20 Ft 6×6 Pressure Treated Price: Cost and Price Ranges for U.S. Buyers 2026
When budgeting for a 20 ft 6×6 pressure treated post, buyers typically see a price range driven by grade, seasoning, and regional lumber costs. The cost can be expressed as a total per post plus a per-foot premium for extra length. This article provides practical price estimates and breaks down why the price varies.
Assumptions: Midwest metal-free zones, standard southern yellow pine, treated with basic preservative, no special finishes, and standard delivery to a residential site.
Summary table
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 ft 6×6 pressure treated post | $95 | $145 | $210 | Common grade, standard pressure treatment |
| Delivery (within 20 miles) | $25 | $45 | $75 | Flat-rate or distance-based |
| Installation estimate (optional) | $60 | $120 | $220 | Labor for setting and stabilizing one post |
| Total installed per post (material + delivery + install) | $180 | $310 | $505 | Assumes single post with basic footing |
Typical total price for a single 20 ft 6×6 post
Most buyers spend between $95 and $210 per post for the wood itself. The average price for a 20 ft length in a standard 6×6 profile usually lands around $140-$170, with higher grades or treated finishes pushing toward $190-$210. Delivery and handling add roughly $25-$75, depending on distance and carrier.
Assumptions: standard grade, no custom routing, single post, residential delivery, no rush service.
Per-unit and per-foot pricing details
Wood price tends to be quoted per post, with an implied per-foot component when comparing lengths. For 20 ft posts, the per-foot cost typically lands in the $4.75-$9.50 range when considering only the timber, depending on grade and supplier.
Assumptions: one post, no hardware, no surcharge for weekend delivery.
Major cost components for a 20 ft 6×6 post order
Prices break down into materials, delivery, and optional installation. The following table shows a typical quote layout with common line items and ranges.
| Component | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials (timber) | $95 | $145 | $210 | 6×6, 20 ft, pressure treated |
| Delivery/Handling | $25 | $45 | $75 | Distance-based; may include offload |
| Optional Installation Labor | $60 | $120 | $220 | Ground prep and setting in concrete or ballast |
| Totals (installed) | $180 | $310 | $505 | Material + delivery + labor |
Variables that most influence the final price
Key factors include length accuracy and grade quality. A small change in crossings, knots, or grain can shift pricing, as can regional lumber market swings. The table highlights two concrete drivers:
- Grade and preservative level: Standard pressure treated vs. higher-grade or Extended-Life treatments.
- Delivery radius and access: Easy curbside delivery vs. forklift-access-required sites.
Assumptions: standard access, normal weather, residential site prep.
Regional price variability across the U.S.
Prices for 20 ft 6×6 posts can diverge by region due to lumber market cycles, transportation costs, and state taxes. In practice, expect roughly +/- 15% from the national average when comparing markets in the Northeast vs. the Midwest or the Southeast.
Assumptions: typical regional freight differences, no cross-border or export pricing.
Labor implications: delivery, handling, and installation time
Delivery and installation timelines affect total cost. A single post may require 0.5-1 hour of on-site labor for setting in place, plus time for footing preparation if needed. Per-hour rates for labor can vary by region and contractor, influencing the installed price.
Assumptions: standard one-person crew, daylight hours, no excavation beyond basic trenching.
How to reduce cost without sacrificing durability
Control scope and choose mid-grade timber to trim upfront expense. Options include batching multiple posts for delivery, using existing footings, or opting for a simpler installation method over complex footings.
Assumptions: project scope allows grouping posts in a single trip and standard footing work.
Common substitutes and when to choose them
In some projects, replacing with shorter posts or non-wood alternatives may offer long-term savings or easier installation, depending on load requirements and local code. Compare total ownership costs over 5-10 years when evaluating alternative materials.
Assumptions: typical residential use cases; no specialized structural requirements here.
Quote patterns you might see from suppliers
Real-world quotes often show a material price per post, plus separate delivery and optional labor lines. A typical pattern for a single 20 ft 6×6 in stock is illustrated below to help readers recognize a fair quote.
Assumptions: standard delivery within 20 miles, no rush service.
- Post only: $95–$210
- Delivery: $25–$75
- Installed: $60–$220