How much does it cost to replace a wood fence per foot?

Wood fence replacement costs $30-$65 per linear foot in 2026, including removal of the old fence at $3-$7 per foot. New installation alone averages about $32-$62 per foot for a 6-foot privacy fence, with pressure-treated pine at $18-$38 per foot and cedar at $25-$55. A 1,000-foot HOA perimeter fence therefore typically runs $30,000-$65,000.

How long does a wood fence last?

Pressure-treated pine lasts 10-15 years and cedar or redwood 15-25 years with regular staining and sound drainage. Reserve studies most often carry wood fencing at a 15-20 year useful life. Wet climates, soil contact, and sprinkler overspray can cut several years off those figures.

Should an HOA replace a wood fence all at once or in phases?

Phasing is standard practice for long runs: a fence with a 20-year life is often split into four segments replaced every 5 years, which levels reserve contributions and targets the most deteriorated sections first. Full one-time replacement gets better unit pricing on large jobs but creates a large single-year expenditure. Either approach works if the reserve study models it explicitly.

Grounds & Site

Wood Fence Replacement: Useful Life & Replacement Cost for HOAs

Wood fencing lasts 15-25 years and costs $30-$65 per linear foot to replace in 2026, including tear-out of the old fence. Pressure-treated pine sits at the low end on cost but lasts only 10-15 years, while cedar runs $25-$55 per foot installed and lasts 15-25 years with care. Fence height, terrain, gate count, and old-fence removal ($3-$7 per linear foot) drive most bid variation.

Last verified 2026-07-06

Typical useful life

15–25 years

2026 replacement cost

$30–$65

per linear ft, national range

Typical HOA quantity

1,500 linear ft of perimeter fence

Reserve budgeting

Measure total linear footage from a site map or survey and record the predominant wood species and height, since a 6-foot cedar privacy fence prices very differently from 4-foot pine pickets. Long perimeter runs are commonly phased — for example replacing one quarter of the fence every 5 years on a 20-year life — which smooths reserve contributions and lets the board replace the worst sections first. Do not forget gates and post-repair allowances between full replacements.

Extending its life

Stain or seal every 2-3 years, keep sprinklers from hitting the fence, and maintain ground clearance so boards do not wick moisture from soil contact. Replace individual leaning posts and split boards promptly — post failure is what usually condemns whole sections. Proper maintenance is the difference between a 12-year and a 25-year fence.

Regional variation

Humid Southeast and rainy Northwest climates shorten wood fence life by several years, while West Coast labor markets push installed costs 20-30% above national averages.

Estimate your wood fence replacement budget

National 2026 ranges · verify with local bids.

Quantity (per linear ft)

Typical small HOA: 1,500 linear ft of perimeter fence

Replacement cost range$45,000 – $97,500

Suggested annual set-aside$1,800 – $6,500/yr

Set-aside = replacement cost ÷ useful life (15–25 years). A new installation funds toward the long end; an aging one needs catch-up funding — run the full calculator for that.

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Wood Fence Replacement questions, answered

Sources

Retrieved and verified 2026-07-06. National planning ranges — local bids govern. Informational only; not engineering, legal, or financial advice, and not a substitute for a professional reserve study. Report a data issue.

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