Most homeowners who want a fence want privacy — a solid 6-foot screen that blocks sightlines into the back yard. The catch is that 'privacy fence' spans a wide price range depending on material. Here's what each costs in 2026, installed.
The per-foot ranges
- Pressure-treated wood: $20–$35/ft — lowest up-front cost
- Cedar: $25–$40/ft — better looks and lifespan
- Vinyl: $30–$55/ft — zero maintenance, 25–30 yr life
- Composite: $30–$60/ft — wood look, no rot, premium price
- Metal with privacy infill: $35–$70/ft — modern, durable
Up-front vs. lifetime cost
Wood looks cheapest on day one but adds a stain/seal cycle every 2–3 years. Over a 25-year horizon, vinyl and composite frequently cost less in total because they eliminate that recurring maintenance — especially in humid climates where wood rots faster.
What else moves the number
Height (6 ft is standard for privacy and costs more than 4 ft), terrain (slopes and rocky soil raise labor), old-fence removal, and gates all push the total beyond the base per-foot figure. Budget 10–15% contingency on top of the material estimate.
The quick recommendation
Tight budget and willing to maintain it: pressure-treated wood. Best looks in wood: cedar. Set-and-forget for decades: vinyl or composite. Modern aesthetic with durability: metal with privacy infill. Run your length and height through the calculator to see real numbers for your yard.