Wood fence cost in Dalton, GA
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (150 linear ft)
- $2,550 – $6,650
- Per linear ft
- $17 – $43.50
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −14%
- US $5,350
- Rank of 300 metros
- #289
- 1 = most expensive
Local price for a wood fence in the Dalton area: $2,550 to $6,650 for 150 linear ft. The low end is a basic job on easy ground; the high end is a premium spec with harder access. The midpoint runs 14% lower than the US figure. Carpenters earn a median of $20.55 an hour in the Dalton area, 29% below the US median of $29.12.
Estimate your wood fence cost
Pick a size, a quality level and where you live. Prices update as you type.
Estimated cost for 150 linear ft in Dalton, GA, standard level
$3,800 to $5,400
About $25 to $35.50 per linear ft before permits. Labor is about 35% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $2,300 | $3,450 |
| Labor | $1,400 | $1,850 |
| Permits and fees | $65 | $110 |
| Total | $3,800 | $5,400 |
Cost breakdown for 150 linear ft in Dalton, GA
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,450 | $2,900 | $4,350 | 63% |
| Labor | $1,100 | $1,650 | $2,150 | 35% |
| Permits and fees | $35 | $85 | $130 | 2% |
| Total | $2,550 | $4,600 | $6,650 | 100% |
What is behind the Dalton number
The wage side of the estimate leans on carpenters, who do 60% of the hours on a typical job. Their local median is $20.55 an hour. Add the other trades involved and the blended wage index for Dalton is 0.72 (US = 1.00), which puts labor at 35% of the total.
Materials are scaled with BEA's regional price parity for goods. Dalton is at 96.3 against 100 for the US, so a materials line of $3,000 nationally becomes $2,900 here (midpoint, 150 linear ft). Permits follow the all-items index of 89.8: $35 to $130.
Optional extras in Dalton
Add-ons start from national price ranges and are scaled by 0.84 for Dalton, which is the average of the area's wage index (0.72) and goods price index (0.96). The estimator above can add them to your total.
| Add-on | Local range |
|---|---|
| Add one gate (flat) | $130 – $670 |
Specs and site conditions that change a Dalton bid
Slope and soil
Hills, rock, and tree roots slow post digging.
Composite
A composite wood-look privacy fence is $55-$85 per linear foot installed (HomeGuide).
Wood species
A 6-ft privacy fence is $25-$50 per linear foot installed; an 8-ft one goes up to $75. Tropical hardwood privacy fences run $35-$55 (HomeGuide).
Who does the work: Dalton trade wages
The labor line is built from BLS wage data, one trade at a time. This job draws on 2 trades. We compare each trade's local median with the US median, weight the ratios by how much of the job each trade does, and apply the blend to the national labor cost. For Dalton the blend is 0.72.
Carpenters (47-2031), 60% of the weighting: a median of $20.55 an hour, 29% below the US median of $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $15.16 and $22.17 an hour. About 40 work in the metro. That is 6.1 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 43.1 nationally, so expect fewer local crews to bid.
For construction laborers (47-2061, weighted 40%) the local median is $16.98 an hour, which is 25% below the national $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $12.27 and $20.63 an hour. BLS counts 240 of them working in the area, 36.8 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 70.5), so the local bench is thinner than average.
A quick sensitivity check: moving the lead trade (carpenters) from the median to the 75th percentile wage adds about $75 to the midpoint estimate; the 25th percentile takes off about $250. That is a swing of roughly 5.4% to 1.6% of the total, which is useful for judging whether a bid reflects wages or something else, such as scope or margin.
