Cedar Fencing Costs $15-$45 per Linear Foot Installed

Cedar fence costs vary by height, material grade, and labor. Expect to pay $15-$45 per linear foot installed, or $2,250-$13,500 for a 150-foot fence. Prices depend on wood quality (e.g., Western Red Cedar vs. Eastern), fence style (dog-eared, shadowbox), and local labor rates. DIY materials alone cost $7-$20 per foot.

Key Factors Affecting Cedar Fence Costs

  • Material Grade:
    • Economy (knotty, lower durability): $7-$12/ft
    • Premium (clear, tight grain): $20-$40/ft
  • Fence Height:
    • 4 ft: $12-$30/ft
    • 6 ft (standard): $15-$45/ft
    • 8+ ft: $25-$60/ft (may require permits)
  • Style/Design: Privacy ($$$), picket ($$), split-rail ($)
  • Labor: $10-$20/ft (40%-60% of total cost)
  • Extras: Gates ($150-$1,000), staining ($1-$3/ft), concrete footings ($5-$15 each)

Cost Comparison: Cedar vs. Other Fencing Materials

Material Cost per Linear Foot (Installed) Lifespan Maintenance Pros Cons
Cedar (Mid-Grade) $15-$45 15-30 years Moderate (seal every 2-3 years) Natural look, insect-resistant, durable Higher upfront cost, fades without staining
Pressure-Treated Pine $12-$30 10-20 years Low (occasional cleaning) Budget-friendly, widely available Prone to warping, chemical treatment
Vinyl $20-$50 20-30+ years Minimal (hose cleaning) No painting, rot-proof, long-lasting Limited color options, can crack in cold
Chain Link $10-$25 15-25 years Very low Affordable, low-maintenance No privacy, industrial appearance

Cedar Fence Cost Breakdown by Project Size

  • 50-foot fence: $750-$2,250
  • 100-foot fence: $1,500-$4,500
  • 150-foot fence (average backyard): $2,250-$6,750
  • 200-foot fence: $3,000-$9,000

Ways to Reduce Cedar Fencing Costs

  1. Choose Economy Grade: Opt for knotty cedar (saves 30%-50%).
  2. DIY Installation: Cut labor costs by self-installing (requires tools/skills).
  3. Shorter Height: A 4-ft fence uses 30% less material than 6-ft.
  4. Simpler Design: Dog-eared or spaced pickets cost less than privacy panels.
  5. Buy in Bulk: Purchase materials directly from lumberyards for discounts.
  6. Skip Staining Initially: Delay staining/sealing for 1-2 years (but reduces lifespan).

Hidden Costs to Consider

  • Permits: $50-$300 (required for heights over 6 ft in many areas).
  • Property Surveys: $300-$600 (if boundary lines are unclear).
  • Old Fence Removal: $3-$10/ft (if replacing existing fence).
  • Slope Adjustments: +20%-50% cost for stepped or raked designs on uneven terrain.
  • Gate Hardware: $50-$200 per gate (hinges, latches, self-closing mechanisms).

Lifespan & Maintenance Costs Over Time

Annual Maintenance Cost: $50-$300 (cleaning, sealing, minor repairs).

  • Year 1-5: Seal every 2-3 years ($0.50-$1.50/ft per application).
  • Year 6-10: Replace damaged boards ($10-$30 each).
  • Year 15+: Potential full replacement if warping/rot occurs.

Pro Tip: Using stainless steel screws (+$0.50/ft) prevents rust stains and extends fence life.