Factors That Influence the Cost of Wood Privacy Fence Installation

The cost of a wood privacy fence can vary greatly depending on several factors:

· The length and height of the fence

· Do it yourself or hire a contractor?

· Installing a new fence or replacing an existing fence?

· Material costs at your location

Obviously, the size of the area to be fenced is the single biggest factor that determines the cost to install a fence (all other factors being equal). Most wood fences are installed in 8 foot sections so measure the perimeter of the property using a reel tape measure or surveyor's wheel and divide by 8. Pace off the distance to get a rough estimate or for existing fences count the existing fence posts and measure the length of 1 panel. The height of the fence will also have a major impact on the cost - most suburban privacy fences are six foot tall picket fences in one of the many styles. Eight foot and ten foot heights are also options for additional security, to obscure eyesores or for sound control purposes.

The second biggest factor on wood fence cost are the materials selected. Homeowners typically use pressure treated 4x4 posts or galvanized steel posts, pressure treated 2x4s for the fence rails, and pine or cedar wood for the pickets. Many options exist - usually at additional cost - to change the aesthetics of the fence appearance including upgrading the wood grade and application of stains or sealants to beautify and protect the wood for longer life.

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