Wood Fence Installation
Long Island, NY
Natural cedar and pressure-treated pine. Board-on-board, stockade, shadowbox, split-rail, and more. Free written estimates.
Wood Fence Styles We Install
Natural wood gives a warmth and character that vinyl can't replicate. When it's well-built and properly maintained, a cedar fence becomes part of the landscape rather than just a barrier.
Board-on-board (shadowbox)
Alternating boards on both sides of the rails. Good from both sides. Allows airflow. Most popular cedar style.
Stockade
Full-width boards side by side. Maximum privacy. Traditional Long Island look.
Dog-ear picket
Classic 4-6 foot privacy fence with the notched top corner. Timeless suburban look.
Split-rail
Open 2 or 3-rail fence. Property definition or decorative border. Often paired with wire mesh for dogs.
Privacy with lattice top
Solid lower section with decorative lattice above the top rail. More light and visual interest.
Post-and-rail
Horizontal square rails between round posts. Farm and horse property style.
Wood Fence Pricing on Long Island
| Style | Material | Installed (per LF) |
|---|---|---|
| Board-on-board | Cedar | $28–$40 |
| Stockade (dog-ear) | Pine | $18–$28 |
| Stockade (dog-ear) | Cedar | $24–$36 |
| Split-rail (3-rail) | Pine | $14–$22 |
| Picket | Cedar | $20–$32 |
Staining is available as an add-on. Permit costs are separate. Free written estimates.
Wood Fence Permits in Nassau & Suffolk County
Most Nassau County towns require a building permit for wood fences over 4 feet in the front yard or over 6 feet in the rear and side yards. Setback rules in Nassau County typically require fences to be set back 6 feet from the rear property line and 4 feet from front and side lines, though this varies by town. Hempstead, North Hempstead, and Oyster Bay each have their own building departments.
In Suffolk County, permit requirements and setback rules vary by town: Islip, Babylon, Huntington, Brookhaven, Smithtown, and East Hampton all have separate building codes. We research permit requirements for your specific address during the estimate process and can advise on whether HOA approval is also required for your property.
| County | Typical Front Setback | Permit Required When |
|---|---|---|
| Nassau County | 4 ft from front/side | Over 4 ft front yard, over 6 ft rear |
| Suffolk County (varies) | Varies by town | Over 4–6 ft depending on town |
Frequently Asked Questions
Cedar vs pressure-treated pine: which is better for Long Island?
Cedar is the premium choice. It resists rot and insects naturally without chemical treatment, has a beautiful grain, and takes stain well. Pressure-treated pine is less expensive but requires annual inspection for splits and checking. Most Long Island homeowners who want the natural wood look go cedar. If budget is the primary concern, pressure-treated is a solid option.
How long does a wood fence last on Long Island?
Cedar properly stained and sealed: 15 to 25 years. Pressure-treated pine: 12 to 20 years. Untreated or unstained wood in Long Island's climate (wet springs, humid summers, salt air near the coast): 8 to 12 years. The single biggest factor in wood fence life is the quality of the original installation and post treatment.
Should I stain or paint my wood fence?
Stain, not paint. Semi-transparent stain penetrates the wood rather than sitting on top, which means it won't peel the way paint does. We use a penetrating deck stain on all cedar installations. Dark walnut and cedar tone are the most popular colors. Paint traps moisture and leads to premature rot at post bases.
What is board-on-board fencing?
Board-on-board (also called shadowbox) uses alternating boards on both sides of the rails, with each board slightly overlapping the gap of the previous one. This gives privacy from all angles while allowing airflow, and it looks good from both sides. It uses more material than standard stockade but the result is notably better looking.
What wood fence styles work best in coastal areas of Long Island?
For properties near the South Shore bays, Fire Island Inlet, Great South Bay, or eastern Suffolk waterfront areas, cedar is strongly preferred over pine. Cedar's natural oils resist salt air better than pressure-treated pine, which can absorb moisture and split faster in humid coastal conditions. For fence posts in coastal areas, we recommend setting posts deeper (3 feet or more) to account for sandy soil and wind load.
What wood fence styles work best in coastal areas of Long Island?
For properties near the South Shore bays, Fire Island Inlet, Great South Bay, or eastern Suffolk waterfront areas, cedar is strongly preferred over pine. Cedar's natural oils resist salt air better than pressure-treated pine, which can absorb moisture and split faster in humid coastal conditions. For fence posts in coastal areas, we recommend setting posts deeper (3 feet or more) to account for sandy soil and wind load.
Free Estimates
Ready for your wood fence estimate?
Cedar or pine. Board-on-board to stockade. Free written quotes.