Quick Answer: Wood Fence Costs
Wood fence costs $15-50 per linear foot installed in 2026. For a typical 150-foot backyard project, expect to pay $3,000-$7,500 total. Pressure-treated pine is the most budget-friendly option, while cedar and redwood cost more but offer natural rot resistance and longer lifespans—especially important in Wilmington's humid coastal climate.
Part of our Fence Cost Guide: For a complete overview comparing all fencing materials including chain link, vinyl, and aluminum, see our comprehensive guide to fence installation costs per foot.
Wood Fence Costs by Species
The type of wood you choose has the biggest impact on both upfront cost and long-term value. Here's how the most common fencing woods compare for Wilmington NC homeowners.
| Wood Species | Cost Per Foot | 150 ft Project | Lifespan | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-Treated Pine | $15 - $25 | $2,250 - $3,750 | 10-15 years | Most affordable, chemically treated for rot resistance |
| CedarBest Value | $25 - $40 | $3,750 - $6,000 | 15-25 years | Natural rot resistance, beautiful grain, ideal for coastal areas |
| Redwood | $35 - $50 | $5,250 - $7,500 | 20-30 years | Premium appearance, excellent durability, highest cost |
| White Oak | $30 - $45 | $4,500 - $6,750 | 15-20 years | Dense hardwood, naturally durable, traditional look |
| Cypress | $28 - $42 | $4,200 - $6,300 | 15-25 years | Natural oils resist decay, good for humid climates |
Wilmington NC recommendation: Cedar offers the best balance of cost and longevity for our coastal climate. Its natural oils resist rot and insects without chemical treatment—important when humidity and salt air accelerate wood decay.
Wood Fence Costs by Style
Fence style affects both material usage and installation complexity. Privacy fences use more wood than picket fences, and decorative styles like shadowbox require additional labor.
| Fence Style | Cost Per Foot (Installed) | Typical Height | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Privacy Fence (Solid Board)Most Popular | $20 - $45 | 6 ft | Complete privacy, boards placed edge-to-edge |
| Shadowbox / Board-on-Board | $25 - $50 | 6 ft | Privacy with airflow, boards overlap on alternating sides |
| Picket Fence | $15 - $30 | 3-4 ft | Classic decorative style, spaced pickets |
| Split Rail | $10 - $20 | 3-4 ft | Rustic aesthetic, minimal material, no privacy |
| Horizontal Slat | $30 - $55 | 6 ft | Modern contemporary look, horizontal boards |
| Lattice Top | $25 - $45 | 6 ft | Privacy below with decorative lattice above |
Privacy Fence vs Shadowbox
Solid privacy fences place boards edge-to-edge for complete visual barrier. Shadowbox (board-on-board) alternates boards on each side of the rails, using about 50% more material but allowing airflow—reducing wind load and creating a finished look from both sides.
Modern Horizontal Fencing
Horizontal slat fencing has become popular in contemporary home designs. It costs more ($30-55/ft) due to the precision required and often uses premium woods like cedar. The horizontal orientation can be more prone to sagging if not properly supported with adequate posts.
Wood Fence Costs by Height
Fence height directly affects material costs and may be regulated by local codes. Here's pricing for cedar fencing at standard heights.
| Height | Cost Per Foot (Installed) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 3 ft | $10 - $20 | Decorative borders, picket fences |
| 4 ft | $15 - $28 | Front yards, pet containment, picket fences |
| 5 ft | $18 - $35 | Side yards, partial privacy |
| 6 ft | $22 - $45 | Backyard privacy, most common height |
| 8 ft | $30 - $55 | Maximum privacy, commercial, sound barrier |
Wilmington NC Height Regulations
New Hanover County allows 6-foot fences in backyards and 4-foot fences in front yards. Fences over 6 feet may require a permit. HOA communities often have additional restrictions on height, materials, and styles—always check your neighborhood covenants before installation.
