How Much Does a Board-on-Board Fence Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

The average homeowner spends $6,750 to build a board-on-board fence, with most paying between $1,550 and $15,600. Factors like location, yard size, and material choice significantly influence the overall cost. Board-on-board fences, costing between $15.50 and $52 per linear foot, offer superior privacy thanks to their overlapping picket design. Hiring a professional fencing contractor ensures your fence is installed correctly and meets local regulations.

Board-on-Board Fence Cost Factors

While the ideal fencing installation site is a flat surface, this isn’t always the case. If you have a preexisting fence in place, you’ll need to consider the extra cost of removal. Understanding the key cost factors that impact your total board-on-board fence cost will help you plan your budget.

Yard Length

Standard residential yards are around 200 linear feet on average, which is roughly one-fourth of an acre. But this applies to flat yards only. You may need more fencing if your property is sloped or has property lines that aren’t exactly like a square, for instance, those that live on a cul-de-sac.

Fence Height

Board-on-board fences typically come in 6-foot and 8-foot heights. Opting for an 8-foot fence generally increases the cost by about 30% compared to a 6-foot fence. Keep in mind that local regulations or HOA rules may limit the height of your fence, so it's important to check with your local municipality before finalizing your plans.

Wood Type

Board-on-board fences require about 30% more materials than standard fences because the overlapping design eliminates gaps, maximizing privacy. You'll need extra pickets to complete the job due to this construction method. Here are the various material options for your board-on-board fence and their associated costs.

Labor

On average, labor costs for installing a board-on-board fence range from $13 to $19.50 per linear foot. When you combine this with material costs, you can expect the total installation cost to be between $15.50 and $52 per linear foot.

It's wise to obtain multiple quotes before making a final decision. Contact several fencing installation companies to find the best price that fits your budget.

Removal of Old Fence

The average cost to remove an old fence is between $300 and $750, depending on the size of the project and local conditions.

Land Surveyor

If you don't have a preexisting fence, consider hiring a land surveyor to verify your property lines and ensure you don't inadvertently build on someone else's land, which can lead to fines and legal issues.

The average cost to hire a land surveyor is $380 to $770, and it varies depending on location, property size, and history.

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional Fence Installer

Building a fence yourself requires obtaining the proper permits and understanding local building codes. Constructing a board-on-board fence can take around 50 to 60 hours if you're working alone, partly due to the additional pickets needed for the overlapping design.

You'll need tools such as a shovel, posthole digger, drill, hammer, circular saw, and nails. If you need to purchase these, expect to spend $400 to $500. Materials cost between $2.50 and $32.50 per linear foot on average.

While DIY installation may seem cost-effective if you already own the necessary tools and have construction experience, consider the significant time investment required.

Professional fencing installation contractors charge an average of between $13 and $19.50 per linear foot for installation labor. They handle all aspects of the installation, including obtaining permits, ensuring compliance with local building codes, and managing any unexpected challenges. Costs may vary based on regional labor rates, with urban areas generally seeing higher labor costs than rural locations.

Fencing professionals can efficiently remove old fences, accurately measure and mark property lines, dig post holes, set posts in concrete, install fence panels, and finish with gates and hardware, ensuring a high-quality result.

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. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the 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.