What the cost sites publish
| Source (date shown) | Per linear foot | Typical project |
|---|---|---|
| HomeGuide (Feb 4, 2026) | $2 – $14 (paint or stain) | $300 – $2,800 for 100' to 150'; most spend $1,700 |
| HomeAdvisor (Jun 20, 2026) | $3 – $14 | $750 – $4,250; average $1,700 |
| Fixr (Jan 31, 2025) | $2.25 – $10 one side; $4.50 – $20 both sides | $1,000 – $4,000; national average $2,000 |
Read the assumptions before you compare. Fixr's $2,000 average describes painting a 209 linear foot, 6' privacy fence on both sides with oil-based paint and primer after washing. HomeGuide also prices by panel, at $25 to $110 per 8' panel, and says most painters charge a $250 to $500 minimum.
Cost by fence height
| Height | HomeGuide, per linear foot | Fixr, per linear foot |
|---|---|---|
| 4' | $2.00 – $7.00 | $2.25 – $3.50 |
| 6' | $4.00 – $9.00 | $3.25 – $5.75 |
| 8' | $5.00 – $11.00 | $4.50 – $7.50 |
Height doubles the surface fast. Fixr points out that an 8' fence of 100 linear feet has twice the area of a 4' fence of the same length.
Cost by fence type
| Fence type | HomeAdvisor, per linear foot | HomeGuide, per linear foot |
|---|---|---|
| Wood picket | $2 – $5 | $2 – $5 (under 4') |
| Wood privacy | $2 – $10 | $3 – $10 (over 5') |
| Shadow box | $4 – $14 | $4 – $14 |
| Vinyl | $3 – $10 | $3 – $10 |
| Metal and aluminum | $4 – $10 | $4 – $10 |
| Wrought iron | $5 – $12 | $5 – $12 |
HomeGuide says shadow-box and board-on-board designs create 50% more painting surface, and that wrought iron needs rust removal and a rust-inhibitive primer first. On vinyl, HomeGuide says vinyl fencing is designed to never need painting and that painting it may void the warranty. Say that out loud before you take a vinyl paint job.
Labor and prep
- Labor. HomeGuide lists painter labor at $1 to $9 per linear foot, plus $1 to $5 for stain or paint and supplies. HomeAdvisor lists painters at $25 to $100 per hour. Fixr lists $40 to $60 per hour, or $0.30 to $0.70 per square foot for labor.
- Pressure washing. HomeGuide lists $1.50 to $3.00 per linear foot, HomeAdvisor $150 to $300, and Fixr $125 to $235 to pressure wash a fence.
- Gates. HomeGuide lists $100 to $600 to paint or stain a walk gate and $200 to $1,000 for a driveway gate.
- Coats. HomeAdvisor says stain usually needs one coat while paint needs a primer and two coats. HomeGuide says two coats of stain are best for most fences, following the manufacturer's directions. Quote the coat count you will actually apply.
- Repairs first. Loose boards and leaning sections get fixed before anything is coated. See fence repair cost.
When to stain new wood
The guides disagree on the wait. HomeGuide says 1 to 6 months after installation depending on wood and climate, noting cedar may be ready after 1 to 2 months and some pressure-treated wood needs 3 to 4 months or more. HomeAdvisor says about six to eight weeks after installation once the wood has dried. HomeGuide's field test is simple: sprinkle water on the wood, and if it beads, it is not ready.
That gap is a scheduling opportunity. If you offer staining, quote it as a separate, optional line on the install quote with a note that it happens after the wood dries, and put a follow-up date on the calendar. Our wood fence cost page covers the install side, and the AI prompt sheet has a follow-up text prompt you can adapt for the stain visit.
How long the finish lasts
HomeAdvisor says paint lasts about five to 10 years and stain one to eight years. Fixr says stain lasts about 3 to 4 years and paint 5 to 6. Give the homeowner the maintenance expectation in writing so a faded fence in year three is not a warranty call.
Lines a stain or paint quote should carry
- Product, opacity (transparent, semi-transparent, solid), and color.
- One side or both sides, and who talks to the neighbor.
- Prep: washing, sanding, scraping, any repairs, and drying time.
- Number of coats and application method (spray, roll, brush).
- Gates priced separately.
- What happens if rain hits during the job.