Estimate your 2026 Seattle fence project — cedar privacy, vinyl, chain link, aluminum, or composite. Set linear footage, height, gate count, and terrain and the calculator returns a per-LF price plus total with post concrete, hardware, and optional old-fence tear-off. A typical 150-ft Seattle backyard privacy fence lands at $4,500-$7,500 including gates.
If you're planning fence + yard work together, also run the landscaping calculator — scheduling them in the same crew mobilization saves $800-$1,500 in setup cost.
Specify the linear footage and height of your fence
Total length of fence to install (minimum 10 linear feet)
Standard residential height options
Fence Material & Style
Choose your fence material type
Loading materials...
Select your preferred material type and style
Gates & Terrain
Configure gates and site conditions
Number of gates to include
Affects labor costs and installation difficulty
Installation Options
Additional installation features
Professional removal and disposal of existing fence
Set posts in concrete for maximum durability and strength
Your Estimate
Configure your project and click Calculate
Enter your project details to get started
How Our Fence Cost Calculator Works
Professional fence installation estimates for Seattle and King County properties
Accurate Cost Estimation
Our fence cost calculator provides comprehensive estimates based on Seattle-area material costs and installation labor rates. The calculator
factors in fence length (linear feet), height (4ft, 6ft, 8ft are standard), material selection (cedar, pressure-treated pine, composite, vinyl,
chain-link, or metal/aluminum), style (board-on-board, shadowbox, horizontal, picket, privacy), and terrain difficulty. We use current 2026 pricing
from local suppliers including Dunn Lumber, Compton Lumber, and Hoover Fence, with installation labor rates reflecting Seattle's skilled fence
contractor wages of $30-50/hour per installer. The calculator accounts for all components: posts (typically 4x4 or 6x6), rails (2x4 horizontal
supports), fence boards or panels, concrete for post setting (critical in Seattle's wet soil), gates and hardware, post caps, and fasteners rated
for exterior use. Unlike simplified calculators, we factor in Seattle-specific requirements: utility locating (call before you dig - 811), property
line surveys to avoid encroachment disputes common in Seattle's tight urban lots, and permit costs where applicable.
What The Calculator Includes
Every fence estimate includes detailed material and labor breakdowns. Materials encompass fence posts (quantity calculated by linear footage
with posts typically 6-8 feet apart), horizontal rails (2-3 per section depending on height), fence boards or panels, concrete for post holes (typically
1-2 bags per post), post caps for weather protection, gates and gate hardware (hinges, latches, closers), all fasteners (galvanized or stainless
in Seattle's wet climate), and stain or sealant for initial application. Labor includes marking fence line and measuring, utility locating coordination
(required by law in Washington), post hole digging (3-4 feet deep in Seattle to reach stable soil below topsoil), concrete mixing and post setting,
rail installation and leveling, fence board or panel installation, gate hanging and adjustment, and complete cleanup of job site. Equipment costs
cover power auger rental for post holes (hand digging Seattle's rocky glacial soil is extremely difficult), concrete mixer if needed, and leveling
tools. Our calculator factors in terrain difficulty multipliers - sloped yards require stepped fence sections or racking panels, significantly increasing
labor. We include realistic contingencies for challenging soil conditions common in Seattle (rocky glacial till, heavy clay, or loose fill).
Seattle-Specific Considerations
Seattle's regulations and conditions significantly impact fence installation. King County and Seattle have specific height restrictions:
typically 6 feet maximum for backyard fences, 4 feet maximum for front yards, with variations by zoning. Our calculator includes disclaimer about
verifying local regulations. Property line disputes are common in Seattle's dense neighborhoods - we strongly recommend professional surveys before
fence installation to avoid costly disputes with neighbors. Washington law requires property owners to share fence costs with neighbors if the fence
benefits both properties, but this rarely works smoothly - budget for full costs yourself. Underground utilities are dense in Seattle requiring
careful locating - hitting buried lines causes expensive repairs and liability. Call 811 at least two business days before digging. Seattle's soil
varies dramatically: rocky glacial till in North Seattle requires powerful augers or even rock removal; heavy clay in South Seattle drains poorly,
requiring proper concrete setting; waterfront areas have sandy, unstable soil needing deeper post holes. Our wet climate demands rot-resistant materials -
Western Red Cedar (harvested locally) is ideal for Seattle fences, naturally resisting decay. Pressure-treated posts are essential even with cedar
boards - untreated posts rot at ground line in 3-5 years in Seattle's moisture. Proper concrete setting is critical - our calculator never factors
in surface-set posts (gravel or dirt only) that fail quickly in our soil conditions.
Using The Calculator Effectively
For accurate estimates, measure your fence line carefully in linear feet. Walk the entire perimeter, accounting for corners and offsets.
