Thinking about adding more privacy and curb appeal to your home this year? A wood privacy fence remains one of the most popular outdoor upgrades for homeowners in 2025—and with good reason. Not only does it define your space and add security, but it also boosts property value and enhances landscaping. But how much does a wood privacy fence cost in 2025?
Whether you’re budgeting for a small backyard enclosure or a full perimeter installation, the price can vary widely depending on the wood type, fence height, design style, and how much upkeep you’re prepared to handle. In this guide, we’ll break down the current cost per linear foot, total installation estimates for different yard sizes, and what influences the final price—including the type of wood (like cedar, pine, or redwood), fence height, style, and ongoing maintenance needs.
If you’re located in North Georgia or Metro Atlanta, we’ve included region-specific pricing to help you plan accurately for your local market. From paint and stain options to long-term upkeep costs, this comprehensive breakdown will help you make the best decision for your home and budget.
Average Cost of a Wood Privacy Fence in 2025
If you’re wondering how much it costs to install a wood privacy fence in 2025, you’re not alone. Prices have stabilized compared to the volatility of recent years, but costs still vary based on location, materials, and labor.
Nationally, the average cost to install a wood privacy fence ranges from $25 to $50 per linear foot, including materials and labor. That said, North Georgia homeowners—especially in areas like Metro Atlanta—typically pay slightly less, with regional averages between $20 and $30 per linear foot for standard 6-foot pressure-treated pine fences.
Typical Fence Costs by Yard Size (Installed)
| Fence Length | Estimated Total Cost (North GA) | National Range |
| 100 ft | $2,100 – $2,700 | $3,150 – $5,350 |
| 150 ft | $3,200 – $4,050 | $4,725 – $8,025 |
| 200 ft | $4,100 – $5,500 | $6,300 – $10,700 |
| 250 ft | $5,250 – $6,750 | $7,875 – $13,375 |
| 350 ft | $7,350 – $9,450 | $11,025 – $18,725 |
Note: Larger projects often reduce per-foot costs due to scaled labor and material efficiencies.
What Affects the Total Price?
- Labor costs in Georgia are generally lower than the national average (~$8–$13 per foot).
- Material type (e.g., cedar, redwood, or composite) can double or triple per-foot prices.
- Fence layout complexity (e.g., sloped yards, custom gates) increases installation time and cost.
So if you’re planning a 150 ft fence around your yard with pressure-treated pine, you’re likely looking at a $3,200 to $4,000 project in North Georgia—a fair range that balances cost, durability, and appearance.
What’s the Cheapest and Most Durable Wood for a Privacy Fence in 2025?
Choosing the right wood for your privacy fence in 2025 means finding the right balance between price, durability, and long-term maintenance. The type of wood you select will directly impact how much you spend per linear foot, how long your fence lasts, and how much upkeep is required over time.
Below is a breakdown of the most commonly used wood types for privacy fences in Georgia, how much they cost per foot, and what kind of maintenance each one demands.
Pressure-Treated Pine: The Most Affordable Option
- Cost: $20 – $27 per linear foot installed (North Georgia average)
- Lifespan: 12–15 years with proper sealing
- Pros: Widely available, resistant to rot and insects after treatment
- Cons: Requires regular staining or sealing to prevent warping and discoloration
Best For: Homeowners looking for the most budget-friendly option with solid longevity—ideal for standard 6-foot fences in suburban settings.
Cedar: Long-Lasting with Low Maintenance
- Cost: $25 – $35 per linear foot
- Lifespan: 15–25 years, depending on climate and maintenance
- Pros: Naturally resistant to rot and bugs, less prone to warping, smells great
- Cons: Higher upfront cost; still benefits from periodic staining or sealing
Best For: Those who want a fence that lasts longer and looks great with minimal upkeep. Cedar holds its color better than pine and weathers nicely when left untreated.
Cypress: Durable and Southern-Approved
- Cost: $27 – $40 per linear foot
- Lifespan: 20+ years with proper maintenance
- Pros: Natural insect resistance, good in humid climates, locally sourced in the Southeast
- Cons: May not be available year-round in all regions of Georgia
Best For: Homeowners looking for a durable, regional wood that’s naturally resilient and blends well with Southern landscapes.
Redwood: High-End, Premium Option
- Cost: $35 – $50+ per linear foot
- Lifespan: 25–30+ years
- Pros: Excellent rot resistance, top-tier appearance, very stable wood
- Cons: Very expensive, especially in Georgia due to transport costs
Best For: Luxury projects or homeowners who want the best possible finish and are willing to invest in a long-term solution.
Spruce/Whitewood: Budget Option with Tradeoffs
- Cost: $18 – $25 per linear foot
- Lifespan: 8–12 years
- Pros: Low cost, easy to find in panel form
- Cons: Less durable, must be stained or sealed immediately to avoid decay
Best For: Temporary or budget-conscious builds where upfront cost is the top concern. Best in drier climates.
Composite (Wood Alternative): Long-Lasting, Low-Maintenance
- Cost: $50 – $80 per linear foot
- Lifespan: 25–30+ years
- Pros: No staining, won’t rot or warp, looks like wood
- Cons: High upfront cost, not real wood
Best For: Homeowners who want a wood-look fence without any ongoing maintenance.
