How much does wood fencing cost?

Wood fencing is an excellent investment if you want to increase the privacy and security of your home, mark your property, and add decorative appeal. Having a wood fence installed involves taking measurements, procuring materials, installing the posts, assembling the panels, and adding finishing touches. The price to install a wood fence can be somewhere around $1,700 to $4,000.

What factors affect wood fencing costs?

While the average price for a wood fence is around $2,800, it greatly varies depending on many factors. Here are some of them:

Wood fence types

Wood panel fencing cost differs depending on the type you’re going for. For example, wood fence slats prices are pricier than the weave types. Here’s a price comparison for your reference:

Wood fence height

Naturally, the cost to install a 6-ft wood fence is cheaper than the cost of a 50-foot wood fence. The taller the fence, the more expensive it gets because wood fencing products are generally priced per linear foot.

Wood fence coverage

Do you want to define the borders of a large yard? Expect to spend more money than you would when you have a smaller piece of land to install a wood fence on. The installation cost of a new wood fence can be more than $8,000 for an acre of land.

Land condition

Does your piece of land have soft or rocky soils? Is the ground sloping or flat? Keep these in mind when planning to have wood fencing installed. Considering these factors is important to help avoid structural problems. 

Additional wood fencing costs

On top of the factors listed above, the total cost of your wood fencing project can still have other elements. Before having a wood fence installed on your property, it would be best to know what’s included in the total cost so you’re aware of what you’re paying for. Ask your contractor if the following are already covered:

Labor

When calculating the cost of your wood fencing project, it’s important to calculate the labor costs. It would typically cost you somewhere between $30 and $80 per hour for a 150 to 200 linear foot fence. The amount also depends on the level of experience of the contractor or tradesman you hire.

Fence post caps

To further elevate the aesthetic of your wood fence, you may want to add post caps like a ball, collar, or acorn! This adds to its appearance and helps ward off intruders by making your fence difficult to climb over. Fence post caps cost around $6 to $50, but this can greatly vary depending on your design.

Exterior painting

Once your wood fence is installed, you may want to consider having it painted, decorated, and protected! You can choose an intricate design with different colors or shapes or go for a minimalist style. Depending on your preferences, this can cost you around $15 to $30 per square meter.

Waste disposal

If you need to have your old fences torn down to make way for your new ones, your contractor may charge you for fence and waste removal. It usually costs from $600 to $800, depending on the amount of waste being removed. You surely do not want to end up with old fence panels, decking, or turf piled up on your property!

Wood fence maintenance and repair

Having nice and functional wood fencing does not stop with the installation. You need to take care of it to maintain its natural look and continue its purpose to provide security for your property. Wood fences are one of the weakest and high-maintenance types of fencing, so they require a bit more tender loving care to help preserve them. You can start this by sealing your wood fences upon installation. This prevents moisture buildup and rotting while protecting the wood and maintaining its aesthetic. This should be done every two to three years, and costs around $0.29 to $0.80 per square foot.

But if the time comes when your wood fencing needs repair, don’t fret! You can have your wood fence repaired by a professional regardless of whether it’s damaged by mold, rot, or insects. Wood fence repair costs between $150 to $800, depending on the extent of the damages.

☞ Related guide: How much does a fence cost in the US?

Alternative fencing options

Wood fencing can be pricey, but don’t let that stop you from installing a fence on your property! There are other styles of fencing available that can be more suitable for your budget. For example, you can have chain link fencing for your property, which is relatively cheaper than wood fencing. Vinyl fencing is also somewhat more affordable and requires less maintenance.

Whatever fencing material you choose, keep in mind each of their pros and cons, and consider them side-by-side with your preferences and needs. It’s also important that regardless of your chosen material, your fence is installed by a professional to ensure it’s done right the first time, preventing you from additional, unnecessary costs.

Good thing Airtasker can connect you to highly-rated local fencing contractors who can install your fence correctly and efficiently. Put up a task now, and expect competitive offers from Taskers near you!