If you've been searching for fence installation costs in Austin and found prices like "$17–$25 per linear foot," those numbers are wrong. They're outdated national averages that haven't reflected the actual Central Texas market in years. Material costs, fuel, and local labor have all moved significantly — and with current tariff pressures on lumber and steel, the numbers matter more than ever.
This guide gives you real 2026 pricing straight from our books — what we actually charge homeowners across Austin, Buda, Kyle, and Dripping Springs. No estimates from aggregators who've never installed a fence. No national averages. Just current numbers from a contractor who's installed 5,000+ fences in this market.
A note on pricing in 2026
Material costs are variable right now due to tariffs and fuel prices. The numbers below reflect current pricing as of spring 2026. The best way to get a locked-in number for your specific project is a free on-site estimate — we provide same-day quotes on most jobs. Call (512) 710-7116.
Cedar Wood Fence Pricing
We only install Western Red Cedar pickets — no pressure-treated pine. Cedar is naturally resistant to rot and insects, holds up better under Texas UV, and simply lasts longer in this climate. Every cedar fence we build uses galvanized steel PostMaster posts, which eliminate the ground-contact rot that shortens the lifespan of fences built with wood posts.
| Cedar Fence Style | Price Per LF | 150 LF Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Standard cedar privacy (wood posts) | $30 | $4,500 |
| Standard cedar privacy (steel posts) | $33 | $4,950 |
| Board-on-board cedar (steel posts) | $42 | $6,300 |
| Horizontal cedar (steel posts) | $39 | $5,850 |
| Sugi/import cedar — standard (steel posts) | $32 | $4,800 |
About steel posts: We always recommend steel PostMaster posts over wood posts. Central Texas clay soils absorb and release moisture dramatically through the seasons, which accelerates rot at the post base — the single most common cause of early fence failure we see. Steel posts are the single best long-term investment you can make in a wood fence.
About Sugi cedar: Sugi (Japanese/import cedar) is our down-sell option — approximately $1 per linear foot less than Western Red Cedar. It's a workable material, but Western Red Cedar is our standard recommendation for durability and appearance in the Central Texas climate.
What Style Is Right for Your Budget?
Here's a quick breakdown of when to choose each cedar style:
- Standard cedar privacy fence — the most common installation in Central Texas. Dog ear or flat top pickets, full privacy, HOA-friendly in virtually every neighborhood. Best value for most backyards.
- Board-on-board — overlapping pickets create a solid fence that looks finished from both sides. Worth the premium for shared property lines with neighbors. About $9/LF more than standard.
- Horizontal cedar — the modern look. Clean lines, contemporary aesthetic, popular in updated and newer Austin neighborhoods. About $6/LF more than standard. Requires proper steel post installation to prevent sagging over time.
Gate Pricing
| Gate Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Standard walk gate (4–5 ft), wood frame | $150 |
| Walk gate (4 ft opening), welded metal frame | ~$200 |
| Double drive gate (10 ft / 5 ft each side, manual, wood) | $450–$600 |
We recommend welded metal frames for all gates — they hold alignment significantly better over time than wood-framed gates, which tend to sag and rack as the wood expands and contracts through Austin's temperature swings. The $50 difference on a walk gate is the best value upgrade on any cedar fence project.
Double drive gates are quoted on a per-project basis. Price varies based on style, picket type, terrain, and whether the gate is for a flat or sloped driveway. Automated openers and gate operator systems are not included in these prices and are quoted separately.
Fence Staining Pricing
Staining is strongly recommended for all cedar fences in Central Texas. Without UV protection, cedar will fade, gray, and begin to crack within 2–3 years of installation. We use Ready Seal Natural Cedar — an oil-based stain that penetrates deeply and doesn't lap-mark, even in Texas heat.
| Staining | Price |
|---|---|
| Professional staining (labor + material) | $5–$6 per LF |
| Minimum charge (small projects) | $550 |
Smaller projects cost more per linear foot because setup, mobilization, and material waste are fixed costs regardless of project size. A 30-foot staining job carries the same prep and setup as a 100-foot job — the minimum charge reflects that reality.
Post Replacement Pricing
Post replacement is priced at a flat rate of $175 per post. When multiple posts need replacing in the same project, we discount the per-post price — the more posts, the lower the individual cost. If you have several failing posts and we're also replacing boards, we'll give you a combined project quote that reflects the overall scope.
