How much does it cost to install a 6-foot privacy fence?

Reviewed by Adam Graham remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

Privacy fences allow you to enjoy your yard without worrying about your neighbors seeing everything you do. A privacy fence comes in any length and several heights, with 6 feet being the lowest and most common height for privacy fences. To be a privacy fence, the fence panels must be solid so that no one can see through and tall enough to not be easily seen over.

The national average cost to install a 6-foot privacy fence is $3,150 to $4,950, with most people paying $4,000 for 150 linear feet of 6-foot tall dog-ear redwood fencing, fully installed. This project’s low cost is $2,250 for 150 linear feet of 6-foot cedar stockade-style fencing installed. The high cost is $8,250 for 150 linear feet of 6-foot simulated stone fencing with a granite finish installed.

6-Foot Privacy Fence Cost Calculator

Most 6-foot privacy fences are sold and installed by the linear foot. The cost of a 6-foot privacy fence per foot is $375 to $1,375 installed, depending on the style and material. Privacy fences are most commonly used in backyards or between your yard and your neighbors. They are not normally used to encompass large areas but to provide privacy to the areas that need it most. The most common size of fence installation for 6-foot privacy fences is 150 linear feet. Below are the average costs for 150 feet of 6-foot privacy fencing, depending on the quality and installation.

Privacy fences come in a range of styles and materials. Materials like bamboo and woods like cedar and pine have relatively low costs, while materials like simulated stone and tropical hardwoods can be much more expensive. Certain styles are more costly than others, with stockade fences typically costing the least and lockboard fences costing the most. This creates a range of costs. Some materials are relatively inexpensive but have higher labor costs. Others have high costs for material and labor because very high-end materials are also heavy, leading to higher labor costs. 

6-Foot Privacy Fence Cost per Acre

Privacy fences are not commonly installed by the acre. This is a more expensive fence than commonly used in large areas. However, you can install one there if you choose. There are 836 linear feet in one acre, making the cost of a 6-foot privacy fence between $12,540 and $33,440. More commonly, you may want to enclose an entire yard with an average size of 209 linear feet or ¼ acre. The cost of a 6-foot privacy fence on a quarter acre yard averages $3,135 to $8,360, depending on the material and style.

Cost of a 6-Foot High Privacy Fence by Material

One of the biggest driving costs behind a 6-foot privacy fence is the material. Each material has different costs for the fence and installation because heavy or difficult-to-work-with materials can have higher costs to install than lightweight or easy-to-install materials. This means the cost of a pressure-treated 6-ft privacy fence per foot and the cost per foot of a 6-foot cedar privacy fence can be much lower than a heavy, simulated stone privacy fence. Privacy fences are generally available in most types of wood, bamboo, composites, vinyl, vinyl and aluminum hybrids, and simulated stone. Each material can provide you with a privacy fence without needing modifications, and most are available in several styles. Below are the most common materials for 6-foot privacy fences and the average cost per linear foot for material.

Wood 6-Foot Privacy Fences

The average cost of wood 6-foot privacy fences ranges from $5 to $20 per linear foot. There are many types of wood used for privacy fences. The most common are cedar and redwood because these are naturally weather and insect-resistant. However, you can find pressure-treated pine, Douglas fir, cypress, spruce, and other low-cost woods. There are also several more expensive hardwoods, including ipe, oak, tropical hardwoods, and black locust. These latter are more difficult to work with, so they tend to have higher-than-average labor costs for wood.

Bamboo 6-Foot Privacy Fences

The average cost of a bamboo 6-foot privacy fence ranges from $10 to $15 per linear foot. However, bamboo is generally less expensive to install than many other materials, including some woods. This is because bamboo fences are lightweight and easy to work with. Bamboo is commonly grouped with wood, but this material is not wood. Bamboo is a fast-growing grass, and it can be used in its natural form to create fences, or it can be split and woven into planks made of various strands. This latter tends to be more expensive to purchase and install but is also more durable.

