Cost of Wood Fence Per Foot Installed: The Complete Pricing Guide

What Does a Wood Fence Cost Per Foot Installed in 2026?

The cost of wood fence per foot installed in 2026 ranges from $15 to $55 per linear foot, depending on wood type, fence height, and your location. Most homeowners pay between $25 and $50 per linear foot for a professionally installed 6-foot privacy fence.

Here's a quick snapshot of 2026 installed costs by wood type:

For a typical 150-foot backyard fence, expect to spend:

• Pressure-treated pine: $2,700 - $5,700
• Cedar: $3,750 - $8,250
• Redwood: $6,000 - $9,000

These numbers include both materials and professional labor.

Planning a wood fence is exciting — until the quotes start coming in and nothing seems to add up. One contractor says $25 a foot, another says $45, and you have no idea what's driving the difference.

You're not alone. Wood fence pricing varies widely based on lumber grades, terrain, regional labor rates, and a handful of costs most homeowners never see coming.

This guide breaks down exactly what you should expect to pay in 2026, what moves the price up or down, and how to make sure you're getting a fair quote.

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Cost of wood fence per foot installed further reading:

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• cost of installed fence

Average Cost of Wood Fence Per Foot Installed in 2026

When budgeting for a new wood fence, understanding how different styles and wood species stack up is the first step toward an accurate estimate. The style of the fence dictates how much lumber is required, while the species of wood determines the raw material cost.

To help you visualize these differences, we have compiled a cost breakdown based on average 2026 market rates:

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Generally, the total cost of your fencing project is split down the middle: roughly 50% goes toward high-quality materials, while the other 50% covers professional labor. However, in our local New England service areas—stretching from Haverhill, MA, up through Manchester, NH, Dover, NH, and into Maine—this labor percentage can shift slightly. Factors like our notoriously rocky soil, dense clay, and deep frost lines require extra labor to ensure posts are set securely.

To explore a complete breakdown of what goes into these figures, check out our comprehensive Wood Fence Install Cost Guide 2026.

Pressure-Treated Pine Cost of Wood Fence Per Foot Installed

If you are looking for a highly durable, budget-friendly option, pressure-treated (PT) pine is the most popular choice across the United States. In 2026, the cost of wood fence per foot installed using pressure-treated pine averages $18 to $38 per linear foot.

PT pine is chemically treated to resist rot, fungal decay, and wood-boring insects. This makes it an incredibly resilient choice for posts that remain in direct contact with wet soil. When properly maintained with regular sealing, a pressure-treated pine fence can easily last 15 to 20 years.

The primary drawback of PT pine is its tendency to warp, cup, or shrink as the chemical moisture dries out under the sun. However, for budget-conscious homeowners who want a sturdy boundary without the premium price tag, it is a fantastic investment. You can learn more about how this material matches up against your budget in our guide on the Cost Per Ft Wood Fence.

Cedar and Premium Wood Cost of Wood Fence Per Foot Installed

For those who prioritize natural beauty and superior stability, cedar and premium woods like redwood are the gold standards. Cedar runs between $25 and $55 per linear foot installed, while premium redwood can reach $40 to $60 per linear foot.

We highly recommend Northern White Cedar for New England properties. Cedar contains natural oils that make it highly resistant to rot, decay, and boring insects without the need for chemical treatments. Unlike pine, cedar is incredibly stable; it rarely warps, shrinks, or twists.

Over time, cedar naturally weathers to a beautiful, classic silver-gray color. During this aging process, you may notice small, shallow cracks running along the grain of the wood. This is known as "checking." Checking is a completely natural seasoning process that does not affect the structural integrity or strength of your fence.

If you are located in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, or Maine, you can read our localized pricing analysis in our resource on the Cost of Wood Fence Per Linear Foot NH.

Key Factors Influencing Wood Fence Installation Pricing

No two yards are exactly alike, which is why a per-foot estimate is only the starting point. When professional estimators evaluate your property, they look at several physical and structural variables that can swing the final price.

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The primary cost drivers include:

• Total Linear Footage: While longer fences cost more overall, larger projects often qualify for minor volume discounts on materials.
• Terrain and Soil Conditions: Flat lawns with soft soil are the easiest and cheapest to fence. If your yard has steep slopes, heavy tree roots, or rocky New England ledge, labor costs will rise.
• Gate Additions: Gates require specialized hardware, heavier structural posts, and precise alignment.
• Site Preparation: Clearing brush, grading slopes, or removing an old, failing structure must be completed before the first new post can be set.

Fence Height and Style Variations

The physical design of your fence has a massive impact on the material volume required. A standard 6-foot privacy fence is the go-to choice for backyards, usually costing $30 to $50 per linear foot installed. If you only need a decorative boundary, a 4-foot picket fence uses significantly less wood and averages $20 to $35 per linear foot.

For more details on height-specific budgeting, read our 6 Ft Privacy Fence Install Cost Guide.

