DIY Wooden Fence Cost Calculator in Maine
In Maine, building your own fence is mostly about making sure it survives winter as well as summer. Materials for a 150 linear ft, 6 ft privacy fence typically run $1,500–$3,000 for pressure-treated pine, $3,000–$5,000 for cedar, and $4,500–$7,000+ for redwood. The biggest local factor is frost depth. In parts of Maine, posts may need to go 4 ft or more to get below the frost line, and that extra digging is what keeps the fence from heaving and leaning after repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Rocky soil can also make the job slower than it looks on paper, so an auger rental often earns its keep.
Because Maine is damp for much of the year, it is smart to think about long-term maintenance before choosing materials. Pine can work well when properly treated and sealed, but cedar and redwood generally handle moisture with less upkeep. Check local permit requirements before you build, especially for fences near roads, shorefront property, or lot lines. Maine's state sales tax adds some cost at checkout, though not as much as the highest-tax states.
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 | $144.55 | ||
| Total | $2,772.78 | ||
| $18.49 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
How deep do fence posts need to be set in Maine?
Maine has some of the deepest frost requirements in the continental U.S. — typically 48 inches in most of the state, with potentially deeper requirements in northern Maine. For a 6 ft fence, the standard 2 ft post burial is significantly undersized for Maine winters. You'll want to dig at least 42–48 inches and confirm with your local building or zoning office. Renting a two-man power auger is the practical approach — hand-digging 48-inch holes through Maine's rocky, stony soil is not realistic for most DIYers.
What fence material works best along the Maine coast?
Maine's coast from Kittery to Bar Harbor exposes fences to salt air, fog, and high humidity that corrodes standard zinc-plated hardware rapidly. Use hot-dipped galvanized or stainless steel post hardware, hinges, and fasteners throughout any coastal installation. Cedar is the traditional and practical choice for Maine wood fences — it weathers attractively to a silver gray without staining, and resists rot far better than PT pine in Maine's wet conditions. Vinyl is also popular for coastal Maine properties for its salt-air resistance and zero maintenance.
When is the best time of year to install a fence in Maine?
Late May through September is the practical window — the ground is thawed, concrete cures properly in warmer temperatures, and you have enough dry days to work efficiently. Don't pour concrete footings in early spring while overnight temperatures are still dipping near freezing. Plan your material purchases, permit application, and utility marking (call 811) ahead of your intended start date so you don't lose valuable warm-weather working days waiting on logistics.