Privacy fence cost guide 2026: what you'll actually pay

The average privacy fence costs $2,250 to $6,000 installed for a standard 150-linear-foot yard using wood, or $3,000 to $8,250 for vinyl. Per linear foot, expect to pay $15 to $40 for wood and $20 to $55 for vinyl.

Those are national averages. Your actual cost depends on the material you pick, how much fencing you need, your terrain, and where you live. This guide breaks down real numbers so you can budget with confidence.

Privacy fence cost by material

Material choice is the single biggest factor in your total cost. Here is what each option runs per linear foot, installed.

Wood privacy fence cost

Wood is the most popular privacy fence material in America. A 6-foot wood privacy fence costs $15 to $40 per linear foot installed, depending on the species and style.

Pressure-treated pine is the budget option at $15 to $30 per linear foot. It is widely available and takes stain well, but it requires maintenance every two to three years and can warp if not properly sealed. Pine is the best choice if upfront cost is your top priority.

Cedar is the premium wood choice at $20 to $40 per linear foot. Cedar naturally resists rot and insects, ages to a silver-gray if left untreated, and has a rich appearance that many homeowners prefer. It still needs staining or sealing every two to three years to maintain its color and maximum lifespan.

Vinyl privacy fence cost

Vinyl privacy fencing costs $20 to $55 per linear foot installed. The higher upfront price buys you a fence that requires almost no maintenance for 20 to 30 years.

Vinyl will not rot, warp, crack, or need painting. You clean it with a garden hose. For homeowners who want a set-it-and-forget-it privacy fence, vinyl delivers the best long-term value despite the higher initial investment.

Composite privacy fence cost

Composite fencing costs $25 to $60 per linear foot installed. It blends recycled wood fibers and plastic to create boards that look like real wood but resist rot, insects, and UV fading.

Composite is a strong middle ground. You get the natural look of wood without the staining and sealing schedule. Most composite fences come with 20 to 25 year warranties against structural defects and color fading.

Privacy fence cost by yard size

Your total cost scales directly with how much fencing you need. Here is what to expect based on common yard sizes.

Most homeowners do not fence their entire property perimeter. A typical backyard privacy fence project covers 100 to 200 linear feet depending on lot size and how much of the yard you want enclosed.

Keep in mind that longer runs often come with a lower per-foot price. Contractors can work more efficiently on straight, uninterrupted stretches versus short sections with lots of corners and gates.

Factors that affect privacy fence cost

Beyond material and length, several variables can push your total up or down.

Fence height

Most privacy fences are 6 feet tall. Going to 8 feet increases material costs by 25% to 35% and requires deeper post holes and heavier posts. Some cities restrict fence height, so check local codes before planning a taller fence.

A 4-foot fence uses significantly less material but does not provide real privacy from standing height. It works better for defining boundaries or containing pets than blocking views.

Terrain and soil conditions

Flat, clear lots are the easiest and cheapest to fence. Slopes require stepped or racked panels, which adds labor and sometimes custom cuts. Rocky soil makes post holes harder to dig. Heavy clay can require wider holes with more gravel for drainage.

Expect to pay 10% to 20% more for fencing on sloped or difficult terrain compared to flat ground.

Gate count and type

Every gate adds to your total. Standard walk gates cost $150 to $400 each, depending on material. Double-wide driveway gates run $300 to $1,200 or more.

Most privacy fence projects include at least one walk gate. If you need access for mowers, trailers, or vehicles, a double gate is worth budgeting for upfront.

Old fence removal

Tearing out an existing fence before installing a new one costs $3 to $5 per linear foot. For a 150-foot fence, that adds $450 to $750 to your project. Some contractors include removal in their overall bid. Others charge it separately. Always ask.

Permits

Most cities require a building permit for new fence installation. Permit fees typically range from $20 to $200 depending on your jurisdiction. Your contractor should handle the permit application, but you will likely pay the fee. Read our guide to fence permit requirements for more details.

Labor rates

Labor accounts for 40% to 60% of total fence installation cost. Urban markets with higher costs of living charge more for installation than rural areas. Getting quotes from multiple contractors is the best way to understand pricing in your specific market.

How to save money on a privacy fence

A few smart decisions can reduce your total without sacrificing quality.

Get at least three quotes. Comparing bids from multiple fence contractors gives you a realistic picture of fair pricing and helps you spot outlier bids, high or low.

Schedule in the off-season. Late fall and winter are slower for fence contractors. Many offer lower prices during these months to keep their crews busy. If your project is not urgent, scheduling for November through February can save 10% to 15%.

Keep the layout simple. Straight runs cost less per foot than designs with many corners. Fewer gates mean fewer hardware sets and less framing. Plan your layout to minimize complexity.

Choose pressure-treated pine over cedar. If your budget is tight, pressure-treated pine gives you privacy at the lowest per-foot cost. Just factor in the ongoing staining expense.

Ask about material packages. Some contractors get volume discounts from lumber yards and fence suppliers. A contractor who buys material in bulk may pass savings along to you.

Consider financing. For homeowners who want vinyl or composite but cannot cover the full cost upfront, home improvement financing can spread the cost over time while you enjoy the maintenance savings immediately.

Privacy fence ROI and property value

A privacy fence is one of the few home improvements that pays for itself in multiple ways.

Resale value

A well-maintained privacy fence can increase property value by 2% to 5%. On a $400,000 home, that translates to $8,000 to $20,000 in added value. Fences are especially valuable in neighborhoods with tight lot spacing, homes with pools, and properties marketed to families with children or pets.

Usable outdoor space

A privacy fence turns your backyard into an extension of your living space. You gain a private area for entertaining, relaxing, and letting kids and pets play safely. This functional benefit is hard to put a dollar value on, but it is real.

Insurance and liability

Fencing around pools is required by code in most jurisdictions and may reduce your homeowner’s insurance premium. Even without a pool, a fenced yard reduces liability risk from neighborhood children or pets entering your property.

Noise reduction

Solid privacy fences, especially wood and composite, provide meaningful noise reduction from adjacent roads and neighbors. A 6-foot solid fence can reduce perceived noise by 5 to 10 decibels, which makes a noticeable difference in daily comfort.

Privacy fence costs by state

Labor rates and material availability vary across the country. Here is how the states we serve compare:

For detailed cost breakdowns and local conditions in your state, click the state link above.

Comparing privacy fence to other outdoor projects

Many homeowners combine a privacy fence with other backyard improvements to create a complete outdoor living area. A concrete patio installation paired with a new privacy fence is one of the most popular project bundles.

If you are comparing fence materials in detail, our vinyl vs wood fence comparison breaks down the full 10-year cost of ownership for each material. For the most affordable fencing option, see our chain link fence guide.

For a broader look at fencing options beyond privacy, visit our fencing overview to explore chain link, aluminum, and ornamental styles.

Get your privacy fence quote

Every yard is different. The best way to know exactly what your privacy fence will cost is to get quotes from licensed contractors who can see your property, measure your lot, and factor in your specific terrain and layout.

Get free, no-obligation quotes from fence contractors in your area.