Your privacy fence
Not sure of your length? A typical suburban backyard perimeter runs 120–180 linear feet.
Compare all three
Prices include gates and installation. “Best value” flags the lowest 20-year total cost, not the lowest sticker price.
How much does a privacy fence cost in 2026?
A 6-foot privacy fence costs $18 to $50 per linear foot installed in mid-2026 depending on material: pressure-treated pine at the bottom ($18–28), cedar in the middle ($25–40), vinyl ($28–45), and composite at the top ($30–50). For a typical 150-foot backyard, that’s a spread from about $2,700 (pine) to $7,500 (composite) — which is why the material decision matters more than any other choice you’ll make. The calculator above prices all four side-by-side for your exact yard.
Privacy fence cost comparison (150 ft, 6 ft high)
| Material | Installed | Lifespan | Upkeep per decade | 20-yr total* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PT pine | $2,700 – $4,200 | 15–20 yrs | $1,400 – $2,000 (staining) | ≈ $7,500 |
| Cedar | $3,750 – $6,000 | 20–30 yrs | $700 – $1,200 | ≈ $6,800 |
| Vinyl | $4,200 – $6,800 | 25–35 yrs | ≈ $100 (cleaning) | ≈ $5,700 |
| Composite | $4,500 – $7,500 | 25–30 yrs | ≈ $100 | ≈ $6,200 |
*20-year total = mid-range install + upkeep + prorated replacement. Vinyl usually wins the long game; pine wins the short one.
How to choose in 60 seconds
Selling within 5 years? PT pine — lowest cash out, buyers see “new fence” either way. Staying 10+ years and hate maintenance? Vinyl — the 20-year math above is the whole argument. Want real wood looks that age well? Cedar — it silvers gracefully unstained or holds stain twice as long as pine. Modern house, budget flexible? Composite — board-style horizontal designs read high-end and never fade unevenly. High-wind area? Any solid 6-footer is a sail; spec 6-foot post spacing and deeper footings regardless of material.
Height and code: read before you build
Most municipalities cap backyard fences at 6 feet and front-yard fences at 3–4 feet without a variance; HOAs often add material and color rules on top. An 8-foot privacy fence — popular against two-story neighbors — usually requires a permit and engineered posts, and adds 20–25% to any material’s price. Two free calls save expensive mistakes: your local building department (height/permit rules) and 811 (utility locating before post holes). And confirm the property line — building 6 inches onto a neighbor’s lot is the most expensive fencing error there is.