How Much Does a Wood Fence Cost in Modesto, CA?
A straightforward answer from a fence contractor who's been pricing and building wood fences in Modesto since 2001. No fluff, no bait-and-switch ranges — just what actually affects cost and what a realistic number looks like for your project.
The Short Answer
Ranges are for complete installed projects in Modesto and surrounding Central Valley cities. Includes old fence removal, concrete footings, gate(s), and cleanup. Specific quotes vary by property — call (209) 204-1998 for a free on-site estimate.
What Goes Into a Wood Fence Quote in Modesto
Wood fence pricing isn't complicated, but there are five variables that move the number. Understanding them will help you evaluate any quote you receive — including ours.
Linear Footage
This is the biggest driver of cost. Every extra foot means more posts, more rails, more pickets, and more labor. Most residential fencing jobs in Modesto run 80–200 linear feet. Before you call anyone for a quote, walk your property line and get a rough measurement — it helps the estimate go faster and gives you a baseline to compare contractors.
Fence Height
A 7-foot privacy fence costs more than a 6-foot fence — more pickets per section, taller posts, more concrete per post. The difference is real but not dramatic. For most projects in Modesto, Manteca, or Turlock, the height premium on a 7-foot fence over a 6-foot fence runs 10–20% more on materials. Labor is roughly the same since the process is identical.
Wood Species
We build exclusively with redwood and cedar — never pressure-treated pine. Both redwood and cedar cost more than pine upfront, but they hold up significantly better in Central Valley conditions. Redwood is typically more expensive than cedar. If a quote looks dramatically cheaper than others you've received, it's worth asking what species they're using and whether it's finished-grade or construction-grade material.
Number of Gates
A standard walk gate is included in every California Crews project. Second and third gates — double drive gates, side yard gates — add material and hardware cost. A double drive gate on a driveway opening involves more framing, heavier hardware, and often a drop rod for the second door. Get specific on gate count when you're collecting quotes so you're comparing apples to apples.
What's Actually Included
This is where quotes diverge the most. A low number that doesn't include old fence removal, concrete footings, or debris haul-away will catch up with you. California Crews includes removal of your existing fence, concrete post footings, gate installation, and full cleanup as part of every job — no line items added at the end. When you're comparing quotes, ask each contractor specifically what their number covers.
Why Wood Fence Costs More in the Central Valley Than in Other Parts of California
The Central Valley is hard on fences. Temperatures regularly exceed 100°F from June through September. Strong winds — including periodic storm events — apply significant lateral load to fence panels. The combination means the spec that works fine in coastal California isn't good enough here.
Posts in our region need to be set deeper in concrete than in areas with milder weather. We use 8-foot post spacing on center for privacy fences — the standard in most areas — specifically because it balances material cost with wind resistance. Tighter spacing increases cost but is sometimes warranted on exposed properties.
The wood choice matters too. Redwood and cedar are naturally rot-resistant without chemical treatment. In Modesto's dry heat, these species stay dimensionally stable — they don't warp and check the way pressure-treated pine does when it cycles through our seasonal temperature swings. The upfront premium is real, but so is the difference in how long the fence holds up.
Cost by Fence Style
Style affects how much material goes into each linear foot. Here's a practical comparison for a standard Modesto residential project:
Ranges reflect complete installed projects of 100–150 linear feet in Modesto and the Central Valley, including old fence removal, concrete footings, one gate, and cleanup. Larger properties will be higher; smaller jobs may be lower.
Redwood vs. Cedar: Which Should You Choose?
Redwood
- Naturally rot-resistant — contains tannins that repel moisture and insects
- Stays dimensionally stable in Central Valley heat and dry conditions
- Premium appearance with a warm, reddish tone
- Higher upfront cost than cedar
- Best choice for long-term durability in exposed locations
Cedar
- Also naturally rot-resistant and insect-repelling
- Lighter weight than redwood — slightly easier to work with
- Slightly lower cost than redwood — modest savings at scale
- Takes stain and paint well for color matching
- Excellent performance in Central Valley conditions
Both species outperform pressure-treated pine in Central Valley conditions by a wide margin. We source redwood and cedar from Denair Lumber — specifically for the quality and consistency we need in our climate. If you want our recommendation for your specific property, we'll tell you which we'd choose and why when we come out for the estimate.
What's Included vs. What's Not
Always Included in Our Quotes
- Old fence removal and debris haul-away
- Concrete footings for all posts
- Premium redwood or cedar posts, rails, and pickets
- One gate (walk gate standard)
- Corrosion-resistant hardware
- Final walkthrough and cleanup
- 5-year workmanship warranty
Common Add-Ons That Affect Price
- Additional gates (double drive gates, multiple walk gates)
- Premium stain or color finish application
- Board-on-board style vs. standard privacy picket
- Longer fence runs on larger properties
- Sloped or uneven terrain requiring custom fitting
Common Questions
Wood Fence Cost FAQs — Modesto & Central Valley
How much does a 6-foot wood privacy fence cost in Modesto?
A professionally installed 6-foot wood privacy fence in Modesto typically runs $3,000–$5,500 for a standard residential job of 100–150 linear feet using premium redwood or cedar. The final number depends on your linear footage, whether old fence removal is included, the number of gates, and the wood species selected. California Crews provides free on-site estimates — call (209) 204-1998 for a quote specific to your property.
Is redwood or cedar more expensive for fencing in the Central Valley?
Redwood is typically more expensive than cedar, but both cost more than pressure-treated pine. For Central Valley conditions — intense heat, strong winds, dry summers — both redwood and cedar outperform pine significantly in longevity. The higher upfront cost is usually recovered within a few years compared to a pine fence that requires earlier repair or replacement.
Does old fence removal add to the cost?
California Crews includes old fence removal and debris hauling as part of every installation job — no separate line item. We remove your existing fence, haul it away, and leave your yard clean before installation begins.
Why do wood fence prices vary so much from quote to quote?
The biggest variables are linear footage, wood species, fence height, number of gates, and what prep work is included. A quote that doesn't include old fence removal, concrete footings, or cleanup will look cheaper on paper but cost more by the end. Always ask what's included. California Crews quotes cover the complete job — removal, concrete, installation, gates, and final walkthrough — with no surprise add-ons.
How long does a wood fence last in the Central Valley?
A premium redwood or cedar fence installed with concrete footings and quality hardware typically lasts 20–25 years in Central Valley conditions with basic maintenance. Pressure-treated pine usually lasts 10–15 years before significant repairs are needed. The Central Valley's intense heat, UV exposure, and wind accelerate wear on lower-grade materials — which is why we use redwood and cedar exclusively.
Do I need a permit for a new wood fence in Modesto?
For most residential wood fencing projects at 7 feet and under, no permit or inspection is required in Modesto, Manteca, Turlock, or other cities we serve in Stanislaus County. California Crews will let you know upfront if your specific project has any local requirements.
About This Guide
Written by California Crews — 25 Years of Wood Fencing in Modesto
We've been quoting and building wood fences in Modesto, Manteca, Turlock, and the Central Valley since 2001. The prices in this guide reflect what we actually charge and what we see from the market — not national averages that don't apply to our region. Our BuildZoom score of 97 puts us in the top 18% of licensed fence contractors in California.
If you want a number specific to your property, call us at (209) 204-1998 or submit a request below. We'll come out, walk the property, and give you a detailed quote — no obligation, no deposit required, response within 24 hours.