Fenceonomics 101: Your Guide to Wood Fence Cost Per Foot

Why Wood Fence Pricing Matters for Your Home Investment

When you're researching cost per ft wood fence, you need straight answers. Here are the key numbers to know for 2025:

Wood Fence Cost Per Linear Foot (2025):

• Total Installed Price: $20 to $50 per linear foot
• Materials Only: $10 to $30 per linear foot
• Labor Costs: $8 to $23 per linear foot
• Average Project (150 ft): $3,000 to $7,500

The final cost depends on your chosen wood species, fence height, and location. For example, pressure-treated pine costs $15-$30 per foot installed, while cedar is $25-$45, and premium redwood can reach $35-$60 per foot.

Contractors may quote by the panel or hour, but the industry standard is cost per linear foot. Understanding this pricing helps you accurately compare quotes and budget realistically. The per-foot price includes all materials (posts, rails, boards, hardware, concrete) and the skilled labor to build it correctly. Regional factors also play a role; labor rates in New England can be 10-30% above national averages.

Most homeowners spend between $3,000 and $15,000 on a residential fence. Getting clear on costs from the start saves headaches later.

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This guide breaks down every factor affecting your wood fence cost per foot, from materials to labor, so you can plan your project with confidence.

Understanding the Average Cost Per Ft Wood Fence

When contractors discuss cost per ft wood fence, they mean the total installed price, including all materials and labor. Nationally, homeowners pay between $20 and $50 per linear foot. For a typical 150-foot backyard fence, this translates to a project cost of $3,000 to $7,500.

This range is a starting point. Your actual price will depend on the wood species, fence height, and your location. Costs in New England—including New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine—tend to be higher due to regional labor rates and material availability.

Pressure-treated pine is the most affordable option, while cedar and redwood command premium prices for their longevity and natural resistance to harsh New England weather. Understanding what drives these costs helps you budget realistically and avoid surprise charges.

For a deeper look at costs in our region, see our guide on wood fence installation costs.

Wood Species Showdown: Pine vs. Cedar vs. Redwood

Choosing your fence wood involves balancing budget, quality, and aesthetics.

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Here’s a breakdown of the three most popular wood types:

Pressure-treated pine is the budget-friendly workhorse. It's chemically treated to resist rot and insects. While its upfront cost per ft wood fence is low, it requires regular sealing or staining every few years to maximize its lifespan.

Western Red Cedar costs more initially but contains natural oils that resist decay and insects. It ages to a beautiful silvery-gray, and its natural resilience is ideal for New England's weather, making it a popular choice that balances affordability and longevity.

Redwood is the premium option, known for its rich color and superior natural resistance to rot and insects. Though its initial cost per ft wood fence is highest, its 30- to 50-year lifespan with minimal maintenance makes it an excellent long-term investment.

Learn more about different wood fence types to see which is right for you.

Breaking Down the Cost Per Ft Wood Fence: Materials vs. Labor

Your fence investment is typically split evenly between materials and skilled labor.

Materials generally cost $10 to $30 per linear foot, covering posts, rails, boards, hardware, and concrete. Your choice of wood is the primary driver of this cost.

Labor adds another $8 to $23 per linear foot, making up about 50% of the total cost per ft wood fence. This price reflects the skill involved in a professional installation. This includes site preparation, precise layout, and proper post setting—digging below the frost line and anchoring in concrete to withstand New England's freeze-thaw cycles. It also covers fence construction, gate installation, and cleanup. The Bureau of Labor Statistics data on fencer wages reflects the specialized skills required.

Hiring a professional wood fence installer ensures your fence will withstand local weather and saves you from costly DIY mistakes.

How Fence Height and Style Impact Price

Fence height and style significantly affect your cost per ft wood fence, as taller or more complex designs require more material and labor.

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Common heights are 4-foot, 6-foot, and 8-foot. Upgrading from a 6-foot to an 8-foot fence can increase costs by 20-30% due to the need for more materials and structural bracing.

