Horizontal cedar fences bring modern curb appeal and privacy – Inline Fence delivers long-lasting beauty tailored to Seattle homes 🌲
If you’ve spent time walking through Seattle neighborhoods, you’ve probably noticed a design trend taking hold – the horizontal cedar fence. Its clean lines and warm, natural wood tones offer a refreshing update compared to traditional vertical fencing styles. Homeowners are turning to this look for its ability to blend contemporary design with the timeless character of cedar. When planning such a project, it’s important to consider the horizontal cedar fence installation cost in Seattle to ensure it fits your budget.
Beyond appearance, a horizontal wood fence owners choose often adds privacy, defines outdoor living spaces, and improves resale value. With the right cedar fence contractor, you get more than just a barrier — you get a feature that complements your landscaping and architecture. Local experts like Inline Fence specialize in helping homeowners achieve the balance between beauty, function, and long-term durability.
This guide takes you inside the details of a 2025 horizontal cedar fence installation cost in Seattle, explaining how pricing works, what influences the final number, and how to budget with confidence. Whether you’re envisioning a fence design for your front yard or planning a full-scale backyard project, the right plan and the right team can make your investment last for decades.
How Fence Pricing Works in Seattle
When Seattle homeowners start planning a fence project, one of the first steps is understanding how pricing is calculated. Unlike buying a product off the shelf, fencing is a custom build, and costs are influenced by multiple variables. The standard way most contractors measure is by the horizontal cedar fence installation cost in Seattle per linear foot, which creates a baseline for estimating your project.
The range for a fence installation cost in Seattle typically accounts for three major components:
- Cedar fence materials – The type and grade of cedar you select can make a big difference. Clear-grade cedar boards with fewer knots are more expensive than common grades, but they also offer a refined look and longer lifespan.
- Labor and craftsmanship – Experienced crews, like those at a Seattle fence company, bring not only efficiency but also quality fence craftsmanship. A precise build ensures posts are set correctly, boards are level, and the final fence looks sharp and performs well for years.
- Site conditions – Not all properties are created equal. Sloped yards, dense soil, or tricky access points can increase the time and effort needed for installation, which affects the overall price.
Unlike a cookie-cutter approach, each project is tailored to the property. For example, a horizontal wood fence homeowners want for a flat, open yard may stay on the lower end of the cost spectrum. Meanwhile, a project that requires custom gates, taller posts, or removal of an existing fence may fall on the higher side.
When working with a cedar fence contractor, it’s important to discuss your priorities — whether that’s keeping costs lower with basic options or investing in higher-end finishes for a premium look. This way, you’ll have a clear idea of how the initial cedar fence price reflects your choices and site-specific needs.
The $25–45 per linear foot range is an estimated guideline based on typical horizontal cedar fence installation cost in Seattle for 2025. Actual costs can vary depending on property size, site conditions, cedar grade, fence height, and any custom features. For an accurate quote tailored to your property, it's always best to consult a trusted Seattle fence company like Inline Fence.
Breaking Down the $25–45 per Linear Foot Range
When homeowners hear that the average horizontal cedar fence installation cost in Seattle falls between $25 and $45 per linear foot, it can feel like a wide range. The truth is, that span reflects the flexibility of cedar fencing. Every project is unique, and the final figure depends on the design, the materials, and the site.
Here’s how the pricing typically breaks down:
Cost Range (per linear foot) | What’s Included | Best For |
$25–30 | Standard cedar materials, 4–6 ft height, basic posts, simple layout | Homeowners who want a straightforward horizontal fence installation without upgrades |
$31–38 | Higher-grade cedar boards, upgraded posts, stain or seal finish, optional single gate | Families looking for durability and a balanced style |
$39–45+ | Premium cedar (clear-grade), decorative trim, multiple gates, challenging site conditions (slope, rock), custom add-ons | Homeowners investing in a modern horizontal fence with top-tier finishes and long-term curb appeal |
Why Costs Shift Within the Range
Cedar fence materials: Standard vs. premium boards change the look and longevity.
Height: Taller fences use more wood and require stronger posts, raising the price.
Site prep: Removing an old fence or leveling uneven ground adds labor.
Custom features: Built-in gates, horizontal patterns, or unique accents add to the horizontal cedar fence cost.
Real-World Scenarios That Influence Cost
Small Urban Yard: A homeowner in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood installs a 50-foot horizontal cedar fence at 6 feet tall. Because the yard is flat and requires minimal prep, the project stays close to the $25–30 range, even with a protective stain finish.
