Wood fence cost in Houston, TX
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (150 linear ft)
- $2,800 – $7,200
- Per linear ft
- $18.50 – $47
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −6%
- US $5,350
- Rank of 300 metros
- #177
- 1 = most expensive
A wood fence in Houston, TX usually costs $2,800 to $7,200 for 150 linear ft. That works out to about $18.50 to $47 per linear ft before permits. Compared with the national midpoint that is $340 less. Carpenters earn a median of $23.88 an hour in the Houston area, 18% below the US median of $29.12.
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Estimated cost for 150 linear ft in Houston, TX, standard level
$4,150 to $5,900
About $27 to $38.50 per linear ft before permits. Labor is about 38% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $2,400 | $3,600 |
| Labor | $1,650 | $2,150 |
| Permits and fees | $70 | $120 |
| Total | $4,150 | $5,900 |
Cost breakdown for 150 linear ft in Houston, TX
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,500 | $3,000 | $4,550 | 60% |
| Labor | $1,250 | $1,900 | $2,550 | 38% |
| Permits and fees | $40 | $95 | $150 | 2% |
| Total | $2,800 | $5,000 | $7,200 | 100% |
What is behind the Houston number
We price the labor side from BLS wage data for 2 trades: carpenters at 60%, construction laborers at 40%. Weighted together, Houston wages are 0.84 times the national level. Labor makes up about 38% of the midpoint estimate (42% at national prices).
Materials are scaled with BEA's regional price parity for goods. Houston is at 100.6 against 100 for the US, so a materials line of $3,000 nationally becomes $3,000 here (midpoint, 150 linear ft). Permits follow the all-items index of 98.6: $40 to $150.
What local crews earn in Houston
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 Houston the blend is 0.84.
Carpenters (47-2031), 60% of the weighting: a median of $23.88 an hour, 18% below the US median of $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $22.40 and $28.94 an hour. About 9,600 work in the metro. That is 29.2 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 $19.88 an hour, which is 12% below the national $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $17.82 and $22.88 an hour. BLS counts 34,080 of them working in the area, 103.6 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 70.5), so the local bench is deeper than average.
A quick sensitivity check: moving the lead trade (carpenters) from the median to the 75th percentile wage adds about $230 to the midpoint estimate; the 25th percentile takes off about $70. That is a swing of roughly 1.4% to 4.7% of the total, which is useful for judging whether a bid reflects wages or something else, such as scope or margin.
Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands has 3,289,720 jobs in total (BLS, May 2025), ranking 5th 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% | $22.40 | $23.88 | $28.94 | $29.12 | 0.82 | metro |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 40% | $17.82 | $19.88 | $22.88 | $22.66 | 0.88 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 0.84 | |||||
Houston weather and the wood fence calendar
Climate numbers on this page come from NOAA's 1991-2020 U.S. Climate Normals at the nearest suitable station, Houston Hobby Ap (10 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 Houston are September through May: 9 of 12. Outside them, June, July and August have an average daytime high of 90°F or more.
Houston gets about 56 inches of precipitation in a normal year. The wettest months are June, September and October (6.1 inches in June). Inside the workable window, February and March are the driest, at 2.9 and 3.3 inches. The station averages about 101 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 | 64 | 46 | 4.1 | Workable |
| Feb | 68 | 50 | 2.9 | Workable |
| Mar | 73 | 56 | 3.3 | Workable |
| Apr | 79 | 62 | 4.1 | Workable |
| May | 86 | 69 | 5.4 | Workable |
| Jun | 91 | 75 | 6.1 | Hot |
| Jul | 93 | 77 | 4.6 | Hot |
| Aug | 94 | 77 | 5.4 | Hot |
| Sep | 89 | 73 | 5.8 | Workable |
| Oct | 82 | 64 | 5.8 | Workable |
| Nov | 73 | 54 | 3.9 | Workable |
| Dec | 66 | 48 | 4.3 | Workable |
Planning more than one job in Houston?
Jobs that often go together with wood fence are priced below at their usual sizes, using the same Houston wage and price inputs. Compared with national midpoints, vinyl fence comes out highest (−3%) and chain-link fence lowest (−9%); the gap comes from the trades each job uses.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl fence | 150 linear ft | $4,450 – $8,850 | −3% |
| Chain-link fence | 150 linear ft | $1,450 – $5,550 | −9% |
| Aluminum fence | 150 linear ft | $3,550 – $10,900 | −5% |
| Wood deck | 300 sq ft | $7,000 – $14,100 | −7% |
How Houston compares
Of the five closest metros, 4 are cheaper than Houston. College Station is the lowest at about $4,650 (midpoint, 150 linear ft), 95 miles away.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston, TXthis page | $2,800 – $7,200 | $5,000 | |
| Beaumont, TX70 miles | $2,850 – $7,200 | $5,050 | +1% |
| College Station, TX95 miles | $2,600 – $6,700 | $4,650 | −7% |
| Lake Charles, LA130 miles | $2,700 – $6,850 | $4,800 | −5% |
| Austin, TX140 miles | $2,750 – $7,000 | $4,850 | −3% |
| Waco, TX170 miles | $2,650 – $6,700 | $4,650 | −7% |
| Texas (statewide) | $2,750 – $7,050 | $4,900 | −2% |
| United States | $3,050 – $7,650 | $5,350 | +7% |
Out of the 300 metros we cover, Houston ranks #177 for the cost of this job (#1 is the most expensive). Statewide, Houston is 2% above the Texas figure.
