Who a wood fence is for
A wood fence is the right pick when you want privacy. It blocks the view into your yard, keeps pets in and marks the property line.
Most of our wood fence work is a 6 ft cedar privacy fence around a backyard. Some owners replace an old fence that leans. Others are fencing a yard for the first time.
If you want to see through the fence, look at ornamental iron instead. If only one section is damaged, a fence repair may be all you need.
Side-by-side or board-on-board
You have two cedar styles to choose from. Both stand 6 ft tall in our published ranges.
Side-by-side cedar
The pickets sit edge to edge on one side of the rails. It is the simpler build and the lower price.
Published 2026 DFW ranges put it at $25 to $45 per linear foot. It suits side and back runs that neighbors and streets do not face.
Board-on-board cedar
The pickets overlap each other. When wood shrinks in the Texas heat, no gap opens between boards.
Published ranges put it at $35 to $55 per linear foot. It gives full privacy and a more finished look.
Some cities expect this style where a fence faces the street. Prosper requires board-on-board on street-facing runs.
Mixing the two
You do not have to pick one style for the whole yard. Many lots suit board-on-board along the street and side-by-side on the back line.
Your quote lists each run on its own line. You can see what each choice costs before you decide.
How we build a cedar fence, step by step
- Measure and mark. We walk the fence line with you and measure every run. We note gates, slopes and trees.
- Check the rules. We confirm your city's permit and height rules for your address. We ask for your HOA rules too.
- Write the quote. Each run, each gate and the removal get their own line. No lump sums.
- Apply for the permit where one is required. Plano requires a fence permit. McKinney requires one for a new fence or a change in height, location or material.
- Remove the old fence. Removal is its own line on the quote, so you can compare it with doing it yourself.
- Set the posts. We set galvanized steel posts in concrete.
- Hang rails and pickets. The finished side faces the street on street-facing runs.
- Build and hang the gates. We check that each one swings and latches.
- Photograph and walk through. You get photos of the build from start to finish. Then we walk the fence with you.
Why steel posts under a wood fence
Posts carry the whole fence. That is why our standard is galvanized steel posts set in concrete, with cedar on top.
Several cities already require it. Allen and Irving require metal posts. Prosper requires galvanized steel posts.
We use that standard in every city, required or not. It means one build quality and no surprises at a city inspection.
Which side faces out
Some cities require the finished side to face the street. Prosper does, and Carrollton does along arterial streets.
We build finished side out on street-facing runs everywhere. On runs between neighbors, tell us which way you want it and we will write it on the quote.
Height and permit rules for wood fences
Rules depend on your city, so we never quote from one DFW-wide rule. Here are verified examples.
- Plano: permit required. Backyard height up to 8 feet. Repairs under 25% of the fence are exempt.
- Frisco: permit required, except a repair of up to 2 sections or 16 feet. Backyard height up to 8 feet.
- McKinney: permit for a new fence. Like-for-like repair is exempt. Backyard height up to 8 feet 6 inches.
- Dallas: permit for a fence over 6 feet outside the front yard. Backyard height up to 9 feet.
- Fort Worth: permit for a solid fence above 6 feet. Backyard height up to 8 feet.
HOA deed restrictions can be stricter than the city. We ask for them before we quote.
Proof you can check
You should not have to trust a wood fence quote on faith. Ours lists every line in writing, and you can read a sample quote first.
- Photo inspection reportEvery inspection ends with a photo report you keep. Good and bad.
- Written line-item quotesEvery material and labor line in writing. No lump sums.
- Install photosDated photos of tear-off, decking, underlayment, flashing and cleanup.
- Local and owner-ledVictor owns the company and answers for every job.
- General liability insuranceCertificate on request.
See a sample inspection report and a sample line-item quote.
Staining and sealing
Stained or sealed wood is part of the strictest city standards we build to. Staining is quoted by free estimate.
We do not publish a staining price yet. Ask for it as a separate line when you request a fence quote.
Removing the old fence
Old fence removal runs $3 to $8 per foot in published DFW ranges. It is always a separate line.
Is your old fence down after a storm? Tell us when you call. We can also check the roof for hail and storm damage on the same visit.
Price, tax and payment
The ranges on this page are budgeting numbers for self-pay projects. The fence cost guide shows how length, style and gates change the total.
Texas does not tax labor on residential fence work. On our lump-sum residential contracts, the price you see is the price you pay.
No payment is due until materials are delivered and work begins. Go back to the fencing overview to compare wood with iron.
What it costs
| Item | Published range | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar fence, side-by-side, 6 ft | $25 to $45 per linear foot | |
| Cedar fence, board-on-board, 6 ft | $35 to $55 per linear foot | |
| Old fence removal | $3 to $8 per foot | |
| Fence staining | Free estimate |
Prices as of November 2026. These are ranges, not a quote. Ranges are for self-pay projects. Your written, itemized quote after inspection is the only binding price. Insurance-funded work follows your insurer's approved scope and your deductible.
Texas does not tax labor on residential roof and fence work. On our standard lump-sum residential contracts the price you see is the price you pay; we pay sales tax on materials. Commercial repair and re-roof projects and holiday lighting packages are subject to Texas sales tax, which is shown on your quote.