How Much Does a Wood Fence Cost in 2026?

Based on current contractor pricing data across BuyAFence.com’s service areas throughout the United States, the average cost of a wood fence in 2026 is between $3,000 and $9,000 for a standard residential installation, or $20 to $50 per linear foot, depending on wood type and fence style. Most homeowners with a standard backyard pay around $4,500. Use our free

Fence Cost Calculator to get a personalized estimate based on your exact yard and material in under 60 seconds.

Wood is the most popular fencing material in the United States, and for good reason. It is customizable, widely available, and delivers the natural look that most homeowners want for their backyard.

In this guide, we cover wood fence cost by species, style, yard size, and US state. We also walk through what your specific budget will realistically get you, how wood compares to vinyl over 20 years, and which add-ons are worth including in your original installation quote.

BuyAFence.com installs wood fences for homeowners and businesses across the United States. The pricing data in this guide reflects real 2026 contractor pricing from our service areas nationwide.

Average Wood Fence Cost in 2026

The national average cost to install a residential wood fence in 2026 is between $3,000 and $9,000, depending on total fence length and wood species. Most homeowners with a standard residential backyard pay around $4,500 for a professionally installed cedar privacy fence. Wood fence labor accounts for 40 to 50 percent of the total project cost, consistent with all other fence materials.

The table below shows average installed costs across the most common residential fence lengths:

A professional crew typically completes a standard 150 LF wood fence installation in 1 to 3 days. Larger projects, sloped terrain, or custom gate work may extend the timeline to 4 to 5 days.

For a side-by-side comparison of wood against vinyl, aluminum, and chain link, see our full Fence Installation Cost Guide.

Wood Fence Cost Per Foot by Wood Type

The wood species you choose is the single biggest variable in your per-foot cost. The table below shows the installed cost per linear foot for a standard 6-foot privacy fence across the most common species used for residential fencing in the US:

• Cedar is the most widely installed residential fencing wood across the US because it balances cost, longevity, and availability.
• Redwood is the best choice for West Coast homeowners, as it is locally sourced and competitively priced.
• Pressure-treated pine is the right call for budget-conscious homeowners in any region, provided the fence gets sealed within the first year of installation.
• Spruce is the most affordable option on paper, but has the shortest lifespan of any common fencing wood.
• In humid climates, untreated spruce can begin deteriorating in as little as 4 to 7 years. It works well in dry Western states where moisture is less of a factor.

Wood Fence Cost by Style and Design

The fence style you choose affects your cost just as much as the wood species. Privacy and board-on-board designs require significantly more material per linear foot than an open picket or split-rail fence, which is reflected directly in the installed price.

Horizontal wood fencing has grown significantly in popularity for modern home styles, but it costs 15 to 25 percent more in labor than a standard vertical privacy fence.

Shadowbox fencing is a popular compromise for homeowners who want privacy while maintaining airflow and a two-sided appearance that looks equally clean from both the inside and outside of the fence line.

Wood Fence Installation Cost by State

Labor rates vary significantly across the United States. The table below shows average installed costs for a standard 150 LF cedar 6-foot privacy fence by state:

These ranges reflect a standard cedar 6-foot privacy fence, professionally installed on level ground with one walk gate. Costs will vary based on your exact yard dimensions, wood species choice, terrain, and the number of gates. Use our free Fence Cost Calculator for a personalized estimate specific to your location.

What Does Your Wood Fence Budget Get You?

Most homeowners think in terms of a total budget before considering per-foot costs. Here is a straightforward breakdown of what you can realistically expect at each spending level for a professionally installed wood fence across the United States in 2026:

Use our free Fence Cost Calculator to enter your actual yard dimensions and see what your specific budget gets you in real time.

Wood Fence Cost vs. Vinyl and Other Materials

Wood is the most affordable upfront option for full privacy fencing. However, the total cost picture changes significantly when you factor in maintenance over 20 years. Wood fences require staining or sealing every 2 to 3 years to maintain their lifespan, while vinyl and aluminum need almost no maintenance at all.

Wood remains the most popular choice among US homeowners because of its natural appearance, customizability, and lower upfront investment. For homeowners who want the best total cost of ownership over 20 years, vinyl consistently delivers a lower lifetime cost despite similar or slightly lower install pricing, because the maintenance cost gap is significant over two decades.

For a full breakdown of vinyl pricing, see our Vinyl Fence Cost Guide.

7 Factors That Affect the Cost of a Wood Fence

Every wood fence quote is built from the same core variables. Understanding these upfront helps you read contractor quotes accurately and identify where you can adjust your budget without compromising quality.

1. Wood Species
   Pressure-treated pine starts at $20 per linear foot installed. Cedar runs $30 to $45/LF. Redwood reaches $40 to $65/LF. Choosing the right species for your climate matters more than choosing the most expensive one. A well-maintained cedar fence in a humid climate will outlast an unmaintained redwood fence every time.
2. Fence Style
   A basic split-rail costs $12 to $25/LF. A full solid-board privacy fence costs $25 to $55/LF. The more wood required per linear foot, the higher the material and labor cost. Horizontal styles carry an additional labor premium of 15 to 25 percent over standard vertical builds.
3. Fence Height
   A 4-foot picket costs significantly less in material than a 6-foot privacy fence. Moving from 6 to 8 feet adds 30 to 40 percent more material and triggers permit requirements in most US counties. Always confirm local height regulations with your contractor before choosing a height above 6 feet.
4. Total Linear Footage
   Every contractor prices wood fencing by the linear foot. Larger projects often receive a lower per-foot rate because the fixed costs of mobilization and setup are spread over more footage. A 300 LF project will almost always have a lower per-foot price than a 75 LF project with the same material.
5. Gates
   Each standard walk gate adds $200 to $600 to your project total. Double drive gates run $400 to $1,200. Custom wood gates with automated openers start at $1,500. Always confirm how many gate openings you need before requesting a quote, as each one is priced separately.
6. Terrain and Slope
   Sloped yards, rocky soil, or ground with significant tree roots add $5 to $15 per linear foot in additional labor. Steep slopes may also require a stepped or racked fence design, which affects material quantities. Mention any terrain features when requesting your quote to get an accurate number from the start.

7. Spring and Summer Lumber Pricing
Lumber prices follow consistent seasonal patterns in the United States. Prices typically rise from March through June as construction season demand peaks nationwide. Getting your quote in early April, before peak season, locks in more competitive material pricing than waiting until late May or June. If you are reading this in spring 2026, now is the right time to act.