Elsewhere in Texas
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas, TX | 4,049,800 jobs | $2,850 – $7,350 | $5,100 | +2% |
| Austin, TX | 1,293,690 jobs | $2,750 – $7,000 | $4,850 | −3% |
| San Antonio, TX | 1,126,880 jobs | $2,650 – $6,800 | $4,750 | −5% |
| El Paso, TX | 339,120 jobs | $2,550 – $6,500 | $4,550 | −10% |
| McAllen, TX | 296,700 jobs | $2,500 – $6,450 | $4,500 | −11% |
| Corpus Christi, TX | 192,580 jobs | $2,700 – $6,850 | $4,750 | −5% |
Metros of a similar size
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Houston against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas, TX | 4,049,800 jobs | $2,850 – $7,350 | $5,100 | +2% |
| Washington, DC | 3,136,190 jobs | $3,100 – $7,900 | $5,500 | +10% |
| Chicago, IL | 4,513,280 jobs | $3,600 – $8,900 | $6,250 | +25% |
| Philadelphia, PA | 2,897,830 jobs | $3,100 – $7,750 | $5,450 | +8% |
Houston: what basic, standard and premium work costs
The cited range is split into basic, standard and premium bands, then scaled to Houston. 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
$2,800 to $4,550
Pine pickets or split rail, 4 ft
Standard
$4,150 to $5,900
6-ft cedar or treated privacy fence
Premium
$5,450 to $7,200
Premium hardwood or 8-ft privacy fence
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| backyard (100 linear ft) | $1,900 – $3,050 | $2,800 – $3,950 | $3,650 – $4,850 |
| 150 ft (150 linear ft) | $2,800 – $4,550 | $4,150 – $5,900 | $5,450 – $7,200 |
| 200 ft (200 linear ft) | $3,750 – $6,050 | $5,500 – $7,800 | $7,250 – $9,550 |
| full lot (300 linear ft) | $5,600 – $9,050 | $8,200 – $11,700 | $10,800 – $14,300 |
Wood fence: what moves the price in Houston
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).
Style
Split-rail and picket styles are cheaper to build than privacy fence, which uses more boards and takes more labor.
Height and permits
Fences over about 6 ft often need a permit and a setback check. Permits run $40-$150.
Add-ons priced for Houston
Add-ons start from national price ranges and are scaled by 0.92 for Houston, which is the average of the area's wage index (0.84) and goods price index (1.01). The estimator above can add them to your total.
| Add-on | Local range |
|---|---|
| Add one gate (flat) | $140 – $740 |
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 $4,150 to $5,900 for Houston, TX is attached.
A detailed PDF report of this estimate, $9
Multi-page report for Houston, TX: 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 Houston: your questions
+How much does it cost to install a wood fence in Houston?
For 150 linear ft, expect $2,800 to $7,200 in the Houston area. A standard-spec job lands at $4,150 to $5,900. Small jobs usually cost more per linear ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per linear ft for wood fence in Houston?
About $18.50 to $47 per linear ft for materials and labor, plus $40 to $150 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $20 to $50.
+Is wood fence cheaper in Houston or Beaumont?
Beaumont is 70 miles away. The midpoint for 150 linear ft there is $5,050, which is 1% more than Houston ($5,000). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Houston?
About 38% at the midpoint, or $1,900 out of $5,000. Materials are 60% and permits 2%. Nationally, labor is 42%.
+What would 200 ft (200 linear ft) cost in Houston?
$3,750 to $9,550. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does wood fence need a permit in Houston?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $40 to $150 for fees in the Houston area (our national range of $40 to $150 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Houston expensive for wood fence compared with the rest of Texas?
Houston is 2% above the Texas statewide estimate ($4,900 at the midpoint). We cover 21 metros in Texas; see the state page to compare them.
+What do carpenters earn in Houston?
The BLS median is $23.88 an hour in the Houston area, compared with $29.12 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $22.40 to $28.94.
+What do basic and premium wood fence work cost in Houston?
For 150 linear ft, basic work runs $2,800 to $4,550 and premium work $5,450 to $7,200. 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 Houston?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are September through May. February and March 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 Houston?
$140 to $740, from a national range scaled by the local wage and goods indexes.
Wood fence near Houston
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