What wood fence styles do you build?
- Privacy fences with boards butted tight or overlapped, usually 6 feet tall in back yards.
- Good-neighbor fences with boards alternating sides, so both neighbors see a finished face.
- Horizontal slat fences, popular on modern and mid-century homes.
- Picket and low front-yard fences that stay within front-yard height limits.
- Lattice or trellis toppers where the height rules allow it.
Which wood should I choose: redwood, cedar or pine?
Redwood and cedar resist rot and insects better than pine and are the usual choice for visible fences in Los Angeles. Pressure-treated pine costs less and works well for posts and back-of-yard runs. Many fences use treated or steel posts with redwood or cedar boards.
Published lifespan estimates run up to about 15 years for pressure-treated pine, 25 years or more for redwood and up to 30 years for cedar, with regular care. See how long a wood fence lasts.
How much does a wood fence cost in Los Angeles?
As of October 2026, published ranges put a 4 to 6 foot wood fence in Los Angeles at about $20 to $45 per linear foot installed. The low end is a simple pine or redwood fence on flat ground. The high end covers taller fences, premium boards, horizontal styles, slopes and gates. Removing an old fence adds to the cost.
How do you build a wood fence that lasts?
- Posts set in concrete, with the top of the concrete shaped to shed water.
- Boards kept off the soil, or a replaceable rot board at the bottom.
- Corrosion-resistant screws and nails so you do not get rust streaks.
- Rails and gate frames sized so gates do not sag.
Stain or sealer every one to two years slows sun damage and drying, which matters in LA's long dry season.
Is wood right for you?
Choose wood if you want a warm, natural look, the lowest cost for a full privacy fence, or a custom style. Choose vinyl if you never want to stain or paint. Choose iron or aluminum if you want an open fence that will not rot. Compare: wood vs vinyl.
Do I need a permit for a wood fence?
In the City of Los Angeles, a wood fence within zoning height limits usually does not need a building permit, but it must still follow zoning rules. Read the permit guide and the fence height guide.