• Privacy fences, usually 6 feet tall, are a popular choice in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, costing $25-$50 per linear foot installed. More complex styles like shadowbox or board-on-board cost more due to intricate installation.
• Picket fences (3-4 feet tall) are for defining boundaries and adding charm, not privacy. Their simpler construction costs less, typically $10-$36 per linear foot installed.
• Horizontal fences offer a modern look but are pricier, averaging around $60 per linear foot due to special structural needs to prevent sagging.

Decorative elements like lattice tops or custom post caps will also add to the material and labor costs.

Key Factors That Influence Your Final Price

Several real-world factors beyond a standard rate can affect your final cost per ft wood fence. Understanding them helps prevent budget surprises.

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• Site Conditions: Sloped or uneven terrain requires more labor, specialized techniques, and sometimes custom-cut panels, increasing costs.
• Soil Type: Rocky New England soil or dense clay can make digging post holes difficult and time-consuming, sometimes requiring specialized equipment and adding to the cost.
• Property Accessibility: Limited access to the fence line means more time spent hauling materials by hand, which increases labor hours and your final price.
• Geographic Location: Labor rates in cities like Manchester, NH, or Haverhill, MA, are often 10-30% higher than national averages. Rural areas may have lower labor costs, but travel time can add up.
• Time of Year: Spring and summer are peak season with higher demand. Booking an installation in the off-season (fall or winter) can sometimes lead to savings.

Beyond the Linear Foot: Additional Project Costs

Your project budget needs to account for several extras not included in the base per-foot price.

• Gates: A simple walk-through gate adds $150-$400, while a double gate for wider access can be $300-$900. Automatic gates start around $2,000.
• Staining or Painting: Professional application costs $2-$14 per linear foot. This protects your investment and extends the fence's life, requiring reapplication every 2-3 years.
• Old Fence Removal: If you're replacing a fence, removal and disposal typically run $3-$10 per linear foot.
• Land Grading: For yards with significant slopes, professional grading may be needed ($1,000-$4,400) to ensure a stable, properly prepared foundation. The HUD PATH Rehab Guide Volume 9: Site Work offers technical details on site prep.
• Rot Boards: This is a sacrificial board at the base of the fence that protects the main panels from ground moisture. At $4-$8 per linear foot, it's a small investment that can extend your fence's life by years.
• Obstacle & Debris Removal: Clearing trees, large rocks, or overgrown shrubs from the fence line, plus disposal of construction debris, can add $200-$700 or more to the project cost.

Permits, Surveys, and Regulations

Handling paperwork before installation is crucial to avoid expensive problems.

• Building Permits: Most towns in NH, MA, and ME require permits, especially for fences over 6 feet tall. Costs typically range from $40-$150. Check with your local building office early.
• Property Line Surveys: A professional survey ($200-$1,200) is the best way to definitively establish your property lines and avoid neighbor disputes. The homeowner is responsible for knowing these boundaries.
• HOA Rules: If you live in an HOA community, get approval for your fence plans before installation. Associations often have strict rules on height, style, and materials.
• DigSafe: Calling DigSafe (or your state's 811 service) before any digging is required by law. This free service marks underground utility lines to prevent dangerous and costly accidents.

Maximizing Value: ROI and Installation Choices

A wood fence is more than a boundary; it's a smart investment that adds real value to your home. Instead of focusing only on the cost per ft wood fence, consider the return on investment. A professional installation boosts curb appeal and provides the privacy and security buyers want.

Installation quality is key. While a DIY approach seems cheaper, professional installation pays off in durability and warranty protection, avoiding common issues like leaning posts or warped boards. Our wood fencing installation services focus on this long-term value, creating a lasting asset for your property.

Professional Installation: How it Affects Your Cost Per Ft Wood Fence

A DIY fence might seem to save money, but there are hidden costs and risks to consider.

• Expertise: Our experienced crews understand New England's rocky soil and know the proper post depths required to handle wind and frost heave. This expertise prevents costly mistakes.
• Time: A professional crew can finish in a few days what might take a DIYer several weekends, especially if unexpected issues arise.
• Quality Assurance: Professional work includes proven techniques and warranties on materials and labor, offering peace of mind for your investment.
• Structural Integrity: We ensure every project is structurally sound. For added durability, we can use metal posts for wood fences, which won't rot and can outlast traditional wood posts.
• Avoiding Mistakes: Professional installation helps you avoid costly errors like incorrect measurements or improperly set posts, making it a smarter value proposition than DIY.

