How Much Does a Cedar Fence Cost?
Real DIY Cost Breakdown
When our old backyard fence started leaning, sagging, and falling apart, I decided it was time for a complete replacement.
Instead of hiring a fence company, I built a new 200-linear-foot board-on-board cedar privacy fence myself. The project included new posts, framing, trim, top caps, two custom gates, stain, and everything needed to completely replace the existing fence line.
The finished fence dramatically improved the privacy, security, and appearance of our backyard while giving us the modern cedar look we wanted.
One of the most common questions I get about the project is:
How much did it cost?
I’m sharing the complete cost breakdown, how it compared to a contractor quote, and whether building it yourself is worth it.
Quick Cost Summary
Fence Length: 200 Linear Feet
DIY Cost: $6,700
DIY Cost Per Foot: $33.50
Contractor Quote: $18,700
Contractor Cost Per Foot: $93.50
DIY Savings: Approximately $12,000
Here’s the old fence.
And here’s the new build.
Total DIY Cedar Fence Cost
My total project cost came to just under $6,700.
That included everything needed to complete the project:
Posts and framing lumber
Cedar pickets
Trim and top cap
Concrete
Hardware
Two gates
Stain
Post Saver sleeves
Equipment rental
Disposal of the old fence
For a fence measuring approximately 200 linear feet, the total worked out to about $33.50 per linear foot.
Keep in mind that lumber prices fluctuate significantly over time and vary by region, so your costs may be higher or lower than mine.
Detailed Cost Breakdown
Posts and 2x4 Framing Lumber
$1,550
This included all fence posts and framing lumber used throughout the project.
Cedar Pickets
$1,950
The cedar pickets were the largest single expense of the project. Cedar costs more than pressure-treated lumber, but I chose it because of its durability, appearance, and natural resistance to rot and insects. I wanted this fence to look great and also last.
Trim and Top Cap
$1,000
The trim and top cap added a finished look and helped elevate the overall appearance of the fence.
Concrete
$580
Every post was set in concrete to create a strong and long-lasting foundation.
Hardware
$370
This included nails, screws, brackets, and other miscellaneous fasteners used throughout the build.
Two Gates
$350
I built two custom gates as part of this project.
Stain
$475
The stain protects the cedar and enhances its natural warmth and color.
Post Saver Sleeves
$300
I installed Post Saver sleeves on the posts to help protect the area most vulnerable to rot and extend the life of the fence.
Auger Rental
$300
Rather than digging dozens of post holes by hand, I rented an auger to speed up the installation.
In our case, we chose a larger, more powerful auger because we were dealing with tough soil conditions, roots, and rocky ground. That rental cost approximately $300.
If you’re building in softer soil, a smaller one- or two-person handheld power auger may be all you need, which could significantly reduce this cost.
Old Fence Disposal
$80
This was the fee charged by the local dump to dispose of the old fence materials.
Interestingly, after sharing the project on YouTube, many viewers commented that they would have gladly taken the old fence panels for free. At the time, I assumed no one would want an old, weathered fence, so I never considered listing it.
If you’re replacing an existing fence, it may be worth posting the old panels on Facebook Marketplace or a local community group before hauling them to the dump. Depending on their condition, you might find someone willing to reuse them and save yourself the disposal fee.
DIY vs Hiring a Fence Contractor
Before starting the project, I requested a quote from a local fencing company to replace the entire fence line.
The estimate came in at approximately $18,700.
For the same 200 linear feet of fencing, that works out to about $93.50 per linear foot.
By building the fence myself, I spent just under $6,700 and saved roughly $12,000. That’s a savings of roughly 64% compared to the contractor quote.
That’s a significant savings, especially for homeowners who already own some of the necessary tools and are comfortable tackling a larger DIY project.
Watch the Complete Fence Build
If you’d like to see the entire process—from demolition and post installation to framing, gates, staining, and the finished result—watch the full build video below.
You can also read about the project here.
Tools I used to build this cedar fence:
These are some of the tools that made this project significantly easier:
Reciprocating Saw — for demo
String Line — essential for keeping posts straight
Postsaver Sleeves — rot protection at the ground line (more on these below)
Post Level — makes plumbing posts so much easier
Laser Level — for finding consistent cut heights across all posts
Stainless Ring Shank Nails — important for cedar; prevents rust staining
Trim Head Screws — minimal appearance for visible fasteners
Wagner Control Pro 170 Sprayer — game changer for staining large projects fast
FAQ’s
How much does a cedar fence cost per foot?
My DIY board-on-board cedar fence cost approximately $33.50 per linear foot. A local contractor quoted approximately $93.50 per linear foot for the same project.
Is cedar worth the extra cost?
In my opinion, yes. Cedar naturally resists rot and insects, looks beautiful, and requires less maintenance than many other fencing materials.
Is it cheaper to build your own fence?
Absolutely. In my case, building the fence myself saved approximately $12,000 compared to hiring a contractor.
How long does a cedar fence last?
A properly built and maintained cedar fence can last 15–30 years or more depending on climate, maintenance, and construction methods.
Why did you use Post Saver sleeves?
Fence posts often fail at ground level where moisture collects. Post Saver sleeves help protect that vulnerable area and can significantly extend the life of the posts. The extra cost is worth it to me to protect my investment.
Building this fence saved me $12,000. Even accounting for time and tool costs, it's not close. If you're on the fence about doing it yourself — pun intended — I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
More Backyard Projects
If you’re improving your backyard, you might also enjoy these projects:
Looking for construction details, gate dimensions, stain information, or answers to common fence questions? Read my complete board-on-board cedar fence tutorial.
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