Fence Cost Calculator
Put in your fence size and local prices to get a full cost breakdown — materials, optional labor, grand total and price per linear foot.
↺ Loaded the fence from your last calculation. Edit any field to change it.
Fence size
Prices (use your local numbers)
What goes into fence cost
A fence estimate is really two estimates stacked together: a materials take-off (how many posts, rails, pickets and bags of concrete) and a labor figure. This calculator runs the same quantity math as our material calculator, then multiplies each line by the prices you enter — so the total reflects your wood choice and your region, not a national average that is always wrong for somebody.
DIY vs. hiring out
Set labor to $0 and you get the pure materials cost of a weekend DIY build. Enter a per-foot labor rate and you get an installed price to sanity-check contractor quotes. As a rough guide, professional installation of a 6-foot wood privacy fence runs about $25–$50 per foot all-in; if a quote is far outside that, ask what is different (terrain, removal of an old fence, premium wood).
Costs this tool does not include
- Gates & hardware — a gate kit, hinges and latch add $75–$250 each.
- Stain or paint — budget it with the stain calculator.
- Old fence removal & disposal — can add several dollars per foot.
- Permits — many areas require one for fences over a set height.
- Post caps, screws and fasteners — small per item, but they add up on a long run.
Ways to bring the cost down
- Use 8-foot post spacing instead of 6-foot where wind allows — fewer posts and less concrete.
- Buy pickets and posts in full units/bundles rather than singles.
- Do the labor yourself; on most builds labor is the largest single line when hired out.
Planning estimate only. Confirm current prices and local code before buying.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a wood fence cost per foot?
DIY materials for a 6-foot wood privacy fence usually run $10–$20 per linear foot. With a contractor installing it, expect roughly $25–$50 per foot depending on region, terrain and wood. This calculator uses your own prices so the estimate matches your local costs.
What is the biggest cost in a fence?
For a DIY build it is pickets — they are the largest quantity. When you hire out, labor usually exceeds materials. That is why the calculator lets you set a labor rate per foot and shows materials and labor separately.
Does this include gates and hardware?
No — add gates, hinges, latches, post caps and stain separately. A single gate kit and hardware typically adds $75–$250. Use the stain calculator for finishing cost.
How accurate is the estimate?
It is only as accurate as the prices you enter. Check current per-item prices at your supplier and enter them; the quantities come from the same proven take-off used by our material calculator.