How Much Does a Privacy Fence Cost to Install?

Installing a privacy fence costs $13 to $32 per linear foot, including labor and materials. The average cost is $23. The total cost to install a fence of this type depends on the materials you choose, whether you opt for a shadowbox or solid privacy fence, and if you want any extra features. As a general rule of thumb, pressure-treated wood is the least expensive option out of the most common privacy fence materials, while composite is the costliest.

Average Costs to Install Privacy Fencing

Privacy Fencing Material Prices

Common materials for fencing cost $8 to $29 per linear foot. You can, of course, pay considerably more than this per linear foot if you opt for exotic hardwoods like Ipe, but these are outliers so not included in this guide. 

Wooden

Wooden fences cost $13 to $26 per linear foot. There are many different types of wood for fencing, but among the most common are pressure-treated wood (most often pine), which costs $13 to $18 per linear foot, and red cedar which costs $15 to $26 per linear foot. 

This type needs regular maintenance, including staining or painting yearly and treatment to prevent decay and insect infestation. 

Vinyl

Vinyl fencing costs $19 to $22 per linear foot. This mid-priced fencing option is impervious to rot, fungi, and insects and requires minimal maintenance, but it’s less visually appealing and has a shorter lifespan than composite. 

Composite

Expect to pay $24 to $32 per linear foot for composite fencing. This privacy fence material requires minimal maintenance other than a yearly cleaning and can last over 30 years. It's impervious to rot, insect damage, and mold. It also mimics the look of wood if you opt for a wood-look design.

Privacy Fencing Installation Costs

The labor to install privacy fencing is $3 to $5 per linear foot. Per hour, this equates to $35 to $50. How much you'll pay for labor depends on your location and how challenging the project is. Working on rugged terrain, a steep incline, or where accessibility is problematic will cost you more because the pros have to spend longer on the project.

Privacy Fencing Costs per Linear Foot

Expect to pay around $13 to $32 per linear foot to install privacy fencing. This price includes labor and materials. Once you've established the type of fence you want and know the cost per panel or linear foot, you can figure out how much it'll cost in total by measuring your property boundary, or the linear footage of the area you want to fence. 

Here are some common fence sizes and their approximate installation costs. 

Privacy Fencing Costs by Fence Type

There are two main types of privacy fencing. Solid privacy fences are the most basic type and tend to be made from wood or vinyl. Shadowbox fences are generally more expensive and made from composite or specialty hardwoods. 

Solid 

If you're adding a privacy fence on a tight budget, this type—made from pressure-treated wood—is the most affordable option, at $13 to $18 per linear foot with materials and labor costs. Solid privacy fences are made from standard overlapping slats attached to a frame and tend to be the least expensive option. These also offer the most privacy because of their solid nature. 

Shadowbox 

They're generally made from composite or vinyl and cost $22 to $32 per linear foot. Shadowbox fences are more decorative but offer slightly less privacy. Each slat is somewhat offset on the frame, letting a small amount of light through. This type of fence is more decorative, but it isn't quite as private. However, many homeowners enjoy the additional light and aesthetically pleasing look of shadowbox fences. 

Privacy Fencing Cost Factors

Once you've chosen the type of fence and the material, other factors influence how much your fencing project will cost, including how high you want your fence, accessibility issues, any extra features you want to add, and ongoing maintenance costs.

Fence Height

The fence height influences the overall cost because it determines the surface area or material used per linear foot. For example, a 6-foot tall privacy fence uses less material per linear foot than a comparable fence of 7 or 8 feet. Therefore, the taller the fence, the more you'll pay per linear foot. 

Installation Issues

Difficult ground, uneven terrain, inclines, oddly shaped property boundaries, and limited site accessibility can all increase your total cost. These issues all require more labor time, increasing your final bill.

Extra Features

Extra features such as decorative finishes, wood-look slats, cut-out top panels, fancy top rails or post caps, and other added extras can quickly escalate costs. Your local fencing pro can talk you through your options before starting the project. 

Ongoing Maintenance

How much you'll pay to keep your fence in good condition is an important consideration. Vinyl and composite fencing require minimal, if any, maintenance other than an annual cleaning with soap and water. Note that composite may eventually fade in direct sunlight, but you can paint or stain it to rejuvenate its appearance if that happens. 

Wood fencing also needs regular ongoing care, including cleaning and staining. You may also need to treat the fence to protect against or get rid of insect infestations, fungus, and rot. 

DIY vs. Hire a Fence Installation Pro

While it's possible to install a privacy fence yourself if you have the right skill set, it's better to hire a professional fence installer for most people. Using a local fencing pro for the job ensures the fence is installed securely and correctly. 

FAQs

Is it rude to put up a privacy fence?

No, it's not rude to put up a privacy fence, as long as you're not infringing on a neighboring property. It's also important to make sure you're not breaking local rules regarding fences.

Does a privacy fence add value to your home?

It depends on where the fence is and what condition it's in. A privacy fence around the front of your property can reduce curb appeal and make your home harder to sell. A good-quality privacy fence around the backyard can increase the value of your property. 

How tall should a privacy fence be?

As a general rule, privacy fences should be 6- to 8-feet tall. However, some municipalities may have regulations about the maximum height for fences in a residential neighborhood.