Boosting Your Home's Value: The ROI of a Wood Fence

A wood fence is an investment that can increase your home's resale value.

• Curb Appeal: A well-maintained wood fence makes a great first impression and signals that a home is cared for.
• Security and Privacy: These are top priorities for homebuyers. A privacy fence creates a safe, secluded sanctuary for families and relaxation.
• Defined Outdoor Living Spaces: Fences transform a simple yard into a functional outdoor room, which is highly appealing to families and those who love to entertain.
• Attracts Pet Owners: For many buyers with pets, a secure, fenced-in yard is a non-negotiable feature.

Research shows a wood fence can recover 50% to 70% of its installation cost at resale. You get to enjoy the benefits now and recoup a significant portion of the cost later.

Smart Ways to Save on Your Fence Installation

Making smart choices can make your project more affordable without sacrificing quality.

• Time Your Project: Schedule your installation during the off-peak fall or winter months to potentially save 10-20% on labor costs.
• Stick to Standard Dimensions: A standard 6-foot fence is the most cost-effective option. Taller fences can cost 20-30% more.
• Share Costs with a Neighbor: If the fence is on a shared property line, ask your neighbor about splitting the cost.
• Choose Cost-Effective Materials: Pressure-treated pine is the most budget-friendly option and offers good durability with proper maintenance.
• Get Multiple Quotes: Contact at least three reputable contractors. Comparing detailed estimates helps you find the best overall value, not just the lowest price.
• Do Basic Prep Work: You can save on labor by handling basic site prep like clearing brush, but leave the professional installation to the experts.

Frequently Asked Questions about Wood Fence Costs

Here are straight answers to the most common questions we receive from homeowners.

What is the cheapest type of wood for a fence?

Pressure-treated pine is the most budget-friendly wood, typically costing $15-$30 per linear foot installed. The trade-off for the lower upfront cost per ft wood fence is higher maintenance. Pine requires sealing or staining every 2-3 years to protect it from New England weather and achieve its 10-20 year lifespan. Spending more upfront on cedar or redwood can often save money and effort over the long term.

How long does a wood fence last?

A wood fence typically lasts 15 to 30 years, but its lifespan depends on several key factors.

• Wood Type: Pine generally lasts 10-20 years, cedar lasts 15-30 years, and premium redwood can last 20-50 years.
• Maintenance: This is crucial. Regular sealing or staining every few years protects the wood from moisture and UV damage, which can add decades to its life.
• Climate and Installation: New England's weather is tough on wood. A professional installation with properly set posts ensures the fence can withstand the elements.

Does a 6-foot or 8-foot fence add more value?

Both heights add value, but a 6-foot privacy fence is the residential standard for good reason. It offers excellent privacy and security for kids and pets, appeals to the broadest range of buyers, and is generally easier to get permitted.

An 8-foot fence offers maximum privacy and some noise reduction but costs 20-30% more. It often requires special permits, may be restricted by HOAs, and can feel imposing in smaller yards.

Unless you have specific needs like buffering highway noise, a professionally installed 6-foot fence offers the best balance of privacy, security, and cost, typically delivering the best return on your investment.

Get a Clear Quote for Your Wood Fence Project

Now you know what really drives the cost per ft wood fence. It’s a combination of material choices, desired longevity, maintenance needs, site conditions, and local labor rates. We've covered the differences between wood types, fence styles, the value of professional installation, and additional costs like gates and permits.

What matters most is getting a clear, detailed estimate from the start. This transparency gives you the confidence to move forward without worrying about surprise charges or unfair pricing.

At Brentwood Fence LLC, our reputation is built on honest communication and quality craftsmanship. We listen to your needs, assess your property, and provide a comprehensive quote that covers every detail. We want you to feel confident in your investment for years to come, knowing your fence will stand strong through New England winters.

Your home deserves a fence that adds beauty, security, and lasting value. Whether you're in Exeter NH, Portsmouth NH, Manchester NH, Concord NH, Derry NH, Dover NH, or Haverhill MA, we're here to help.

Ready to turn your vision into reality? Get a professional quote for your privacy wood fence installation today. Let's build something beautiful together.