Cost range for installing privacy fencing
The cost to install a 6 foot privacy or timber fence generally ranges from $25 to $45 per linear foot when installed by a fence installer in your area. If you're a DIYer, expect to pay around $14-$17 per foot, not including tool rental.
If you hire a fence installation company, you can expect to have your property lines marked out before the day the fence installation begins. First they measure and use a powered post hole digger to dig the post holes, corner holes and gate holes. Once the holes are in place, install the posts and cement as needed. Once the cement has set, they install the rest of the wooden privacy fence, gates, and any other features you requested in your listing. After the fence is installed, they clean the area and finish the fence installation.
Average cost of a 6 foot privacy fence
The average cost to install a 6 foot privacy fence around your yard is $29.90 per foot. This includes an on-site inspection by a fence erector, marking your property boundaries and collecting the permit if required. The cost of all materials and labor to install a privacy fence, as well as cleaning up after the job is complete.
Average do-it-yourself cost
$15.60 / linear foot
Average contractor installation cost
$29.90 / Linear Foot
Typical cost range
$25 - $45, per linear foot
Overview of wooden privacy fences
Wood privacy fencing makes a great addition to any property and is one of the most common projects homeowners ask us and local fencing installers about. Enclosing your backyard with a picket fence gives your children a safe place to play, they prevent your animals from escaping, and unlike achain-link fence, they add some privacy to your garden and can look very nice at the same timestained or painted. Cost will vary primarily depending on the materials you choose, the type of fencing materials or panels, the size or length required, gates and other features, and installation difficulties on your property.
Thecostumewill help you get a better idea of the materials you will need, the various factors that determine prices, and how much you will spend to install a wooden or privacy fence yourselfPrivacy fence costswhen you hire a professional to do the job.
Cost calculator for wooden privacy fences
Complete the following section and then customize the fence project to suit your needs.
Cost factors for privacy fencing
The two main factors that will determine the cost of your wooden privacy fence are the materials and the size of the space you want to enclose. By understanding these factors, you can get the most accurate price estimate. We base our estimates on the 6ft wooden fence as this is the most popular size. Consider adding 15-20% to the time and cost of your project if you plan to build a 2-2 meter privacy fence.
- Art des Materials– The cheapest type of wood is the standard treated pine. You can expect to spend a lot more if you opt for something more permanent like redwood or vinyl fence panels.
- Prefabricated panels or construction on site– For most standard sizes you can choose prefabricated fence panels or have the fence built on site. The prefab fence panels can save you a little money up front, but a pole fence that is built on site for the location of the land and with better materials will last longer and in most cases look better.
- Size of the yard or area– Your costs increase as the fence length increases. Larger rooms require more materials and labor.
- number of goals- Each installed gate increases your price as you have to install more jambs as well as hinges, latches and locks.
- finishing touches– Consider the finishing touches you want to add to your newly installed privacy fence. Post Caps, Patterns &dye/paintwill drive up the price but can really improve the look of your fence.
- Local permits or inspections– Obtaining a fence permit is common, but post-work inspection is not. While this cost is not significant, it should be included in your privacy screen quote if required.
- Season and demand for installers– Springtime is the busiest time of year for fence installation. If you decide to install a privacy fence in mid-April, it will likely come your way a bit more as the fence installers in your area are very busy. If you can wait, you can save some money by installing a privacy fence in late fall or early winter, as long as freezing ground is not a problem where you live.

Cost details for fence and installation accessories
Once you've determined what type of wood you're using and how much space you need to include, you can expect to spend the following prices on your materials. Remember, if you value materials and accessories, add 10% for cuts, oddities, and goals.
- $40 - $60 each.| Pre-assembled 6′ x 8′ pressure treated pine fence panels.
- $60 - $80 each| Pre-assembled vinyl sheet in 6-8 foot heights
- $1.50 - $2.50 each.| Individual 6″ x 5/8″ x 6′ pickets (you will need2 pickets per footof the fence - not applicable to pre-assembled panels)
- $3.50 - $4.50 each.| 2″ x 4″ x 8′ Pressure Treated Wood (3 x total fence length, in 8′ lengths)
- $6 - $12 each.| 8′ or 9′ 4×4 or Round Fence Posts – You must install 1 post every 8 feet as well as 2 posts per gate. 9ft posts are recommended for a 6ft high privacy fence.
- $3 – $5 ea.| Sack of Concrete - The number of sacks you need will depend on the soil in your area. Estimate that you will use 2 bags for every 3 posts.
- $3 – $5 ea.| Gravel Bag - To prevent moisture buildup around your post, it is recommended that you place 2 to 4 inches of gravel at the bottom of each post hole. Estimate that you will use 1 bag for every 4 posts.
