Cost Per Linear Foot of Wood Fence
Wood fence costs $15 to $45 per linear foot installed in 2026, depending on wood species, fence height, and installation complexity. This comprehensive guide breaks down pricing for cedar, pine, pressure-treated, and premium wood fencing options across North Carolina.
Quick Answer: Wood Fence Cost Per Linear Foot
The cost per linear foot of wood fence ranges from $15 to $45 installed in 2026. Pressure-treated pine is the most affordable at $15-25/ft, while western red cedar runs $20-35/ft and premium redwood costs $30-45/ft. For a typical 150-foot residential fence, expect to pay $2,250 to $6,750 total depending on your wood choice and fence height.
Wood Fence Cost by Species
Different wood species offer varying price points, lifespans, and maintenance requirements. Here in Wilmington NC, cedar is our most popular choice for its balance of durability and cost.
| Wood Type | Material Only | Installed Cost/Ft | Lifespan | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-Treated Pine | $8 - $15 | $15 - $25 | 10-15 years | High (stain every 2-3 years) |
| Spruce/SPF | $7 - $12 | $15 - $22 | 8-12 years | High (seal annually) |
| Western Red Cedar | $12 - $20 | $20 - $35 | 20-25 years | Low (optional stain) |
| White Cedar | $10 - $18 | $18 - $32 | 15-20 years | Low-Medium |
| Redwood | $18 - $30 | $30 - $45 | 25-30 years | Very Low |
| Cypress | $15 - $25 | $25 - $40 | 20-25 years | Low |
*Prices reflect 2026 averages for 6-foot privacy fence in Wilmington NC area. Your actual cost may vary based on current lumber prices and project specifics.
Understanding Wood Species for Fencing
Cedar Fence: The Popular Choice
Western red cedar is the most popular wood fence material in North Carolina, and for good reason. At $20-35 per linear foot installed, cedar offers natural rot and insect resistance without chemical treatment. The wood contains natural oils (thujaplicins) that repel termites, carpenter ants, and decay fungi common in our humid Wilmington climate.
Cedar weathers to an attractive silver-gray patina if left untreated, or you can preserve its rich reddish-brown color with a quality penetrating stain every 3-5 years. Most cedar fences last 20-25 years with minimal maintenance—twice as long as pressure-treated pine.
- Natural rot and insect resistance
- 20-25 year lifespan
- Low maintenance requirements
- Beautiful natural appearance
Pressure-Treated Pine: The Budget Option
Pressure-treated pine fence costs $15-25 per linear foot installed, making it the most affordable wood fencing option. The lumber is infused with preservatives (typically copper-based compounds like ACQ or CA-C) that protect against rot, decay, and termite damage.
While budget-friendly upfront, pressure-treated pine requires more maintenance than cedar. Plan to stain or seal the fence every 2-3 years to prevent graying, cracking, and warping. In Wilmington's humid climate, expect a well-maintained treated pine fence to last 10-15 years.
- Most affordable wood option
- Chemical protection against pests
- Widely available at local lumber yards
- Good for tight budgets
Wood Fence Cost by Height
Fence height significantly impacts your cost per linear foot. Each additional foot of height adds 25-35% to material costs due to taller posts and more lumber.
4 feet
$12 - $28/ft
Decorative borders, garden enclosures
5 feet
$15 - $32/ft
Pet containment, moderate privacy
6 feet
$20 - $40/ft
Full privacy, security, standard residential
8 feet
$28 - $55/ft
Maximum privacy, commercial, pool enclosures
Height Considerations in Wilmington NC
Most Wilmington neighborhoods allow 6-foot privacy fences in backyards without variance. Front yard fences are typically limited to 4 feet. HOA communities may have specific height restrictions—we recommend checking your covenants before installation. NC Fence Co handles permit applications for all fence heights, including the 8-foot fences sometimes required for pool enclosures per NC residential code.
Factors That Affect Wood Fence Pricing
Understanding what drives your cost per linear foot helps you budget accurately and make informed decisions about materials and installation options.
