Prices last reviewed: October 2026
How much does a wood fence cost?
With the calculator's default prices for pressure treated pine, a wood fence costs about $9 to $33 per foot in materials and about $17 to $49 per foot installed. The style and height matter more than anything else. A 3 ft split rail fence sits at the low end and an 8 ft board-on-board privacy fence at the high end.
The table shows a 150 ft fence in one straight run with one 4 ft walk gate.
| Wood fence | Height | DIY total | DIY per ft | Installed total | Installed per ft |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Split rail, 2 rails | 3 ft | $1,400 | $9.33 | $2,600 | $17.33 |
| Split rail, 3 rails | 4 ft | $1,798 | $11.98 | $2,998 | $19.98 |
| Picket | 4 ft | $1,831 | $12.21 | $3,481 | $23.21 |
| Prebuilt panels | 6 ft | $2,426 | $16.17 | $3,926 | $26.17 |
| Privacy, side by side | 6 ft | $2,639 | $17.59 | $4,739 | $31.59 |
| Board-on-board | 6 ft | $2,941 | $19.61 | $5,341 | $35.61 |
| Privacy, side by side | 8 ft | $4,338 | $28.92 | $6,438 | $42.92 |
| Board-on-board | 8 ft | $4,895 | $32.64 | $7,295 | $48.64 |
Cedar and redwood cost more than pressure treated pine. Enter their prices in the Unit price column to see the difference.
Which wood fence style is right for you?
- Split rail: the cheapest wood fence. It marks a boundary and looks good on large lots, but gives no privacy and will not keep small pets in on its own.
- Picket: the classic front yard fence, usually 3 to 4 ft tall with gaps between boards. See the picket fence calculator to change the gap.
- Prebuilt panels: the fastest way to put up a privacy fence on flat ground, and usually the cheapest. See the fence panel calculator.
- Side-by-side privacy: pickets tight together on two to four rails. Easy to build and repair.
- Board-on-board: two overlapping layers of boards, so no gaps open as the wood dries. See the board-on-board fence calculator.
Pressure treated pine or cedar?
Pressure treated pine is the most common and cheapest choice for posts and rails, and many people use it for pickets too. Cedar costs more but resists rot and insects naturally, weighs less and stays straighter. A common mix is pressure treated posts in the ground with cedar pickets on top. Whatever wood you choose, use posts rated for ground contact.
How the calculator counts wood fence materials
- Posts: one every 8 ft, plus one to finish each open run and one extra for each gate. Posts go one third of the fence height into the ground, at least 2 ft. See the fence post calculator for depth and concrete details.
- Rails: two 2x4 rails per section up to 4 ft tall, three up to 6 ft and four for taller fences.
- Pickets: fence length divided by the width each picket covers, plus 10 percent for waste.
- Screws: two per picket at every rail, plus four per rail for the rail ends.
- Concrete: a 10 in hole around a 4x4 post, 2 ft deep, takes about 2.5 bags of 50 lb fast-setting concrete.
Tips for a wood fence that lasts
- Keep pickets about 2 in above the ground so they do not sit in wet soil.
- Use exterior screws or ring shank nails that are rated for treated lumber.
- Put gravel at the bottom of each post hole for drainage, and slope the concrete away from the post at the top.
- Let new pressure treated wood dry before you stain or seal it, then repeat every few years.
- Check local rules on height and setbacks, and call 811 before you dig.
More fence calculators
- Privacy fence calculator to compare wood and vinyl privacy fences
- Split rail fence calculator for 2 and 3 rail fences
- Fence cost calculator for every fence type
Frequently asked questions
How much does a wood fence cost per foot?
Using the calculator's default prices, a 6 ft wood privacy fence costs about $17.60 per foot in materials and about $31.60 per foot installed. A 4 ft picket fence costs about $12 per foot in materials and $23 installed. Split rail is the cheapest at about $9 to $12 per foot in materials.
What is the cheapest wood fence to build?
A split rail fence is the cheapest wood fence. For privacy, prebuilt wood panels on 4x4 posts are usually the cheapest option, at about $16 per foot in materials for a 6 ft fence in our example.
How many pickets do I need per foot of fence?
For side-by-side 1x6 pickets, about 2.2 per foot. For board-on-board, about 2.7 per foot. For spaced 1x4 pickets with a 2.5 in gap, 2 per foot. Add about 10 percent for waste.
What size posts does a wood fence need?
4x4 posts are standard for fences up to 6 ft. Many builders use 6x6 posts for gates and for 8 ft fences because they resist bending. Posts should be rated for ground contact.
How long does a wood fence last?
A well built pressure treated or cedar fence often lasts 15 to 20 years. Good drainage, keeping pickets off the ground and regular staining all help it last longer.
Should I use nails or screws for a wood fence?
Both work. Exterior screws hold better and make repairs easier. Ring shank nails are faster with a nail gun. Either way, use fasteners rated for treated lumber so they do not corrode.