Texas is the largest residential fencing market in the U.S. — and pricing varies more than most homeowners expect. A cedar fence in Plano can cost 30% more than the same fence in Wichita Falls, driven by HOA requirements, local labor rates, and proximity to lumber suppliers.
This guide covers real 2026 contractor pricing across every major Texas market, from the DFW metroplex to the Gulf Coast, Hill Country, and West Texas.
Texas Fence Cost Overview
| Material | Installed Cost Per Linear Foot |
|---|---|
| Cedar (6 ft privacy) | $25–$55 |
| Pressure-Treated Pine (6 ft) | $18–$35 |
| Vinyl/PVC (6 ft privacy) | $28–$50 |
| Chain Link (4 ft residential) | $15–$25 |
| Chain Link (6 ft) | $20–$35 |
| Ornamental Iron/Aluminum | $30–$65 |
| Composite | $40–$75 |
These are statewide ranges. Your actual cost depends heavily on which city you're in and what your HOA requires.
Why Cedar Dominates Texas
Cedar is king in Texas for good reason. The AFA's Fence Installation School identifies cedar as a top-tier fencing wood for its natural resistance to rot, decay, and insects — all critical in a state where summer heat, humidity, and active termite populations destroy untreated wood quickly.
Texas also benefits from proximity to cedar mills. Western red cedar and Texas cedar (Ashe juniper) are both readily available, keeping material costs lower than in eastern or northern states.
The standard Texas residential fence is a 6-foot cedar privacy fence with board-on-board construction. In the DFW metroplex, this has become so dominant that many contractors don't even quote other materials unless asked.
Cost by Texas Region
Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex
DFW is the most competitive fencing market in Texas, with hundreds of contractors and strong demand. For a detailed DFW breakdown, see our DFW fence cost guide.
| Style | Cost Per Foot |
|---|---|
| Standard cedar privacy | $28–$45 |
| Board-on-board cedar | $32–$50 |
| Cedar with metal posts | $38–$55 |
| Cedar with stone columns | $55–$80+ |
| Chain link (6 ft) | $20–$30 |
Higher-cost cities: Plano, Frisco, Allen, Flower Mound — strict HOA requirements push homeowners toward premium materials and stone columns.
Lower-cost cities: Garland, Mesquite, Grand Prairie, Denton — fewer HOA restrictions and more competitive labor keep prices 10–20% below Collin County suburbs.
Houston Metro
Houston is the largest city in Texas and the most humid major metro in the state. That humidity accelerates wood degradation, making material choice even more important.
| Style | Cost Per Foot |
|---|---|
| Standard cedar privacy | $26–$42 |
| Board-on-board cedar | $30–$48 |
| Ornamental iron | $35–$65 |
| Vinyl privacy | $30–$50 |
Houston homeowners should pay particular attention to ground-contact treatment for fence posts. The combination of clay soil, high water tables, and year-round warmth makes post rot the primary failure mode. Metal posts with wood panels are increasingly popular — adding $5–$10/ft upfront but potentially doubling the fence's lifespan. See our wood fence maintenance guide for protection strategies.
Austin Metro
Austin's rapid growth has pushed contractor demand — and prices — above the state average.
| Style | Cost Per Foot |
|---|---|
| Standard cedar privacy | $30–$50 |
| Board-on-board cedar | $35–$55 |
| Horizontal cedar (modern) | $40–$60 |
| Iron/aluminum | $35–$60 |
Austin has a strong market for horizontal fence designs that match the city's modern architectural aesthetic. This style uses more material and labor than traditional vertical privacy, which is why it carries a premium. The rocky limestone soil common in Central Texas can also add to post hole digging costs — augers wear faster in rock, and some holes need jackhammering.
San Antonio Metro
San Antonio typically runs 10–15% below DFW and Austin pricing due to lower demand and labor costs.
| Style | Cost Per Foot |
|---|---|
| Standard cedar privacy | $24–$40 |
| Board-on-board cedar | $28–$45 |
| Chain link (6 ft) | $18–$28 |
| Wrought iron | $35–$60 |
San Antonio and the surrounding Hill Country share Austin's limestone soil challenges. Ornamental iron is more common here than in North Texas, reflecting the regional architectural style.
Other Texas Markets
| City | Cedar Privacy/ft | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wichita Falls | $22–$38 | Lower demand, competitive pricing |
| Amarillo | $24–$40 | High winds require deeper posts, add 10–15% |
| Katy | $28–$45 | Houston suburb, HOA-driven demand |
| Conroe | $26–$42 | Growing market north of Houston |
Texas Permit Costs
Permit requirements vary by city across Texas. Most Texas cities require permits for fences over 8 feet, though some require them for any fence. Our Texas fence permit guide covers DFW cities in detail, and our state-by-state permit guide covers the general rules.
Typical permit costs in Texas: $25–$75.
Additional Costs
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Old fence removal | $3–$6/ft |
| Standard walk gate | $150–$350 |
| Double drive gate | $400–$1,000 |
| Staining (new fence) | $1.50–$3.00/ft |
| Property survey | $300–$500 |
For a full breakdown of additional costs, see our hidden costs guide and the complete cost per foot guide.
How to Save on a Texas Fence
- Build November–February. Texas fence contractors are busiest March–October. Winter pricing can drop 10–20%.
- Get 4+ quotes. Texas has more fence contractors per capita than almost any state. Use the competition.
- Consider metal posts. Costs $5–$10 more per foot now, but eliminates the #1 failure point (post rot) in Texas humidity. The AFA's installation training treats post foundation as the most critical element of a fence — invest here.
- Standard height, standard spacing. Custom work costs 25–50% more. If your HOA doesn't require stone columns, don't install them for aesthetics alone.
Best Fence Material for Texas Weather
Texas weather destroys fences. Summer heat, UV exposure, hail, severe thunderstorms, and active termite populations all take a toll. Our Texas weather fence guide ranks materials by storm survival, but the quick summary:
- Best overall: Cedar with metal posts — natural resistance to everything Texas throws at it
- Lowest maintenance: Vinyl — but choose light colors and reinforced rails for wind resistance
- Best value: Pressure-treated pine — cheapest upfront, but needs staining every 1–2 years
- Most durable: Ornamental steel with powder coating — 40+ year lifespan if properly coated
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the average cost for a fence in Texas?
For a standard 6-foot cedar privacy fence in a typical Texas suburb, expect $35–$45 per linear foot installed. A 150-foot project runs $5,250–$6,750 before gates and permits.
Is cedar cheaper in Texas than other states?
Yes. Texas has access to both western red cedar and local Texas cedar (Ashe juniper), keeping material costs 10–20% below states that rely entirely on shipped Pacific Northwest cedar.
Do I need a permit for a fence in Texas?
Most Texas cities require permits for fences over 8 feet, and some require them for any fence. Always check with your local building department. Full Texas permit details →
Find a Texas Fence Contractor
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*Pricing reflects 2026 contractor rates across the Fence Advisors directory. Material specifications per American Fence Association Fence Installation School training.*