How Much Does a Wood Fence Cost? Complete 2026 Pricing Guide
A wood fence costs between $15 and $35 per linear foot installed, with most homeowners paying $3,000-$7,000 for a 200-foot privacy fence. Wood remains America's most popular fencing material, offering warmth, natural beauty, and customizable styles. This guide breaks down wood fence costs by species, style, and the factors that affect your project total.
Wood privacy fencing creates a warm, natural boundary for residential properties.
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Wood Fence Cost by Species (2026 Prices)
The type of wood you choose has the biggest impact on how much your wood fence will cost. Here's what to expect for each wood species, including professional installation for a 200-foot privacy fence.
| Wood Type | Cost Per Foot | 200 ft Project | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-Treated Pine | $15 - $25 | $3,000 - $5,000 | 15-20 years |
| Spruce/Fir | $12 - $22 | $2,400 - $4,400 | 10-15 years |
| Western Red Cedar | $20 - $35 | $4,000 - $7,000 | 15-25 years |
| White Cedar | $18 - $30 | $3,600 - $6,000 | 15-20 years |
| Redwood | $25 - $40 | $5,000 - $8,000 | 20-30 years |
| Cypress | $22 - $38 | $4,400 - $7,600 | 20-25 years |
| Tropical Hardwood (Ipe) | $35 - $60 | $7,000 - $12,000 | 25-40 years |
Pressure-Treated Pine Fence Cost
Pressure-treated pine is the most popular and affordable wood fence option, costing $15-25 per linear foot installed. The chemical treatment protects against rot, insects, and moisture, making it suitable for ground contact. A 200-foot treated pine privacy fence typically costs $3,000-$5,000. The wood arrives with a green or brown tint that weathers to gray unless stained.
Cedar Fence Cost
Western red cedar costs $20-35 per linear foot installed, commanding a premium for its natural rot resistance, beautiful grain, and aromatic properties. Cedar contains natural oils that repel insects without chemical treatment. While cedar costs 30-50% more than pine, many homeowners prefer it for its appearance and eco-friendliness. A 200-foot cedar fence runs $4,000-$7,000.
Redwood Fence Cost
Redwood fencing costs $25-40 per linear foot, making it the premium choice for wood fences. Native to California, redwood offers exceptional natural rot and insect resistance, a rich reddish-brown color, and impressive longevity (20-30 years). Redwood is less common on the East Coast, which can add to shipping costs. A 200-foot redwood fence typically costs $5,000-$8,000.
Natural wood grain adds warmth and character that vinyl and metal fences can't replicate.
Cypress Fence Cost
Cypress fencing runs $22-38 per linear foot and performs exceptionally well in humid, coastal climates like Wilmington NC. Cypress contains cypretine, a natural preservative that resists decay and insects. It's particularly popular in the Southeast where it grows locally. A 200-foot cypress fence costs $4,400-$7,600.
Spruce and Fir Fence Cost
Spruce-pine-fir (SPF) fencing costs $12-22 per linear foot, making it the budget option among wood fences. However, SPF requires immediate staining and won't last as long as treated pine or cedar in outdoor applications. Best suited for dry climates or projects where cost trumps longevity.
Wood Fence Cost by Style
The fence design you choose affects both material usage and labor complexity. Here's how common wood fence styles compare in price:
| Fence Style | Description | Cost Per Foot |
|---|---|---|
| Stockade/Dog-Ear | Basic privacy fence with pointed picket tops | $15 - $25/ft |
| Board-on-Board | Overlapping boards for gap-free privacy | $22 - $35/ft |
| Shadowbox | Alternating boards, attractive from both sides | $20 - $32/ft |
| Horizontal Slat | Modern horizontal board design | $25 - $40/ft |
| Lattice Top | Solid panels with decorative lattice trim | $25 - $38/ft |
| Split Rail | Rustic, open design for boundaries | $10 - $18/ft |
| Picket Fence | Traditional spaced vertical boards | $12 - $25/ft |
Privacy Fence Styles
Privacy wood fences cost $20-40 per linear foot and come in several styles. Stockade (dog-ear) fencing uses pointed pickets butted together—it's affordable but shows the "bad side" to neighbors. Board-on-board overlaps pickets for zero gaps. Shadowbox (good-neighbor) alternates boards on opposite sides of the rail, looking attractive from both sides while allowing some airflow.
Modern Horizontal Fencing
Horizontal slat wood fencing costs $25-40 per linear foot and has surged in popularity for its clean, contemporary look. Boards run horizontally between posts, often with small gaps for a sleek aesthetic. This style typically uses higher-grade lumber and requires precise installation, adding to costs.
