How much does a wood fence cost per linear foot?

A standard 6-foot cedar privacy fence costs $15–30 per linear foot installed, including labor and materials. Pressure-treated pine is slightly cheaper at $12–25 per linear foot. A 150-foot fence enclosing a typical backyard runs $2,250–4,500 for wood. Labor is typically 40–50% of the total cost.

What's the cheapest type of fence?

Chain link is the least expensive fencing option at $8–20 per linear foot installed. For a budget privacy fence, wood is the most economical option at $15–30 per linear foot. Vinyl costs more upfront but requires less maintenance over its life. Split rail is also inexpensive if full privacy isn't needed.

How deep do fence posts need to go?

Fence posts should be buried at least one-third of the total post length plus 6 inches for an 8-foot post in warm climates (2.5+ feet). In cold climates, posts must also go below the frost line to prevent heaving. For most of the northern US, this means 36–48 inches deep. Always set posts in concrete.

Do I need a permit to build a fence?

Many municipalities require permits for fences over 4 feet tall, fences near property lines, or fences around pools. HOAs often have additional restrictions on materials, colors, and styles. Check with your local building department and review HOA rules before starting. Unpermitted fences may need to be removed or could complicate a future home sale.

How long does a wood fence last?

A cedar privacy fence with proper maintenance (staining or sealing every 2–3 years, replacing damaged boards promptly) lasts 15–30 years. Pressure-treated pine lasts 20–40 years. The posts are usually the first to fail — using posts rated for ground contact (rated UC4B) significantly extends post lifespan.

Fence Cost Guide: Wood, Vinyl & Chain Link Prices (2026)

Average Fence Costs by Material (2026)

Fence costs vary widely based on material, height, style, and region. The following are installed costs (materials + labor) per linear foot for a standard 6-foot privacy fence:

Wood (cedar or pine): $15–$30 per linear foot. Most popular choice for privacy fences. Natural appearance, paintable. Requires maintenance every 2–3 years.
Vinyl/PVC: $20–$40 per linear foot. Low maintenance, won't rot or rust. Higher upfront cost; looks clean for years without painting. Brittle in very cold climates.
Chain link: $8–$20 per linear foot. Most economical option. Durable and low-maintenance. Not private; often used for pet containment or property boundaries. Galvanized or vinyl-coated.
Aluminum: $20–$35 per linear foot. Rust-resistant alternative to wrought iron. Decorative styles for ornamental fences. Common around pools.
Wrought iron: $30–$55 per linear foot. Very strong and durable. Requires rust prevention coating. Heavy, traditional appearance.
Split rail: $10–$20 per linear foot. 2 or 3 rails, rustic look. Not private; used for boundary marking, livestock containment, or decorative purposes.

Labor Costs

Labor typically accounts for 50% of total fence cost. Professional fence installers charge $30–60 per linear foot for labor alone on a 6-foot privacy fence, including post holes, setting posts, and attaching panels or pickets. Difficult terrain (rocky soil, sloped yard, tree roots) increases labor costs by 25–50%.

Post Depth: The Most Important Detail

Properly set posts are the foundation of a long-lasting fence. The standard rule is to bury fence posts one-third of the total post length plus 6 inches below the frost line in cold climates. For a 6-foot privacy fence using 8-foot posts: bury at least 2 feet of post, ideally 2.5 feet. In areas with frost, posts must go below the local frost depth (12–48 inches depending on region) to prevent frost heave from pushing them out of the ground.

Always set posts in concrete — 2–3 bags of fast-setting concrete per post. Flare the concrete at ground level to shed water away from the post base.

Factors That Affect Total Fence Cost

Fence height: Taller fences cost more. Each additional foot of height adds roughly 15–25% to material costs.
Terrain: Slopes, hills, and uneven ground require step-style or custom-racked panels. Rocky soil requires drilling rather than standard post-hole digging, adding $200–500 per 100 linear feet.
Gates: Single walk gates add $150–400; double drive gates add $400–1,200 depending on material and hardware.
Old fence removal: Demolition and disposal of an existing fence adds $3–10 per linear foot.
Permits: Many jurisdictions require permits for fences over 4 feet. Budget $50–200. HOA approval may also be required.

Lifespan by Fence Material

Cedar wood: 15–30 years with staining/sealing every 2–3 years
Pressure-treated pine: 20–40 years; ground contact rated posts last longer
Vinyl/PVC: 20–30 years; limited maintenance needed
Aluminum: 30–50+ years
Galvanized chain link: 20–30 years; vinyl-coated lasts longer
Wrought iron: 50–100 years with periodic rust treatment and painting

DIY vs. Professional Installation

Fencing is a realistic DIY project for most homeowners. The biggest challenges are digging post holes (rent a post-hole digger for $50–100/day), keeping posts plumb and level, and ensuring straight fence lines. DIY can save 40–60% of total cost on simpler fence styles like chain link or split rail. Privacy fences with many pickets are more labor-intensive but still manageable for handy homeowners with a weekend and basic tools.