Dalton has 65,300 jobs in total (BLS, May 2025), ranking 276th by size among the 300 metros on this site.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenters (47-2031) | 60% | $15.16 | $20.55 | $22.17 | $29.12 | 0.71 | metro |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 40% | $12.27 | $16.98 | $20.63 | $22.66 | 0.75 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 0.72 | |||||
Related projects, priced for Dalton
Jobs that often go together with wood fence are priced below at their usual sizes, using the same Dalton wage and price inputs. Compared with national midpoints, vinyl fence comes out highest (−9%) and chain-link fence lowest (−18%); the gap comes from the trades each job uses.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl fence | 150 linear ft | $4,200 – $8,250 | −9% |
| Chain-link fence | 150 linear ft | $1,350 – $5,000 | −18% |
| Aluminum fence | 150 linear ft | $3,350 – $10,200 | −11% |
| Wood deck | 300 sq ft | $6,450 – $12,900 | −15% |
Is Dalton cheap or dear? The local comparison
Contractors rarely work more than an hour or two from home, so the neighboring metros set a rough ceiling and floor for your quotes. Midpoints for 150 linear ft range from $4,600 to $5,050 across Dalton and its five closest metros.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dalton, GAthis page | $2,550 – $6,650 | $4,600 | |
| Chattanooga, TN35 miles | $2,800 – $7,050 | $4,900 | +7% |
| Gainesville, GA70 miles | $2,650 – $6,850 | $4,750 | +3% |
| Atlanta, GA80 miles | $2,850 – $7,250 | $5,050 | +10% |
| Knoxville, TN95 miles | $2,800 – $7,150 | $5,000 | +8% |
| Huntsville, AL105 miles | $2,700 – $6,900 | $4,800 | +4% |
| Georgia (statewide) | $2,750 – $7,050 | $4,900 | +7% |
| United States | $3,050 – $7,650 | $5,350 | +16% |
Out of the 300 metros we cover, Dalton ranks #289 for the cost of this job (#1 is the most expensive). Statewide, Dalton is 6% below the Georgia figure.
Elsewhere in Georgia
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta, GA | 2,889,670 jobs | $2,850 – $7,250 | $5,050 | +10% |
| Augusta, GA | 231,930 jobs | $2,850 – $7,200 | $5,050 | +9% |
| Savannah, GA | 198,360 jobs | $2,650 – $6,750 | $4,700 | +2% |
| Columbus, GA | 116,380 jobs | $2,600 – $6,700 | $4,650 | +1% |
| Gainesville, GA | 103,870 jobs | $2,650 – $6,850 | $4,750 | +3% |
| Athens, GA | 95,800 jobs | $2,600 – $6,750 | $4,700 | +2% |
Metros of a similar size
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Dalton against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| El Centro, CA | 65,430 jobs | $3,400 – $8,450 | $5,950 | +29% |
| Terre Haute, IN | 65,120 jobs | $2,950 – $7,350 | $5,150 | +12% |
| Harrisonburg, VA | 65,460 jobs | $2,800 – $7,100 | $4,950 | +7% |
| Muskegon, MI | 62,340 jobs | $2,750 – $7,000 | $4,900 | +6% |
The best months for wood fence in Dalton
Climate numbers on this page come from NOAA's 1991-2020 U.S. Climate Normals at the nearest suitable station, Chattanooga Lovell Ap (20 miles from the city center). They are 30-year averages, so any one year can run hotter, colder or wetter.
For exterior installation, the comfortable months in Dalton are September through June: 10 of 12. Outside them, July and August have an average daytime high of 90°F or more.
Dalton gets about 55 inches of precipitation in a normal year, including roughly 4 inches of snow. The wettest months are March, July and December (5.3 inches in March). Inside the workable window, May and October are the driest, at 3.9 and 3.6 inches. The station averages about 58 days a year at 90°F or above.
We do not adjust the estimate by month, because we have no reliable published data on seasonal pricing. It is still worth asking contractors whether an off-peak start date changes their bid.
| Month | Avg high °F | Avg low °F | Precip (in) | For this job |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 51 | 32 | 5.0 | Workable |
| Feb | 56 | 36 | 5.0 | Workable |
| Mar | 64 | 42 | 5.3 | Workable |
| Apr | 74 | 50 | 4.9 | Workable |
| May | 81 | 59 | 3.9 | Workable |
| Jun | 88 | 67 | 4.2 | Workable |
| Jul | 91 | 71 | 5.1 | Hot |
| Aug | 90 | 70 | 3.7 | Hot |
| Sep | 84 | 64 | 4.2 | Workable |
| Oct | 74 | 51 | 3.6 | Workable |
| Nov | 62 | 40 | 4.8 | Workable |
| Dec | 53 | 35 | 5.3 | Workable |
Dalton: what basic, standard and premium work costs
The cited range is split into basic, standard and premium bands, then scaled to Dalton. Bands overlap, because plenty of standard jobs cost as much as a light premium one. Sizes run from backyard (100 linear ft) to full lot (300 linear ft).
