Wood fence is a generic term covering different kinds of wood, fence styles, and the size of yards. Including these variables and a few others, you can assume to pay nearly $ 3500 to get an expert to install a wooden fence.
Typical price ranges range from $ 2000 to $ 5000 in total. Remember that all mentioned figures are average costs in different states (they can vary), and the cost of lumber and labor can vary greatly depending on which state you live in.
How much does a wood fence cost?
Average national cost: approximately $3000-$3500
Standard price range: $2000 – $4500
At the significantly lower end: $900
At the highest end: $8000
Most owners pay nearly $2000 – $4500 to install a wooden fence, including labor and materials costs.
However, these numbers are not the same for everyone. The cost of a particularly simple task, such as a fence in a smaller area, can remove around $ 900.
While for complex or large projects, the cost can rise to about $ 8000 on average.
Other aspects affecting costs
The size of the yard is not the only thing that can considerably change the final cost of a wood fence project. Other desires and needs need to be considered to calculate the exact budget for a fence project.
Wood type
Homeowners have different reasons- for example, color, texture, maintenance- selecting a specific type of wood for fencing is wood color, etc. That adds the extra cost of about $ 50 per square foot (comprising installation). But for other reasons, more affordable options such as spruce ($ 25 per square foot) and pine ($ 30 per square foot).
There is a price for every type of wood, so you need to decide what type of fence to use before having a clear budget.
Few of the more normal woods used for fences, and the average cost of each (containing professional installation and materials) are:
Fence style
There are different styles of fences that serve different purposes, allowing you to select from different types of wood. Privacy fencing is an ideal solution for those searching to block out your garden from the world, whereas white picket fence is popular among Americans.
Various fencing styles use less or more wood and require less or more time for the fencing installer. For these reasons, which wood fencing style you need is another important indicator of the overall cost.
The trending fence styles for owners and the approximate amount to pay for each (containing labor costs).
Rail fences are usually an affordable option, but solid privacy fences are usually expensive.
Fence height
The fence height determines the amount of timber needed for the project. The costs in this article show the price of an average 6-foot fence. Standard heights other than this are 4 feet and 8 feet.
An 8-foot fence will cost you 20% to 30% more for extra timber. A 4-foot fence will lower the cost by 20% to 30%.
Gates
In most cases, installing the gate while fencing is advisable. This portion of the fence is more expensive than the other parts due to the hardware of the gate and the additional time required for installation.
A gate’s cost adds to the overall cost calculated on its design, size, and material. Automatic gates cost even more than manual gates.
Generally, you can assume to add $ 175 to $ 1,200 to the total cost of installing a professional gate.
Land slope
If the land is sloping, the contractor may need to flatten the land before construction. Grading can cost an additional $ 900-$ 3,000; it depends on the space size and the amount of work required.
Permits
State, county, city, or homeowner’s association might involve a construction permit to build a fence. Such permits can add a few more charges between $ 20 and $ 400; it depends on the size of the project and where you live.
Check with your area’s building code or inquire from the contractor you want to hire if you need a permit to build a fence in this area.
Costs of Extra Services
In some cases, installing a fence is not only confined to only installing a fence. Fence projects might require other services that increase the total price.
Consider if you need these additional services and the cost each factor can add to your budget for a wood fencing project.
Removal of bushes & trees
If trees or bushes block the area around the garden where the homeowner needs to place the fence, they need to clean that area by removing these bushes and trees.
For small bushes and trees, you might be capable of working independently. However, for large plants, you need to hire a specialist. Your contractor might have the right team to eradicate the plants for you; if not, you can always have an option to hire an independent tree removing service.
The price of removing bushes and trees, along with other factors, depends on the location and size of the tree.
Additional Cost: Approximately $ 10 to $ 14 per foot or $ 385 to $ 1,070 in total.
Fence removal
There may be an old fence hindering the way of the new fence installation. Most contractors will take out and transport the old fence at an additional cost. The inclusive charges of removing the fence depending on the contractor’s amount of fence to demolish.
Additional cost: $ 3 to $ 5 per foot of fence to remove.
Cost of staining/Painting
Staining or Painting is a crucial step of the practice for wood fences, as Painting shields the fence from weather damage, floods, and pests. Still, staining and Painting are usually not incorporated into the installation cost.
