Wood Fence Cost Per Foot (2026)

2026 Wood Fence Pricing at a Glance

Wood is the classic American fence — warm, natural, and endlessly customizable. In 2026, installed wood fencing generally runs $20–$55 per linear foot depending on the species and design. Pressure-treated pine sits at the low end, while premium cedar and redwood occupy the top. As always, these are estimates rather than fixed prices; your final cost depends on your yard, your region, and your wood choice.

Want a number for your specific property? Request a free estimate or try our fence cost calculator for an instant ballpark.

Cost by Wood Species

Pressure-treated pine: $20–$35 per linear foot. Affordable and rot-resistant, but prone to warping and needs regular sealing.
Cedar: $30–$55 per linear foot. Naturally resists rot and insects, ages to a handsome gray, and holds stain well.
Redwood: $35–$60 per linear foot. Premium look and durability, but availability and price vary by region.
Spruce / whitewood: $18–$28 per linear foot. The cheapest option, but the shortest lifespan.

What Affects Your Wood Fence Cost

Style and height: A 6-foot board-on-board privacy fence uses far more lumber than a 4-foot picket or split rail. More wood, more cost.
Picket spacing: Shadowbox and board-on-board designs look better from both sides but use 25–50% more boards.
Post material: Some installers upgrade to steel or pressure-treated posts to extend fence life — a smart investment that adds upfront cost.
Terrain: Slopes require racked or stepped construction and more labor.
Gates and hardware: Each gate adds $150–$500+ depending on size and quality.
Region: Lumber prices and labor rates vary widely; our calculator accounts for regional differences.

The True Cost of Wood: Maintenance

The sticker price is only part of the story. Wood is a living material that needs ongoing care to look its best and reach its full lifespan:

Staining/sealing: Every 2–3 years, budget $0.50–$2 per square foot in materials, or $2–$4 per square foot if you hire it out.
Board replacement: Warped or cracked boards need swapping over time.
Post repair: Even treated posts can rot at the soil line after 10–15 years.

Over a 15-year span, maintenance can add thousands to the total cost of ownership. That's why many homeowners weigh wood against lower-maintenance options — see our vinyl fence cost guide and vinyl vs wood comparison to run the long-term math.

Sample Wood Fence Budget

For a 150-foot, 6-foot cedar privacy fence with one gate:

150 ft × $40/ft = $6,000
One walk gate: +$350
Stain/seal at install: +$400
Estimated total: ~$6,750

This is an illustrative estimate; your actual quote will vary with species, region, and site conditions.

How to Keep Wood Fence Costs Down

Choose pressure-treated pine if budget is the priority, then upgrade the stain.
Pick a standard picket or side-by-side design over board-on-board.
Buy and apply your own sealant rather than paying for it as an add-on.
Keep runs straight and gates to a minimum.

Is Wood Right for You?

If you love a natural look and don't mind periodic upkeep, wood delivers unbeatable warmth and curb appeal at a friendly upfront price. Before you commit, measure your yard with our measuring guide, get an instant ballpark from the fence cost calculator, and then request a tailored estimate to lock in your real numbers.