Sloped Backyard in Queen Anne: A 100-foot fence on a steep grade requires stepped installation and reinforced posts. The added labor pushes the total toward the $38–42 range, especially once a custom gate is added.
Corner Lot in Bellevue: A homeowner investing in a Bellevue horizontal fence installation wants clear-grade cedar boards, multiple gates, and decorative trim. Between the premium cedar fence materials and detailed craftsmanship, the project lands at $45 per foot, reflecting a high-end fence design.
These examples highlight how the same per-foot formula adjusts depending on site conditions, design choices, and finishes. Understanding those variables helps homeowners plan ahead and avoid surprises when reviewing bids from a fence contractor, especially when factoring in the horizontal cedar fence installation cost in Seattle.
Hidden or Overlooked Costs Beyond Linear Foot Pricing
The $25–45 per foot guideline is a great starting point, but it doesn’t always tell the whole story. Many homeowners are surprised to learn that several additional expenses can influence the total cost of a horizontal wood fence project. Factoring these into your budget early helps avoid sticker shock once the work begins.
Permit Fees: In Seattle, fence projects may require permits depending on the height and location. While not always a huge expense, these fees can add anywhere from $75 to $200, and they’re often overlooked in initial planning.
Old Fence Removal: If your property already has a worn or damaged fence, removal and disposal will add labor and dump fees. This step alone can range from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand, depending on the length and materials of the old fence.
Staining and Sealing: Cedar is naturally durable, but most homeowners choose to stain or seal it to extend its lifespan and preserve its color. Professional finishing can cost $3–6 per linear foot, but it pays off by protecting your investment.
Gates and Hardware: Adding even a single gate can shift costs noticeably. Heavy-duty hinges, latches, and reinforced framing aren’t usually included in the base cedar fence price, so planning for them upfront avoids surprises.
Custom Add-Ons: Some homeowners request decorative accents, horizontal slat variations, or integrated planters. These extras elevate a fence from purely functional to a modern horizontal fence feature, but they also raise the final bill.
At Inline Fence, we encourage clients to think beyond the linear foot estimate. By walking through details like site preparation, finishing, and customization, our team ensures homeowners get a realistic picture of the investment. This approach is part of what makes Inline Fence a trusted choice for anyone looking for the best cedar fence company in Seattle WA.
DIY vs. Professional Fence Installation Cost in Seattle
One of the first decisions homeowners face is whether to tackle a horizontal fence installation themselves or hire a professional cedar fence contractor. Both approaches have pros and cons, and understanding the differences helps set realistic expectations for cost, quality, and longevity.
DIY Installation
- Materials-only cost: Purchasing fence materials yourself can save money, since you avoid paying labor. This often places you spend closer to the $25 per linear foot mark.
- Tools and skill requirements: DIY projects require proper tools, know-how, and time. Mistakes like uneven posts or poorly secured boards can reduce durability and require costly fixes.
- Time commitment: Installing a horizontal wood fence homeowners love can take several days or even weeks, depending on experience and project size.
⚒️ DIY may be suitable for small projects with flat yards and simple designs. For homeowners experienced with carpentry and willing to dedicate the necessary time, it can be a cost-effective solution.
Professional Installation
- Labor included: Hiring a Seattle fence company like Inline Fence ensures the project is handled efficiently and correctly. While this increases upfront costs, it reduces risk and often extends the fence’s lifespan.
- Precision and durability: Professionals provide quality fence craftsmanship, ensuring level boards, properly set posts, and clean finishes. This attention to detail is especially important for a modern horizontal fence design or projects with custom features.
- Warranties and support: Many contractors offer guarantees on materials and workmanship, giving homeowners added peace of mind that a fence built today will last for decades.
👷 For most Seattle properties — especially those with slopes, tight access, or complex layouts — working with a professional is the safest path. With a fence contractor, the fence installation cost in Seattle may be higher, but the investment ensures a long-lasting, visually appealing fence.
“Great service, responsive staff, and professional installation. I found Inline Fence through a co-worker. Before that, I checked with 3 other fence companies. None of which were as professional or responsive as Inline Fence.”
Ready to Invest in a Horizontal Cedar Fence?
A horizontal cedar fence isn’t just a boundary — it’s an investment in style, privacy, and long-term durability. By understanding the factors that influence horizontal cedar fence installation cost in Seattle, you can plan confidently, whether you’re choosing standard boards or a modern horizontal fence design with custom upgrades.
If you’re ready to enhance your Seattle property with a beautiful, long-lasting horizontal wood fence homeowners love, don’t wait.
Contact Inline Fence
Your backyard transformation starts here — let’s build something that combines function, beauty, and lasting value.