However, if you plan to complete the task by hiring one team, including a wooden fence, you must pay an additional fee to stain or paint your fence.
The precise cost of staining or painting a wooden fence depends on the stain or paint quality you prefer and the height and length of the fence.
Additional cost: Nearly $ 500- $ 3,000
The Pros of installing wood fence
It protects your privacy from the prying eyes of passers-by and nosy neighbors, reduces noise, and enhances the sense of security and protection everyone needs. By installing it, you can prevent insects and pests from invading the site and causing damage to your landscape and garden.
The fence keeps your pets and children safe in the yard and marks the boundaries with your neighbor’s backyard. Finally, no one can deny that decorative wooden fences enhance the home’s attractiveness and increase its overall market value.
The Cons of wood fencing
They are a great addition to the home, but you need to remember many drawbacks. The main drawback is that it is not as durable as other fence materials. Normal life is up to 8-20 years. Compared to other types of fencing, which lasts 40 to 50 years on average.
A wooden fence is also an unpredictable material and can be cracked, split, and discolored because of harsh weather under the influence of weather conditions. Wood is also an active substance that can shrink about 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch with residual shrinkage. There are small gaps in the fence, but the humidity causes the wood to expand in the snowy or rainy months, making it difficult to open doors and gates.
The cost of installing a DIY wooden fence
Owners with tools and knowledge about home refurbishment projects will find it easy to build a wooden fence if the ground you are building is flat. Do it yourself besides hiring an expert.
However, for inexperienced homeowners who want a professional touch, hiring someone to handle your project is advisable. You risk spending dollars and time on the fence if you don’t know what you’re doing. It looks unsightly or can’t resist the elements.
Equipment you need
If you have this equipment, there are no extra charges. If not, it shows the average price you would pay to buy a new tool, based on information from Amazon, Lowe’s, and Home Depot.
Material cost
How much will be the cost of the material will depend on the wood type you choose and the area you need to cover, and the charges of installing a professional fence.
DIY or professional team for fence installation?
So how do you calculate the cost of your project? You need to answer this question first: Are you working on this project, or are you doing it yourself?
You need to contact the fence installer near me to get a quote when you hire it. Most professional fence installers buy materials and offer the final installation price. As with any project, getting some quotes from recommended service providers is helpful.
You can save on installation costs if you do it yourself, but it’s essential to consider all costs, not just wood and materials. The wood itself costs about $ 7 to $ 15 per foot, depending on the type. Keep in mind to consider the cost of buying or renting permits, tools (such as nail guns and electric drills), nails and screws, brackets, and equipment.
Don’t forget to include the cost of extras such as gates and post caps and the cost to remove an existing fence, if necessary.
Don’t forget the finishing costs.
All wooden fences should be finished with stains, paint, or sealants, irrespective of your preferred material. Be sure to add this cost. Home Advisor estimates that the cost of hiring someone to complete a fence is $ 1 to $ 3 per square foot. If you DIY, you’ll need to buy paint, stains, and the tools you need. It is advisable to refinish the new fence as soon as it is dry and ready to receive the paint and follow a regular maintenance plan to ensure that the fence lasts longer.
FAQs
What is the preferred wood for a fence?
Cedars are affordable, elegant, and resistant to common issues, for example, pests and warpage.
What is the cheapest fencing wood or PVC?
Wood fences are lower in price than early PVC fences, but PVC is virtually maintenance-free, so wood needs to be repainted or dyed after a couple of years.
What is the life span of a wooden fence?
Like many others, the life of a fence depends on the wood type you are using. Mostly wooden fences’ life span is about 15-20 years if you pay attention to maintenance.
Final thoughts:
Among the various types of fences, wooden fences offer the best combo of durability and affordability. The style, wood type, and total area are the main factors that affect the total cost of a wooden fence. A normal range, including the installation of professional fences, ranges from $ 2000 to $ 5000.
If you opt to build a wooden fence yourself, you can assume to expend about $ 3500 on construction materials and equipment. No matter how you cut it, you will need to pay thousands of dollars for a high-quality wooden fence in most cases. However, professional help from trusted fence contractors like Fence Experts is always beneficial.
