A stunning cedar fence can dramatically transform a property. It can increase your curb appeal, add value to your home, and make your property more private and safe. Plus, cedar is naturally durable, making it a beautiful, long-lasting option for fencing.
But if you’re thinking about adding a cedar fence to your home, you need to understand the costs involved. So, how much is a cedar fence per foot? In this guide, we’ll help you understand the cedar fence cost so that you can budget accordingly for your new fence.
Here at Quality Cedar Products, we have the best selection of premium cedar fence boards in North America. With exceptional quality and prices that won’t break the bank, we’re the best way to build a new cedar fence on a budget. Call us today to place your order or learn more!
Factors Influencing the Cedar Fence Cost Per Foot
If you’ve started shopping around for cedar lumber, you’ve probably already noticed that the cost of cedar fence boards can vary significantly. Let’s take a look at some of the factors that affect the cedar fence cost per foot.
Quality of Cedar
The quality of the cedar wood you choose is one of the biggest determinants of price. Premium western red cedar grading, such as clear cedar, is free of knots and imperfections, giving the fence a refined appearance and longer lifespan, but they come at a higher cost.
On the other hand, lower grades, like knotty or rough cedar, are more affordable but may not have the same aesthetic appeal or durability. Lower-quality cedar may be cheaper, but be warned - it usually comes with a reduced cedar fence lifespan.
Fence Design Complexity
The complexity of your fence design can also impact the cost per foot. Simple designs like standard picket or rail fences are generally more cost-effective, whereas more elaborate styles such as lattice-topped or decorative fences require more material and labor.
More intricate cedar fence ideas, like curved sections, unique post caps, custom gate designs, or designing a complex DIY sound barrier fence from cedar, can further increase cedar fence cost per foot.
Regional Pricing Variations
The cost of cedar fence boards can vary widely depending on your location. In areas where cedar is abundant, prices may be lower. However, in regions where cedar is less common, transportation and availability issues can drive up costs. Local demand and seasonal fluctuations can also impact pricing.
Delivery Costs
If you’re buying cedar wood from a supplier that’s not local, you may need to factor in delivery costs. Depending on the weight and distance, delivery fees can add a notable amount to your overall cost, especially for larger fencing projects. Checking with local suppliers first can help minimize or avoid these additional charges.
Labor Costs (If You’re Paying for Installation)
If you don’t want to learn how to make a cedar fence yourself, you can always call the experts! Just remember, you’ll need to factor labor costs into your cedar fence’s total expense, and they can be significant.
Installation prices depend on the complexity of the job, the experience of the contractor, and local labor rates. More intricate fence designs or challenging terrains (such as steep slopes or rocky soil) will typically increase labor costs per foot.
Additional Materials to Build the Fence
As well as the cedar boards, you’ll need other materials such as posts, rails, nails, concrete (for securing posts), and possibly stains or the best cedar deck sealer for protection and longevity. These extra items can add a lot to the cedar fence cost per foot.
How Much is a Cedar Fence Per Foot?
So, how much is a cedar fence per foot? We’ve already explained that the price can vary a lot, but what can you expect to pay? Let’s take a look at the average cedar fence cost, and how it compares to other types of fencing materials.
Average Price of Cedar Fence Boards Per Foot
The cost of cedar fence boards typically ranges from $3 to $10 per linear foot, depending on the grade and style. Standard picket fence boards usually cost around $3 to $6 per foot, making them a relatively budget-friendly option.
Cedar boards designed for privacy fencing tend to be taller and thicker, which raises the price to around $6 to $10 per foot. How much does cedar lumber cost when it’s the best possible quality? Premium-grade cedar with minimal knots, like clear cedar, can cost $7 to $10 per foot or more.
This range is for the fence boards only, so if you’re installing the fence yourself, these prices will form the base cost. However, additional components like posts, rails, and sealants can add to the overall expense.
Comparison With Other Fencing Materials
How much is a cedar fence per foot compared to other types of fences? Generally, cedar falls into the mid-to-high price range, but it’s one of the most durable options and doesn’t cost a lot to maintain.
