Crunch the numbers before you build.
Posts, rails, pickets, concrete, and cost — all from your linear footage. Pick your fence type and get a full material list.
By BuildCrunch Team · Last updated July 17, 2026
150 linear feet of 6-ft privacy fence with one gate runs about $2,400 in materials, or $4,650 fully installed — roughly $31/ft all-in.
Posts are set every 8-10 ft depending on fence type. Materials and installed cost scale by linear footage and a height multiplier (your chosen height ÷ the fence type's standard height).
So for a privacy fence, an 8 ft height (vs. the 6 ft standard) costs about 33% more per foot — accounting for taller boards, longer posts, and more concrete per hole.
Get a copy emailed to you, or connect with local pros for a real quote.
Materials alone run $12-$20 per linear foot for a standard 6-foot wood privacy fence. Fully installed with labor, expect $25-$45 per foot depending on your region, terrain, and material grade. Cedar costs more than pressure-treated pine but lasts significantly longer without staining.
The rule of thumb is ⅓ of the total post length underground. For a 6-foot fence, use 8-foot posts with 24 inches buried. In cold climates, the bottom of the hole should extend below the frost line — typically 36-48 inches in northern states. Always set posts in concrete for stability.
Standard spacing is 8 feet on center for wood fences and 10 feet for chain link. Never exceed 8 feet for privacy fences — wider spacing causes sagging and wind damage. Spacing may need to be tighter on slopes or in high-wind areas.
Most municipalities require permits for fences over 6 feet tall, and many require them for any fence. Check with your local building department before starting. You'll also want to confirm your property lines with a survey and call 811 to mark underground utilities before digging.
Pressure-treated pine is cheaper (about $2-4 less per linear foot in materials) and resists rot well since it's chemically treated, but it can warp, crack, and needs re-staining every 2-3 years. Cedar costs more upfront but has natural oils that resist insects and decay, holds a stain longer, and typically looks better as it weathers. For a fence you'll keep 15+ years, cedar usually pays for itself in reduced maintenance.
A well-built pressure-treated pine fence lasts 15-20 years with regular maintenance (restaining every 2-3 years). Cedar can last 20-30 years. Chain link often outlasts both at 20+ years with minimal upkeep, though it offers no privacy. The biggest lifespan killer for any wood fence is posts set without concrete or without adequate depth below the frost line — that's where rot and heaving start.