Wood Species Selection
Cedar and redwood cost 40-80% more than pine but last twice as long with less maintenance.
Fence Height
Each additional foot of height adds 25-35% to material costs. A 6-foot fence costs 40% more than 4-foot.
Labor & Terrain
Flat ground costs $5-8/ft for labor. Slopes, rocks, or tree roots can push labor to $12-15/ft.
Fence Style
Privacy (solid) costs 20-30% more than picket. Shadowbox and board-on-board add 15-25%.
Gates & Hardware
Walk gates add $200-400 each. Drive gates cost $400-1,200. Hardware quality affects longevity.
Permits & Prep Work
Permits run $50-200 in NC. Old fence removal adds $3-5/ft. Stump grinding costs $100-300.
Wood Fence Labor Costs Explained
Labor typically represents 30-50% of your total wood fence cost, ranging from $5 to $15 per linear foot depending on installation complexity. Here in Wilmington, we encounter varying terrain conditions that affect labor pricing.
Labor Cost Ranges
- $
$5-8/ft: Standard Installation
Flat ground, easy access, no obstacles. Most suburban Wilmington backyards fall into this category.
- $$
$8-12/ft: Moderate Complexity
Gentle slopes, some tree roots, limited access requiring hand-carrying materials.
- $$$
$12-15/ft: Challenging Terrain
Steep slopes, rock removal, stair-stepping, or custom designs.
What's Included in Professional Installation
- Property line location and marking
- Call 811 utility location
- Post hole digging (typically 24-36" deep)
- Concrete post setting
- Rail and picket installation
- Gate hanging and hardware
- Site cleanup and debris removal
- Workmanship warranty
DIY vs Professional Installation: Cost Comparison
DIY Installation
$8-20/linear foot
Materials only—you provide the labor
Additional DIY Costs:
- • Post hole digger rental: $50-100/day
- • Concrete mixer rental: $50-75/day
- • Level, string line, tools: $50-150
- • Your time: 40-60+ hours for 150 ft
Potential savings: $750-2,250 on a 150-foot fence
Professional Installation
$15-45/linear foot
Complete turnkey installation
Professional Benefits:
- • Expert post depth and alignment
- • Proper concrete setting for longevity
- • 1-3 day installation (not weeks)
- • Workmanship warranty included
- • Insurance coverage during installation
Peace of mind and professional results guaranteed
Our Recommendation
While DIY can save money, fence installation requires precise post placement and proper concrete setting to prevent leaning, warping, and premature failure. Posts set incorrectly are the #1 cause of fence problems within 5 years. Unless you have carpentry experience and the right tools, professional installation typically delivers better long-term value. NC Fence Co offers free estimates to help you compare costs—call (910) 443-4113.
How to Calculate Your Total Wood Fence Cost
Step-by-Step Calculation
Measure Linear Footage
Walk your property line and measure the total fence length. A standard backyard perimeter is 150-250 linear feet.
Choose Wood Type and Height
Select your wood species (cedar $20-35/ft, pine $15-25/ft) and fence height (4-8 feet).
Calculate Base Cost
Multiply linear feet × cost per foot. Example: 150 ft × $28/ft (cedar) = $4,200 base cost.
Add Gates and Extras
Walk gates: $200-400 each. Drive gates: $400-1,200. Corner posts: +$50-100 each. Post caps: +$5-15 each.
Factor in Prep Work
Permits: $50-200. Old fence removal: $3-5/ft. Stump/root removal: $100-300. Grade changes: $200-500.