- $10– $40 ea.| Set of Hinges and Latches - The number of gates and the type of latches you choose will determine how much you spend here.
- $60 - $80 per day| 1 or 2 Man Powered Auger - Save yourself a lot of time and energy by renting a drill to dig your post holes.
- $30– $40| Nails, screws and other miscellaneous hardware.
Note: While it may seem advantageous to purchase your own materials and hire a contractor to install the privacy fence, it's worth getting estimates that include the materials first. Fence companies that complete multiple projects each week get better pricing than you do from suppliers.
Permits, inspection and installation costs
permits and inspection
Installing a six-foot privacy fence may seem like a standard job, but you should check your local laws regarding permits, especially if you decide to go over 6 feet. You must also consider any HOA laws in your neighborhood to ensure you are not breaking the bylaws. Make sure you don't skip this step, you don't want to find out the hard way that the fence you just built violates HOA or city codes.
- $0 – $75| Before you dig your posts, you'll need to call 811 to have your utility lines marked so you don't hit anything while digging. Most US areas offer this service free of charge.
- $275 – $450|Surveying the property line- If you're more of a do-it-yourselfer, you can borrow, rent, or buy a metal detector and locate the property pins in the ground that mark your property lines.
Labor costs for installing privacy fencing
The labor price can vary greatly from company to company. We recommend that you get at least 3 estimates if you plan on hiring someone to install your privacy fence. Consider the following factors when considering labor costs:
- Fencing linear feet– The more fence you have installed, the longer it will take to install.
- type of area- If your garden is full of trees, hills and other challenges, more planning and work will go into the project.
- condition of the soil– Hard ground, stones or other conditions that make work difficult will certainly affect the time and cost of installation.
- Removal of old fences- Digging up old posts and scrapping the old materials is a project of its own and you can expect a big price increase if you remove an existing fence.
Completed installation time
If you are planning to install a wooden privacy fence yourself, the following guide can help you determine how long it will take:
- 2 – 4 Takes| For a standard 150-200 foot privacy fence with no obstructions.
- 3-5 Takes| If you're working on hills, maneuvering around trees, or adding multiple gates, consider adding a day or two to the scope of your project.
- 4 – 6 Takes| Removal of old fences and posts, larger yards, and fancy finishes increase installation time. Add extra timeif you plan to stain your fenceas well as.
Privacy fences are a wonderful addition to any home. Here are some related fence installation and maintenance projects you might be reading.
- Shadowbox fence cost
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- Cost of wooden picket fences
- Aluminum fencing cost
- Picket fence options for your home
- block retaining wall cost
- Cost of wooden or wooden retaining walls
- Compare the cost of Wireless and Invisible Fence
- Cost to stain a wooden fence
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Do it yourself or hire a professional
Putting up a privacy fence is a very popular do-it-yourself project for many savvy homeowners, with a good selection of tools and a few friends. While you might consider doing it on your own, it's still worth speaking to a few local fencing companies to get their professional feedback and ideas on what you're trying to achieve.
You may find that an area you want a gate in doesn't work, or any number of design and layout ideas they have just because you've had fences installed for so long. You will also appreciate the amount of work ahead and the expertise required.
- Needs a strong back for the transport log and at least one friend or helper to help position, carry, dig, etc.
- Familiarity with a wide range of hand tools, mathematics, power tools.
I have installed quite a few fences myself over the past 30 years and helped with several others. I also paid to have them installed. With common sense, good math skills and a good working knowledge of power tools, it's not a difficult project - except for the back and muscles.
Compare costs from leading resources
- LawnStarter: $14-$36, per foot, installed
- HomeWise: $34 - $53.90, per foot installed
- HomeGuide: $13 - $25, per linear foot
- HomeAdvisor: $17 - $45, wood fence, per foot installed
- Veranda: $21 - $33, per foot installed
Frequently asked questions and answers
How much does a 6 foot privacy fence cost?
A 6 foot high privacy fence costs about $29.80 per foot and is installed by a professional near you.
How much does an 8ft privacy fence cost?
Expect to pay about $40 per linear foot to have an 8 foot high privacy fence installed.
How soon after installation can I stain a wooden fence?
Wooden fences can be stained immediately after installation, as long as the wood is dry.
How long does a wooden fence last?
With proper installation and care, a wooden privacy fence should last 20-30 years.
Reviewed and edited by Steve Hansen of Costumes
Steve Hansen is the senior editor of Costumes. (learn more about us) A keen DIY enthusiast with over 35 years of experience in both DIY projects and working as a builder in new home construction, fit out, repairs and remodeling.
"Like most homeowners, I have been frustrated by the lack of quality information on certain home improvement repairs and renovations. Costimates was founded in 2015 to help homeowners learn as much as possible about different projects and their costs so they can make better financial decisions."