Traditional Picket Fencing
Wood picket fences cost $12-25 per linear foot, making them affordable for front yard boundaries and decorative applications. Classic picket fences use less material than privacy styles but don't provide screening. Heights typically range from 3-4 feet.
Split Rail Fencing
Split rail wood fences cost $10-18 per linear foot—the most economical wood fence option. These rustic, open designs work well for large properties, horse pastures, and rural aesthetics. They don't provide privacy but clearly mark boundaries with minimal material.
What Affects Wood Fence Cost?
Several factors beyond wood species influence your final project cost. Understanding these helps you budget accurately and make informed choices.
Wood Species
Cedar and redwood cost more than pine but last longer with less maintenance.
Fence Height
Standard 6ft costs 25-35% more than 4ft fences due to extra materials and sturdier posts.
Fence Style
Board-on-board and shadowbox use more lumber than basic stockade designs.
Grade of Lumber
Select grade (fewer knots) costs 20-40% more than standard construction grade.
Labor & Terrain
Slopes, rocks, and limited access add $3-10+ per foot to installation costs.
Post Material
Steel posts with wood panels add $5-10/ft but extend fence life significantly.
Fence Height Impact
Most wood privacy fences are 6 feet tall, but height significantly affects cost:
- 4-foot fence: $12-25/ft — suitable for decorative, pet containment, front yards
- 6-foot fence: $18-35/ft — standard privacy height, most common
- 8-foot fence: $28-50/ft — maximum privacy, may require permits
Taller fences require deeper post holes (typically 1/3 of post length), larger posts, and more lumber per panel—all adding to cost.
Lumber Grade Matters
Wood fence boards come in different grades based on defects like knots, splits, and wane (bark edge):
- Construction grade: Most affordable, may have knots and minor defects. Fine for painted or heavily stained fences.
- Standard/Better grade: Fewer knots, more consistent appearance. Good balance of quality and cost.
- Select/Premium grade: Minimal defects, consistent grain. Best for natural or clear-stained finishes. Costs 20-40% more.
Cedar vs Pressure-Treated Pine: Which Is Better?
The cedar vs pine debate is the most common question homeowners face when choosing wood fence materials. Here's a detailed comparison:
Western Red Cedar
$20-35 per linear foot
- Natural rot and insect resistance—no chemicals needed
- Beautiful reddish-brown color with distinctive grain
- Lightweight, doesn't warp as easily
- Can be stained immediately after installation
Best for: Natural aesthetics, eco-conscious homeowners, visible fences where appearance matters.
Pressure-Treated Pine
$15-25 per linear foot
- 30-50% less expensive than cedar
- Chemical treatment ensures ground-contact durability
- Widely available at all home improvement stores
- Denser wood, harder surface when dry
Best for: Budget-conscious projects, painted fences, utility areas, dog fences.
Long-Term Cost Comparison
While cedar costs more upfront, consider the total cost of ownership over 20 years:
200-foot Privacy Fence, 20-Year Cost:
- Cedar: $5,500 initial + $600 staining (2x) = $6,700 total
- Treated Pine: $4,000 initial + $1,800 staining (6x) = $5,800 total
*Pine requires more frequent staining (every 2-3 years vs 4-5 for cedar). Both assume 20-year lifespan with proper maintenance.
Bottom line: If budget is tight, treated pine is excellent value. If aesthetics and lower maintenance matter, cedar pays off over time—especially for visible fences.
Wood Fence Installation Costs
Professional fence installation adds $5-15 per linear foot to your wood fence project. Here's what installation involves:
Materials Only
- Treated Pine: $8-15/ft
- Cedar: $12-22/ft
- Redwood: $15-28/ft
- Hardware/Concrete: $2-4/ft
Labor Costs
- Basic Installation: $5-10/ft
- Complex Terrain: $10-15/ft
- Old Fence Removal: $3-5/ft
- Gate Installation: $150-400 each
What Professional Installation Includes
- Site preparation: Clearing vegetation, marking utility lines (call 811), establishing grade
- Post setting: Digging holes 24-36" deep, setting 4x4 or 6x6 posts in concrete
- Rail installation: Attaching horizontal 2x4 rails between posts
- Picket/Panel installation: Securing fence boards to rails with proper spacing
- Gate hanging: Installing posts with extra concrete, hanging gates with hardware
- Cleanup: Removing debris, disposing of materials, final walkthrough
Professional installation ensures proper post depth, alignment, and long-lasting results.
