Fence · updated 2026
Wood Fence Cost Calculator
This wood fence cost calculator combines linear feet, height, wood type, style, gates, tear-out, and DIY or professional installation. It returns posts, pickets or panels, material cost, installation range, cost per linear foot, and total. Rates are 2026 planning ranges; verify the current local scope before ordering or comparing bids.
TBD — verify gate scope locally
Show the math
Posts = ceil(150.0 ÷ 8) + 1 = 20
Pickets/panels = linear feet × the selected style factor = 345.0
Materials and installation use the selected height, wood, and style factors
Gates and tear-out are added from the entered local rates
Selected total = diy = 862.5 – 3881.25
Wood fence cost per linear foot
A per-foot number is a shorthand, not a complete scope. Height, wood species, style, gates, corners, terrain, demolition, access, permits, and labor can all change the quote.
Use the calculator to compare the same linear footage and inputs, then verify the rate with a current local estimate.
How to use the calculator
Enter the fence line, height, wood type, and style. Add gates and tear-out if they apply, then choose DIY or professional installation.
The posts and picket estimate are planning counts. Corners, end posts, gate posts, slopes, and actual panel dimensions can require adjustments.
Cedar versus pressure-treated pine
Pressure-treated pine is commonly selected for a lower upfront material cost. Cedar and redwood can have different natural durability and appearance, but availability, treatment, climate, and maintenance determine the long-term value.
Do not compare species only by sticker price; compare the finish schedule and expected replacement or repair work.
What drives the price
Longer fences generally require more materials, but short complicated runs can be labor-intensive. Height, style, gates, sloped terrain, old-fence tear-out, permits, and access are common scope lines.
Ask for posts, panels or pickets, gates, concrete, demolition, labor, and disposal as separate lines.
DIY versus professional installation
DIY can reduce labor but requires layout, digging, concrete work, safe handling, and code or property-line checks. A professional quote may include equipment, disposal, warranty, and project management.
Compare the actual inclusions rather than assuming DIY is always cheaper after tools, delivery, and rework.
Staining and maintenance
A wood fence’s maintenance schedule depends on species, exposure, finish, moisture, and local climate. Stain and seal products and application labor are TBD — verify before using a 10-year comparison.
Methodology and assumptions
Posts are planned at 8-ft spacing plus one, with gate posts added. Material and installation ranges use the selected height, wood, and style factors; gates and tear-out use the entered local allowances.
What the numbers mean
The installed estimate uses the seeded national fence installation range, adjusted for fence height and wood type. DIY materials are modeled at 50% of that height- and wood-adjusted installed estimate.
Your selection changes the total shown: DIY displays the materials estimate, while Hire a pro displays the installed estimate. All material and labor ranges are planning numbers.
Posts, gates, permits, demolition, difficult access, and local labor can move a real quote outside this range. Use the result to compare bids on the same scope.
2026 material prices
Material, labor, coverage, and density defaults are TBD — verify with your local supplier or manufacturer before ordering. 2026 U.S. national averages. Prices vary by region and retailer — confirm locally before buying.
Pro tips
- Measure the full fence line and subtract house or garage spans that do not need fencing.
- Posts are planned at 8-ft spacing; corners, ends, and gates need special posts and may change the takeoff.
- Gates are separate scope. Enter a local gate allowance rather than assuming a universal price.
- Height and style change both material quantity and labor. Board-on-board uses more material than a basic picket layout.
- Cedar and redwood can cost more than pressure-treated pine; compare maintenance and local availability.
- Call 811 and check setback, permit, and HOA requirements before digging.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
How much does a wood fence cost?
The 2026 installed range is TBD — verify because height, style, wood, terrain, gates, tear-out, and labor change the rate. At the default 6-ft pressure-treated pine settings, the calculator starts at $11.50–$51.75 per linear foot installed.
What is the difference between a wood fence cost estimator and a calculator?
They describe the same intent. This page estimates cost and calculates posts and pickets or panels together.
How much does wood fence installation cost?
Labor is TBD — verify locally and compare the same scope. Use the DIY-versus-pro selector and include gates, terrain, tear-out, and access in the quote.
How much does a 6-foot wood privacy fence cost?
At the default 150 linear feet, 6-ft pressure-treated pine, privacy, and no gates or tear-out, the calculator shows $862.50–$3,881.25 for DIY materials or $1,725–$7,762.50 installed. Verify the rate locally.
Is cedar worth the extra cost over pine?
Cedar can offer natural rot and insect resistance, while pressure-treated pine is often the lower upfront material choice. The better 10-year value depends on climate, finish, maintenance, and local prices.
How many pickets do I need?
A planning count is linear feet × 12 divided by effective picket width plus gap. The calculator uses a style factor for a quick estimate; confirm the actual picket width, gap, gates, and layout.
Related calculators
Planning estimates only. Prices are 2026 U.S. national averages and vary by region — confirm with your local supplier before buying.