Wood Fence Installation Costs
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Wood fences are a timeless addition to your home - they outlast all those trends that come and go and look great for years to come. Wood is sturdy, sustainable, and has a natural beauty that other materials can’t match. So it’s a great choice if you want to install a fence or replace an old one.
You probably want to start this home improvement project ASAP. However, for most homeowners, a major roadblock is not having a clear idea of installation costs. So that’s what we plan to discuss today, to make your decision easier. Here’s a full guide to wood fence installation costs! How we calculate the costs of wood fence installation
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We’d give you a clear and simple answer in an ideal world if you asked us about wood fence installation pricing. Unfortunately, that’s not possible because the answer depends on a variety of factors.
One of the most important ones is the type of wood you choose. The most commonly used are (from cheapest to most expensive): pressure-treated pine, cedar, and western red cedar.
Then you need to take into account the linear footage, the height of the fence (4, 5, or 6ft.), and the types of gates & hardware. So if you go beyond the standard 200 ft structure, want taller fences, or have additional gates installed, you can expect a higher bill when the work is done.
Other costs of installing a fence include removing an old fence and hauling dirt away. By removing the old fence and all the dirt yourself, you can save money, so that you don't have to pay our workers to do it.
For the final price, you will also need to consider these additional costs:
● Contractor labor costs ($30-$80/hour)
● Getting a fence permit
● Having underground cables marked by Utility Locator Company
As you can see, calculating the exact price of installing a wood fence can be a bit tricky. Still, as a general guideline, you can expect to pay between $1,500 to $4,500 for a wood fence. Depending on all the factors we’ve mentioned above.
Now that we’ve covered the basics (phew!) let’s look at the different wood fence options - this will help you decide on the right one for you!
One of the most important ones is the type of wood you choose. The most commonly used are (from cheapest to most expensive): pressure-treated pine, cedar, and western red cedar.
Then you need to take into account the linear footage, the height of the fence (4, 5, or 6ft.), and the types of gates & hardware. So if you go beyond the standard 200 ft structure, want taller fences, or have additional gates installed, you can expect a higher bill when the work is done.
Other costs of installing a fence include removing an old fence and hauling dirt away. By removing the old fence and all the dirt yourself, you can save money, so that you don't have to pay our workers to do it.
For the final price, you will also need to consider these additional costs:
● Contractor labor costs ($30-$80/hour)
● Getting a fence permit
● Having underground cables marked by Utility Locator Company
As you can see, calculating the exact price of installing a wood fence can be a bit tricky. Still, as a general guideline, you can expect to pay between $1,500 to $4,500 for a wood fence. Depending on all the factors we’ve mentioned above.
Now that we’ve covered the basics (phew!) let’s look at the different wood fence options - this will help you decide on the right one for you!
Types of wood
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Pine and cedar are the most common choices when it comes to fence materials. They’re sturdy and require minimum processing, which makes them a sustainable option.
We normally use cedar for our fences, which increases durability. Depending on how you treat the fence over the years, you can expect it to last anywhere from 10 years to a lifetime! If you’re looking for a higher-end option, go with western red cedar, which requires no chemical processing or drying before use, making it safe for the environment. But also for any pets and children that may come into contact with the fence! The main advantage of western red cedar is its natural resistance to moisture and decay. You might pay a bit more for it initially, but it’s a good investment since it requires less maintenance and will last longer than other types of wood. |
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The height and length of the fence
To decide on the right height, you have to ask yourself why you need this fence in the first place? If you’re looking to add charm to your home with a picket fence, or are you installing it for privacy?
The taller the fence, the more material we use to build it - this will increase the cost of lumber by up to 20% to 30%.
No matter how great your neighbors are, you probably don’t want to deal with them every time you step outside for a breather. That’s why many people choose privacy fences for their backyard, which are usually 6ft tall to keep out intruders and snoopy neighbors.
Privacy fences do cost more, but think of it as an investment in your well-being since you’ll be able to enjoy your outdoor space without any interruptions!
As for the length, it’s important to note that structures that aren’t square or rectangular lead to additional installation costs because of extra material, posts, hardware, and labor.
The taller the fence, the more material we use to build it - this will increase the cost of lumber by up to 20% to 30%.
No matter how great your neighbors are, you probably don’t want to deal with them every time you step outside for a breather. That’s why many people choose privacy fences for their backyard, which are usually 6ft tall to keep out intruders and snoopy neighbors.
Privacy fences do cost more, but think of it as an investment in your well-being since you’ll be able to enjoy your outdoor space without any interruptions!
As for the length, it’s important to note that structures that aren’t square or rectangular lead to additional installation costs because of extra material, posts, hardware, and labor.
Pro tips for cutting the costs of wood fence installation
Do you want to pay less for a wood fence installation? Of course, you do. We’ve got your back! Here are a few pro tips to reduce the overall costs:
- Go for cedar (but remember, it requires more maintenance)
- Choose a lower fence to reduce material costs
- Have all the work done off-season (in winter)
- Choose simple gates and locks
- Secure the permits yourself (if we do it, it will add to the overall costs)
How to protect your fence from damage
The great thing about wooden fences is that they look fantastic. The installation costs are much lower than for other types of materials.
You need to keep in mind one caveat when you choose this type of fence: you need to take good care of it.
Taking care of your fence means protecting it against moisture, mold, bugs, and termites. Luckily, this is a piece of cake: you can buy weather-resistant sealants and special bug sprays from any hardware store. Apply the sealant once a year to increase the longevity of your wood fence (it will also make the wood less appetizing to insects). As for the bug spray, use it as needed whenever you find nests and burrows.
Wood fence installation costs vary so much that you might feel overwhelmed at this point. The best thing to do is sit down, plan out the project's scope, and decide on a reasonable budget for you. Then have a read through again and see if what type of wood fence best suits your needs.
Or, to make things even more comfortable, why not give us a call? Our friendly team would be more than happy to find the best solution for your needs!
You need to keep in mind one caveat when you choose this type of fence: you need to take good care of it.
Taking care of your fence means protecting it against moisture, mold, bugs, and termites. Luckily, this is a piece of cake: you can buy weather-resistant sealants and special bug sprays from any hardware store. Apply the sealant once a year to increase the longevity of your wood fence (it will also make the wood less appetizing to insects). As for the bug spray, use it as needed whenever you find nests and burrows.
Wood fence installation costs vary so much that you might feel overwhelmed at this point. The best thing to do is sit down, plan out the project's scope, and decide on a reasonable budget for you. Then have a read through again and see if what type of wood fence best suits your needs.
Or, to make things even more comfortable, why not give us a call? Our friendly team would be more than happy to find the best solution for your needs!