How Much Does a Wood Fence Cost to Install?
If you’re thinking about a new wood fence for your home, it’s important to understand how much it’ll cost to install. This will help you plan your budget and avoid unnecessary expenses along the way.
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Various styles of fences require different amounts of lumber and time to build, which means you’ll need to plan your budget accordingly. The height of your fence also affects the overall price. In general, a 6-foot fence costs about $17 to $45 per linear foot. Increasing your fence to 8 feet can add 25% to 35% to the total price.
The materials you use to build your wood fence are the biggest factor in determining its final price. Cedar, redwood, cypress, and pine are the most common choices for fence materials. Some homeowners opt to combine different wood types for added durability, such as using cedar pickets and cypress posts.
Wood fences are one of the most durable and affordable options for fencing your property, primarily because they can be made from high-quality lumber. However, they do require maintenance and repairs to keep them looking their best.
A well-built wood fence can last up to 15 years, although it depends on your climate and your level of maintenance. If you want to give your fence a more attractive appearance, you may consider staining or painting it.
If you’re planning to have a professional install your fence, it’ll cost about $17 to $45 per linear foot for labor. In addition to the actual installation, you’ll need to pay for site prep and permits. A land surveyor will help you determine the property lines and mark them so your fence can be built on the right spot.
Once your land is ready, a fence installer will dig the post holes and cement them in place. They’ll also put in any corner holes or gate holes, and clean up the area after the job is finished. This project requires specialized equipment, including a powered post hole digger and other tools, and can be expensive if you have to rent them.
The first thing a wood fence needs to do is withstand the elements. This means it needs to be water-resistant and rot-resistant. Depending on your climate, the weather can cause your fence to warp, sag, and even fall down. To prevent this, your fence should be built with a strong, rigid foundation and anchored in concrete.
You’ll also need to pay for fence posts and post caps, which add to your wood fence installation costs. These can be purchased in a variety of colors and finishes, and will protect your posts from the elements.
Fence posts are the most visible parts of a wood fence and typically last a decade or longer if installed properly. They are usually anchored in concrete for extra strength and to avoid possible rot caused by contact with wet soil. In areas that experience cycles of freeze and thaw, it’s advisable to have posts anchored even deeper than usual to resist the heaving effect of freezing and thawing ground.
