How Much Does a Fence Cost in Seattle?

Fence installation prices vary based on several factors: 1. Material — Cedar is the most affordable natural option. Vinyl and composite cost more upfront but last longer. Wrought iron is the premium option. 2. Linear footage — More fence = lower cost per linear foot (volume pricing on posts and materials). 3. Height — 4-foot picket fences cost less than 6-foot privacy fences. 8-foot commercial fences require larger posts and hardware. 4. Site conditions — Sloped yards, rocky soil (common in Seattle's hillier neighborhoods), tree roots and difficult access add to labor costs. 5. Gates — Each gate adds $400–$2,500 depending on size and style. 6. Post removal — Removing an existing fence adds $2–$5 per linear foot to the project. 7. Permits — Most residential Seattle fences don't require permits, but corner lots or fences over 6 feet may.

Both cedar and vinyl perform well in Seattle's wet climate, but they suit different homeowners: Cedar Privacy Fence: - $22–$38/LF installed - Natural Pacific Northwest look - Requires staining or sealing every 2–3 years ($1–3/LF for DIY, $3–6/LF for a pro) - Lasts 15–25 years with maintenance - Easily repairable board by board - Most popular choice across Seattle Vinyl Privacy Fence: - $28–$48/LF installed - Looks clean and consistent — great for modern homes - Zero maintenance — never needs painting or sealing - Lasts 30+ years - Harder to repair (full panels must be replaced) - Great for homeowners who want to forget about the fence Our recommendation: Cedar for traditional Seattle homes and tighter budgets. Vinyl for modern homes or homeowners who want zero ongoing costs.

A 150 linear foot cedar privacy fence in Seattle typically costs $4,500–$7,000 installed (2026). This includes: • Posts set in concrete (every 8 feet = ~19 posts) • Top and bottom rails • Cedar dog-ear or flat-top fence boards • One standard walk gate • Labor, cleanup, and debris removal Additions that raise the price: • Horizontal board-on-board style: +$800–$1,500 • Staining or sealing: +$500–$900 • Second gate: +$400–$700 • Removal of existing fence: +$300–$600 • Sloped lot adjustment: +$200–$800

Most residential fences in Seattle and the surrounding metro don't require building permits, but there are exceptions: Permits required when: • Fence is over 6 feet tall • Property is on a corner lot (sight-line requirements) • Fence is in a flood zone • Property is in a historic district HOA requirements are separate from city permits — many Bellevue, Redmond and Sammamish communities require HOA design approval before installation. Vikings Exterior handles all permit research and applications. If your project needs a permit, it's included in your contract price.

To get an accurate fence installation quote: 1. Measure your perimeter (or have the contractor do it during the estimate) 2. Decide on material — cedar, vinyl, composite or wrought iron 3. Note how many gates you need and where 4. Check your HOA rules before the estimator visits 5. Ask about post-setting method (concrete is standard — be cautious of contractors who don't use it) Always get 2–3 quotes and compare them line by line. Beware of quotes missing permit costs, gate hardware, or concrete for posts. Vikings Exterior provides free, no-obligation estimates with itemized, fixed-price contracts. Call [PHONE] to schedule.