Cedar vs Pine Fence Cost: A Practical U.S. Price Comparison 2026

Purchasers often pay for cedar or pine fencing based on material quality, fence height, and labor. The price gap between cedar and pine hinges on durability, appearance, and long-term maintenance needs, with cost influencing the choice between a common pine and a rot-resistant cedar option.

Item	Low	Average	High	Notes
Materials (per linear ft)	$3.50	$6.00	$9.50	Cedar typically higher than pine; depends on stain/sealant needs.
Labor (per linear ft install)	$4.50	$7.50	$12.00	Includes post setting, not including permit or cleanup.
Labor Time (per 100 ft)	6-8 hours	9-12 hours	14-18 hours	Weather and terrain affect duration.
Post Material (per post)	$12-$20	$20-$28	$35-$50	Common dimensions 4×4 or 4×6 treated pine.
Permits and Inspections	$0-$50	$30-$200	$300-$600	Region dependent.
Delivery/Delivery Fee	$0-$75	$25-$150	$200-$350	Depends on distance and contractor policy.

Average Material Costs by Fence Type: Cedar vs Pine Per Linear Foot

Cedar typically carries a higher per-foot price than pine. For a standard 6-foot privacy fence, cedar boards run about $5.50-$9.50 per linear foot, while untreated or pressure-treated pine often lands in the $3.50-$6.00 range. Assumptions: midrange boards, standard 6-foot panels, and ordinary back-to-back framing.

Labor Rates and Timeline for Installing 6-Foot Privacy Fences

Labor to install cedar or pine fences generally runs $7.50-$12.00 per linear foot, with total job time influenced by soil, gate count, and access. Expect longer timelines for cedar due to denser wood and potential fastener choices.

Post Material Costs and Typical Hardware Sets

Posts and hardware add a meaningful portion of the bill: concrete, brackets, and fasteners total about $8-$20 per post for pine, and $12-$28 per post for cedar when accounting for longer posts and treated options. Assumptions: standard 4×4 posts, 8-foot spacing, no custom caps.

Regional Price Variations Across the United States

Coastal and southern regions often see cedar premiums due to transport and supply constraints, while inland markets may offer pine at lower sticker prices. Expect a regional delta of up to 25% between cities with high cedar demand and those with ample pine supply.

Durability and Maintenance Impact on Long-Term Cost

Cedar’s natural rot resistance can lower long-term maintenance costs vs pine treated wood, but cedar often requires more frequent staining every 2-4 years. Assumptions: average climate, typical staining products, and normal wear.

Upgrade Scenarios: Pressure-Treated Pine vs Native Cedar

Choosing pressure-treated pine for budget projects can cut upfront costs by 25%-40% compared with cedar, yet may incur higher maintenance or shorter lifespan in harsh climates. Long-term cost trade-offs should include repainting and replacement cycles.

Ways to Reduce Fence Costs Without Sacrificing Durability

Cost-saving moves include reducing panel height, choosing fewer gates, or bundling installation with other yard projects. Assumptions: mid-range materials, standard gate hardware, and single-story fence layout.

Per-Unit Cost Breakdown: Materials, Labor, and Fasteners

Use a concise price map to compare cedar versus pine: materials and labor together yield $8-$18 per linear foot for pine and $12-$27 per linear foot for cedar on typical installs. A full quote should list each cost driver clearly to avoid surprises.

Key assumption: standard 6-foot privacy fence on level ground with a single gate, mid-range materials, and typical local labor rates.

Cost Component	Pine (Low)	Pine (Average)	Pine (High)	Cedar (Low)	Cedar (Average)	Cedar (High)
Materials (per linear ft)	$3.50	$5.50	$6.50	$5.50	$7.00	$9.50
Labor (per linear ft)	$4.50	$7.50	$9.00	$6.50	$9.00	$12.00
Post & Hardware	$12	$20	$28	$12	$22	$35
Permits	$0	$30	$100	$0	$50	$300
Delivery	$0	$40	$75	$0	$60	$150

Prices vary by region and job scope. Consult local bids for exact totals based on your yard, gate count, and soil conditions.