DIY Wooden Fence Cost Calculator in New Hampshire

A fence build in New Hampshire is one of those projects where good post work matters more than speed. Materials for a 150 linear ft, 6 ft privacy fence run about $1,500–$3,000 for pressure-treated pine, $3,000–$5,000 for cedar, or $4,500–$7,000+ for redwood — and since New Hampshire charges no state sales tax, your full budget goes straight into materials. Frost depth is a real local factor, and winter freeze-thaw can move shallow footings enough to create waves and leaning sections over time. On top of that, New Hampshire yards often have rocky soil, roots, or uneven ground that make post holes slower to dig than many DIYers expect.

The absence of state sales tax is a genuine advantage, letting you keep more of your budget in the materials themselves instead of paying extra at checkout. Pine is the lower-cost option, but cedar and redwood often make sense if you want less maintenance in a wet, snowy climate. Before you break ground, check with your local building department for permit rules and confirm any neighborhood restrictions on fence height or placement. If your yard slopes, plan the layout carefully before setting the first corner post.

Fence Length

Total Length: 150 linear ft

Quality Tier

Materials

Posts & Footings
Rails
Pickets & Panels
Gate
Post Caps
Fasteners
Finish & Stain

Cost Breakdown

MaterialQtyUnit PriceTotal
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$0.00
Total$2,628.23
$17.52 per linear ft
DIY saves you$1,655.78

* 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

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

Does New Hampshire's no-sales-tax policy save me money on fence materials?

Yes — New Hampshire has no state sales tax, which means you pay nothing in sales tax on posts, concrete, pickets, rails, hardware, or stain. On a full 150 linear foot fence, this is a meaningful real-dollar saving compared to neighboring Vermont (6%), Massachusetts (6.25%), or Maine (5.5%). It's one of the clearest cost advantages for DIY building in New Hampshire.

How deep do fence posts need to be set in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire frost depth is significant — typically 48 to 60 inches, with the deepest requirements in the White Mountains and northern regions. For a 6 ft fence, the standard 2 ft post burial is completely inadequate. Dig at least 42–48 inches per post hole and confirm the required depth with your town's building or zoning office. Renting a two-man power auger is the right approach — hand-digging 48-inch holes in New Hampshire's stony, rocky glacial soils is very difficult and time-consuming.

Other Projects in New Hampshire