Basic
$2,550 to $4,200
Pine pickets or split rail, 4 ft
Standard
$3,800 to $5,400
6-ft cedar or treated privacy fence
Premium
$5,000 to $6,650
Premium hardwood or 8-ft privacy fence
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| backyard (100 linear ft) | $1,700 – $2,800 | $2,550 – $3,650 | $3,350 – $4,450 |
| 150 ft (150 linear ft) | $2,550 – $4,200 | $3,800 – $5,400 | $5,000 – $6,650 |
| 200 ft (200 linear ft) | $3,400 – $5,550 | $5,050 – $7,200 | $6,650 – $8,800 |
| full lot (300 linear ft) | $5,100 – $8,300 | $7,500 – $10,700 | $9,900 – $13,100 |
Get 3 local quotes
Tell us about the job and we will try to connect you with up to three local contractors for written quotes. It is free and you are under no obligation to hire. Your estimate of $3,800 to $5,400 for Dalton, GA is attached.
Take this estimate with you: PDF report, $9
Multi-page report for Dalton, GA: low, typical and high cost, a line-item breakdown of materials and labor by trade, permit notes, the best months to schedule, a quote comparison sheet, red flags, questions for contractors, checklists and every source. Save your estimate above, preview page 1 free, and unlock the full report for $9 one-time, or get every report with CostLocal Pro.
Wood fence in Dalton: your questions
+How much does it cost to install a wood fence in Dalton?
For 150 linear ft, expect $2,550 to $6,650 in the Dalton area. A standard-spec job lands at $3,800 to $5,400. Small jobs usually cost more per linear ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per linear ft for wood fence in Dalton?
About $17 to $43.50 per linear ft for materials and labor, plus $35 to $130 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $20 to $50.
+Is wood fence cheaper in Dalton or Chattanooga?
Chattanooga is 35 miles away. The midpoint for 150 linear ft there is $4,900, which is 7% more than Dalton ($4,600). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Dalton?
About 35% at the midpoint, or $1,650 out of $4,600. Materials are 63% and permits 2%. Nationally, labor is 42%.
+What would 200 ft (200 linear ft) cost in Dalton?
$3,400 to $8,800. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does wood fence need a permit in Dalton?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $35 to $130 for fees in the Dalton area (our national range of $40 to $150 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Dalton expensive for wood fence compared with the rest of Georgia?
Dalton is 6% below the Georgia statewide estimate ($4,900 at the midpoint). We cover 10 metros in Georgia; see the state page to compare them.
+What do carpenters earn in Dalton?
The BLS median is $20.55 an hour in the Dalton area, compared with $29.12 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $15.16 to $22.17.
+What do basic and premium wood fence work cost in Dalton?
For 150 linear ft, basic work runs $2,550 to $4,200 and premium work $5,000 to $6,650. Basic means: pine pickets or split rail, 4 ft. Premium means: premium hardwood or 8-ft privacy fence.
+When is the best time to install a wood fence in Dalton?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are September through June. May and October are typically the driest of those months. Local contractors' schedules matter as much as the weather, so book early for the busy months.
+What does "add one gate" add in Dalton?
$130 to $670, from a national range scaled by the local wage and goods indexes.
Wood fence near Dalton
Where these numbers come from
Base prices are national ranges from the sources below. We scale labor by local BLS wages, materials by BEA goods prices and permits by the BEA all-items price level. Full method on the methodology page.
- HomeGuide: How Much Does a Wood Fence Cost? (2026) (accessed November 4, 2026)
- HomeGuide: 2026 Building Permit Costs | Fees & Cost Calculator (accessed November 4, 2026)
- HomeGuide: How Much Does a Vinyl Fence Cost? (2026) (accessed November 4, 2026)
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025
- BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals, 1991-2020