Natural rot resistance with a warmer grain than pine

Cedar fence cost: $20–$45 per linear foot

Cedar's natural oils repel insects and slow decay without chemical treatment, which is why it lasts longer than pine in wet climates. It costs more per board foot, but many homeowners in the Southeast and Pacific Northwest choose it specifically because it holds up where pine struggles.

  • $30/ftnational average
  • 20–30 yrstypical lifespan
  • Mediummaintenance
  • Highprivacy level
Get my wood (cedar) estimate

Where wood (cedar) wins

  • Naturally resistant to rot and insects — no chemical treatment needed
  • Tighter, more attractive wood grain than pressure-treated pine
  • Ages to an attractive silver-grey if left unfinished

Where it doesn't

  • Roughly 40–50% more expensive than pine for the same footprint
  • Still benefits from sealing every 3–5 years to hold its color
  • Price is more sensitive to regional lumber supply than pine

Step 1 of 1 — no email required

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.

Fence material

ft

A typical quarter-acre backyard perimeter runs 130–180 ft. Measure along the exact fence line, not your lot's square footage.

Height

Estimated installed cost

Live

$5,200

$3,150 – $7,250 for 150 ft · a wide range — site conditions matter a lot here

  • Materials 54% $2,828
  • Labor 39% $2,047
  • Gates 6% $325

Cost breakdown

  • Wood (Cedar), materials + labor (150 ft) $3,000–$6,750
  • 1 × Walk gate (3–4 ft) $150–$500
Why this number?

Wood (Cedar), materials + labor (150 ft). Wood (Cedar) installs for a national average of $20–$45 per linear foot at 6 ft height on flat ground. 58% 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.

Read the full methodology →

$32.5per foot
20posts
2.7labor days
Compare materials →

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.

Fence installation cost per linear foot by material, 2026
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

Cedar fence cost — frequently asked questions

How much does a cedar fence cost per linear foot?

A cedar fence installed by a professional costs $20–$45 per linear foot nationally, averaging around $30/ft, at a standard 6 ft height on flat ground. About 58% of that figure is the material itself; the remainder is labor.

How long does a cedar fence last?

Most cedar fences last 20–30 years with medium maintenance. Climate, soil moisture, and how consistently it's maintained can shift that range in either direction.

What does 100 feet of cedar fencing cost installed?

At the national average of $30/ft, 100 linear feet of cedar fencing runs about $3000 installed, with a realistic range of $2000–$4500 before gates, removal, or regional adjustments. Use the calculator above to add those in for an exact figure.

Is cedar fencing high maintenance?

Cedar needs regular upkeep to hit its full lifespan. Roughly 40–50% more expensive than pine for the same footprint