In terms of a pressure treated vs cedar fence, pressure-treated pine generally costs between $1 and $5 per foot. For a cedar vs pine fence, pine is more affordable up-front, but it’s nowhere near as durable - it lacks cedar’s natural resistance to decay and insect damage, which means more maintenance over time.
For the cost of a cedar fence vs vinyl, vinyl tends to be more expensive, ranging from $15 to $30 per foot. While vinyl is pricier, it offers minimal maintenance and a long lifespan, making it a popular option if you’re looking for low upkeep.
The cost of a cedar vs redwood fence is generally pretty similar, as both are premium woods with good durability and longevity. Cedar tends to be slightly cheaper than redwood, partly because it’s more readily available.
Is the Cost of Cedar Fence Worth it?
So, cedar isn’t the cheapest fencing material, but it’s also not the most expensive. Given that you could have a cheaper pine fence, is the extra cost for cedar really worth it? Almost always - here’s why.
Beautiful Addition to Your Property
One of the main reasons for choosing cedar is its natural beauty. Cedar has a rich, warm color and a distinct grain pattern that adds beauty to any yard. Unlike some other materials that look manufactured or artificial, cedar’s natural appearance blends seamlessly with both modern and traditional landscapes.
Over time, cedar weathers to an elegant silver-gray patina if left untreated, maintaining its charm even as it ages. Does cedar fencing need to be treated? It doesn’t need to be, but you can extend your fence’s lifespan by treating it. In terms of when to stain new cedar fence, it’s best to wait 4-8 weeks before staining.
Natural Resistance to Rot and Decay
Another major advantage of cedar is its natural resistance to rot, decay, and insect damage. Cedar contains oils that act as preservatives, making it more resilient against harsh weather conditions, fungi, and pests without the need for chemical treatments. It’s partly why the cedar fencing sustainability is so high.
This durability means cedar fences often last significantly longer than fences made from untreated wood. While cheaper options like pine may require frequent repairs or replacement due to rot or termite damage, a well-built cedar fence can stand strong for years, even in wet or humid climates.
A Long-Lasting, Maintenance-Free Option
Although cedar sometimes requires a higher initial investment, it offers long-term savings due to its low maintenance needs. Unlike pressure-treated wood, which may need regular staining or sealing, cedar can remain attractive with minimal upkeep.
If you do learn how to seal a cedar fence, it will help maintain its original color longer and add an extra layer of protection. But even without regular maintenance, cedar is unlikely to warp, split, or bow. Cedar’s low-maintenance nature can offset the initial cost, making it a cost-effective choice in the long term.
Trust Quality Cedar Products for Top-tier Materials at a Great Price!
When it comes to the cost of cedar fencing, the old saying is true - you get what you pay for. Generally, cheaper cedar will be low quality. It won’t be durable or beautiful, and might end up costing you more in repairs and maintenance than if you’d just used a high-quality cedar to begin with.
So, what is the best cedar for a fence? At Quality Cedar Products, we have premium cedar fence boards that are hand-graded to ensure top quality. Our stringent quality control process blows other cedar wood suppliers away - you can rest assured you’re getting nothing but the best.
From sound barrier fencing to cedar boards for a privacy fence, you’ll find everything you’re looking for here at Quality Cedar Products. And the best part is, you get exactly what you pay for when you shop with us. Our prices are budget-friendly, our quality is unbeatable, and our service is next-level.
Parting Thoughts on Cedar Fence Price Per Foot
So, how much is a cedar fence per foot? The cost of cedar fencing varies a lot, depending on the quality of the wood, your location, whether or not you need delivery, and more. In general, cedar is more expensive than pine, but it also lasts a lot longer, requires much less maintenance, and looks stunning.
At Quality Cedar Products, we offer the best value for money when it comes to premium cedar fencing. Our hand-graded cedar lumber is exactly what you’ve been looking for to bring the fence of your dreams to life.
Ready to turn your neighbors’ heads? Invest in durable, beautiful cedar fence boards from Quality Cedar Products!
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