How Much Does a Fence or Deck Cost?
Wood fence pickets average about $3.25 each in 2026, with posts and rails adding more. Deck boards run about $9 for a standard 8-foot board. The table and calculator below estimate material for both fences and decks — enter your dimensions and switch between project types.
Average prices by region
National-average material prices adjusted by region. Updated 2026-06-20. Estimates only — not quotes.
| Material | National | Northeast | South | Midwest | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fence picket / picket | $3.25 | $3.74 | $2.99 | $3.15 | $3.64 |
| Post (4×4×8) / post | $13.00 | $14.95 | $11.96 | $12.61 | $14.56 |
| Deck board (8 ft) / board | $9.00 | $10.35 | $8.28 | $8.73 | $10.08 |
| Joist (2×8×8) / board | $12.00 | $13.80 | $11.04 | $11.64 | $13.44 |
What affects the price
- Material — pressure-treated pine is cheapest; cedar, composite, and hardwood cost significantly more.
- Fence style — board-on-board and privacy panels use more material than standard picket.
- Deck span and framing — longer joist spans need more and/or heavier lumber.
- Posts, concrete for post bases, hardware, and fasteners add to the total.
- Installation labor varies widely — $15–$30/linear ft for fences, $30–$60/sq ft for decks.
Estimate your project
Enter your dimensions to get a quantity and cost estimate. For the full tool, open the Fence & Deck Calculator .
Project inputs
How this is calculated
- Spacing = 5.5 in picket + 0.5 in gap = 6 in per picket
- Pickets = (50 ft × 12) ÷ 6 in = 100 pickets
- Add 10% waste → round up to 111 pickets
Picket count assumes a continuous run; subtract gate openings and add for posts and rails separately.
The math
National-average prices, adjusted by region. Edit any unit price to match a local quote. Estimate only.
How we estimate these prices
National-average prices for pressure-treated dimensional lumber from home-center listings, adjusted by region. Excludes hardware, concrete, and installation labor. Confirm locally.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a wood fence cost per linear foot? ⌄
Material for a standard 6-foot privacy fence runs $8–$18 per linear foot (pickets + rails + posts + concrete). Installed, expect $20–$45 per linear foot depending on region and fence style.
How much does a deck cost per square foot? ⌄
Pressure-treated deck material averages $8–$15 per square foot, including boards, joists, and posts. Installed cost typically runs $25–$60 per square foot, depending on height, size, and features.
Is composite decking worth the extra cost? ⌄
Composite decking ($4–$8/linear ft for boards) costs roughly 2–3× more than pressure-treated pine upfront, but lasts 25–30 years with minimal maintenance vs. 10–15 years for treated lumber with annual sealing.
How far apart should fence posts be? ⌄
Standard spacing is 6–8 feet on center. Wider spacing saves posts but requires longer rails. Most pressure-treated rails come in 8-foot lengths, making 8-foot spacing common. Wind-exposed areas may need closer spacing.