 | Materials: $3-$75+ Per Foot |
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 | With Professional Installation: $8-$100+ Per Foot |
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| Typical costs: | - A ranch-style wood fence (also called split rail or post and rail) with two to four rails typically costs $3 -$9 a linear foot for just the materials; it can be about $400 -$1,200 for 100' of fencing and $2,500 -$8,000 to enclose a simple square acre (about 830'), depending on if there's a gate and whether the wood is pine (less expensive but needs to be treated to resist rot and insects) or naturally insect-resistant cedar or redwood. With professional installation a rail fence can cost $8 -$25 or more a foot, or $900 -$3,000 for 100' and $6,800 -$21,000 to enclose a square acre, depending on local rates, the number of rails and the terrain (sloping properties or those with difficult access will cost more).
- Materials to build 3'-4' tall wooden picket fence can cost $3 -$30 or more a linear foot, depending on type of wood, height of the fence and the complexity of the design, and with a gate or other options total costs can be $400 -$1,800 for 100' and $1,000 -$5,000 for 300' of fencing with do-it-yourself installation. For example, AskTheBuilder.com estimates it costs about $325 for do-it-yourself materials for a 48' fence built from individual wood pickets. With professional installation, a 3'-4' tall wood picket fence can cost $10 -$75 a foot, depending on local rates and the style and height of the fence, or $1,000 -$8,000 for 100' and $3,000 -$24,000 for 300'.
- Materials for a 4'-6' wood semi-privacy or privacy fence can cost $4 -$75 or more a foot, depending on the type of wood, height and complexity; materials for a basic 6' tall solid wood privacy fence of treated pine or cedar and with no fancy patterns or ornamentation typically cost $7 -$15 a foot, or $800 -$1,800 for 100' and $2,200 -$4,800 for 300' of fencing.
- With professional installation a semi-privacy or privacy wooden fence can be $8 -$100 or more a foot; a basic 6' tall wood privacy fence typically costs $10 -$30 a foot, for $1,000 -$3,500 for 100' and $3,000 -$10,000 for 300'. For example, Production Fence Works in Georgia estimates its basic 6' wood privacy fence (with pressure-treated fence posts in concrete) costs $11.30 a foot in treated pine and $14.99 a foot in Western red cedar, while a 6' semi-privacy wood fence with top and bottom rails and vertical pickets spaced 2" apart averages $18.80 a foot in pine and $25.75 a foot in Western red cedar.
What should be included: | - If the fence posts are set in concrete, installation is typically done in two stages. After the fence path is cleared, post holes are dug and the posts anchored with concrete (or gravel, in some cases). A day or two later, after the concrete has hardened, the fencing is attached to the posts and any gates are installed. Lowe's provides do-it-yourself instructions for building a post rail fence or a wood panel fence using preassembled panels in a picket, semi-privacy or privacy style.
- Before installing a fence, call 811 to have utility companies mark any underground utility lines; or contact local utility companies directly. Also check local zoning, building and neighborhood codes. A building permit might be required.
- A wooden fence requires regular maintenance, such as staining or painting. DoItYourself.com lists the pros and cons of wood and vinyl fencing.
Additional costs: | - Factors that influence the total cost include steep slopes, unusual obstructions or difficult access, decorative ornamentation or additional gates.
- For do-it-yourselfers digging fence post holes, a manual post hole digger or auger typically costs $15 -$110; buying a small power auger can cost $60 -$600 or more depending on size and materials; and a one-day rental of a powered post hole auger can cost $50 -$95.
Shopping for a wood fence: | - ThisOldHouse.com describes different types of wooden fences. Many wood fences styles are sold in preassembled panels that are easy to install, but the lumber in panels might be of lower quality than a fence built board by board.
- Determine the length of fence needed and look for examples of the style desired. An American Fence Association photo gallery displays different types of fences. ThisOldHouse.com describes the different types of wood typically used for fencing.
- Wood fencing materials are available from most home improvement centers like Home Depot or Lowe's, or hardware stores like Ace Hardware.
- Find local contractors through the American Fence Association. Get several estimates; verify that the company is properly bonded and insured; ask for and check references; and search for any complaints with the Better Business Bureau.
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Article updated June 2011 |
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