DIY Wooden Fence Cost Calculator in Louisiana
A fence in Louisiana has to stand up to heat, humidity, heavy rain, and long stretches of wet ground, so material choice matters more than it might in a drier state. Covering 150 linear ft with a 6 ft privacy fence runs about $1,500–$3,000 for pressure-treated pine, $3,000–$5,000 for cedar, or $4,500–$7,000+ for redwood. Pine can still be the economical choice, but only if the posts are ground-contact rated and you do not let the structure sit in soggy soil. In this climate, rot starts where moisture lingers, and termites are another reason not to cut corners on treatment and installation.
Louisiana yards can also have soft or shifting ground, especially in wetter areas, so generous concrete footings and careful gate support are worth the effort. You should also check local permit requirements before building, particularly if your fence is on a property boundary, in a flood-prone area, or close to street visibility lines. State sales tax is moderate-low compared with many places, which helps a bit at checkout. If you want the least upkeep in this climate, cedar or redwood is often a smart pick for your fence installation.
Fence Length
Total Length: 150 linear ft
Quality Tier
Materials
Cost Breakdown
| Material | Qty | Unit Price | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Posts & Footings | |||
| Fence Posts (4x4x8) | 21 post | $23.97 | $503.37 |
| Concrete Mix (Fast-Setting) | 42 bag | $7.97 | $334.74 |
| Rails | |||
| Fence Rails (2x4x8) | 8 pack | $30.28 | $242.24 |
| Pickets & Panels | |||
| Fence Pickets / Panels (6 ft. H) | 360 picket | $4.00 | $1,440.00 |
| Fasteners | |||
| Fence Screws (Exterior Coated, 1-5/8 in.) | 4 pack | $26.97 | $107.88 |
| Materials Subtotal | $2,628.23 | ||
| Sales Tax | $116.96 | ||
| Total | $2,745.19 | ||
| $18.30 per linear ft | |||
* Estimates are approximate and based on national average material prices adjusted for your state. Actual costs may vary depending on local supplier pricing, project complexity, and contractor rates.
Shopping List for Install a Wooden Fence
- Fence Posts (4x4x8)Mid21 post
3.5 in. x 3.5 in. x 8 ft. Redwood Corner, End Fence Wood Post
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3.5 in. x 3.5 in. x 8 ft.; rough-sawn redwood; naturally rot- and insect-resistant; suitable for burial 2 ft below grade, 6 ft above
- Concrete Mix (Fast-Setting)42 bag
50 lb. bag; yields approx. 0.375 cu. ft. of mixed concrete; sets in 20–40 min; 4000 PSI at 28 days
- Fence Rails (2x4x8)Mid8 pack
Mendocino Forest Products 2 in. x 4 in. x 16 ft. Construction Common Redwood Lumber
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1.5 in. x 3.5 in. x 16 ft. each; construction common redwood; naturally rot-resistant; sold as 4-pack (~$7.57/rail)
- Fence Pickets / Panels (6 ft. H)Mid360 picket
Outdoor Essentials 19/32 in. D x 5-1/2 in. W x 6 ft. H Cedar Dog-Ear Fence Picket
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0.594 in. x 5.5 in. x 6 ft.; dog-ear top; actual face width 5.5 in.; above-ground rated; naturally rot-resistant cedar
- Fence Screws (Exterior Coated, 1-5/8 in.)4 pack
DECKMATE #8 x 1-5/8 in. Tan Star Flat-Head Wood Deck Screw (5 lb. / ~619-Piece)
1-5/8 in. length x #8 diameter; star drive; flat head; ACQ-compatible exterior coating; 5 lb. package (~619 screws)
Project Assumptions
- •Fence height is 6 ft (3 horizontal rails per section: top, mid, bottom).
- •Post spacing is 8 ft on center.
- •Posts are set in concrete footings.
- •Gates are not yet priced — gate and hardware costs scale with the number of gates needed.
- •Post caps are included on all posts.
- •No grading, removal of existing fence, or permit costs are included.
- •Coverage rates include a 10% waste factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fence material holds up best in Louisiana's extreme humidity and termite pressure?
Louisiana has some of the most severe termite pressure in the country, including Formosan termites in the greater New Orleans area and coastal parishes. Ground-contact rated posts (UC4B or UC4C) are essential — this is non-negotiable in Louisiana. Cedar is a better choice than PT pine for above-ground rails and pickets in the extreme humidity. Vinyl fencing is the most practical long-term choice in Louisiana precisely because it has zero termite vulnerability and no moisture absorption, though it's the highest upfront cost.
Should I be concerned about flooding when setting fence posts in Louisiana?
Yes — in low-lying areas and flood zones, standing water around posts after rain events accelerates rot and can work concrete footings loose over time. Make sure your concrete collar extends 2–4 inches above grade and is sloped away from the post to shed water. In areas prone to flooding, vinyl posts are preferable to wood since they don't absorb moisture. Also confirm with your parish floodplain office whether structures in flood zones have any design restrictions.