Cost to Build vs Buy Prefab Panels
Building a fence from scratch (individual boards) costs similar to prefabricated panels but offers more customization. Prefab panels ($40-80 per 6'x8' section) install faster but limit style options. Board-by-board construction takes longer but allows custom heights, styles, and better fits on sloped terrain.
Wood Fence Maintenance Costs
Unlike vinyl or aluminum, wood fences require ongoing maintenance to maximize lifespan. Budget for these recurring costs:
Staining and Sealing Costs
- DIY staining: $1-2 per linear foot for materials. A 200-foot fence costs $200-$400 in stain.
- Professional staining: $2-4 per linear foot. A 200-foot fence runs $400-$800 professionally.
- Frequency: Every 2-3 years for treated pine; every 3-5 years for cedar.
Pro tip: Wait 3-6 months before staining new pressure-treated wood. The treatment chemicals need time to dry for stain to penetrate properly. Cedar can be stained immediately.
Repair Costs
Individual board replacement costs $5-15 per board including labor. Post replacement runs $100-250 per post. Plan for occasional repairs, especially after storms.
Long-Term Value
A well-maintained wood fence adds 1-3% to home value and returns 50-70% of installation cost at resale. Neglected wood fences can actually detract from property value—maintenance isn't optional.
DIY vs Professional Wood Fence Installation
Building your own wood fence can save 30-50% on labor. But is DIY right for your project?
DIY Installation
- Save $1,000-$3,000 on a 200-foot fence
- Work at your own pace over weekends
- Full control over materials and quality
Tools needed: Post hole digger or auger, level, circular saw, drill, string line, concrete, and a helper.
Professional Installation
- Guaranteed straight lines and proper post depth
- Completed in 1-3 days, not weekends
- Labor warranty and permit handling
Best for: Slopes, long runs, rocky soil, limited time, or anyone who values their weekends.
Hybrid approach: Some homeowners save money by hiring a contractor just for post setting ($8-15/post including concrete), then installing rails and pickets themselves. Posts are the hardest part—getting them plumb and properly set is critical to fence longevity.
Ready for Your Wood Fence Estimate?
NC Fence Co installs cedar, treated pine, and custom wood fences throughout Wilmington, Leland, Hampstead, and southeastern North Carolina. Free estimates, quality craftsmanship.
Call (910) 443-4113 for Free EstimateFrequently Asked Questions About Wood Fence Costs
How much does a wood fence cost per foot?
Wood fence costs range from $15 to $35 per linear foot installed. Pressure-treated pine runs $15-25/ft, cedar costs $20-35/ft, and redwood averages $25-40/ft. Prices include materials and professional installation labor.
What is the cheapest wood for a fence?
Pressure-treated pine is the cheapest wood fence option at $15-25 per linear foot installed. Spruce and untreated pine cost slightly less but require immediate staining and have shorter lifespans. Treated pine offers the best value for budget-conscious homeowners.
Is cedar or pressure-treated wood better for a fence?
Cedar costs 30-50% more upfront ($20-35/ft vs $15-25/ft) but naturally resists rot and insects without chemicals. Pressure-treated pine is budget-friendly but contains preservatives and requires regular staining. Cedar lasts 15-25 years; treated pine lasts 15-20 years with proper maintenance.
How long does a wood fence last?
Wood fence lifespan depends on material: untreated pine lasts 5-10 years, pressure-treated pine 15-20 years, cedar 15-25 years, and redwood 20-30 years. Proper installation, drainage, and regular staining can extend lifespan by 5-10 additional years.
How much does it cost to stain a wood fence?
Staining a wood fence costs $1-3 per linear foot, or $150-600 for a typical backyard fence (150-200 feet). Plan to restain every 2-3 years for optimal protection. Professional staining adds another $1-2 per foot for labor.
How much does a 200-foot wood fence cost?
A 200-foot wood fence costs $3,000-$7,000 installed, depending on wood species and style. Treated pine runs $3,000-$5,000, cedar costs $4,000-$7,000, and redwood runs $5,000-$8,000. Add $300-$600 for gates.
Is wood fence cheaper than vinyl?
Wood fencing is typically 10-30% cheaper than vinyl upfront. Treated pine ($15-25/ft) costs less than vinyl ($20-40/ft), while cedar ($20-35/ft) is comparable. However, vinyl requires no maintenance, while wood needs regular staining. Over 20 years, total costs may be similar.
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About NC Fence Co: We've installed wood fences throughout Wilmington, NC and surrounding communities since 2015. From cedar privacy fences to treated pine stockade, our team has completed thousands of wood fence projects. This guide reflects real-world pricing from our southeastern North Carolina experience. For a personalized wood fence estimate, call (910) 443-4113 or request a quote online.