Boundary marking at the lowest cost per foot
Split Rail fence cost: $8–$20 per linear foot
Split rail is priced for covering distance, not for security or privacy — most installs use just two or three horizontal rails between posts, which is the main reason it costs a fraction of a solid privacy fence over the same run.
- $14/ftnational average
- 15–20 yrstypical lifespan
- Lowmaintenance
- Noneprivacy level
Where split rail wins
- Cheapest material on this list to buy and install
- Very fast to install over long, straight runs
- Low-maintenance — no painting or staining required
Where it doesn't
- Provides no privacy and minimal security
- Two- and three-rail styles won't reliably contain small pets
- Limited to a rustic aesthetic that doesn't suit every property
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Estimate your fence cost
Answer a few questions about your project. The estimate updates instantly, and every dollar in the breakdown links back to the assumption that produced it.
Estimated installed cost
Live$2,425
$1,350 – $3,500 for 150 ft · a wide range — site conditions matter a lot here
- Materials 43% $1,050
- Labor 43% $1,050
- Gates 13% $325
Cost breakdown
- Split Rail, materials + labor (150 ft) $1,200–$3,000
- 1 × Walk gate (3–4 ft) $150–$500
Why this number?
Split Rail, materials + labor (150 ft). Split Rail installs for a national average of $8–$20 per linear foot at 6 ft height on flat ground. 50% of that figure is materials; the rest is labor.
1 × Walk gate (3–4 ft). Gates cost more per foot than straight fence line because each one needs a separate frame, hinges, and a latch that has to be built to swing freely.
This is a research-based estimate, not a quote. Get at least two written, itemized bids from licensed local contractors before signing anything. We don't sell your information or route you to lead-gen buyers.
2026 national pricing
Fence cost by material, per linear foot
Fully installed pricing — materials, standard hardware, and labor — for a 6 ft fence on flat ground. Your project will land somewhere in each range depending on style, height, and site conditions, which is exactly what the calculator above adjusts for.
| Material | Low / ft | High / ft | Avg / ft | Lifespan | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-Treated Pine | $12 | $30 | $20 | 15–20 yrs | High |
| Cedar | $20 | $45 | $30 | 20–30 yrs | Medium |
| Vinyl (PVC) | $25 | $55 | $38 | 25–30 yrs | Low |
| Chain Link | $10 | $35 | $20 | 15–20 yrs | Low |
| Aluminum | $25 | $50 | $35 | 25–40 yrs | Low |
| Wrought Iron / Steel Ornamental | $35 | $85 | $55 | 30–50 yrs | Medium |
| Composite | $30 | $60 | $42 | 25–30 yrs | Low |
| Split Rail | $8 | $20 | $14 | 15–20 yrs | Low |
Straight answers
Split Rail fence cost — frequently asked questions
How much does a split rail fence cost per linear foot?
A split rail fence installed by a professional costs $8–$20 per linear foot nationally, averaging around $14/ft, at a standard 6 ft height on flat ground. About 50% of that figure is the material itself; the remainder is labor.
How long does a split rail fence last?
Most split rail fences last 15–20 years with low maintenance. Climate, soil moisture, and how consistently it's maintained can shift that range in either direction.
What does 100 feet of split rail fencing cost installed?
At the national average of $14/ft, 100 linear feet of split rail fencing runs about $1400 installed, with a realistic range of $800–$2000 before gates, removal, or regional adjustments. Use the calculator above to add those in for an exact figure.
Is split rail fencing high maintenance?
No — split rail is one of the lower-maintenance fencing materials. It generally does not require regular sealing, staining, or painting.