Wood fence cost in Burlington, NC
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (150 linear ft)
- $2,750 – $7,050
- Per linear ft
- $18 – $46
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −8%
- US $5,350
- Rank of 300 metros
- #224
- 1 = most expensive
If you want to install a wood fence in Burlington, plan on $2,750 to $7,050 for 150 linear ft, all in. Per linear ft, that is $18 to $46 for materials and labor, with the permit on top. The local midpoint runs 8% lower than the national one. Carpenters earn a median of $23.69 an hour in the Burlington area, 19% below the US median of $29.12.
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Estimated cost for 150 linear ft in Burlington, NC, standard level
$4,050 to $5,750
About $26.50 to $37.50 per linear ft before permits. Labor is about 39% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $2,300 | $3,500 |
| Labor | $1,650 | $2,150 |
| Permits and fees | $70 | $110 |
| Total | $4,050 | $5,750 |
Cost breakdown for 150 linear ft in Burlington, NC
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,450 | $2,900 | $4,350 | 59% |
| Labor | $1,250 | $1,900 | $2,550 | 39% |
| Permits and fees | $35 | $90 | $140 | 2% |
| Total | $2,750 | $4,900 | $7,050 | 100% |
What is behind the Burlington number
We price the labor side from BLS wage data for 2 trades: carpenters at 60%, construction laborers at 40%. Weighted together, Burlington wages are 0.85 times the national level. Labor makes up about 39% of the midpoint estimate (42% at national prices).
On the materials line, the BEA goods price index for the Burlington metro is 96.6 (US = 100). The midpoint materials bill for 150 linear ft comes to $2,900, compared with $3,000 at national prices. Permit and inspection fees are scaled by the broader index (93.2) and land at $35 to $140.
How Burlington compares
Of the five closest metros, 2 are cheaper than Burlington. Fayetteville is the lowest at about $4,850 (midpoint, 150 linear ft), 75 miles away.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington, NCthis page | $2,750 – $7,050 | $4,900 | |
| Durham, NC15 miles | $2,850 – $7,200 | $5,050 | +3% |
| Greensboro, NC20 miles | $2,750 – $7,000 | $4,850 | −1% |
| Winston, NC55 miles | $2,750 – $7,050 | $4,900 | level |
| Raleigh, NC55 miles | $2,800 – $7,150 | $5,000 | +2% |
| Fayetteville, NC75 miles | $2,750 – $7,000 | $4,850 | −1% |
| North Carolina (statewide) | $2,800 – $7,100 | $4,950 | +1% |
| United States | $3,050 – $7,650 | $5,350 | +9% |
Across 300 US metros, Burlington comes in at #224 from the top. The priciest is Honolulu, HI at $7,050; the cheapest is Brownsville, TX at $4,350 (midpoints, 150 linear ft). Statewide, Burlington is 1% below the North Carolina figure.
Other North Carolina metros
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte, NC | 1,358,370 jobs | $2,850 – $7,150 | $5,000 | +2% |
| Raleigh, NC | 743,120 jobs | $2,800 – $7,150 | $5,000 | +2% |
| Greensboro, NC | 365,410 jobs | $2,750 – $7,000 | $4,850 | −1% |
| Durham, NC | 344,020 jobs | $2,850 – $7,200 | $5,050 | +3% |
| Winston, NC | 271,980 jobs | $2,750 – $7,050 | $4,900 | level |
| Wilmington, NC | 191,280 jobs | $2,850 – $7,200 | $5,000 | +2% |
Cities with a workforce like Burlington's
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Burlington against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dover, DE | 68,080 jobs | $2,850 – $7,200 | $5,000 | +3% |
| Winchester, VA | 67,740 jobs | $2,750 – $7,050 | $4,900 | level |
| Traverse City, MI | 68,440 jobs | $2,950 – $7,350 | $5,150 | +5% |
| Morgantown, WV | 67,370 jobs | $2,800 – $7,050 | $4,900 | +1% |
Related projects, priced for Burlington
Because every project leans on different trades, Burlington's wage level does not move all prices equally. Against the US midpoint, vinyl fence runs −6% and chain-link fence −10%.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl fence | 150 linear ft | $4,300 – $8,600 | −6% |
| Chain-link fence | 150 linear ft | $1,450 – $5,500 | −10% |
| Aluminum fence | 150 linear ft | $3,450 – $10,500 | −8% |
| Wood deck | 300 sq ft | $6,850 – $13,700 | −9% |
Optional extras in Burlington
Extras are quoted nationally and then scaled to Burlington by the average of the local wage index (0.85) and goods index (0.97), a factor of 0.91. Tick any of them in the estimator above to add them to your total. Treat these as planning figures: an add-on touches different trades than the main job, so the scaling is an approximation.
| Add-on | Local range |
|---|---|
| Add one gate (flat) | $140 – $730 |
Burlington labor market for wood fence
Wages are the part of this estimate that changes most from town to town. 2 trades carry the job here, and each is compared with its US median. The weighted result for Burlington is 0.85 times the national level.
For carpenters (47-2031, weighted 60%) the local median is $23.69 an hour, which is 19% below the national $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $21.18 and $27.09 an hour. BLS counts 100 of them working in the area, 14.7 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 43.1), so the local bench is thinner than average.
