Wood fence cost in Richmond, VA
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (150 linear ft)
- $2,800 – $7,100
- Per linear ft
- $18.50 – $46.50
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −7%
- US $5,350
- Rank of 300 metros
- #192
- 1 = most expensive
If you want to install a wood fence in Richmond, plan on $2,800 to $7,100 for 150 linear ft, all in. Per linear ft, that is $18.50 to $46.50 for materials and labor, with the permit on top. The local midpoint runs 7% lower than the national one. Carpenters earn a median of $24.94 an hour in the Richmond area, 14% below the US median of $29.12.
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Estimated cost for 150 linear ft in Richmond, VA, standard level
$4,100 to $5,850
About $27 to $38 per linear ft before permits. Labor is about 40% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $2,300 | $3,500 |
| Labor | $1,700 | $2,250 |
| Permits and fees | $70 | $110 |
| Total | $4,100 | $5,850 |
Cost breakdown for 150 linear ft in Richmond, VA
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,450 | $2,900 | $4,350 | 59% |
| Labor | $1,300 | $1,950 | $2,600 | 40% |
| Permits and fees | $40 | $95 | $150 | 2% |
| Total | $2,800 | $4,950 | $7,100 | 100% |
Why Richmond prices look the way they do
Labor is 40% of the midpoint bill here, against 42% nationally. The mix of trades behind this job is carpenters (60%), construction laborers (40%). We weight each trade's local median wage by that share and compare it with the national median. In Richmond the blended ratio comes out at 0.87.
On the materials line, the BEA goods price index for the Richmond metro is 96.8 (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 (97.9) and land at $40 to $150.
Richmond 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 Richmond is 0.87 times the national level.
For carpenters (47-2031, weighted 60%) the local median is $24.94 an hour, which is 14% below the national $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $22.42 and $28.84 an hour. BLS counts 3,070 of them working in the area, 46.5 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 43.1), so the local bench is about average.
Construction laborers (47-2061), 40% of the weighting: a median of $20.39 an hour, 10% below the US median of $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $18.21 and $22.61 an hour. About 4,560 work in the metro. That is 69.1 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 70.5 nationally, so the supply of crews looks typical.
Quotes come from real crews, not medians. If the carpenters on your job are paid at the 75th percentile ($28.84 an hour) instead of the median, the labor line grows by about $180. At the 25th percentile ($22.42) it shrinks by about $120. The total moves by 3.6% or 2.4%, so wages alone rarely explain a quote that is far outside our range.
For context on the local economy, BLS counts 660,350 jobs in the Richmond area. That makes it the 45th largest of the 300 metros we cover, with 0.42% of US employment.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenters (47-2031) | 60% | $22.42 | $24.94 | $28.84 | $29.12 | 0.86 | metro |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 40% | $18.21 | $20.39 | $22.61 | $22.66 | 0.90 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 0.87 | |||||
Extras that change the Richmond total
Extras are quoted nationally and then scaled to Richmond by the average of the local wage index (0.87) and goods index (0.97), a factor of 0.92. 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 – $740 |
Specs and site conditions that change a Richmond bid
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).
Related projects, priced for Richmond
Because every project leans on different trades, Richmond's wage level does not move all prices equally. Against the US midpoint, vinyl fence runs −5% and chain-link fence −8%.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl fence | 150 linear ft | $4,350 – $8,650 | −5% |
| Chain-link fence | 150 linear ft | $1,450 – $5,600 | −8% |
| Aluminum fence | 150 linear ft | $3,500 – $10,600 | −7% |
| Wood deck | 300 sq ft | $6,950 – $14,000 | −8% |
Pick a size, pick a tier: wood fence pricing in Richmond
Three bands are cut from the same cited range and localized for Richmond 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
$2,800 to $4,550
Pine pickets or split rail, 4 ft
Standard
$4,100 to $5,850
6-ft cedar or treated privacy fence
Premium
$5,400 to $7,100
Premium hardwood or 8-ft privacy fence
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| backyard (100 linear ft) | $1,900 – $3,050 | $2,750 – $3,900 | $3,650 – $4,800 |
| 150 ft (150 linear ft) | $2,800 – $4,550 | $4,100 – $5,850 | $5,400 – $7,100 |
| 200 ft (200 linear ft) | $3,700 – $6,000 | $5,450 – $7,750 | $7,150 – $9,450 |
| full lot (300 linear ft) | $5,550 – $9,000 | $8,100 – $11,500 | $10,700 – $14,100 |
Climate in Richmond: timing your wood fence job
We use NOAA's 1991-2020 climate normals for Richmond Intl Ap (10 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 Richmond (11 of 12 months). July has an average daytime high of 90°F or more.
