How Much Does it Cost to Install a Wood Fence?
Whether you’re looking to create some privacy or simply improve the curb appeal of your home, adding a new wood fence can be an easy way to add value to your property and enhance your outdoor living space. The cost of installing a fence, however, depends on several factors, including the type of wood you choose, the height and style of the fence, and how many linear feet of fencing you need.
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The Cost of Materials
If you choose to build your own fence, you’ll need to purchase the lumber, posts, and pickets yourself. These items can run anywhere from $5 to $15 per linear foot, depending on the wood you use. The more expensive woods, like redwood and tropical hardwoods, are typically on the higher end of the price spectrum.
Your fence contractor or home improvement store can help you decide which wood is the best choice for your project, and may have discounted prices on bulk lumber. You can also look for wood that’s treated with a preservative to prevent rot and pests. Pressure-treated pine, for example, costs $3 to $7 per linear foot.
Cedar, on the other hand, is often less expensive than pine. It’s a good choice for homes with children, pets, or dogs, and it’s resistant to rot and insects. It requires yearly maintenance of sanding, sealing, and staining. It can also rust, warp, or splinter when it gets wet.
The Total Cost of Installing a Fence
If you’re thinking about going the DIY route, the total cost of building a wooden fence can be as low as $600 or as high as $4,000. But if you want to add extra features, such as gates, post caps, and latticework, this will add to the cost.
When you’re deciding on the overall cost of your fence, consider that it will be worth more if it lasts for years. For example, a cedar fence can last 16 to 20 years, which will save you money in the long run.
The average cost of a 6′-tall wood fence is around $3,068. If you need a taller fence, the cost will likely increase by 20% or more.
Buying and installing your own fence can be a great DIY project, but you’ll need to make sure that you buy the right tools for the job. If you’re not experienced at installing a fence, it’s better to hire a professional to do the work for you.
Other Things You Need to Know
The first step to ensuring that your fence is installed correctly is to mark the location of your fence with a land surveyor, who will determine the exact property lines and ensure that you are building your fence in the proper spot. This can be a time-consuming and tedious process, so you’ll want to hire a company that is familiar with the process.
A professional installation of your fence will also include a range of labor costs, including prep work and post-hole digging. These aren’t included in the price of your fence, so be sure to account for these expenses when comparing quotes from contractors.