Specify desired fence height: 4 feet for front yards or decorative fencing; 6 feet for typical privacy fences (maximum in most Seattle zones); 8
feet for special situations requiring permits. Select material based on budget and maintenance preferences: cedar offers natural beauty and rot
resistance at moderate cost ($25-40/linear foot for 6ft fence); pressure-treated pine provides budget option ($20-30/linear foot) but less attractive;
composite eliminates maintenance but costs premium ($35-50/linear foot); vinyl never needs painting ($30-45/linear foot) but can look plastic; chain-link
provides economy and security ($12-25/linear foot) but minimal privacy; metal/aluminum offers modern aesthetics ($40-65/linear foot) at highest cost.
Choose fence style based on function: full privacy (board-on-board or shadowbox with no gaps); semi-privacy (horizontal or spaced boards allowing
airflow); decorative (picket fences for front yards). Indicate number of gates needed - standard walk gates add $200-400 each; double drive gates
add $500-1000. Specify terrain: level (standard pricing); moderate slope (add 15-20%); steep slope (add 30-40%). The calculator provides instant
feedback on how material and length choices affect total cost. All estimates include per-linear-foot breakdowns, material quantities, gate costs,
and realistic installation timelines typically 1-3 days for standard residential fences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build a fence in Seattle?
Most residential fences under 6 feet high do not require building permits in Seattle. However, fences over 6 feet, fences in front yards, fences in environmentally critical areas, or fences in designated view corridors require permits. Check with Seattle DCI for your specific property. Even without permits, you must comply with setback requirements and height restrictions. Homeowner associations may have additional requirements beyond city regulations.
How long do cedar fences last in Seattle?
Quality cedar fences with pressure-treated posts properly set in concrete last 20-30 years in Seattle's climate when maintained. Without maintenance (regular sealing), cedar weathers to gray and deteriorates in 15-20 years. The key is proper installation - posts set in concrete below frost line, boards with spacing allowing drainage, and initial sealing within 6 months of installation. Cedar's natural oils resist rot better than any softwood, making it ideal for Pacific Northwest fences.
What if my fence is partially on my neighbor's property?
Property line disputes are common in Seattle. If you build on your neighbor's property without permission, they can demand removal even if unintentional. Always get a professional survey before fence installation ($400-800 typically). Consider building your fence 6-12 inches inside your property line to avoid any disputes. If sharing fence costs with neighbors, get written agreements before construction detailing who pays what and who maintains the fence. Verbal agreements often lead to disputes when neighbors move.
Why Trust Our Calculator?
Our interior painting cost calculator is built by Kolmo Construction, a licensed general contractor (License #KOLMOC*852PL) serving Seattle since 2008. We've completed over 500 interior painting projects throughout King County, from single-room refreshes to whole-home transformations. Our estimates reflect real-world costs from actual projects, not theoretical calculations. We maintain relationships with major paint suppliers, understand Seattle's permit requirements intimately, and employ only licensed, insured professionals. Every estimate includes a detailed breakdown of materials and labor, showing you exactly where your money goes. We stand behind our estimates - when you request a formal quote, we honor the calculator's projections for projects matching the described conditions.
What this calculator captures
Per-linear-foot installed pricing in 2026 Seattle. Includes posts, rails, infill, hardware, and standard concrete footings. Gates, terrain adjustments, and tear-off price separately.
Chain link
$15-$25 / ft
Galvanized or vinyl-coated. Functional security fencing. Less common in visible yards, common in side-yard boundaries.
Cedar privacy
$30-$45 / ft
6-ft board-on-board or dog-ear. Seattle standard — cedar handles our wet climate well when pressure-treated posts are used.
Vinyl
$40-$55 / ft
Zero maintenance, 25-year warranty. Higher up-front but often cheaper over 15-20 year lifecycle than cedar.
Using this calculator
Does this include old fence removal?
Toggle 'old fence removal' and the calculator adds $3-$6 per LF covering demo, hauling, and Seattle tipping fees. Concrete-set posts add ~$2/LF on top if they need to be dug out vs sawed off at grade. Chain link for removal can offset $1-$2/LF in metal recycling.
Can I model different fence heights?
Yes — height dropdown offers 4, 5, 6, and 8 ft. Seattle zoning typically allows 6 ft in rear/side yards and 42 in (3.5 ft) in front. 8 ft fences generally require a permit and neighbor notification. The calculator prices material scaled by fence face area (LF × height).
Are gates included in the estimate?
Gate count is a separate input. Standard cedar walk gate: $300-$500. Vinyl walk gate: $400-$700. Drive gate (double): $900-$1,600. Automated gate operators are a custom quote. Specify gate count and whether they should match fence material or be metal-framed.
How does the calculator handle sloped yards?
Set terrain to 'sloped' and choose stepped (level panels with step-downs, triangular gaps at grade) or racked (panels follow slope — more labor, no gaps). Racked adds 20-30% to labor. Hillside flag adds another 15-25% for tight footing access and potential retaining work.
Does it include permit fees?
No — material and labor only. Fences up to 6 ft in rear/side yards typically don't need a permit in Seattle. Over 6 ft, within front setback, or on disputed property lines usually does. Use our Permit Assessment tool at /permit-assessment.