The style you choose also dictates the spacing and overlap of the boards:

• Solid Privacy: Pickets are placed side-by-side, creating a solid barrier.
• Shadowbox: Pickets alternate on the front and back of the horizontal rails. This "neighbor-friendly" style looks identical from both sides and allows wind to pass through easily.
• Board-on-Board: Pickets overlap each other, ensuring absolute privacy even as the wood naturally shrinks over time. Because it uses more lumber, it carries a 15% to 25% material premium.

Labor, Site Prep, and Regional Differences

Labor typically represents 40% to 60% of the total invoice on a wood fence project. The complexity of digging post holes is the primary variable here.

In New England towns like Concord, NH, Portsmouth, NH, and Exeter, NH, our climate demands that fence posts be set at least 36 to 48 inches deep—well below the local frost line. If posts are set too shallow, the freezing and thawing of the ground will cause "frost heaving," pushing your posts upward and ruining the alignment of your fence.

Digging 4-foot-deep holes in rocky soil or clay is physically demanding work. In some areas, hitting limestone bedrock or granite ledge requires specialized rock jackhammering, which can add $50 to $150 per hole.

To get a better understanding of how regional labor and material costs shape your local estimate, you can refer to the Cost of Installed Fence NH MA ME. For broader context on installation economics, you can also consult external resources like Angi's Fence Installation Cost Guide or check out local state averages on ProMatcher's New Hampshire Fence Costs.

Hidden Costs and Long-Term Maintenance of Wood Fences

When planning your budget, it is easy to focus solely on the upfront quote. However, a wood fence comes with several secondary expenses that you should factor into your overall financial plan.

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• Old Fence Removal: If you have an existing fence that needs to be torn down and hauled away, expect to pay $3 to $8 per linear foot for labor and disposal fees.
• Permits and Surveys: Most municipalities require a building permit for fences taller than 6 feet, which typically costs $25 to $150. Additionally, if you are unsure of your exact boundary lines, hiring a professional land surveyor costs $300 to $800 but can save you thousands in legal disputes. You can cross-reference permit guidelines with the municipal codes and building department guidelines in your specific town.
• Staining and Sealing: To protect your investment from harsh New England winters, wood fences should be stained or sealed every 2 to 3 years. Professional staining typically costs $1.50 to $3.00 per linear foot (or $1 to $3 per square foot). While pressure-treated pine is cheaper upfront, its 15-year maintenance costs can actually exceed its initial installation price. Cedar, on the other hand, can be left to weather naturally, saving you money over time.

For a deep dive into the long-term cost of ownership, check out our guide on the Cost of Wooden Privacy Fence NH MA ME.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wood Fence Costs

What is the cheapest wood fence style to install?

The most affordable wood fence style to install is a 4-foot split rail or basic picket fence constructed from pressure-treated pine. These styles use significantly less lumber than a full privacy fence and require fewer structural supports.

Split rail fencing is particularly economical for large properties because the posts can be spaced further apart (often 10 feet on-center instead of the standard 8 feet), reducing both material and labor costs. For a comprehensive look at how styles impact your bottom line, read our Average Fence Cost Per Linear Foot Guide.

How much does a 150-foot wood privacy fence cost?

For a standard 150-linear-foot backyard (the average size for a 1/8-acre lot), a professionally installed 6-foot wood privacy fence typically ranges from $3,750 to $7,500 for pressure-treated pine, and $4,950 to $8,250 for high-quality cedar.

This total includes all materials (posts, rails, pickets, concrete), professional labor, post setting, and a standard walk-through gate. To get a detailed breakdown of this specific project size, view our resource on Cost Wood Fence Installation NH MA ME.

Is professional wood fence installation worth the cost?

Yes, professional installation is highly recommended for wood fences. Unlike some home improvement projects, fencing requires specialized tools and strict structural calculations.

A professional crew ensures that:

• Posts are set to the correct depth (below the local New England frost line) to prevent heaving.
• Posts are perfectly plumb and aligned using professional string lines and transit levels.
• Gates are hung with heavy-duty hardware and structural bracing to prevent sagging over time.
• Underground utilities are safely marked by calling 811 before any digging begins.

Choosing a professional team also gives you warranty protection on workmanship. To find out what to look for when selecting a contractor, read our guide on choosing a Wooden Fence Installation Company.

Conclusion

A beautifully crafted wood fence is a timeless addition that provides privacy, security, and curb appeal to your property. While the upfront cost of wood fence per foot installed in 2026 requires an investment, choosing the right materials and relying on professional installation ensures your fence will stand strong against the elements for decades.

At Brentwood Fence LLC, we bring over 50 years of New England regional expertise to every project. Whether you are located in Exeter, NH, Portsmouth, NH, Manchester, NH, Concord, NH, Derry, NH, Dover, NH, or Haverhill, MA, we understand the local soil conditions, frost lines, and municipal building codes inside and out. We use only the highest-quality materials, including premium Northern White Cedar, to deliver durable, beautiful fences that stand the test of time.

Ready to transform your backyard? Contact us today to secure a accurate, itemized quote tailored to your property.

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