Is it cheaper to build a wood fence myself?

On materials alone, yes — that is the "materials" column. What you save is the install labor; what you take on is post-setting, which is the part that decides whether the fence is still straight in five years. The layout builder gives you the full materials list either way.

How long does a wood fence last?

Pressure-treated pine: 15–20 years with a stain or sealer every two to three years. Cedar lasts a little longer and weathers grey if left alone. Posts fail first, at the ground line — which is why they are set in concrete.

Does the price include removing my old fence?

No. Tear-out and haul-away is a separate line on an installed estimate because it depends entirely on what is there. Tell us on the estimate visit and it goes on the quote.

How much does a wood fence cost?

Wood is the lowest-cost fence to buy and the one most people build themselves. The price swings with the style more than anything else: a stockade fence uses one row of pickets, board on board uses nearly two, and every gate adds posts, hinges and a latch. The figures below are priced from the same catalog our layout builder uses, for a standard 6′ privacy fence.

Live prices for wood are being refreshed. The layout builder gives an exact materials price right now; a free estimate gives the installed one.

Priced daily

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What moves the price

1
Style
Board on board overlaps pickets, so it uses about 40% more boards than stockade for the same run. Shadowbox and picket use fewer.
2
Height
A 6′ fence is the standard. An 8′ fence needs longer posts set deeper, a third rail, and longer pickets — closer to 40% more material than 20%.
3
Gates
Each gate is two set posts, a frame, hinges and a latch. A 4′ walk gate is the most common; a double drive gate is two of everything plus a drop rod.
4
Posts and concrete
Pressure-treated 4×4 posts every 8′ set in concrete is the standard. Sandy coastal soil sometimes wants 6×6 corner and gate posts.
5
Terrain and tear-out
Slopes, roots, an old fence to haul away and long carries from the truck are labor, not material — they show up on the installed price, not the materials price.

Questions we get

Is it cheaper to build a wood fence myself?: On materials alone, yes — that is the "materials" column. What you save is the install labor; what you take on is post-setting, which is the part that decides whether the fence is still straight in five years. The layout builder gives you the full materials list either way.
How long does a wood fence last?: Pressure-treated pine: 15–20 years with a stain or sealer every two to three years. Cedar lasts a little longer and weathers grey if left alone. Posts fail first, at the ground line — which is why they are set in concrete.
Does the price include removing my old fence?: No. Tear-out and haul-away is a separate line on an installed estimate because it depends entirely on what is there. Tell us on the estimate visit and it goes on the quote.

Get your number, not the average

Draw your lines in the layout builder for an exact materials price and parts list.
Book a free on-site estimate for a written installed price — no obligation.

Price my exact fence Book a free estimate or call (910) 877-8759