How Much Does a Cedar Fence Cost to Install? [2026 Data]

In 2026, the national average cost to install a cedar fence is $6,500 for a standard 200-linear-foot project. Most homeowners pay between $3,700 and $9,300, with final costs driven by fence style, height, and overall project scope. Budget separately for old fence removal, which typically runs $600 to $1,400, plus any land clearing or permit fees.

What Are Cedar Fence Costs by Style?

Cedar fence styles range from single boards and split-rail to picket and privacy designs, each carrying its own material cost per linear foot (ranging from $8.50 to $16.50). Your choice of style directly affects how much you'll spend on materials, with simpler designs like split-rail typically landing at the lower end and privacy fences at the higher end. 

Here's how each style breaks down by cost:

Single Boards

Individual cedar boards cost between $8.50 to $9.25 per linear foot, making them one of the more affordable material options compared to pre-made panels. Because each board is typically only half a foot wide, installation takes longer than with panels, which come ready-made in six- to eight-foot widths. If your installer charges by the hour, that slower pace can add up in labor fees—so factor that into your total budget before committing to this style.

Split-Rail Fences

Cedar split-rail fences cost between $8.50 to $13.50 per linear foot, making them a budget-friendly choice with a rustic aesthetic well suited to ranch-style homes. The horizontal rails connect to posts, giving you flexibility to customize rail height. Most homeowners use only three rails between each post, which helps keep material costs on the lower end of that range.

Picket Fences

A cedar picket fence costs between $9 to $16.25 per linear foot, with the final price depending on height and board spacing. These fences typically stand three to four feet tall, with open spacing between boards that creates a classic, charming look. Because picket fences use fewer materials than privacy fences, your overall project cost will generally be lower.

Privacy Fences

Cedar privacy fences cost $10 to $16.50 per linear foot for materials, with four-foot fences at the lower end and eight-foot fences toward the higher end. Privacy fences feature closely spaced boards for minimal visibility and often come pre-stained, which simplifies installation. While material costs run higher than other styles, the easier installation can offset some of that expense through lower labor costs.

Cedar Fence Cost by Size: What to Expect

Cedar fence materials average $8.50 to $16.50 per linear foot, and once you add labor of $10 to $30 per linear foot, your all-in cost lands between $18.50 to $46.50 per linear foot. A typical residential backyard needs around 200 linear feet of fencing, which puts total project costs between $3,700 to $9,300, or $6,500 on average. Fence lengths can range from 100 linear feet to well over 600 linear feet, so knowing your property's perimeter before getting quotes will help you budget accurately. 

Here's a breakdown of estimated costs by fence length:

Wood Fence Contractor Costs: What Do Pro Rates Cover?

Labor for wood fence installation costs typically runs $10 to $30 per linear foot when you hire a local wood fence installer, with rates varying based on your location and project scope. Some contractors bill by the hour instead, in which case you can expect to pay $25 to $60 per hour. Shopping around and getting multiple quotes is the best way to find a fair rate for your specific project.

Pros may also offer any of the following services on top of your fence installation:

• Fence painting: $750–$4,250

• Pressure washing: $100–$350

• Gate installation: $900–$3,800

Cedar Fence Costs to Consider: Extra Budget Items

Prep work, demolition, and permits can all add to your cedar fence installation budget beyond the base material and labor costs. Understanding these potential extras upfront helps you avoid surprises when your final estimate arrives.

Prep

Uneven terrain or obstacles on your property can require prep work before fence installation begins, adding costs that vary by the type and scale of work needed. If your yard has trees, boulders, or significant grade changes, budget for one or more of the following services:

• Land clearing: $1,400 to $6,200

• Tree removal: $200 to $2,000

• Boulder removal: $650 to $1,200

• Yard leveling: $1,000 to $3,300

Demolition

Removing an existing fence before installing a new cedar one adds to your project cost, with the cost to remove an old fence running $3 to $7 per linear foot, or roughly $600 to $1,400 for a standard 200-linear-foot fence. Before committing to a contractor, confirm whether fence removal is included in their estimate or billed separately.

Permits

Fence permits typically cost between $100 to $500, though the requirement itself depends on your local regulations and whether or not you need a permit for your fence. Most jurisdictions don't require a permit for backyard fences six feet and under, but front yard fences may trigger permit requirements even at shorter heights. Check with your local building department before installation to confirm you're within code.

Cedar Fence Replacement vs. Repair

The average cost to repair a fence is $600, though most repairs fall somewhere between $300 to $950 depending on the extent of the damage. If repair costs exceed 50% of what a full replacement would cost, replacing the fence entirely is the smarter financial move. Repair makes the most sense when your cedar fence is structurally sound but has isolated boards or sections that need attention.

How You Can Save Money While Installing a Cedar Fence

Planning a cost-effective cedar fence installation can help anyone on a tight budget. Cedarwood already has a lower price tag than the cost of redwood fences , but there are still steps you can take to get that perfect natural wood fence without splurging. Here are a few tips on ways you can save:

• Remove old fencing yourself.

• Clear obstacles like boulders and any landscaping equipment.

• If you need to hire a local tree removal company to clear trees, trim them yourself first to shorten how long it takes your pro to handle the job.

• Choose a picket or split-rail fence to save on material costs.

• Avoid single boards and opt for a panel if you're hiring a pro.

• Stain or paint the wood yourself. Generally, you won't need to learn how to paint wood paneling for cedar, as it's usually stained.

• Reduce the height of your fencing material.

• Lower the perimeter and enclose less of your property.

Does Installing a Cedar Fence Increase Home Value?

Installing a cedar fence can increase a home's value by boosting curb appeal, providing better privacy, and making a yard more attractive. Since cedar is a low-maintenance material, homeowners may be drawn in by the installation. However, a cedar fence alone doesn't guarantee a higher home value. Check with a real estate agent in your area to see which exterior home improvement projects offer the best ROI.

Why You Should Hire a Cedar Fence Installation Pro

Building a fence yourself is an intermediate project that can save you anywhere from $10 to $30 per linear foot in labor costs. This project requires precise measurements, strategic planning, and an armful of supplies.

While you might save money upfront by doing it yourself, you also risk improperly installing the fence. Hiring a professional fence installer near you is by far the easiest and most efficient way to install a fence correctly the first time around.

Here's why it's ideal to hire a cedar fence installation pro

Installing a cedar fence isn't a quick DIY project. Here's why it's best to hire a pro for the job:

• Professionals know how to install posts, panels, and hardware properly.

• DIY installation can lead to misaligned posts, improper straining, and uneven panels.

• Reputable installers carry insurance and offer warranties for added peace of mind.

• Pros have the tools needed to dig, level, and secure fence panels.

• A professionally installed cedar fence boosts curb appeal and can increase your property value.

If you want to DIY a cedar fence installation

To assist your pro with the installation, consider helping out with the following tasks:

• Clear trees, shrubs, and outdoor decor from the installation area

• Remove old fences and dispose of them according to local regulations

• Pre-stain or paint panels before installation

• Cleanup debris, scraps, and packaging after the fence is installed

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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