Wood Fence Installation — Cedar, Cypress & Pressure-Treated

Cedar and cypress are the best natural choices — both are naturally rot-resistant and termite-resistant. Pressure-treated pine is the most budget-friendly option and performs well when properly maintained.

Cedar and cypress fences typically last 15–25 years with proper maintenance (staining every 2–3 years). Pressure-treated pine lasts 10–15 years. Florida humidity and rain are harder on wood than dry climates, so maintenance matters.

Board-on-board is a privacy fence style where boards overlap on alternating sides of the rails, creating a fence that looks the same from both sides and has no gaps — even as the wood shrinks. It also allows some wind to pass through, which helps in storms.

Side-by-side (also called solid board) places all boards on one side of the rails with no overlap. Board-on-board overlaps boards on alternating sides. Board-on-board uses about 30% more lumber but eliminates gaps and looks finished from both sides.

We strongly recommend it in Florida. A quality penetrating stain with UV protection and water repellent applied every 2–3 years dramatically extends the life of any wood fence. We can recommend local staining contractors or provide stain recommendations for DIY.

Wood fence installed ranges from about $25/linear foot for 6′ pressure-treated pine privacy to $55/linear foot for 6′ cedar board-on-board. Use our live estimator for an instant quote based on your linear footage and configuration.

Board-on-board and shadowbox styles actually perform well in high winds because the overlapping boards and gaps allow wind to pass through instead of catching the full force. Solid panel wood fences are more vulnerable — we recommend wind-friendly styles for Florida.

A shadowbox fence alternates boards on each side of the rails with a gap between them, creating a pattern that provides partial privacy while allowing airflow and light. It looks attractive from both sides and is a popular choice for shared property lines.

On the Treasure Coast, professional fence staining averages $1.00–$2.50 per square foot, depending on wood condition, stain type (transparent vs. semi-transparent vs. solid), and prep work needed. For a typical 6-foot privacy fence, that works out to roughly $3–$10 per linear foot. DIY staining can save 30–50% — a gallon of quality penetrating stain runs $25–$50 and covers 200–300 sq ft.

Professional fence painting on the Treasure Coast averages $1.50–$3.00 per square foot, or $5–$14 per linear foot for a 6-foot fence. Painting costs more than staining because it requires primer plus two coats and more prep work (sanding, scraping). We recommend stain over paint for Florida wood fences — paint traps moisture and tends to peel in our humidity.

We strongly recommend staining over painting for Florida wood fences. Penetrating stain lets the wood breathe while blocking UV and water — critical in our humid climate. Paint creates a film that looks great initially but traps moisture underneath, leading to peeling, bubbling, and hidden rot. Stain is also far easier to maintain: just clean and re-coat every 2–3 years vs. scraping and repainting.