Construction laborers (47-2061), 40% of the weighting: a median of $20.35 an hour, 10% below the US median of $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $17.66 and $22.91 an hour. About 400 work in the metro. That is 59.0 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 70.5 nationally, so expect fewer local crews to bid.
Quotes come from real crews, not medians. If the carpenters on your job are paid at the 75th percentile ($27.09 an hour) instead of the median, the labor line grows by about $160. At the 25th percentile ($21.18) it shrinks by about $120. The total moves by 3.2% or 2.4%, so wages alone rarely explain a quote that is far outside our range.
For context on the local economy, BLS counts 67,830 jobs in the Burlington area. That makes it the 266th largest of the 300 metros we cover, with 0.04% of US employment.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenters (47-2031) | 60% | $21.18 | $23.69 | $27.09 | $29.12 | 0.81 | metro |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 40% | $17.66 | $20.35 | $22.91 | $22.66 | 0.90 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 0.85 | |||||
Wood fence: what moves the price in Burlington
Height and permits
Fences over about 6 ft often need a permit and a setback check. Permits run $40-$150.
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).
Cost by quality level and size in Burlington
Three bands are cut from the same cited range and localized for Burlington wages and prices. They overlap on purpose: a good standard job and a modest premium job can cost the same. The grid below prices the same bands at 4 common sizes.
Basic
$2,750 to $4,450
Pine pickets or split rail, 4 ft
Standard
$4,050 to $5,750
6-ft cedar or treated privacy fence
Premium
$5,300 to $7,050
Premium hardwood or 8-ft privacy fence
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| backyard (100 linear ft) | $1,850 – $3,000 | $2,700 – $3,850 | $3,600 – $4,750 |
| 150 ft (150 linear ft) | $2,750 – $4,450 | $4,050 – $5,750 | $5,300 – $7,050 |
| 200 ft (200 linear ft) | $3,650 – $5,950 | $5,350 – $7,650 | $7,050 – $9,350 |
| full lot (300 linear ft) | $5,500 – $8,850 | $8,000 – $11,400 | $10,500 – $13,900 |
Climate in Burlington: timing your wood fence job
We use NOAA's 1991-2020 climate normals for Burlington Alamance Ap (5 miles from the city center). These are 30-year monthly averages, not forecasts.
August through June is the stretch where exterior installation runs into the fewest weather problems in Burlington (11 of 12 months). July has an average daytime high of 90°F or more.
Burlington gets about 43 inches of precipitation in a normal year. The wettest months are June, July and September (4.7 inches in July). Inside the workable window, January and February are the driest, at 3.1 and 2.8 inches. The station averages about 48 days a year at 90°F or above.
Does the season change the price? Probably, but we do not have a sourced seasonal price curve, so the estimator shows a year-round figure and does not adjust by month. When you collect quotes, ask whether scheduling in a slower month gets a better rate.
| Month | Avg high °F | Avg low °F | Precip (in) | For this job |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 52 | 30 | 3.1 | Workable |
| Feb | 56 | 33 | 2.8 | Workable |
| Mar | 64 | 39 | 3.9 | Workable |
| Apr | 74 | 48 | 3.8 | Workable |
| May | 80 | 57 | 3.4 | Workable |
| Jun | 88 | 65 | 4.3 | Workable |
| Jul | 91 | 70 | 4.7 | Hot |
| Aug | 89 | 68 | 3.5 | Workable |
| Sep | 83 | 62 | 4.4 | Workable |
| Oct | 73 | 49 | 3.1 | Workable |
| Nov | 63 | 38 | 3.3 | Workable |
| Dec | 55 | 33 | 3.1 | Workable |
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 $4,050 to $5,750 for Burlington, NC is attached.
Detailed wood fence report for Burlington, NC, $9
Multi-page report for Burlington, NC: 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 Burlington: your questions
+How much does it cost to install a wood fence in Burlington?
For 150 linear ft, expect $2,750 to $7,050 in the Burlington area. A standard-spec job lands at $4,050 to $5,750. Small jobs usually cost more per linear ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per linear ft for wood fence in Burlington?
About $18 to $46 per linear ft for materials and labor, plus $35 to $140 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $20 to $50.
+Is wood fence cheaper in Burlington or Durham?
Durham is 15 miles away. The midpoint for 150 linear ft there is $5,050, which is 3% more than Burlington ($4,900). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Burlington?
About 39% at the midpoint, or $1,900 out of $4,900. Materials are 59% and permits 2%. Nationally, labor is 42%.
+What would 200 ft (200 linear ft) cost in Burlington?
$3,650 to $9,350. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does wood fence need a permit in Burlington?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $35 to $140 for fees in the Burlington area (our national range of $40 to $150 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Burlington expensive for wood fence compared with the rest of North Carolina?
Burlington is 1% below the North Carolina statewide estimate ($4,950 at the midpoint). We cover 11 metros in North Carolina; see the state page to compare them.
+What do carpenters earn in Burlington?
The BLS median is $23.69 an hour in the Burlington area, compared with $29.12 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $21.18 to $27.09.
+What do basic and premium wood fence work cost in Burlington?
For 150 linear ft, basic work runs $2,750 to $4,450 and premium work $5,300 to $7,050. 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 Burlington?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are August through June. January and February 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 Burlington?
$140 to $730, from a national range scaled by the local wage and goods indexes.
Wood fence near Burlington
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