How much does wood fence cost in Elgin, IL?

Selecting the ideal fence material for your home in Elgin, IL, is a challenging task due to the abundance of options available, such as various types of metal, chainlink fences, and vinyl. 

Additionally, there are various other important costs, like labor, extra features, and maintenance.

However, choosing a wood fence ticks several important factors like affordability, environmental friendliness, and sustainability, especially if you’re on a tight budget. 

Here’s what you need to know about one of the most popular fence materials.

The Basics of Wood Fencing Costs 

Before enjoying the value of wood fencing, you’ll need to break down the crucial elements that affect your overall cost. These factors include the type of wood, its style and height, and the cost of labor.

Type of Wood

The type of wood is at the top of your priority list because it is the largest cost determinant. Here are five popular options in Elgin, IL:

Cedar

Cedar is the cream of the crop and a favorite fencing choice because of its beauty, durability and graceful aging. While your pocket will feel the pinch of the initial cost of $50 to $70 per linear foot, the long-term value makes up for it. 

Not only does it last up to 15 years, but it also acts as an insect repellant and is resistant to decay. 

Pressure-Treated Pine

Pressure-treated pine is a common option because it’s budget-friendly and durable. 

Western Red Cedar

While western red cedar typically costs more than cedar and pine, it offers excellent durability and aesthetic appeal.

Redwood

Redwood is a premium option that is a bit on the pricier end, similar to cedar. It’s an attractive option for its deep red tones, durability, and its natural insect repellent benefits. 

Cypress 

Cypress is a little less common in Elgin, IL, but slowly gaining traction because of its pleasant aroma, natural insect repellent effect, and resistance to rot and decay.

Style and Height 

The taller your fence, the more material and labor you’ll need, and the higher your cost. Additionally, a basic post-and-rail fence is cheaper than a sophisticated, custom-designed privacy fence with additional features. 

Labor 

Once you’ve decided the materials, style and height of your wood fence, you’ll need to consider installation costs. Depending on the complexity, man hours, and your contractor, labor costs in Elgin, IL, should average around $35 per hour or $11 per linear foot.

Besides the three main costs, you’ll have to consider:

• The climate of hot summers and cold winters, which can be tough on fences, makes cedar or pressure-treated pine ideal choices with minimal fence repair needs. 
• Local regulations on fence height or style of front, side and rear yard fences. 
• The variety of great fence companies means you can shop around for the best quotes to ensure value for money. 

Cost Breakdown: Materials, Style and Height, and Labor

The most common wood fence options start with the cheapest basic 4-foot wood fence and go up to the more expensive 6-foot option for more privacy. The basic 4-foot wood fence costs an average of $17.33 per linear foot, including materials and labor, while a 6-foot wood fence costs $28 per linear foot. 

For example, a quarter-acre lot would need about 417 linear feet of fencing. This means your wood fence would cost around $11,676 if we use the average cost for a 6-foot fence. 

However, there’s a catch, a good one, if you use less expensive wood like pressure-treated pine and keep it simple. You could significantly bring down the cost to about $6,255 (if we use a low-end estimate of $15 per foot). 

But if you’re not limited by budget and want to splurge on cedar or redwood and add some fancy features, your fencing cost could reach $14,178 (priced at the high-end estimate of $34 per foot). 

Tips to Ensure Value for Money

You can keep costs down by:

• Fencing just your backyard if you don’t need an entire fence.
• Choose a basic fencing style, like a simple privacy fence, instead of a fancy, ornate Victorian-style fence.
• Use pressure-treated pine because it not only holds up well against the Elgin, IL, climate but is budget-friendly. 

Wrap Up

Besides the cost of the wood, you should consider long-term considerations like maintenance, lifespan, and property value. This ensures that after the initial high cost, you can focus on enjoying every penny spent on your well-chosen wooden fence with the least inconvenience.

Simplify the process of choosing your ideal wood fence with the help of the experienced and professional team at Panorama Fence & Landscaping.