Wood Fence Cost Calculator
Calculate costs for cedar, pine, redwood, and pressure-treated wood fences. Get instant estimates for privacy, picket, and board-on-board styles.
Comparing options? See our vinyl fence calculator, aluminum fence calculator, or compare all fence materials.
How Much Does Wood Fencing Cost?
Wood fencing costs $15-$45 per linear foot installed, depending on wood type and style.
Cost by Wood Type (Installed)
| Wood Type | Cost/Foot | 150 ft Project | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-Treated Pine | $15 - $25 | $2,250 - $3,750 | 10-15 years |
| Cedar | $20 - $35 | $3,000 - $5,250 | 15-20 years |
| Redwood | $30 - $45 | $4,500 - $6,750 | 20-25 years |
| White Oak | $25 - $40 | $3,750 - $6,000 | 15-20 years |
Cost by Fence Style
| Style | Cost/Foot | Privacy Level |
|---|---|---|
| Picket (3-4 ft) | $10 - $20 | None (decorative) |
| Split Rail | $8 - $15 | None (rustic) |
| Stockade/Privacy (6 ft) | $20 - $35 | Full privacy |
| Board-on-Board | $25 - $40 | Full privacy, no gaps |
| Shadowbox | $22 - $35 | Semi-private, airflow |
| Horizontal Slat | $30 - $50 | Modern look, semi-private |
Calculate Your Wood Fence Cost
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ft
Include Professional Installation
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Your Estimate
Materials
$4,952
Installation Labor
$2,250
Total Project Cost
$7,202
Maintenance Costs to Consider
Wood fences require staining/sealing every 2-3 years to maximize lifespan:
- Stain/seal cost: $3-6 per linear foot or $450-900 every 2-3 years
- Over 15 years: $2,250-4,500 in maintenance costs
- Total cost of ownership: $9,452-11,702
Detailed Material Breakdown
| Fence materials (150 ft) | $3,600 |
| Posts (19) | $475 |
| Concrete | $152 |
| Walk gates (1) | $225 |
| Drive gates (1) | $500 |
| Materials Subtotal | $4,952 |
| Installation labor | $2,250 |
| Project Total | $7,202 |
Wood Type Comparison
Pressure-Treated Pine
$15-25/ft
- + Most affordable option
- + Rot and insect resistant
- + Widely available
- - Green tint when new
- - More prone to warping
- - Shorter lifespan (10-15 yrs)
Best for: Budget-conscious projects, temporary fencing
Cedar
POPULAR$20-35/ft
- + Natural rot resistance
- + Beautiful natural color
- + Pleasant aroma
- + Less prone to warping
- - Mid-range price
- - Grays naturally if unstained
Best for: Most residential privacy fences
Redwood
$30-45/ft
- + Best natural rot resistance
- + Rich, beautiful color
- + Longest lifespan (20-25 yrs)
- + Most stable wood
- - Most expensive
- - Limited availability (West Coast)
Best for: Premium projects, curb appeal priority
Wood vs Other Fence Materials
| Material | Cost/ft | Lifespan | Maintenance | Privacy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wood | $20-45 | 10-20 yrs | High | Yes |
| Vinyl | $25-50 | 20-30 yrs | None | Yes |
| Aluminum | $40-75 | 30-50 yrs | None | No |
| Chain Link | $12-30 | 15-25 yrs | Low | No |
Choose Wood If:
- Privacy is your top priority
- You want a natural aesthetic
- Budget is a primary concern (short-term)
- You want to stain custom colors
- You don't mind regular maintenance
Consider Alternatives If:
- You hate maintenance → Vinyl or Aluminum
- You want 30+ year lifespan → Aluminum
- Budget is extremely tight → Chain Link
- You live in termite-prone areas → Vinyl
True Cost Over 20 Years (150 ft fence)
- Wood: $4,500 initial + $4,200 maintenance = $8,700 total
- Vinyl: $6,000 initial + $0 maintenance = $6,000 total
- Aluminum: $8,000 initial + $0 maintenance = $8,000 total
Wood may be cheapest upfront, but vinyl often wins on total cost of ownership.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a wood privacy fence cost?
A 6-foot wood privacy fence costs $20-$45 per linear foot installed, depending on wood type. For 150 feet: Pressure-treated pine ($3,000-$4,500), Cedar ($4,500-$6,750), Redwood ($6,000-$9,000). Add $150-400 per gate.
How long does a wood fence last?
Wood fence lifespan varies by type: Pressure-treated pine lasts 10-15 years, Cedar lasts 15-20 years, and Redwood lasts 20-25 years. Proper maintenance (staining every 2-3 years) can extend lifespan by 5-10 years.
Is cedar or pressure-treated better for fencing?
Cedar is generally better for fencing. It has natural rot resistance, looks better, warps less, and lasts longer (15-20 vs 10-15 years). Pressure-treated is 25-30% cheaper but contains chemicals and has a green tint. For most homeowners, cedar's premium is worth it.
How often do you need to stain a wood fence?
Stain or seal your wood fence every 2-3 years for optimal protection. In harsh climates (lots of sun or rain), you may need to stain annually. Unstained wood will gray within 6-12 months and deteriorate faster. Cost is typically $3-6 per linear foot for professional staining.
Can I install a wood fence myself?
Yes, but wood fence is more DIY-challenging than pre-assembled options like aluminum. You'll need to cut pickets to length, attach them individually, and ensure proper spacing. Skills needed: post hole digging, leveling, using a circular saw. DIY saves 35-45% but takes 2-4x longer than aluminum/vinyl. Budget 3-5 days for 150 feet.