🔧 EasyBuildCalc

Install a Wood Fence — Cost & Plan

Total cost in 2026 ≈ $2,700 installed for a 100-ft 6-ft pressure-treated privacy fence. Three calculators below cover panels, post concrete, and stain — sized for a typical residential lot.

Prices updated May 2026

100-ft 6-ft PT privacy fence — 2026 estimate

StepMaterialsLaborSubtotal
Posts (13× 4×4×8)$195$300$495
Post concrete (~22 bags)$143$143
Panels (12× 6×8 PT)$480$1,200$1,680
Hardware + brackets$80$80
Stain (2 gal × 2 coats)$112$200$312
Total≈ $1,010≈ $1,700≈ $2,710

Cedar instead of PT: add $400–$700 to materials. High-cost regions (CA, NY): +30–40% on labor. Gates: +$200–$500 each (single), +$400–$900 (double).

1

Plan the line & call 811

Mark the property line. Most cities require fences 5–10 ft from the line; check setback before digging. Call 811 at least 48 hours before — they'll mark gas, electric, water, and cable lines free of charge. Hitting a utility on a fence line costs $5,000+ to fix.

Fence Calculator

Posts

14

posts

Panels

13

panels/sections

Linear Feet

100

ft of fence

Est. Cost

$729

materials

14 posts @ 8 ft spacing, 13 panels @ 8 ft wide. Add gates and hardware separately.
2

Dig post holes & set posts

At 8-ft on center: 13 posts for 100 ft (12 panels + 1 corner). Holes 10–12" diameter, 36–48" deep depending on frost line. Use 80-lb concrete bags — 1.5 bags per hole for 4×4 posts, 2 bags for 6×6.

Fence Post Concrete Calculator

Cu ft / Hole

1.38

cubic feet

Total Bags

24

80 lb bags

Est. Cost

$155

at $6.47/bag

Tip: Order 10% extra bags to account for uneven holes and spillage. For 10 posts, consider buying 27 bags total.
3

Hang panels & gate

After concrete cures (minimum 24 hours, 48 for windy areas), attach 6×8 ft pre-built privacy panels with galvanized brackets or 3″ deck screws into the posts. Use a level on every panel — fences look bad fast if any panel is off-plumb.

4

Stain or seal

Wait 30 days for PT lumber to dry before staining. 100 ft of 6-ft fence = ~600 ft² of one-side surface × 2 sides = 1,200 ft². At 200 ft²/gal × 2 coats, plan 6–8 gallons total. Roller works for the bulk; brush for the cracks.

Paint Calculator

Paintable Area

316

sq ft

Gallons

2

2 coats

Quarts

8

if buying quarts

Est. Cost

$56

at $27.98/gal

Coverage based on 350 sq ft/gallon. Rough or porous surfaces may need 10–20% more.

Prices are estimates based on national retail averages (Home Depot, mid-grade SKUs). Local retail prices vary by region, supplier, and grade — check with your local supplier before finalizing a budget.

Permits, codes, and HOA

Most US municipalities don't require permits for fences under 6 ft on residential property, but some do — and HOAs almost always regulate height, material, and even color. Check both before buying. Corner-lot houses often have stricter setbacks because of sight-distance requirements.

DIY vs. hire a pro

A 100-ft straight-run fence is achievable DIY in 2–3 weekends with one helper. Hardest parts: getting all post tops at the same height (string-line them) and post concrete that sets plumb. A pro crew finishes in 1–2 days and charges ~$1,500–$2,500 in labor for this size — about 60% of the total bill.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a 100-ft wood fence cost in 2026?

A 100-ft 6-ft pressure-treated privacy fence costs $2,400–$5,000 installed in 2026 ($24–$50/lf). DIY removes ~60% labor: figure $900–$1,400 in materials only. Cedar adds ~30%; vinyl runs $35–$70/lf installed.

How many fence posts do I need for 100 ft?

13 posts for a straight 100-ft run with 8-ft on-center spacing (12 panels + 1 corner/end). Add 1 extra post per gate. 6×6 posts are sturdier than 4×4 for tall (6 ft+) privacy fences in windy areas.

How deep should fence posts go?

1/3 of the post height is the rule of thumb — so 24 inches deep for a 6-ft fence (8-ft post). In cold climates, go below frost line: 36–48″ in northern states. Use 80-lb concrete bags, 1.5–2 bags per hole at 10″ diameter.

Do I need a permit to build a fence?

Most US municipalities don't require permits for fences under 6 ft on residential property, but some do — and HOAs almost always have rules on style, height, and material. Always check with your city and HOA before buying materials.

PT pine, cedar, or vinyl?

PT pine ($24–$45/lf) is cheapest and lasts 15–20 years with stain. Cedar ($30–$55/lf) lasts 20–30 years and weathers gray naturally. Vinyl ($35–$70/lf) is maintenance-free and lasts 30+ years but doesn't biodegrade and looks plastic.