Lumber for a 6-Foot Privacy Fence
Free calculator with pre-filled dimensions • Updated March 2026
A 150-foot, 6-foot tall privacy fence needs about 20 posts, 38 rails, and 300 pickets — roughly $1,800–$3,000 in lumber.
Open calculator with these dimensions →6-Foot Privacy Fence: Lumber Breakdown
Privacy fences are one of the most popular yard improvement projects. A 6-foot height provides genuine privacy from standing neighbors while meeting most HOA and municipal codes (many cap residential fences at 6 feet). This guide covers material needs per linear foot so you can scale to any yard size.
Materials Per 8-Foot Section
| Component | Size | Per Section | Per 150 ft | Cost/150 ft |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Posts | 4×4×8' PT | 1 (8' OC) | 19 + 1 end = 20 | $200–$340 |
| Rails | 2×4×8' | 3 (top, mid, bottom) | 57 | $228–$342 |
| Pickets | 1×6×6' dog-ear | 14-15 | ~280 | $700–$1,120 |
| Concrete (post holes) | 80-lb bags | 2 bags/post | 40 bags | $220–$280 |
| Screws/nails | #8×2" exterior | — | 10 lbs | $50–$80 |
Total lumber + concrete for 150 linear feet: $1,400–$2,160. Professional installation: $3,000–$5,500.
Pro Tips
- Set posts 36 inches deep. The rule of thumb is 1/3 of total post length underground. For an 8-foot post with 6 feet above ground, that means 24–36 inches in the hole, which puts you below the frost line in most regions.
- Use pressure-treated for posts, cedar for pickets. Posts contact soil and must be PT rated for ground contact (UC4A). Cedar pickets cost $1–$2 more each but resist rot naturally and look better.
- Space pickets with a 16d nail gap. This provides consistent spacing and allows for wood expansion without buckling in humid weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 6-foot privacy fence cost per foot?
DIY materials cost $9–$15 per linear foot for pressure-treated pine. Cedar runs $14–$22 per foot. Professional installation adds $10–$20 per foot for labor, bringing the total to $19–$35 per foot installed in 2026.
How many pickets per foot of fence?
With standard 1×6 (5.5-inch actual) pickets and 1/8-inch spacing, you need approximately 1.9 pickets per linear foot — or about 15 pickets per 8-foot section.