Want to install a wooden privacy fence? Before starting, there are a few important factors to consider about the cost.
The national average cost to install a wood privacy fence stands at $4,350. However, most homeowners spend anywhere from $1,700 to $7,000 depending on the length of the fence, its height, and the type of wood used.
This translates into $17 – $44 per linear foot for the total installation.
| Quantity | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | Per Linear foot | $3 - $20 |
| Labor | Per Linear foot | $10 - $20 |
| Equipment and supplies | Per Linear foot | $5 - $10 |
| Average costs | Per Linear foot | $18 - $50 |
| Total costs | For 200 Linear ft | $3,600 - $10,000 |
Average cost to install wood privacy fence on 200 linear ft yard = $6,800
While installing a wooden privacy fence isn’t the most expensive job, your choice of materials and labor may make it so.
Generally, different types of wood will cost you differently, i.e., an Oak privacy fence will be more costly than one from pine or cedar. Expect to spend anywhere from $3 – $20 per linear foot on the privacy fence materials.
If you choose to hire professional fencing contractors, your costs will also be higher, ranging from $20 – $60 per hour or between $10 – $20 per linear foot.
To get better accuracy when estimating how much installing the privacy fence will cost you, first measure the length of your property line.
Note: Over the past year, there has been a sporadic rise in the costs of most home improvement equipment and materials. This is due to the increasing demand for these goods by the people now working from home, the rise in shipping costs, and the shortage in supply of the materials.
Therefore, expect to spend around 5 – 10% more on the fencing materials and supplies from the prices stated below.
Wood privacy fence cost per foot
The average cost to install a wooden privacy fence is around $17 – $44, including the labor and material cost. You might, however, spend more depending on the condition of your land and where you live.
If you choose to complete the installation as a DIY, your costs will be much lower, between $8 – $30 per linear foot. The actual amount will depend on your level of experience.
Wood privacy fence cost by yard size
The overall size of the yard being fenced also influences how much you’ll pay in the final estimate. A small yard, around 600 sq. ft may cost around $2,000 to install a privacy fence.
A homeowner with a medium-sized yard, around 2,000 sq. ft, can expect to spend up to $6,900 for the job while those will large yards can spend around $20,000.
Here’s how much you can expect to spend depending on the length of your fence.
| Size in Linear Feet | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | $1,700 | $4,400 |
| 200 | $3,400 | $10,000 |
| 500 | $8,500 | $22,000 |
| 600 | $10,200 | $26,400 |
| 900 | $15,300 | $39,600 |
Note: In most cities and towns, privacy fences are only allowed in the backyard and not the front yard. Therefore, your costs could be relatively lower if this is the case in your area. Check your local fencing regulations and Homeowners Association rules to be sure.
Wood privacy fence labor costs
If you choose to hire a professional for the project, the average labor cost will be significantly high. Due to the complex nature of the installation, you can expect to spend anywhere from $10 – $20 per linear foot for the job.
By the hour, this will range between $25 – $60. Any prep work or extra services required will also increase the labor costs.
Furthermore, you might spend more or slightly less depending on your geographic location.
Cost of wood privacy fence by style
To achieve privacy, whether full or partial, homeowners use different styles for their wood privacy fences. The most popular styles in the country today include:
| Style of privacy fence | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Solid board fence | $16 | $30 |
| Shadowbox / Board-on-board | $11.50 | $40 |
| Stockade fence | $8 | $15 |
| Basketweave fence | $12 | $30 |
| Lock board fence | $14 | $31 |
| Picket fence | $10 | $38.50 |
| Dog Eared fence | $12 | $20 |
| Convex fence | $8 | $20 |
Solid board privacy fence
The solid board privacy fence is a sturdy and beautiful fence option that’s perfect for homeowners looking for complete privacy. It doesn’t have any gaps between the wooden boards and is quite tall, ranging between 6 – 8 feet.
The fence is usually made from Pressure treated Western Red Cedar which is rot-resistant and has a long lifespan.
Installing a solid board privacy fence will cost you $16 – $30 per linear foot including labor and materials.
