Wood Fence Estimates Calculator
A wood fence costs $15-45 per linear foot installed in 2025, but that range is huge because of wood type, height, style, and whether you DIY or hire a pro. This wood fence estimates calculator breaks down the numbers line by line: how many posts, rails, pickets, and concrete bags you need, and what they cost for pressure-treated, cedar, or redwood. DIY mode shows materials only; pro mode adds labor at the national average of $18 per linear foot.
What a Wood Fence Costs in 2025
| Wood Type | DIY ($/linear ft) | Pro Installed ($/linear ft) |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated pine | $8-14 | $22-32 |
| Western red cedar | $14-22 | $30-45 |
| Redwood | $18-28 | $38-55 |
A typical 150 linear foot backyard privacy fence in pressure-treated pine costs:
- Materials: $1,500-2,100 (DIY)
- Pro installed: $3,300-4,800
Cedar runs about $2,100-3,300 DIY, $4,500-6,800 pro. Redwood is premium and usually only used where the local climate supports it (Pacific Northwest, coastal California).
Materials Breakdown for 150 ft of 6 ft Privacy Fence
Assuming 8 ft post spacing, privacy style (no gaps between pickets):
- Posts: 19 line posts (150 / 8 + 1) plus 2 gate posts = 21 posts
- Rails: 19 sections x 3 rails (6 ft fence takes 3 rails) = 57 rails
- Pickets: 150 ft = 1,800 inches / 5.5 inch pickets = 327 pickets
- Concrete: 21 posts x 2 bags = 42 bags of 80 lb
- Gate: 1 walk gate kit with hardware
Post Depth and Concrete
Post hole rule: 1/3 of post length buried, minimum 2 feet. For a 6 ft fence, use 8 ft posts with 2 ft buried; for an 8 ft fence, use 10 ft posts with 3 ft buried. Each post hole uses 2 bags (6 ft fence) or 3 bags (8 ft fence) of 80 lb concrete, assuming a 10-12 inch hole diameter.
Pressure-Treated vs Cedar vs Redwood
- Pressure-treated pine: cheapest, 15-20 year lifespan, looks industrial when new, silvers over time, can twist and crack. Use for utilitarian fencing.
- Western red cedar: 20-30 year lifespan, natural rot and insect resistance, looks premium, stable dimensions. The default for quality residential wood fencing.
- Redwood: longest lifespan (30+ years), most expensive, distinctive reddish color, dense. Best in wet coastal climates.
Why Wood Fence Estimates Vary
Two identical-looking 150 ft fence quotes can differ by $2,000-3,000. Drivers:
- Terrain. A flat backyard vs a steeply sloped one can add 20-40% labor.
- Removal of old fence. $3-8 per linear ft extra if the old one has to come down.
- Access. Narrow gates, tight yards, or second-story jobs add labor.
- Permit and survey. $50-500 depending on jurisdiction.
- Staining or sealing. $1-3 per linear ft extra if done at install.
- Gate style. Walk gate kits are $40-100; arched or decorative gates are $200-500+.
DIY vs Pro Labor
DIY saves 50-60% of total cost but takes 3-7 days of weekend work for 150 ft. If you own a post-hole digger and have help with setting posts, it is reasonable. If you have rocky soil, steep terrain, or city inspection requirements, hire a pro.
Pro install at $18-22/linear foot covers two-person crew, post setting with concrete, cut-to-fit pickets, gate installation, and haul-away. Per-linear-foot pricing scales down for longer fences (economy of setup) and up for shorter fences (minimum crew day charges).
Rails and Pickets Reference
- 6 ft fence: 3 rails per section (top, middle, bottom)
- 4-5 ft fence: 2 rails per section (top and bottom)
- Privacy (no gap): picket count = fence length in inches / 5.5
- Picket style with 3 in gap: picket count = fence length in inches / 8.5
- Shadowbox / board-on-board: double picket count vs privacy (pickets on alternating sides of the rail)