How Much Does It Cost to Build a Board-on-Board Fence?

Typical Range:

$2,000 - $6,000

Find out how much your project will cost.

Cost data is based on research by HomeAdvisor.

Updated January 14, 2022

Written by HomeAdvisor.

The average cost of board-on-board fencing is around $3,500 to $4,500 on average. However, you may pay anywhere from $2,000 to $6,000, depending on the size of the yard, the type of material you choose for the fencing and the cost of labor in your area. This brings the average price of board-on-board fencing to $4,000.

Board-on-board fencing provides more privacy than a normal picket fence; it instead overlaps the pickets. This leaves no room for any prying eyes to get through.

Average Cost to Build a Board-on-Board Fence

Average Cost $4,000
High Cost $6,000
Low Cost $2,000

Board-on-Board Fencing Prices

Board-on-board fencing requires extra pickets to maximize privacy, as the material overlaps rather than leaving gaps. This will require around 30% more materials needed to complete the job.

Material Cost per 6-Foot Plank
Bamboo $6 – $12
Composite $8 – $12
Vinyl $10 – $35 per linear foot
Pressure-Treated Pine $2 – $6
Cedar $2 – $4
Cypress $2– $3
Western Red Cedar $8 – $10
Redwood $8– $10
Spruce $4 –$8
White Oak $8 – $12
Black Locust $8 – $12
Tropical Hardwoods $10 – $20

Beyond the materials for the wood itself, you’ll also need to pay for posts and caps. Posts cost anywhere from $5 to $150 per post, depending on the material you choose. Post caps will range from $5 to $50 each.

Board-on-Board Fencing Installation Cost

The average cost to install a fence, including labor, is around $30 to $70 per hour. On average, it takes around 24 hours’ worth of labor to complete a fencing project, though it may be as high as 35 hours for some projects, bringing the total cost of labor to anywhere from $720 to $2,500.

It’s always best to get three quotes on a project before making a final decision. So, get into contact with a few fencing installation companies to find the best quote that works for you.

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Board-on-Board Fencing Installation Cost by Size

There are two standard options for board-on-board fencing: 6-feet and 8-feet options. Generally, you should expect to pay an extra 30% if you choose an 8-foot option over a 6-foot option.

You may be limited by the height of your fence, however. You should check with your HOA or local municipality for clearance before finalizing the height.

Board-on-Board Fencing Cost Factors

While the ideal fencing installation site is a flat surface, this isn’t always the case. And if you have a preexisting fence in place, you’re going to need to consider the extra cost of removal.

Removal of Old Fence

The average cost to remove an old fence is around $3 to $5 per linear foot of fence. There also may be a fee of $100 to $300 for removal from the property. However, this depends strictly on the fencing company you hire.

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.

Plot Size Fence Length (Linear Feet) Price
One-sixth Acre 100 $2,000 – $6,000
One-fifth Acre 150 $3,000 – $9,000
One-fourth Acre 200 $4,000 – $12,000

Land Surveyor

If you don’t have a preexisting fence, you may want to hire a land surveyor. This ensures you know your property line and don’t build onto someone else’s property. Doing so may lead to fines and legal trouble.

The average cost to hire a land surveyor is around $350 to $700. The cost of a land surveyor will vary based on location, size and history of the property and how large it is.

Cost to Install a Board-on-Board Fence Yourself

To accomplish building a fence yourself, you’ll need to make sure you pull the right permits, as well as know the local codes for your home. A board-on-board fence will require around 50 to 60 hours to accomplish if you’re tackling it alone. This is partially thanks to the extra pickets needed to make it an official privacy fence.

Tools you’ll need to accomplish building a board-on-board fence yourself include:

  • Shovel

  • Posthole digger

  • Drill

  • Hammer

  • Circular Saw

  • Nails

If you don’t have all of these available, you can expect to pay around $400 to $500 for all of these items together. Materials will cost anywhere from $1 to $20 per picket or $3 to $40 per linear foot.

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional Fence Installer

It may be a more cost-effective option to build a fence yourself if you know your way around a workshop and have the power tools lying around. However, you’ll be trading your time for money.

DIY Pro
Equipment $400+ Included
Cost per Linear Foot $2 – $40 $15 – $55
Time 40 – 50 hours 24 – 35 hours

FAQs About Board-on-Board Fence Costs

How much does it cost to put up a gate with the fence?

The cost to install a gate with the fence is an extra $250 to $650 on average. This comes down to how large of a gate you’d like. Simple walk-in gates are on the lower side, while drive-in gates will come in at a higher price.

How do I calculate how much fencing I need?

To determine how much fencing you need, it’s always best to leave it to a professional. It will spare you the headache of DIYing. If you’re looking to tackle the entire process yourself, follow these steps:

  1. Contact your local municipality and HOA for code restrictions, post spacing, fence height and any other restrictions related to the project.

  2. Determine your property lines and how much you’d like fenced.

  3. Measure the length of the area where the fence will go

  4. Take the length of the fence and divide that number by the required post spacing length. You then add two to determine the number of posts you’ll need.

  5. Depending on height and material, you’ll need to multiply the number of posts by two to three for rails.

  6. Divide the total length by the width of your pickets (for wood privacy fences only). 

  7. Divide the total length by the panel length (for vinyl privacy fences only). 

What makes board on board fencing different from a typical fence?

Board on board fencing overlaps the pickets to create a fence with no spacing. This allows for a greater sense of privacy, as there are no holes. The overlap of pickets is anywhere from 1 foot to 2 feet, depending on the width of the pickets.

Is board on board fencing a privacy fence?

Board-on-board fencing falls under the category of a privacy fence since there is little to no space for anyone to look through.

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