How Much Does a 6 Foot Cedar Fence Cost?
A 6-foot cedar fence costs $20 to $45 per linear foot installed in 2026. For a typical 150-foot backyard fence in Wilmington NC, expect to pay $3,000 to $6,750 depending on cedar grade and fence style. This guide breaks down cedar pricing so you can budget accurately.
Quick Answer: 6-Foot Cedar Fence Cost
A 6-foot cedar privacy fence costs $20-$45 per linear foot installed. Standard cedar runs $20-28/ft, while premium Western Red Cedar costs $30-45/ft. For 150 feet of fencing plus a gate, budget $3,500-$7,500 total installed in Wilmington NC.
6-Foot Cedar Fence Cost by Grade
Cedar comes in different grades affecting price, appearance, and durability. Here's what each grade costs for a 6-foot privacy fence in 2026:
| Cedar Grade | Per Foot | 150 ft Total | 200 ft Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Cedar | $20 - $28 | $3,000 - $4,200 | $4,000 - $5,600 |
| Select Cedar (#1 Grade) | $25 - $35 | $3,750 - $5,250 | $5,000 - $7,000 |
| Western Red Cedar | $30 - $45 | $4,500 - $6,750 | $6,000 - $9,000 |
| Clear Heart Cedar | $40 - $55 | $6,000 - $8,250 | $8,000 - $11,000 |
*Prices include professional installation, posts, rails, hardware, and concrete. Add $300-500 for a walk gate.
Why Choose Cedar for Your 6-Foot Fence?
Natural Rot Resistance
Cedar contains natural oils (thujaplicins) that repel insects and resist decay—no chemical treatment needed. This makes it ideal for Wilmington's humid coastal climate.
15-25 Year Lifespan
Cedar fences outlast pressure-treated pine by 5-10 years, making the higher upfront cost worthwhile. Premium grades can last 25-30 years with minimal care.
Beautiful Aging
Cedar weathers to an elegant silver-gray patina if left natural, or can be stained to maintain its warm reddish-brown color. Either way, it looks better than treated pine.
Dimensional Stability
Cedar shrinks and swells less than other woods as humidity changes. This means fewer warped boards, cupped pickets, and gaps between boards over time.
Higher Home Value
Cedar fences add more curb appeal and resale value than basic wood fences. Buyers recognize the quality difference—especially in Wilmington's competitive real estate market.
Low Maintenance
Cedar can be left completely natural with no staining or sealing required. If you prefer the reddish color, a simple sealer every 2-3 years does the job.
6-Foot Cedar Fence Cost by Style
Fence style affects both cost and functionality. Here's how different 6-foot cedar fence styles compare:
| Fence Style | Per Foot | Privacy | Wind | Appearance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Board-on-Board | $25 - $40 | Full | Moderate | Classic overlapping boards, same on both sides |
| Dog-Ear Privacy | $20 - $32 | Full | Low | Traditional flat-top with clipped corners |
| Shadowbox | $28 - $42 | Partial | High | Alternating boards for airflow, attractive both sides |
| Horizontal Slat | $30 - $48 | Full | Moderate | Modern horizontal boards, contemporary style |
| Lattice Top | $28 - $45 | Partial | High | Solid bottom with decorative lattice upper section |
Cedar vs Other 6-Foot Fence Materials
Pressure-Treated Pine
$15 - $25/ft
Chemically treated for rot resistance
- ✓ Lowest cost wood option
- ✓ 10-15 year lifespan
- ✗ Contains chemicals
- ✗ Warps more than cedar
Cedar
$20 - $45/ft
Natural rot and insect resistance
- ✓ 15-25 year lifespan
- ✓ No chemical treatment
- ✓ Beautiful natural aging
- ✓ Less warping/cupping
Redwood
$35 - $60/ft
Premium hardwood, limited supply
- ✓ 20-30 year lifespan
- ✓ Stunning deep red color
- ✗ Very expensive
- ✗ Hard to source locally
Vinyl (PVC)
$25 - $40/ft
Plastic, zero maintenance
- ✓ 25-30 year lifespan
- ✓ Never needs staining
- ✗ Plastic appearance
- ✗ Can crack in cold
6-Foot Cedar Fence Project Examples
Small Backyard
100 feet + 1 gate
- Standard cedar (100 ft × $24): $2,400
- Walk gate: $350
- Permit: $75
Total: $2,825
Typical Residential
175 feet + 2 gates
- Select cedar (175 ft × $30): $5,250
- Walk gate + drive gate: $750
- Old fence removal: $500
- Permit: $100
Total: $6,600
Premium Install
200 feet + decorative top
- Western Red Cedar (200 ft × $38): $7,600
- Lattice top upgrade: $800
- 2 custom gates: $1,000
- Staining: $600
Total: $10,000
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 6 foot cedar fence cost?
A 6-foot cedar fence costs $20 to $45 per linear foot installed in 2026. For 150 feet of fence, expect to pay $3,000-$6,750 total. Standard grade cedar runs $20-28/ft, while premium Western Red Cedar costs $30-45/ft. Price includes materials, posts, hardware, and professional installation.
Is cedar fence worth the extra cost?
Yes, cedar fence is worth the premium for most homeowners. Cedar naturally resists rot, insects, and decay without chemical treatment—lasting 15-25 years with minimal maintenance. It weathers to an attractive silver-gray patina or can be stained to maintain its reddish color. The 30-50% premium over pressure-treated pine pays back in longevity and curb appeal.
How long does a 6 foot cedar fence last?
A 6-foot cedar fence lasts 15-25 years depending on climate, maintenance, and cedar grade. In Wilmington NC's humid climate, expect 15-20 years for standard cedar and 20-25 years for Western Red Cedar. Annual cleaning and occasional sealing can extend lifespan to 25-30 years.
What is the cheapest 6 foot privacy fence?
The cheapest 6-foot privacy fence is pressure-treated pine at $15-25 per foot installed. Cedar costs $20-45/ft but lasts longer without chemical treatment. For the absolute lowest cost, consider 6-foot chain link with privacy slats at $15-30/ft—though it lacks the warmth of wood.
Should I stain or seal a cedar fence?
Sealing or staining a cedar fence is optional but recommended for maximum lifespan. Left untreated, cedar weathers to silver-gray in 1-2 years—which many homeowners prefer. For color retention, apply a UV-blocking stain or clear sealer every 2-3 years. In Wilmington NC's humid climate, a water-repellent sealer helps prevent moisture damage.
Get Your Free Cedar Fence Estimate
NC Fence Co installs premium cedar fencing throughout Wilmington NC. Call today for a free, no-obligation estimate on your 6-foot cedar fence project.
Serving Wilmington, Leland, Hampstead, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and all of New Hanover, Brunswick & Pender Counties