Composite 6-Foot Privacy Fence

The average cost of a 6-foot composite fence is $30 to $33 per linear foot. Composites are generally heavier than wood. This means they are more costly to purchase and install. However, many composites are virtually maintenance-free. They do not require scraping, sanding, or painting, so they can look good for years without additional work. They also tend to be sturdier than vinyl fences, which often do not hold up well in high winds.

Vinyl 6-Foot Privacy Fence

The cost of a vinyl privacy fence averages $30 to $35 per linear foot. Vinyl fences are lightweight and extremely easy to install. For this reason, they are one of the most commonly used materials for DIY fences. They come in several colors and styles. While their material costs are higher than many others, their installation costs stay fairly low, so they remain a middle-of-the-road option for homeowners who want a low-maintenance material. However, they can fall in high winds, soften in extreme heat, and become brittle in the cold.

Simulated Stone 6-Foot Privacy Fence

The average cost per linear foot for simulated stone 6-foot linear fences is $35 to $40 per linear foot. This material is heavy and costly to install, making it one of the most expensive options. Simulated stone can be made of many materials, including vinyl and composite. However, they are formed differently and are sold under another name. These fences are less common at 6 feet in height. They are often used in commercial settings and can reach heights of 12 feet because they are tough, durable, and heavy fences that can withstand weather with no issues.

Vinyl-Aluminum Hybrid 6-Foot Privacy Fence

The average cost of a vinyl-aluminum hybrid fence is $40 to $48 per linear foot. This material is lightweight and fairly easy to install, so its total costs are lower than simulated stone and some composites, despite the higher upfront costs. This is good for those who want the easy installation and ease of maintenance of vinyl fencing but with greater strength. Vinyl aluminum fences are stronger because they have aluminum posts and framing around the panels. This eliminates the durability issues of most vinyl fences while maintaining their other benefits.

Pros and Cons

6-foot privacy fences are common in many settings. They are tall enough to keep pets and children in your yard and keep most of your neighbors’ eyes out. They are readily available in a range of materials and styles and enhance your yard’s appearance, privacy, and safety. However, a 6-foot privacy fence may not be tall enough for some households. Depending on the landscaping, 6 feet may not be enough to maintain your privacy if your yard is lower than your neighbors. Some 6-foot fences are also not tall enough to keep people or children out of your yard or pool if you use it as a pool fence. In this case, it is more common to go taller to 7 or 8 feet. It is also more common to use these fences for short runs or to enclose small spaces rather than using them in larger areas or on acreage.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Electric Gate

6-foot privacy fences are large enough that you may need a gate for entrance, depending on the placement. Many people opt for electric gates because some materials of this size can be very heavy, which are easier to open and close, and come in all the same materials and styles as the fence. The average cost of an electric gate is $2,500 to $5,000 installed.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Permits. Most areas require a permit before installing a 6-foot privacy fence. For more information, contact your local municipality before you begin.
• Licenses. Always make sure your installer is licensed and insured in your state, if applicable, and that their license is up to date.
• Home value. Privacy fences may enhance your home’s value, depending on the fence type and location. If you live in a crowded area, it may be worth more. Value depends on the material.
• Land clearing. Ideally, the area where you install the fence must be flat and free of obstacles. If you need to level or clear the land before the fence can be installed, costs increase by roughly $1 to $2 per foot.
• DIY. Some fences can be installed DIY if you have the correct tools and knowledge. Vinyl is generally considered the easiest fence to install DIY.
• Fence decor. If the area you live in allows it, you can decorate your fence with vines or strings of lights. If you have a semi-privacy fence, decorative fence toppers may also be an option.
• Warranties. Some installers may offer warranties on the fence material, labor, or both. Speak to your installer to find out which warranties may be available in your area.
• HOA restrictions. If you live in an HOA, you may be restricted by the fence type, height, and style. Speak to your HOA board before you begin to get the relevant information.
• Estimates. Always get at least three estimates from different companies and installers before you begin. Compare pricing and be comfortable with the company that does the work.