Pros of solid board fences
- Offer excellent privacy
- Long-lasting and durable
- Beautiful appearance, improves
- curb appeal
- Easy to install
Cons of solid board fences
- Can be expensive
- Requires regular maintenance
Shadowbox (board on board) privacy fence
Shadowbox fences are among the most popular privacy fence designs available today. It’s characterized by a tall alternating row of picket boards with a 2-inch gap separating the pickets on both sides.
It offers good semi-privacy fencing that allows more light and air to brighten your yard but still keeps any unwanted peepers at bay through the overlapping pickets.
The cost of installing this fence will be greatly determined by the type of wood you choose. However, most homeowners spend anywhere from $11.50 – $40 per linear foot.
Pros of shadowbox fence
- Its unique construction makes it visually appealing
- Alternating pickets allows it to be very durable
- Offer good versatility in color, wood type, and stains
- Has the same look on both sides
- Improves your property’s resale value
Cons of shadowbox fence
- Doesn’t offer complete privacy
Stockade privacy fence
Stockade fencing is slightly similar to the solid board fence but features a one-sided style with pointed picket tops. Wood boards for this fence style are butted together (one next to the other) ensuring no gaps are left.
The materials used for this fencing include Spruce, Pine, Cedar, Redwood, and Pressure-treated wood.
Its height could range anywhere from 4 to 6 feet making it perfect for your swimming pool or backyard.
The best thing about this fence is that it’s also relatively cheaper. You can expect to spend between $8 – $15 per linear ft for the installation depending on the type of wood you use.
Pros of stockade fencing
- Ensures full privacy since no one can peer through
- Easy to install and repair
- Relatively cheap to install
- Flexibility of painting options
Cons of stockade fencing
- May result in an unwelcoming appearance
- May develop small gaps with time due to wood expansion and contraction
Basketweave privacy fence
If you’re looking for a fence that offers more than privacy and beauty, then this is the fence for you. The Basketweave fence uses several strips of wood that overlap each other to come up with a fully opaque wall.
Its appearance mimics that of a woven basket, making it very unique from the fences in most neighborhoods.
Installing this fence will cost you anywhere from $12 – $30 per linear foot depending on the wood used.
Pros of Basketweave Fence
- It’s very stylish and visually appealing
- Relatively affordable
- Offers good privacy
- Available in several colors
- Unique privacy style
- Improves the curb appeal of your home
Cons of Basketweave Fence
- Requires a lot of maintenance
- Wood used isn’t strong so has a shorter lifespan
Other popular privacy fence-style options you can try include:
- Lock board fence – $14 – $31
- Picket fence – $10 – 38.50
- Convex and Concave fence – $8 – 20
- Dog Eared fence – $12 – $20
Wood privacy fence cost by height
Most privacy fences in the country today are either 6 feet or 8 feet. The heights can also get to 10 feet depending on the terrain of your yard. However, this will be subject to the local fencing regulations in your area.
The average cost to install a 4 – 6 feet tall fence costs anywhere between $20 – $45 per linear foot. An 8-foot tall fence increases the costs by almost 35% due to the cost of the added structures required to support them.
Homeowners spend anywhere between $25 – $55 per linear foot for these fences.
In terms of a 100 linear foot privacy fence, installing a 6’ fence may cost around $3,250 while an 8’ fence costs around $4,000.
Privacy fence cost by type of wood
As earlier mentioned, the type of wood you use generally affects how much you’ll spend on wood privacy fence installation.
Generally, using Hardwoods and pressure-treated woods for the installation will cost more than the softwoods. For instance, using Hardwood costs around $11.50 per linear foot compared to the $3 when using pine or untreated Cedar.
Keep in mind; These prices will vary depending on your location.
| Quantity | Low | High | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar | Per Linear ft | $2 | $5 |
| White Cedar | Per Linear ft | $4 | $7 |
| Red Cedar | Per Linear ft | $6 | $8 |
| Oak | Per Linear ft | $5 | $10 |
| Pine | Per Linear ft | $1 | $5 |
| Composite | Per Linear ft | $6 | $10 |
| Black Locust | Per Linear ft | $5 | $10 |
| Western Red Cedar | Per Linear ft | $6 | $8 |
| Douglas Fir | Per Linear ft | $6 | $7 |
| Bamboo | Per Linear ft | $10 | $16 |
| Hardwood | Per Linear ft | $8 | $15 |
Cost of wood privacy fence by location
The cost of lumber for privacy fences will also vary depending on where you live. If you live in a high-end neighborhood, contractors are likely to charge you higher prices compared to owners in the middle-income and rural areas.