Cedar vs Pressure-Treated Pine
The most common wood fence debate: natural cedar versus chemically treated pine. Here's how they compare for cost, durability, and maintenance.
| Factor | Cedar | Pressure-Treated Pine |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Per Foot (Installed) | $25 - $40 | $15 - $25 |
| Expected Lifespan | 15-25 years | 10-15 years |
| Rot Resistance | Natural (excellent) | Chemical treatment |
| Insect Resistance | Natural oils repel | Treatment protects |
| Maintenance Needed | Stain every 3-5 yrs | Stain every 2-3 yrs |
| Warping/Shrinking | Minimal | More prone |
| Appearance Over Time | Weathers to silver | Grays unevenly |
| Best For | Coastal, premium | Budget-conscious |
Choose Cedar When...
- You want natural rot resistance (no chemicals)
- Your property is near the coast (salt air tolerance)
- You prefer less frequent maintenance
- You value the natural, weathered silver appearance
Choose Pressure-Treated When...
- Budget is the primary concern
- You're comfortable with regular staining
- The fence isn't in direct ground contact
- You plan to paint or stain to a specific color
Wood vs Other Fencing Materials
How does wood fencing stack up against vinyl, aluminum, and chain link? Here's a comprehensive comparison to help you decide.
| Factor | Wood | Vinyl | Aluminum | Chain Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost Per Foot (Installed) | $15 - $50 | $25 - $50 | $30 - $75 | $15 - $35 |
| Lifespan | 10-30 years | 20-30 years | 30-50 years | 15-25 years |
| Maintenance | Stain every 2-3 yrs | None (wash) | None (rinse) | Minimal |
| Privacy Options | Full privacy | Full privacy | None (open) | Slats available |
| Curb Appeal | High (natural) | Moderate | High (elegant) | Low |
| DIY Friendly | Moderate | Easy | Difficult | Moderate |
| Repair Cost | Low (boards only) | High (panels) | Moderate | Low |
| Wind Resistance | Good | Moderate | Good | Excellent |
Why Choose Wood Over Other Materials?
Wood offers the most natural, warm aesthetic that many homeowners prefer. It's also the easiest to repair—individual boards can be replaced for $3-12 each, while vinyl and aluminum often require panel replacement. Wood is the most customizable material, accepting any stain or paint color. For Wilmington NC, cedar wood provides excellent coastal durability at a moderate price point.
Wood Fence Material Cost Breakdown
Understanding each component's cost helps you compare contractor quotes and know exactly what you're paying for.
| Component | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fence Boards (6 ft picket) | $3 - $12 each | Species dependent, need 16-20 per section |
| Posts (4x4 treated) | $15 - $35 each | Every 6-8 feet, 8 ft length for 6 ft fence |
| Rails (2x4 treated) | $8 - $15 each | 3 rails per section (top, middle, bottom) |
| Post Caps | $5 - $25 each | Decorative or protective styles |
| Gate Kit (single walk) | $150 - $400 | Hardware, hinges, latch included |
| Double Drive Gate | $350 - $800 | For vehicle access, 10-12 ft opening |
| Post Concrete | $0.50 - $1/ft | 2-3 bags per post |
| Stain/Sealer | $1 - $3/ft | Initial application, repeat every 2-3 years |
| Installation Labor | $8 - $20/ft | Professional installation |
DIY vs Professional Installation
DIY wood fence installation can save $8-20 per foot on labor. However, consider:
- You need proper tools (post hole digger, level, saw)
- Crooked posts are difficult to fix after concrete sets
- Most DIY fences have no warranty
Getting Accurate Quotes
When comparing contractor quotes, make sure they include:
- Wood species and grade specified
- Post depth and concrete amount
- Number of gates and hardware type
- Initial staining/sealing included or extra
Total Wood Fence Costs by Project Size
What to expect for complete wood fence installations at various property sizes, using mid-range cedar fencing.
| Linear Footage | Total Cost Range | Average Cost | Typical Project |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 ft | $1,000 - $2,500 | $1,750 | Side yard, small area |
| 100 ft | $2,000 - $5,000 | $3,500 | Front yard or partial backyard |
| 150 ft | $3,000 - $7,500 | $5,250 | Average backyard perimeter |
| 200 ft | $4,000 - $10,000 | $7,000 | Large backyard |
| 300 ft | $6,000 - $15,000 | $10,500 | Full property perimeter |
Wood Fence Maintenance Costs
Wood fencing requires ongoing maintenance to maximize lifespan. Budget for these periodic expenses to keep your fence looking great and lasting longer.