Real Project Estimates: What Austin Homeowners Actually Pay
| Project | Details | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|
| Standard backyard fence | 150 LF cedar, steel posts, 1 walk gate | $5,100–$5,250 |
| Board-on-board upgrade | 150 LF, steel posts, 1 walk gate | $6,450–$6,600 |
| Horizontal cedar fence | 150 LF, steel posts, 1 walk gate | $6,000–$6,150 |
| Fence + staining combo | 150 LF standard cedar, steel posts, stain | $5,850–$6,150 |
| Large property fence | 300 LF standard cedar, steel posts, 2 gates | $10,200–$10,500 |
| Post replacement (5 posts) | Multiple post replacement, discounted rate | Quoted on project |
What Affects Your Final Price
- Linear footage: The primary driver of cost. More footage = lower cost per foot on larger projects.
- Fence style: Standard cedar → board-on-board → horizontal each add to the per-foot price.
- Post type: Steel posts add $3/LF but are worth every penny for longevity.
- Gate count and type: Each gate adds to the total. Metal-framed gates cost more but last longer.
- Terrain: Sloped yards, rocky soil (common in the Hill Country around Dripping Springs), and retaining walls add complexity and cost.
- Old fence removal: If we're replacing an existing fence, demolition and haul-away adds to the project cost — quoted per job based on the volume of material.
- Project size minimums: Very small projects (under ~30–40 LF) fall under a minimum charge. A 10-foot section of fence is not $300 — the minimum reflects mobilization costs.
- Location: Pricing is consistent across our primary service area. Projects further outside our normal range may include a distance adjustment.
Serving Austin, Buda, Kyle, and Dripping Springs
We provide same-day estimates on most projects across Austin, Buda, Kyle, and Dripping Springs. We're typically booked about a month out, but can often fit smaller projects (250 LF or less) within 1–2 weeks. Call (512) 710-7116 or request a free estimate online.
Why Online Pricing Estimates Are So Wrong
Most articles ranking for "Austin fence cost" pull from national databases that aggregate data across low-cost markets and outdated years. When a site tells you a wood fence costs $17–$25 per linear foot, they're likely averaging in rural Midwest markets, DIY installs, and pre-2022 pricing before lumber and fuel costs increased significantly. That number doesn't account for Western Red Cedar (not pine), steel posts, professional labor in a high-cost-of-living metro, or the current material market.
The minimum cost for a professionally installed cedar privacy fence in Austin in 2026 — even the most basic version — starts at $30 per linear foot. Any quote significantly below that should raise questions about material quality, post type, or what's actually included.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a wood fence cost in Austin in 2026?
A standard Western Red Cedar privacy fence starts at $30/LF with wood posts, or $33/LF with steel posts. Board-on-board runs $42/LF with steel posts. Horizontal cedar runs $39/LF with steel posts. A typical 150 LF backyard installation runs $4,950–$6,450 depending on style and gate count.
How much does fence staining cost in Austin?
Professional staining runs $5–$6 per linear foot including labor and materials. Small projects fall under a $550 minimum charge. Staining every 2–3 years is the single best thing you can do to extend a cedar fence's life in the Central Texas climate.
How much does a fence gate cost in Austin?
Standard 4–5 ft walk gates run $150 for a wood frame or ~$200 for a welded metal frame. Double drive gates (10 ft manual) run $450–$600 depending on style. Automated gate openers are quoted separately.
How long does it take to get a fence installed?
We provide same-day quotes on most projects. We're typically booked about a month out, but can often schedule smaller projects (250 LF or less) within 1–2 weeks. Most installations are completed in a single day.
Are steel posts worth the extra cost?
Yes — and it's not close. Steel posts add $3/LF but eliminate the #1 cause of fence failure in Central Texas: ground-contact rot. In the clay-heavy soils common across Hays and Travis counties, wood posts begin degrading within years. Steel posts last decades. It's the best $450 you can spend on a 150 LF fence.
Get a Free Same-Day Estimate
We'll walk your property, measure your fence line, and give you a detailed no-pressure quote — usually the same day you call. Serving Austin, Buda, Kyle, and Dripping Springs.