How Much Does Cedar Fencing Cost?

Location

• Your location will directly affect the cost of the lumber required to build your fence. Prices for cedar planking for fences range between $1.50 and $4.00 per plank, but will vary between urban and rural areas, and the specific city, county or state in which you live. The cost of hardware such as latches and hinges for gates will also vary depending on where you live.

Craftsman Skill

• Labor costs vary depending on the skill of the craftsman as well as where you live. Prices for installing cedar fences can range between $11 and $18 per linear foot for a typical 6-foot high fence. However, the level of expertise associated with a craftsman can change those numbers dramatically.

  A journeyman craftsman makes between $40 and $60 per hour, while a master craftsman makes upward of $80 per hour. Choosing to install the fence yourself can generally save you 40 to 50 percent in terms of labor.

Difficulty of the Terrain

• The difficulty of the terrain also affects the overall cost of installing your cedar fence. For example, it is less expensive to install fence in flat areas than across hills and valleys. The rockiness of the ground also affects the price. Areas with significant bedrock create the need for specialty equipment and create additional wear and tear on tools.

Pattern

• The type of fence you want to build directly affects the cost of the project. While a regular cedar privacy fence runs between $11 and $18 per linear foot, other types of fences can cost more or less depending on the complexity of the installation.

  A split rail fence, for example, is very easy to install and thus costs less; while picket fences and other specialty styles can cost more, depending on the level of skill required.