Here are a few examples of what you should expect to pay for a 100 linear-foot wood privacy fence in some cities:
- Washington – $2,600
- Michigan – $1,400
- New Mexico – $1,750
- Georgia – $1,500
- Rhode Island – $2,200
- Iowa – $1,500
- Utah – $2,000
- Delaware – $2,100
The exact amount you’ll pay will depend on the professionals you hire within your area.
Wood privacy fence replacement cost
The average cost to replace your wood privacy fence will depend on whether you’ll need the removal of the existing fence among other services. Removal and disposal of the fence may add around $3 – $5 per linear foot.
On average, the total cost to replace your wood privacy fence ranges between $20 – $50 per linear foot. This translates into between $2,000 – $5,000 for the complete project.
Additional cost factors
Besides the labor and fencing material pricing, other factors that could add up to your total costs include;
Permits and local regulations
According to the local fence ordinances in most areas, you’ll need to get a permit for your privacy fence. For fences taller than 6 feet, you might also need to get a variance from the local municipality’s planning department – this is subject to the fence laws in your area.
The permits may cost between $20 – $100 but you can expect to spend anywhere from $200 – $1,200 if an inspection has to be done. You’re more likely to pay more if you live within the city limits.
Land survey
To avoid encroaching on your neighbor’s property, homeowners are always advised to hire a land surveyor before installing their fence. A surveyor will mark out your property lines beforehand and inform you of any land covenants that could be in place.
Doing this increases your costs by between $300 – $800 depending on the size of your property. Besides the size, the terrain and location of your house will also affect how much you spend.
Painting or staining
Most wood fences require some form of coating to protect them from rotting, insects, weather, and warping. You’ll, therefore, need to paint or stain your fence once in a while to keep it in shape and improve its lifespan.
Most homeowners pay around $1 – $2.50 per sq. ft to stain their fence and around $1.50 – $3 per sq. ft to have it painted.
However, the actual cost of either option will depend on whether you choose to hire a painter or do it as a DIY. Hiring an expert painter will cost you anywhere from $1,100 – $3,500 depending on the size of the fence.
DIY painting the fence will cost you slightly over $500.
Tree and stump removal
Large obstacles along the expected path of your fence will need to be removed, and this means extra costs. Professional tree removal, for instance, costs anywhere from $325 for small trees to around $7,900 for very large trees.
Removing bushes may cost you around $100 per bush, while stump removal costs anywhere from $75 – $600 depending on the size.
Make sure you get several quotes from different tree service companies to get the best deals.
Slope of land
The terrain of your land will also be a factor in the overall quote from your contractor. If they need to grade the land before installing the fence, you’ll have to pay an extra $100 – $3,500 for the job,
Gates
If you’ll be adding gates to your privacy fence, you also need to know that gates will cost more to install than your basic fence panels. The real cost of the gates will depend on their height, decorations, and material.
Nevertheless, expect to spend anywhere from $200 – $1,200 including labor and materials. Here’s an overview of the total costs by height:
| Gate Height | Cost |
|---|---|
| 4 Feet | $200 - $250 |
| 5 Feet | $225 - $275 |
| 6 Feet | $275 - $325 |
| 8 Feet | $375 - $425 |
| 10 Feet | $475 - $600 |
Fence post shape
Another key aspect of the overall cost of your privacy fence is the shape of the fence posts. The most popular shapes in use today include the pointed, square, and rounded.
Besides influencing the overall design and aesthetics of your fence, these post shapes also cost differently.
- Pointed posts – These have sharper ends which make it easier to drive the fence posts into the ground. They’re common in areas with dry and tough soils. Each pointed post will increase your costs by between $5 – $20.
- Rounded posts – If you’re going for a classic look, this is the fence post for you. It’s very easy to install and maintain and it’s never affected by animals and pests like squirrels. Installing the wood posts will increase your costs by around $5 – $15 each.
