costs twice as much as pine. 

Spruce

An economical choice at $22 to $35 per linear foot, the whitish-gray color of spruce is attractive without paint or stain. However, it's not as durable as other varieties and is prone to warping and insect infestation without treatment.

White Oak

White oak is priced in the middle to high end of the range at $30 to $75 per linear foot, but it's also a more weather-resistant wood. However, if exposed daily to the elements, it'll likely warp or bow with time.

Black Locust

Black locust wood averages between $40 and $80 per linear foot and is a very hardy wood. Because it requires very little maintenance, many horse owners use it for paddocks and fencing around training rings.

Western Red Cedar 

Western red cedar is a good, mid-priced option at $45 to $90 per linear foot. It's also resistant to weather damage, moisture, and rot. This wood weathers naturally without the need for stain.

Composite

While the fence installation cost of composite generally ranges from $55 to $85 per linear foot, it doesn’t need to be sealed, painted, or stained. Other than some color fading over time, the material will typically last 20 years or longer. Composite fencing consists of recycled plastics and wood fibers, making it durable, versatile, and environmentally friendly. Most brands even come with warranties.

Redwood

More expensive than other choices at $35 to $120 per linear foot, redwood is one of the most attractive materials. To preserve the color and beauty of the natural wood, stain or seal it before installation.

Tropical Hardwood

Tropical hardwoods are among the highest-priced options, ranging between $35 and $55 per linear foot. Budget 20% to 50% more for tropical hardwood fences. Tropical hardwoods are the most durable type of wood for outdoor projects. Because they're harvested from the rainforest, they withstand the elements better than any other variety of wood. They're also beautiful in their grain and color and durable, dense, and heavy.

Fence Style

There are many different styles of wooden fencing, and the kind of fencing you decide upon can greatly impact your project cost. Some fencing styles use more or less lumber and require more or less labor to install. Here, we'll look at popular fence styles.

Privacy 

Full privacy fences feature boards with no space in between, prohibiting both visual and physical access to your yard. In semi-private fencing, pickets are spaced about two inches apart on both sides. A six-foot-tall privacy fence costs between $25 and $50 per linear foot, including labor. Depending on the wood type you choose and the type of structure you need, materials alone can range from $10 to $30 per linear foot.

Picket 

Wood picket fences tend to be shorter, averaging around three to four feet tall, but they require more time and skill to install correctly. Expect to pay $20 to $40 per linear foot for a five-foot-tall fence, including professional installation. 

Split-Rail 

Split-rail fences are also known as post and rail, slip beam, or post and beam. They're traditionally used on ranches or farms to mark boundaries or for decorative purposes. A two- to four-rail split-rail fence costs about $15 to $35 per linear foot, including materials and installation. 

The exact price will depend on factors like the lumber type, number of rails, and type of terrain. For example, less expensive pine will require treatment, while more expensive cedar or redwood is naturally insect-resistant. Structures on sloping or difficult-to-access properties will likely take more time to install as well.

Lattice and Other Styles

Latticework, post caps, and toppers are popular add-on items to give fences more personality and style. Out of these, fence panels with latticework are the most costly, with the benefit being that they add height and flair. The general rule is that the more complex the design, the more expensive the panel. This is why it isn't entirely uncommon for latticework to double the price per panel. Lattice toppers are also available as an alternative to pre-assembled panels.

Labor

Labor is a major cost factor to consider when building a new fence. Depending on the type of fence you need and its overall complexity, your labor costs will range from $5 to $20 per linear foot. Privacy fencing is the most expensive to install, at around $15 to $20 per linear foot, while labor for picket and split rail fences tends to be less—around $5 to $15. Your costs may be more than these for fences that are taller than six feet.

Permits

A fence building permit costs around $40 to $150, depending on the area you’re in. You’ll have to contact your local municipality to see if a permit is required and to find out how much it will add to your costs.

Land Survey

A land survey costs around $200 to $1,200 for a land surveyor to mark your property lines and ensure you build in the right place. The cost of a land survey largely depends on the size of the property.

Lawn Regrading 

If your yard is too sloped to build on, you’ll need to have it regraded. Lawn regrading costs around $1,000 to $3,300, depending on the yard size and the specific tasks needed. 

Ongoing Maintenance

Wood fences need more maintenance than more durable and expensive materials, such as metal. You’ll need to paint or stain it regularly—painting a fence costs anywhere from $2 to $14 per linear foot. 

You may also need to pay for other wood fence repair costs over time, such as replacing rotting sections or repairing loose posts. These costs vary and can be difficult to predict, so ask your local wood fence pro for their expert opinion on future fence maintenance costs.

Cost of Other Fence Materials

When calculating the cost of materials, don’t forget to consider the additional cost of posts, gates, hardware, and paint or stain. 

Posts

A typical fence post will cost $15 to $50 each on average, not including the cost to secure it in the ground with cement or dirt and gravel. Check your local requirements for post depth, setting, and spacing to determine how many posts your fence will require.

Post Caps or Fence Toppers 

At $30 to $150 each, post caps and toppers can be an expensive addition, depending on the type and number used in the project, but they do create a nice finished fence. Post caps made of low-end materials such as vinyl or wood will be less expensive. At the top of the range, you’ll find high-end versions made of copper and solar-powered models used for illumination. As with everything else on your fence, the exact price depends on the material, size, and features.

Gate

Gates run anywhere from $150 to $2,000 or more. However, your costs will depend on whether you choose something basic or a higher-end, drive-through variety. In short, the more ornate your gate, the more you’ll pay.

Staining or Painting

Staining or painting a wood fence costs anywhere from $2 to $14 per linear foot. When choosing your paint or stain, buy a formula that includes a waterproof sealer to protect your fence from the elements. In general, reapply stain or paint every six to 24 months, depending on the manufacturer's recommendations and weather elements.

Does Installing a Wood Fence Increase Home Value?

A new or well-maintained wood fence can definitely add to your home value. A nice fence is a great way to add curb appeal to the home, which always adds value to the property as a whole. While it may not have a direct ROI like some other value-adding projects, it makes the property’s outdoor space more attractive, making it easier to sell your home.

Budgeting for Installing a Wood Fence

Wood fence installation can be an expensive job—here are a few tips to help you save money on this project:

• Choose economical wood materials like cedar or pressure-treated pine for reduced material costs.

• Opt for a standard fence height, such as six or three feet tall, since boards at these lengths are readily available.

• Consider fencing a smaller section of the backyard to save money.

• If you’re replacing a fence, consider removing your old one yourself to save on labor costs.

• Consider hiring a fence pro to build your fence in the less busy winter months, when labor rates tend to be lower.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed over 10,000 real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.