Wood privacy fence cost
Short answer
A wood privacy fence costs about $15–$40 per linear foot installed. A 150-ft fence runs roughly $2,250–$6,000.
Cost / linear ft
$15–$40
150 ft installed
$2,250–$6,000
Posts
20
Sections
19
What drives wood privacy fence cost
A wood privacy fence runs $15–$40 per installed linear foot, so a 150-ft run at 6 ft tall lands around $2,250–$6,000. Roughly half of that is labor — digging and setting 20 posts in concrete is the slow, expensive part, not the wood privacy material itself.
Because wood privacy fencing is built board-by-board, height drives cost hard: a 6-ft privacy run needs three rails and about 328 pickets, while a shorter run uses fewer boards and two rails. Board grade (cedar vs pressure-treated pine) and whether you stain or seal it also swing the final number.
Every quote also moves with your yard: corners and gates each add a post, old-fence removal and haul-off is often billed separately, and hard soil or a permit can add a few hundred dollars. Get at least three local bids — regional labor rates are the single biggest reason two wood privacy quotes differ.
What affects your price
| Factor | Effect on cost |
|---|---|
| Fence height | Taller = more boards + a third rail; 6 ft costs ~20–30% more than 4 ft |
| Material grade | Cedar/redwood costs more than pressure-treated pine |
| Terrain & soil | Slopes, rock, and hard clay slow post-setting and add labor |
| Gates & corners | Each gate and corner adds a post and hardware |
| Old fence removal | Tear-out and haul-off is usually billed on top of the quote |
| Region & permits | Local labor rates and a permit can swing the total by hundreds |
Wood privacy vs other fence materials
| Material | Installed cost / ft |
|---|---|
| Chain link | $10–$25 |
| Wood picket | $12–$30 |
| Wood privacythis page | $15–$40 |
| Vinyl | $20–$45 |
| Aluminum / steel | $25–$55 |
Wood privacy fence planning tips
- Seal or stain within a few weeks of install and re-coat every 2–3 years to stop warping and graying.
- Call 811 (call-before-you-dig) to mark utilities before setting any posts — it is free and often legally required.
- Confirm the property line and your HOA / local height rules before buying materials.
- Set corner and gate posts first, then run the line posts between them for a straight fence.
Estimate your fence
Open the fence calculatorOther materials
Frequently asked questions
How much does a wood privacy fence cost per foot?
About $15–$40 per linear foot installed, including posts, panels, and labor. Material grade and terrain move it within that range.
How much does a 150-foot wood privacy fence cost?
Roughly $2,250–$6,000 for a 6-ft wood privacy fence — about 20 posts and 19 sections. Enter your exact length in the calculator.
What materials do I need for a wood privacy fence?
For a 150-ft run: 20 posts, 57 rails, 328 pickets, and about 40 bags of concrete to set the posts.