- Square posts – These are the most sophisticated and polished posts, but still the most expensive. They feature a square base which makes them very stable. Square posts are easier to cut but are affected by pests and other elements. Installing it will add an extra $20 – $50 per post to your overall fence installation costs.
Wood privacy fence vs other alternatives
Besides wood, homeowners across the country have also opted for other materials for their privacy fences. Vinyl privacy fences and metal fences like aluminum and wrought iron are among other popular options in use today.
Owners looking out for the safety and security of their kids, animals, and pets have also been known to embrace chain-link privacy fences, while bamboo and composite fences are still quite popular.
Here’s how each of these options compares to the cost of installing a wood privacy fence.
| Fence Material | Average cost per Linear foot |
|---|---|
| Vinyl fence | $15 - $40 |
| Aluminum fence | $24 - $32 |
| Wrought iron fence | $35 - $50 |
| Chain-link fence | $10 - $20 |
| Bamboo fence | $12 - $23 |
| Composite fence | $15 - $45 |
Cost to DIY install wood privacy fence
When looking to save on costs for the installation of your privacy fence, DIY installation can be a great option. However, you’ll need to be prepared to spend numerous hours on the job, depending on the size of the fence.
You’ll also have to spend on the equipment and materials for the job and this can be expensive. Most homeowners spend between $250 – $350 or $5 – $10 per linear foot for equipment and around $3 – $20 per linear foot on the materials.
Keep in mind; The cost of equipment and supplies will be lower per linear foot for larger projects compared to smaller fences.
| Item | Quantity | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | Per Linear foot | $3 - $20 |
| Equipment and supplies | Per Linear foot | $5 - $10 |
| Total | Per Linear foot | $8 - $20 |
| Average DIY total | For 200 Linear ft | $1,600 - $4,000 |
DIY cost vs hiring a pro cost
Installing a fence as a DIY is very simple and can be easily done if you have the time. For a 100 linear foot fence, you can expect to spend around $1,900 for the installation.
If you opt to hire a professional installer to do the job, the overall cost will be around $3,400. This means you’ll be saving nearly $1,500 of the privacy fence installation costs by doing it yourself.
However, you’ll need to consider your DIY experience and whether you have the time to complete the installation well.
Hiring a professional fence installer is always recommended for such DIY jobs because they have the team to complete it quickly and also can guarantee you good results.
Important questions to ask your fence installer
While hiring a fence contractor is a smart decision, you need to be sure that the contractor you choose can handle the job. After all, you’re spending thousands on their labor costs, so you deserve nothing short of quality work.
By asking your contractor these questions, you’ll get a better idea of the experience and expertise of the contractor.
- How long have you been in operation?
- Are you licensed to operate within this state?
- Do you have an in-house team or will you subcontract the work?
- How quickly can you start the job?
- Can you show me past samples of your work?
- What kind of warranty do you offer?
- Is your company fully insured? (Be sure to contact their insurer to confirm their cover is still active)
All reputable fencing contractors should easily answer these questions and any others you may have. Finally, ask for a contract for the entire job and ensure everything is well-detailed in the contract.
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FAQ's
Most wood fences last anywhere between 10 – 20 years. However, with regular maintenance and care, your fence can last well past the 20-year mark.
Vinyl fencing. The fence can easily last longer than 30 years and outlives most other popular privacy fence alternatives. Its durability is due to its resistance to insects, pests, and other weather elements.
It depends on what you’re looking for. A Wood fence offers better aesthetics and gives you better flexibility in colors and design options. Vinyl, on the other hand, is a better option if you want durability and lower maintenance.
Summer or spring. During this time, the ground is usually dry making it easier to dig fence holes and install them.
Yes! Adding a privacy fence creates a safe space for your children and pets to play in while also keeping out any unwanted strangers and stray animals. Installing a privacy fence can also help improve the overall resale value of your home.
Not necessarily. A privacy fence will only be considered rude if it’s constructed for the sole purpose of annoying your neighbor or if it encroaches on their land. Otherwise, you are within your rights to erect a privacy fence so long as it doesn’t violate your local area’s fence laws.