Summary Comparison Table
| Wood Type | Cost/ft (Installed) | Lifespan (yrs) | Maintenance Level |
| Pressure-Treated Pine | $20 – $27 | 12–15 | High |
| Cedar | $25 – $35 | 15–25 | Low |
| Cypress | $27 – $40 | 20+ | Low |
| Redwood | $35 – $50+ | 25–30+ | Low |
| Spruce/Whitewood | $18 – $25 | 8–12 | High |
| Composite | $50 – $80 | 25–30+ | Very Low |
Choosing the best wood depends on your priorities. If price is the main concern, pressure-treated pine or spruce may be right. But if you’re aiming for low maintenance and long-term value, cedar or cypress often provide the best return on investment.
Fence Height & Design: What Impacts Price Most
When budgeting for a wood privacy fence, most homeowners focus on wood type. But two other factors can change your project cost just as much: how tall the fence is and what style or design you choose. These details affect both material usage and labor time—two major cost drivers.
How Fence Height Affects Cost
In 2025, the most common height for residential privacy fences is still 6 feet. But if you want more privacy or security, an 8-foot fence could be worth considering. Just keep in mind:
- 6-foot fences cost around $20–$30 per linear foot for pressure-treated pine in North Georgia.
- 8-foot fences typically add 25%–35% more per foot due to extra lumber, stronger posts, and added labor.
- 4–5-foot fences, often used in front yards, cost less—generally $17–$23 per foot.
If your backyard slopes or if you’re in a neighborhood with strict HOA guidelines, you may need to customize fence height in different sections, which can slightly raise labor costs.
Tip: Many jurisdictions cap backyard fences at 6 feet unless you apply for a variance. Lattice or horizontal toppers can add height legally without violating codes.
How Fence Design Changes the Price
Not all privacy fences are built the same. While a basic “stockade” design is the most economical, upgraded styles like shadowbox or board-on-board offer a more finished look—and added cost.
Stockade (Side-by-Side Vertical Boards)
- Baseline design for pricing ($20–$30/ft for pine)
- Boards are placed edge-to-edge, offering solid privacy
- Gaps may develop over time as boards shrink
Board-on-Board
- Boards are overlapped to cover shrinkage gaps
- Adds 20–30% more lumber and labor
- Estimated Cost: ~$25–$40/ft for pine; higher for cedar
Shadowbox (Good Neighbor Fence)
- Alternating boards on both sides of the rail
- Offers airflow and privacy from both sides
- Estimated Cost: ~$30–$45/ft, depending on material
Lattice-Top Privacy Fence
- Adds 1–2 feet of decorative lattice above solid panels
- Increases style and height without adding full fence cost
- Adds ~$5–$12/ft to base fence cost
Horizontal Plank
- Modern look, boards run horizontally
- Requires more posts and higher-grade lumber
- Estimated Cost: ~$35–$50/ft for cedar or cypress
Picture Frame (Cap & Trim)
- Framed top and bottom rails with vertical trim
- Combines structure and style; hides post tops
- Estimated Cost: ~10–15% higher than board-on-board or shadowbox
So, Which Design Offers the Best Value?
If budget is key: Stockade fences offer solid privacy at the lowest cost.
If style and long-term value matter: Board-on-board or shadowbox provide better aesthetics and privacy over time.
If curb appeal is a top priority: Lattice-tops or picture frame fences add elegance and neighborhood-friendly style.
Wood Fence Maintenance Costs in Georgia
A wood privacy fence is a long-term investment that pays off best when properly maintained—especially in Georgia’s humid climate. Regular care can prevent rot, warping, and fading, helping your fence look great and last for decades. Fortunately, you don’t need to spend a fortune to get results. Most fences only need upkeep every few years.
What’s the Best Way to Maintain a Wood Fence?
There are three common ways to protect your fence from moisture and sun damage: painting, staining, and sealing. Each has its place depending on the look you want, your maintenance preferences, and your budget.
Painting
- Cost: $3 – $14 per linear foot
- Reapply: Every 3–5 years
- Best For: Homeowners who want solid color and maximum moisture protection
Painting creates a uniform finish and strong barrier against water. Just be sure to prep the surface properly before application to avoid peeling later. If you prefer a clean, traditional look—like classic white or charcoal gray—paint delivers lasting curb appeal.
Staining (Solid or Semi-Transparent)
- Cost: $3 – $15 per linear foot
- Reapply: Every 2–4 years
- Best For: Highlighting the natural grain while protecting against the elements
Stain soaks into the wood, offering color and protection without forming a film. Solid stains provide a painted look with less peeling risk, while semi-transparent stains allow the wood’s natural beauty to show through. This is a great middle ground for most Georgia homeowners—easy to maintain, attractive, and effective.
Clear Sealing
- Cost: ~$20–$30 per gallon (DIY), or $2–$5 per linear foot (pro applied)
- Reapply: Every 1–2 years
- Best For: New fences or homeowners who prefer a natural, weathered look
Sealers provide water resistance without adding color. They’re ideal for freshly installed pressure-treated wood or for those who want a natural aging process. Just keep in mind they’ll need more frequent reapplication and don’t block UV rays as well as stains or paint.
Plan Your Fence with Confidence in 2025
Installing a wood privacy fence is one of the smartest upgrades you can make to your home’s outdoor space—boosting privacy, safety, and property value. And in 2025, you’ve got more options than ever to match your budget, style, and maintenance preferences.
Whether you’re leaning toward budget-friendly pine, long-lasting cedar, or a stylish shadowbox design, understanding the full range of costs helps you plan ahead with confidence.
At Natural Enclosures Fence Company, we specialize in helping Georgia homeowners build fences that are beautiful, durable, and built to last in our climate. If you’re ready to transform your backyard, we’re here to help.
Get a free quote today and see why we’re Metro Atlanta’s trusted choice for wood privacy fencing.
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