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
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 | $0.00 | ||
| Total | $2,628.23 | ||
| $17.52 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
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.