The classic picket fence is still the go-to upgrade for curb appeal and security in residential construction, but pricing can feel like guesswork. At CountBricks we remove the mystery by generating real-time estimates that align with live material markets, local labor rates, and site-specific tasks. This article walks you through every cost driver so you can open CountBricks.com and get a laser-accurate quote in minutes.
When homeowners ask how much for picket fence installation, they are really asking about several line-items bundled into one:
• Materials per linear foot (wood, vinyl, composite)
• Post setting, digging, and disposal of spoils
• Gate hardware and latch systems
• Finishing, painting, or sealing
• Site conditions such as slopes, obstructions, or rocky soil
• Local permit fees and inspections
Because each line changes weekly, static price charts are outdated before they publish. CountBricks streams supplier pricing straight into your estimate, so you always see today’s cost—not last quarter’s average.
Wood remains the budget favorite, but vinyl’s low maintenance and composite’s longevity shift long-term value. The figures below reflect national averages captured by CountBricks during the past week:
• Pressure-treated pine: $20–$34 per linear foot installed
• Cedar: $28–$42 per linear foot installed
• Vinyl: $34–$48 per linear foot installed
• Composite: $45–$60 per linear foot installed
These numbers include standard 4x4 posts spaced 8 ft apart, 42" depth footings, and a single 3' wide gate. Use them as a ballpark, then run your exact layout through CountBricks.com/estimate for localized figures.
• Linear footage: The single biggest factor—doubling footage nearly doubles materials and labor.
• Height & picket spacing: Taller or privacy-style pickets use more boards and longer posts.
• Terrain complexity: Slopes and tree roots increase dig time and concrete volume.
• Finish options: Stain, paint, or decorative post caps add material and labor premiums.
• Regional labor demand: High-growth neighborhoods often command higher installation rates.
1. Starter Home Refresh—80 ft of pine, flat yard, one gate: $1,780 total, generated and emailed directly from the CountBricks mobile app in under five minutes.
2. Mid-Century Makeover—140 ft of cedar on mild slope, two gates, clear coat: $4,960 total, with an auto-generated project schedule inserted into the homeowner’s calendar.
3. Forever Home Upgrade—200 ft of composite, decorative posts, smart latch system: $10,950 total, including a 25-year material warranty documented in the CountBricks client portal.
• Voice-to-Estimate: Walk the perimeter while speaking measurements into your phone—our AI captures dimensions and prompts for gate counts, finish type, and local permit needs.
• Blueprint Takeoffs: Upload a PDF site plan; CountBricks automatically detects fence lines and produces a breakout of linear footage, post locations, and footing depths.
• Live Supplier Feeds: Lumber yards and fence supply partners push hourly price updates into the CountBricks database, so your quote reflects this morning’s market, not last month’s flyer.
• Labor Calibration: We benchmark against verified install times from thousands of CountBricks-logged fence projects across the country, then adjust for local wage data.
Many homeowners explore DIY to save money but underestimate tool rental, waste allowance, and re-dig penalties when post holes wander off line. On average, CountBricks data shows DIY material-only savings of 35% yet increased project durations by 250%. When our network crews perform the work, you benefit from bulk material pricing, commercial-grade tools, and workmanship warranties recorded inside CountBricks.com/portfolio for future reference.
• Plan straight runs—angled corners require extra posts and blocking.
• Opt for 6 ft post spacing if local code allows; it reduces total posts by up to 25%.
• Install during winter lull when labor rates dip in colder climates.
• Use factory-primed pickets to cut on-site painting hours.
• Combine projects—pair fencing with a small deck to share mobilization fees.
Ready for numbers tailored to your yard? Open CountBricks.com/services, start a fence estimate, and experience instant voice-driven costing. Prefer a personal touch? Book a free consultation at CountBricks.com/consultation and our project specialist will walk your site while CountBricks AI builds your quote in real time.
When the Jacobs family moved into their 1960s ranch, the original chain-link barrier did little for privacy or style. Their main question—how much for picket fence replacement—found an answer in less than ten minutes on CountBricks.com.
• Linear footage: 150 ft in an “L” shape
• Material: 4' tall cedar pickets, 2.5" spacing
• Terrain: 18" overall drop, minor tree root interference
• Extras: Two 3' gates with soft-close hinges, UV oil finish
1. Site Walk: Our technician used the CountBricks mobile app, narrating measurements and obstacles. The AI auto-generated a 3D plot and instant estimate of $5,280.
2. Client Review: The Jacobs received a shareable link featuring line-item costs, schedule, and finish options. Adjusting picket spacing from 2" to 2.5" lowered material cost by $310—reflected live on screen.
3. Approval & Scheduling: With one tap, the family signed digitally. CountBricks inserted a three-day install slot into our crew calendar and created reminders for local permit pickup.
4. Execution: Over 2.5 days our team set posts in 50 lb concrete footings, installed rails, hung gates, and applied the oil finish. Progress photos auto-uploaded to the CountBricks client portal every hour.
• Final invoice matched the approved estimate within $42, a variance caused by a supplier discount passed directly to the client.
• The Jacobs saved an estimated 12 hours of manual research and quote comparison by using CountBricks.
• Their new cedar fence boosted appraisal value by $7,800, confirmed by a local real-estate report stored in their CountBricks project file.
CountBricks blends AI precision with field-tested craftsmanship. Whether you need a quick budget check or turnkey installation, our platform scales from voice-captured takeoffs to full project management. Explore more success stories at CountBricks.com/portfolio, then launch your own fence estimate with confidence.
