If you're a Bay Area homeowner planning a fencing project, you've probably noticed that getting a straight answer on cost is harder than it should be. Contractors quote different things. Ranges online span from $15 to $80 per linear foot. Nobody explains why.
This guide gives you real numbers — based on projects we've coordinated across San Francisco, Marin County, the Peninsula, and the East Bay — so you can plan your budget before you ever talk to anyone.
All ranges below are installed cost — materials plus labor, per linear foot. They reflect Bay Area market rates, not national averages (Bay Area labor runs 25–40% above the national median).
| Material | Low | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar (Dog-Ear) | $28 | $45/lf | Most common. Good value. |
| Cedar (Horizontal Slat) | $45 | $75/lf | Modern look, premium labor. |
| Redwood (Clear) | $55 | $95/lf | Premium material, limited supply. |
| Composite / Vinyl | $35 | $60/lf | Lower maintenance, synthetic look. |
| Steel / Metal Panel | $65 | $120/lf | Commercial grade, requires welding. |
| Wood + Steel Combo | $70 | $130/lf | High-end contemporary. |
Most Bay Area residential fencing projects fall between 150–400 linear feet. Here's how the math works out across common project sizes:
| Project Size | Cedar (basic) | Cedar (horizontal) | Redwood |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 lf | $2,800–$4,500 | $4,500–$7,500 | $5,500–$9,500 |
| 200 lf | $5,600–$9,000 | $9,000–$15,000 | $11,000–$19,000 |
| 300 lf | $8,400–$13,500 | $13,500–$22,500 | $16,500–$28,500 |
| 400 lf | $11,200–$18,000 | $18,000–$30,000 | $22,000–$38,000 |
These factors consistently push projects above the midpoint:
Terrain and slope
Hillside properties in Marin, SF, and the East Bay require custom post-setting and grading work. Add 15–25% for steep lots.
Demo and removal
Tearing out an existing fence runs $8–$15 per linear foot on top of the new install.
Permits
Most Bay Area cities require a permit for fences over 6 feet. Permit fees run $300–$800 depending on the municipality. We handle this — but budget for it.
Gates
A single swing gate adds $600–$1,800. Automated slide gates start at $3,500 and go up fast with custom welding.
Access constraints
Narrow side yards, limited truck access, and protected landscaping all add labor time.
The most common complaint we hear from homeowners who've gone through a fencing project before coming to us: the final invoice was nothing like the quote. Here's what usually goes wrong:
Our model is built around preventing exactly this. We walk the property before quoting, scope everything explicitly, and manage the contractor against that scope. If something changes, you hear about it before it affects your bill.
Want a clear number for your project?
We walk your property, assess the scope, and give you a complete plan — materials, labor, permits, and timeline — before any work begins.
Start Your ProjectCost ranges are based on Bay Area market rates as of 2026 and reflect projects coordinated by Redwood Outdoors Co. Actual costs vary by project complexity, material availability, and local permit requirements.
© 2026 Redwood Outdoor Co. All rights reserved.
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