Investing in a cedar fence is a great way for homeowners to increase the curb appeal of their property and offer long-lasting protection and privacy. Cedar is one of the most common fencing materials, and you’ve probably seen it around your neighborhood.
Unfortunately, finding the exact pricing for a cedar fence can be difficult. You may be wondering exactly how much it will cost you, but luckily, we’ve done the work for you!
Read on to find out the cost breakdown of a cedar fence.
Cost of a cedar fence
Material
The materials for a cedar wood fence will cost anywhere from $5 to $15 per linear foot. Cedar is one of the more expensive and sought-after wood types due to its durability, natural appearance, and lightweight.
Installation
The labor costs to install cedar fence panels will vary based on your location and the fence company you choose to work with. However, in most cases, a cedar fence installation will cost between $10 and $20 per linear meter.
One factor that could cause the installation cost to exceed this estimated price range is the condition of your property. The property’s condition can include the terrain, slope, complexity of the fence line, and debris.
Cost per linear foot
The cost per linear foot includes both the material and installation costs. For a cedar fence, you should expect to pay between $15 to $30 per linear foot. For an average residential backyard of about 150 feet in length, a cedar fence will cost you anywhere from $2,250 to $4,500.
Pros and cons of a cedar fence
Before deciding whether or not you want to install a cedar fence, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons. Let’s discuss if a cedar fence is worth it for your home.
Pros
- Durability: Cedar is one of the most high-quality, durable, and long-lasting types of wood available. Depending on your location and how well you maintain a cedar fence, it can last anywhere from 15 to 30 years.
- Low maintenance: Compared to other types of wood fences, a cedar fence requires very little maintenance. While many wood fences require yearly staining and treatment, a cedar fence can go two to three years between treatments and will often only need cleaning and perhaps pressure washing.
- Eco-friendly: Due to the durability of a cedar fence, it doesn’t require additional chemicals to withstand the weather or for maintenance. This means you don’t have to worry about chemicals entering your soil and damaging the environment.
- Appearance: The reddish color, white accents, and beautiful grain patterns make a cedar fence stand out from the crowd. With other fence types needing to be pressure-treated to resist elements, they don’t have the same natural color, accents, and curb appeal.
Cons
- Cost: Compared to other types of wood fencing, a cedar fence is one of the priciest options. For instance, a cedar fence for $15 to $30 per linear foot is close to double the price of a pine fence.
- Cedar posts rot resistance: The majority of cedar fences are rot-resistant and can withstand the elements. However, the portion of cedar posts that are below ground is prone to rotting and must be replaced, unlike treated wood or metal.
Should you DIY or hire a pro?
Installing a cedar fence may seem like an easy DIY project, but without the proper tools or experience, it’s anything but.
If you’re someone with extensive DIY experience with a few friends or family members who are ready to help, then you may be capable of a DIY cedar fence project.
However, in most instances, we recommend you hire a professional fence contractor to install a cedar fence and ensure the job is done right.
What are your other fencing options?
If a cedar fence isn’t for you, several other materials can be used for fencing. If you want to stick with a wood privacy fence, here are some alternative options:
- Spruce
- Pine
- Cypress
- Redwood
- Ipe
- Western red cedar
- Bamboo
- Black locust
- White oak
- Tropical hardwood
- Douglas fir
If a wooden fence doesn’t seem like the right fit for you, there are some other popular fencing materials. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, you could go with a chain-link, composite, or aluminum privacy fence. There are also more expensive options such as steel, wrought iron, or vinyl fencing.
Is cedar fencing your best option?
When deciding whether cedar fencing is the right option for your yard, there are three factors that you should consider: your budget, aesthetics, and your location’s climate.
While cedar is a naturally weather-resistant material and will perform very well in dry climates, it may not cope as well in very wet and humid places. This is due to cedar posts having poor rot resistance and the boards being prone to expansion.
Compared to all of your fencing options, cedar is one of the more affordable materials. But the low price doesn’t translate to low quality. Cedar is extremely durable, eco-friendly, low-maintenance, and aesthetically appealing.
If you’re on a budget, but still looking for a long-lasting and natural-looking new fence, then cedar is your best option.