What the cost sites publish for wood
Three of the most visited homeowner cost guides publish these installed ranges for wood fence. We quote them exactly as printed so you know what your customer has probably read.
| Source (date shown) | Wood, installed per linear foot | Wood, material only per linear foot |
|---|---|---|
| HomeGuide (Feb 3, 2026) | $20 – $50 | $10 – $30 |
| Fixr (Jan 31, 2025) | $15 – $35 | $5 – $15 |
| HomeAdvisor (Jun 20, 2026) | $2,100 – $9,400 per project (no per-foot figure for wood) | not listed |
HomeGuide also breaks wood out by style: a 6' privacy fence (wood or vinyl) at $25 to $60 per linear foot installed, an 8' privacy fence at $50 to $85, and a picket fence at $20 to $50. Fixr publishes style ranges that apply to wood builds too: dog ear $18 to $35, shadow box $19 to $39, and picket $15 to $33 per linear foot installed.
Notice the spread. On a 150 foot backyard job the gap between the low end of one guide and the high end of another is large enough to start an argument at the kitchen table. That is why the line items on your quote matter more than the headline number.
What moves a wood job inside those ranges
- Species and treatment. HomeGuide notes prices rise for pressure treated wood and hardwoods compared with basic pine, spruce, or cedar. Name the species, grade, and treatment on the quote so the homeowner can compare apples to apples.
- Height and style. Taller boards, more rails, and styles that use more lumber per foot (shadowbox, board on board) raise both material and hang time. HomeAdvisor says going from six to eight feet can add 25% to 35% to the cost.
- Labor share. Fixr lists wood labor at $10 to $20 per linear foot, one of the highest labor bands in its table, next to vinyl and aluminum at $5 to $10. Wood is built on site more than panelized vinyl or aluminum.
- Posts and setting. HomeGuide flags that posts set deeper than 3' in concrete cost the most. Corner, end, and gate posts deserve their own line.
- Finish. Paint or stain is often a separate line: HomeGuide lists $2 to $14 per linear foot, HomeAdvisor $3.50 to $13.
- Tear out. Removing the old fence is its own cost driver. See fence removal and replacement cost.
How to use these numbers with a homeowner
Do not argue with the website. Agree that national guides show a wide range, then show where this yard sits in it and why. Walk them through the three things they cannot see from a cost chart: what is under the ground (rock, roots, old footings), how many gates and corners the layout has, and what grade of lumber you are quoting. If a competitor's bid is lower, ask the homeowner to check it against a list like the fence quote checklist on AI Fence Design. Missing lines explain most low bids.
For your own pricing, start from your supplier invoice and your crew's measured production, not from these ranges. Our estimating habits page covers line items and a lost bid file, and the fence labor cost page shows what public wage data does and does not tell you.
Life cycle talk, without made up numbers
Wood needs upkeep that vinyl and aluminum mostly skip, and homeowners compare total cost, not just install day. HomeGuide notes wood needs sealing every 1 to 2 years in its pros and cons table. Quote the stain or seal option as its own line and let the homeowner decide.