How Much Does Fence Painting Cost in 2025?
Painting a fence costs an average of $1,700
Painting a fence costs $1,700 on average, with most projects ranging from $750 to $4,250.
The total cost depends on factors such as fence size and type, number of coats needed, labor, and prep work.
Hiring a professional fence painter ensures that your fence is properly prepared and the paint is expertly applied for durable, long-lasting results.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Painting or staining your fence not only boosts your home's curb appeal but also extends its lifespan. On average, homeowners spend $1,700 to paint or stain a fence, with most projects ranging between $750 and $4,250. Smaller projects can cost as low as $300, while larger or more complex projects can reach up to $ $4,800. Several factors influence the cost, including the fence's size and type, the number of coats needed, labor, and preparation work. Hiring a professional to paint or stain your fence ensures expert-level results and enhanced durability.
Fence Painting Cost Factors
Several factors influence the cost of painting or staining your fence, with size being the most significant. Taller fences with more square footage cost more to paint or stain. On average, expect to pay $3 to $14 per linear foot or $1 to $3 per square foot.
The method for how you wish to paint, including how many coats you need, will factor into the price. And, if you choose to outsource the labor, you need to account for the cost and time.
Fence Length
Painting or staining a fence costs an average of $3 to $14 per linear foot. Here’s a look at various fence lengths and their associated painting costs for applying a single coat.
| Length (Linear Feet) | Average Cost (One Coat) |
|---|---|
| 50 | $150–$700 |
| 75 | $225–$1,050 |
| 100 | $300–$1,400 |
| 150 | $450–$2,100 |
| 200 | $600–$2,800 |
| 300 | $900–$4,200 |
| 400 | $1,200–$5,600 |
Number of Coats
In most cases, you will only need to apply one coat of stain, but applying two coats can enhance durability and depth, though it will increase material and labor costs. Painting requires more work—you'll need a primer coat followed by two coats of paint.
Also, consider whether you'll be painting one side or both sides of the fence. Many fences sit on a property line, and whoever installed the fence is responsible for the upkeep, but that’s not always known information.
No matter who owns it, it’s always best to paint or stain both sides to keep them in good condition. Consider splitting the cost with your neighbor or working together to find a solution for fence maintenance.
Labor and Preparation Costs
Professional painters charge $25 to $100 per hour. Hiring a pro brings expertise and efficiency to your project, ensuring a high-quality finish that can save you time and effort.
It’s not often that you’ll be able to simply start painting and staining on day one. There is some prep work required before you begin. You need to make sure your fence is free from obstructions, which could include trimming loose vegetation or mowing and weeding. Your fence will also need cleaning to ensure a fresh canvas for your paint or stain.
Another factor to consider is repairs such as holes, cracks, or structural defects. Fence repairs cost an average of $300 to $900. In addition, pressure washing costs $150 to $300, and sandblasting can run between $2 and $8 per square foot.
Staining vs. Painting
You’ll have to decide whether you want to paint or stain your fence. Your fence painting pro can make recommendations for you based on your needs and budget. Here’s a look at the differences between fence painting and staining.
| Painting | Staining |
|---|---|
| $20–$80 per gallon | $20–$50 per gallon |
| Covers more, making stain vs. paint material prices about the same | More needed to cover a surface than paint |
| Can chip and peel over time, requiring old paint removal before recoating | Fades over time, but can add a new coat on top of old |
| Extra preparation can add up to 50% to the project cost | No extra cost to prepare a previously stained surface |
| Require two or more coats | Only needs one coat |
Painting Cost by Fence Type
Overall, painting or staining your fence will cost $300 to $4,800, which includes preparation, the cost of materials, and labor. The type of fence you have will have a major impact on that price. Here are common fence types and their painting costs.
| Fence Type | Cost Per Linear Foot |
|---|---|
| Wrought iron | $5–$12 |
| Wood picket | $2–$5 |
| Privacy | $2–$10 |
| Metal and aluminum | $4–$10 |
| Shadow box | $4–$14 |
| Vinyl | $3–$10 |
Wrought Iron
Painting a wrought iron fence costs, on average, $5 to $12 per linear foot or between $750 and $2,300. While wrought iron is a more attractive and decorative type of fence, it is one of the more difficult to paint, which means it’s best to hire a professional.
A pro will first remove any rust with a wire brush. Depending on the condition of the metal, they may apply a coat of rust-proof primer before the final coat, increasing the cost of the job by up to $1,250.
There are two popular methods for painting a wrought iron fence: brushing and spraying. Spraying is faster, so the labor rate will be lower. However, it uses more material, and the workers need to be careful not to spray objects nearby.
Wood Picket
The cost to paint or stain a wood picket fence is $2 to $5 per linear foot. It is important to remove any loose or chipped paint before applying the new coat. If the old paint is in poor condition, there may be an extra cost for the preparation.
If the fence is new or was previously stained, staining is often the better choice. Staining does not need as much preparation, so you can avoid the extra cost. Picket fences tend to be shorter (48 inches or less), so they are typically less expensive to refinish.
Privacy Fence
Privacy fences are usually at least five feet tall, so they will need more stain. The intricacy of the woodwork will influence the price, with the average cost between $2 and $10 per linear foot. If your design has lattice at the top or scrolling woodwork, the labor price goes up.
Metal and Aluminum
Decorative aluminum fences are similar to wrought iron when it comes to painting. The cost is a little less at $4 to $10 per linear foot and could require less preparation as the material doesn’t rust. You’ll need to remove any loose paint before repainting or staining. You should use oil-based paint when painting outdoor metal surfaces, such as a fence.
Shadow Box
Due to their alternating slats, these are one of the more labor-intensive designs to paint and therefore one of the costliest at $4 to $14 per linear foot. Preparation is also difficult as scraping any loose paint off can be tricky, due to the difficulty of working between the alternating boards. If it needs a lot of preparation, it will increase the price.
DIY vs. Hiring a Fence Painting Pro
You can save money by painting or staining the fence yourself, but be prepared to invest time and effort. You'll need the right equipment and knowledge about brushes, rollers, or sprayers. DIY projects can take several weekends to complete.
Hiring a professional exterior painter ensures the job is done efficiently and correctly. Pros bring expertise, can complete the project faster, and often provide a warranty for their work, ensuring durable, long-lasting results and an expertly applied finish.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's best to stain your new fence after the wood has fully dried, which usually takes about six to eight weeks after installation. Waiting ensures the stain adheres properly, giving your fence lasting protection. Staining a fence usually takes three to five days. You'll start by cleaning the wood and letting it dry for at least 24 hours. After applying the stain, you'll need to wait 12 to 24 hours for each coat to dry.
Paint lasts longer than stain—about five to 10 years compared to stain's one to eight years. Painting requires more prep work and multiple coats, but offers a durable, long-lasting finish. Staining is less labor-intensive and allows the wood's natural beauty to show, but may need more frequent reapplication. Consider your maintenance preferences and desired look when choosing between the two.
Yes, you should stain both sides of your fence. Staining both sides provides complete protection from weather, moisture, and pests, extending your fence's lifespan and keeping it looking good. If your fence borders a neighbor’s property, communicate with them about splitting the cost of staining both sides of the fence or work out an agreement that satisfies both parties.
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