Richmond gets about 46 inches of precipitation in a normal year, including roughly 9 inches of snow. The wettest months are June, August and September (4.9 inches in August). Inside the workable window, February and November are the driest, at 2.6 and 3.1 inches. The station averages about 45 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 | 48 | 29 | 3.2 | Workable |
| Feb | 52 | 30 | 2.6 | Workable |
| Mar | 60 | 37 | 4.0 | Workable |
| Apr | 70 | 46 | 3.2 | Workable |
| May | 78 | 56 | 4.0 | Workable |
| Jun | 86 | 65 | 4.6 | Workable |
| Jul | 90 | 69 | 4.4 | Hot |
| Aug | 88 | 68 | 4.9 | Workable |
| Sep | 81 | 61 | 4.6 | Workable |
| Oct | 71 | 49 | 3.4 | Workable |
| Nov | 60 | 39 | 3.1 | Workable |
| Dec | 52 | 32 | 3.5 | Workable |
Is Richmond 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 $4,800 to $5,500 across Richmond and its five closest metros.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Richmond, VAthis page | $2,800 – $7,100 | $4,950 | |
| Virginia Beach, VA70 miles | $2,750 – $7,000 | $4,900 | −2% |
| Charlottesville, VA75 miles | $2,900 – $7,300 | $5,100 | +3% |
| Lexington Park, MD80 miles | $3,050 – $7,650 | $5,350 | +8% |
| Lynchburg, VA95 miles | $2,700 – $6,900 | $4,800 | −3% |
| Washington, DC100 miles | $3,100 – $7,900 | $5,500 | +11% |
| Virginia (statewide) | $2,950 – $7,450 | $5,200 | +4% |
| United States | $3,050 – $7,650 | $5,350 | +8% |
Across 300 US metros, Richmond comes in at #192 from the top. The priciest is Honolulu, HI at $7,050; the cheapest is Brownsville, TX at $4,350 (midpoints, 150 linear ft). Statewide, Richmond is 4% below the Virginia figure.
Other Virginia metros
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach, VA | 763,060 jobs | $2,750 – $7,000 | $4,900 | −2% |
| Roanoke, VA | 153,980 jobs | $2,650 – $6,850 | $4,750 | −4% |
| Charlottesville, VA | 114,780 jobs | $2,900 – $7,300 | $5,100 | +3% |
| Lynchburg, VA | 97,190 jobs | $2,700 – $6,900 | $4,800 | −3% |
| Blacksburg, VA | 74,070 jobs | $2,750 – $6,950 | $4,850 | −2% |
| Winchester, VA | 67,740 jobs | $2,750 – $7,050 | $4,900 | −1% |
Cities with a workforce like Richmond's
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Richmond against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City, OK | 677,680 jobs | $2,650 – $6,800 | $4,750 | −4% |
| Memphis, TN | 611,670 jobs | $2,800 – $7,100 | $4,950 | level |
| Louisville, KY | 685,190 jobs | $2,900 – $7,350 | $5,150 | +4% |
| Hartford, CT | 599,770 jobs | $3,200 – $7,900 | $5,550 | +12% |
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 $4,100 to $5,850 for Richmond, VA is attached.
A detailed PDF report of this estimate, $9
Multi-page report for Richmond, VA: 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 Richmond: your questions
+How much does it cost to install a wood fence in Richmond?
For 150 linear ft, expect $2,800 to $7,100 in the Richmond area. A standard-spec job lands at $4,100 to $5,850. Small jobs usually cost more per linear ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per linear ft for wood fence in Richmond?
About $18.50 to $46.50 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 Richmond or Virginia Beach?
Virginia Beach is 70 miles away. The midpoint for 150 linear ft there is $4,900, which is 2% less than Richmond ($4,950). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Richmond?
About 40% at the midpoint, or $1,950 out of $4,950. Materials are 59% and permits 2%. Nationally, labor is 42%.
+What would 200 ft (200 linear ft) cost in Richmond?
$3,700 to $9,450. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does wood fence need a permit in Richmond?
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 Richmond area (our national range of $40 to $150 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Richmond expensive for wood fence compared with the rest of Virginia?
Richmond is 4% below the Virginia statewide estimate ($5,200 at the midpoint). We cover 8 metros in Virginia; see the state page to compare them.
+What do carpenters earn in Richmond?
The BLS median is $24.94 an hour in the Richmond area, compared with $29.12 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $22.42 to $28.84.
+What do basic and premium wood fence work cost in Richmond?
For 150 linear ft, basic work runs $2,800 to $4,550 and premium work $5,400 to $7,100. 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 Richmond?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are August through June. February and November 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 Richmond?
$140 to $740, from a national range scaled by the local wage and goods indexes.
Wood fence near Richmond
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