| Maintenance Task | Frequency | Cost Per Linear Foot | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Staining/Sealing | Every 2-3 years | $1.50 - $3.00 | Essential for longevity, especially in coastal areas |
| Pressure Washing | Annually | $0.25 - $0.50 | Remove mildew before staining |
| Board Replacement | As needed | $3 - $12/board | Individual boards easy to replace |
| Post Replacement | As needed | $75 - $150/post | Most common repair, especially at ground level |
Coastal Climate Considerations
Wilmington's humid, salty air accelerates wood decay. Cedar and cypress naturally resist these conditions better than treated pine. Regardless of species, applying a quality UV-blocking stain/sealer every 2-3 years is essential for coastal wood fences.
Signs Your Fence Needs Attention
- Water no longer beads on the surface
- Wood appears gray or weathered
- Mildew or green algae visible
- Boards are splitting or warping
Factors That Affect Wood Fence Cost
Several variables determine whether you'll pay closer to $15 or $50 per foot for your wood fence installation.
Wood Species
Cedar and redwood cost 50-100% more than pressure-treated pine but last longer.
Fence Height
Each additional foot of height adds $3-8 per linear foot to material and labor costs.
Fence Style
Privacy fences use more material than picket; shadowbox uses 50% more boards than solid.
Terrain
Slopes, rocky soil, or tree roots can add 15-30% to installation costs.
Gate Requirements
Walk gates add $150-400 each. Drive gates for vehicles add $350-800.
Finishing
Staining adds $1-3/ft initially. Paint costs more but needs less frequent reapplication.
Related Fence Cost Guides
Compare wood to other fencing materials and explore more detailed cost breakdowns.
Fence Installation Costs Per Foot
Complete guide comparing all fence materials including chain link, vinyl, aluminum, and wood.
Vinyl Fence Cost Per Foot
Compare vinyl's zero-maintenance appeal to wood's natural beauty and lower upfront cost.
Average Cost of Fence Replacement
Replacing an old wood fence? Learn removal costs and whether to repair or replace entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about wood fence costs and installation in Wilmington NC.
How much does a wood fence cost per foot?
Wood fence costs $15-50 per linear foot installed in 2026. Pressure-treated pine is the most affordable at $15-25/ft, while cedar ranges from $25-40/ft and redwood costs $35-50/ft. The total depends on wood species, fence height, style (privacy vs picket), and your property's terrain.
Is cedar or pressure-treated wood better for fencing?
Cedar offers natural rot and insect resistance without chemicals, making it ideal for Wilmington's humid coastal climate. It costs more upfront ($25-40/ft vs $15-25/ft) but lasts 15-25 years with less maintenance. Pressure-treated pine costs less initially but requires more frequent staining, is more prone to warping in humid conditions, and typically lasts 10-15 years.
How long does a wood fence last?
Wood fence lifespan varies by species: pressure-treated pine lasts 10-15 years, cedar 15-25 years, and redwood 20-30 years. Proper maintenance including staining every 2-3 years can extend lifespan by 5-10 years. In coastal areas like Wilmington NC, choosing naturally rot-resistant woods like cedar or cypress is especially important for longevity.
What is the cheapest wood for fencing?
Pressure-treated pine is the cheapest wood fencing option at $15-25 per linear foot installed. Untreated pine is even cheaper ($10-18/ft) but not recommended—it rots quickly without treatment, especially in humid coastal climates. For the best value balancing cost and longevity, pressure-treated pine offers the lowest upfront investment while still providing reasonable durability.
How much does a 6-foot privacy fence cost per foot?
A 6-foot wood privacy fence costs $20-50 per linear foot installed, depending on wood species. Pressure-treated pine privacy fencing runs $20-30/ft, cedar privacy fence costs $30-45/ft, and redwood privacy fence ranges from $40-50/ft. For a typical 150-foot backyard, expect to pay $3,000-$7,500 total including posts, rails, boards, gates, and professional installation.
Ready for Your Wood Fence Estimate?
NC Fence Co. installs premium wood fencing throughout Wilmington NC and surrounding areas. Get a free, no-obligation quote—we'll help you choose the right wood species and style for your property and budget.
Serving Wilmington, Leland, Hampstead, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and all of New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender Counties.