Example Calculation: 150-Foot Cedar Privacy Fence
- Base fence (150 ft × $28): $4,200
- One walk gate: $300
- One drive gate: $600
- Permit: $100
- Old fence removal (150 ft × $4): $600
- Total Estimated Cost: $5,800
Wood Fence vs Other Materials: Cost Comparison
| Material | Cost/Linear Foot | Lifespan | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood (Cedar) | $20 - $35 | 20-25 years | Natural aesthetics, privacy, customization |
| Vinyl | $20 - $40 | 25-30 years | Zero maintenance, consistent appearance |
| Chain Link | $12 - $25 | 15-25 years | Budget, visibility, security |
| Aluminum | $25 - $45 | 30+ years | Pools, decorative, no rust |
| Wrought Iron | $30 - $60 | 50+ years | Historic homes, security, durability |
Wood fence offers the best balance of cost, appearance, and privacy for most Wilmington NC homeowners. While vinyl costs slightly more with less maintenance, many prefer wood's natural look and the ability to stain or paint any color. For a detailed comparison of all materials, see our comprehensive fence cost per foot guide.
Wood Fence Maintenance and Lifetime Cost
Annual Maintenance Costs
Proper maintenance extends wood fence life and protects your investment. Factor these costs into your total ownership calculation:
Staining/Sealing: $1-3 per linear foot
Every 2-3 years for treated pine, 3-5 years for cedar
Board Replacement: $5-15 per board
Expect to replace 1-3 boards per year on average
Post Repair/Replacement: $150-300 per post
Usually needed after 10-15 years
20-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Pressure-Treated Pine (150 ft)
Initial: $3,750 | Maintenance: $3,000 | Replacement: $3,750
Total: ~$10,500
Cedar (150 ft)
Initial: $4,500 | Maintenance: $1,500 | Replacement: $0
Total: ~$6,000
Cedar's higher upfront cost often results in lower total ownership cost over 20 years due to reduced maintenance and no mid-life replacement.
Does a Wood Fence Add Value to Your Home?
Yes—a quality wood fence typically returns 50-70% of its cost in added home value, according to HomeAdvisor and Remodeling Magazine data. Beyond the financial return, fences improve buyer appeal in competitive markets like Wilmington NC.
50-70%
Average ROI on fence investment at home sale
Faster Sale
Fenced homes sell 7-10 days faster on average
Buyer Appeal
Top requested feature for families with children or pets
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Read GuideFrequently Asked Questions
How much does wood fence cost per linear foot?
Wood fence costs $15 to $45 per linear foot installed in 2026. Basic pine fencing runs $15-25/ft, cedar costs $20-35/ft, and premium redwood ranges $30-45/ft. These prices include materials, posts, hardware, and professional installation labor.
What is the cheapest wood for fencing per foot?
Pressure-treated pine is the cheapest wood fencing option at $15-25 per linear foot installed. Spruce is similar at $15-22/ft. While affordable, these softwoods require more maintenance and last 10-15 years compared to cedar's 20+ years.
How much does labor cost to install a wood fence per foot?
Labor costs $5 to $15 per linear foot for wood fence installation. Simple flat-ground installations are $5-8/ft, while sloped terrain, rock removal, or complex designs cost $10-15/ft. Labor typically represents 30-50% of total project cost.
Is cedar fence worth the extra cost over pine?
Yes, cedar fence is worth the 20-40% premium over pine for most homeowners. Cedar naturally resists rot and insects without chemical treatment, lasts 20-25 years vs pine's 10-15 years, and requires less maintenance. The lifetime cost is often lower.
How much does a 6-foot wood privacy fence cost per linear foot?
A 6-foot wood privacy fence costs $20 to $40 per linear foot installed. Pine privacy fencing runs $20-28/ft, cedar $25-35/ft, and redwood $32-40/ft. The taller height and board-on-board or solid panel design increases material costs 30-40% over 4-foot fencing.
How do I calculate total wood fence cost?
Multiply your fence length in linear feet by cost per foot ($15-45). Add gates ($200-600 each), corner posts ($50-100 extra), permits ($50-200), and old fence removal if needed ($3-5/ft). A 150-foot cedar fence with one gate typically costs $4,000-$6,000 total.
Get Your Free Wood Fence Estimate
NC Fence Co provides free, no-obligation estimates for all wood fence projects in Wilmington NC and surrounding areas. Call today or request a quote online.
Serving Wilmington, Leland, Hampstead, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and all of New Hanover, Brunswick & Pender Counties