Wood Fence Installation in Sarasota, FL
Wood is still the lowest-cost way to get a full 6 ft privacy fence, and nothing else has its warmth. We build pressure-treated pine and cedar fences in board-on-board, shadowbox, horizontal and picket styles.
- Pine or cedar
- Board-on-board, shadowbox & horizontal
- Free, no-obligation estimates
- Free on-site estimates
- Permit & HOA paperwork handled
- Salt-air-ready hardware
- Old fence haul-away & cleanup
Is Wood the Right Fit for Your Yard?
Wood makes the most sense on inland lots, big yards and projects where budget matters most. It does ask more of you here than in drier places: our humidity and rainy-season downpours push moisture into the boards, and the sun pulls it back out. Sealed and kept clear of sprinklers, a good wood fence gives many years of service.
- Pressure-treated pine: the most affordable option, with ground-contact rated posts for our wet sandy soil.
- Cedar: costs more, naturally resists decay and insects, and has a richer color.
- Code note: Sarasota County requires new decay-resistant or pressure-treated wood for fences.
- Permit: residential wood fences that meet zoning don't need a building permit in unincorporated Sarasota County.
Wood Fence Styles We Build
Three styles cover most of the wood fences we put up.
How Much Does a Wood Fence Cost in Sarasota?
Usually the most affordable route to full privacy.
Ranges are typical installed prices drawn from published Sarasota and Florida cost data. Your free on-site estimate turns them into one written number. More detail in our Sarasota fence cost guide.
Choosing Your Wood Fence
Pine or cedar
Pine is the budget choice and takes stain well once it dries out. Cedar costs more but resists decay naturally and weathers to an even silver if you leave it unsealed. Either way, posts are the part most likely to fail, so we use ground-contact lumber and concrete footings.
Style and finished side
Sarasota County requires the finished side of a fence to face the street and neighbors. Shadowbox and board-on-board look good from both sides, which keeps everyone happy.
Height
Six feet is standard for privacy. County rules allow up to 8 ft on side and rear lines, but most homeowners and HOAs stick with 6 ft. Street-side sections close to the line are limited to 4 ft.
Caps and trim
A top cap and trim board shed rain off the board ends, add strength and make the fence look custom. It's a small upgrade that helps wood last longer here.
How We Build a Wood Fence
From estimate to finished fence, usually within days of approval.
Estimate and lumber plan
We measure, pick the style and lumber with you and give you a written quote.
Approvals and locates
We handle any HOA paperwork and schedule Sunshine 811 before digging.
Posts, rails, boards
Posts set in concrete, rails fastened with coated or stainless screws, boards and trim installed, debris hauled away.
Making a Wood Fence Last in Sarasota
- Seal once it dries. New pressure-treated pine is often too wet for stain at first. Sprinkle water on it; when it soaks in, it's ready. Re-seal every two to three years.
- Keep sprinklers off the boards. Daily irrigation spray is the fastest way to rot a fence.
- Clear the bottom. Keep mulch and soil from piling against the boards.
- Trim vegetation. Vines and hedges hold moisture against the wood.
- Check after storms. A loose board or rail is a cheap fix if caught early.
Comparing wood with lower-maintenance options? The vinyl fence page and the cost guide help you weigh it up. Have an old wood fence that's failing? See repairs and replacement.
Wood Gates That Stay Square
Wide wood gates want to sag. We build them with a diagonal brace, hang them on heavy strap hinges set into a strong post and add an anti-sag cable on wide openings. Galvanized or stainless hardware keeps rust streaks off the wood.
Need a wider opening for a trailer or riding mower? See gate installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a wood fence last in Sarasota?
A pressure-treated pine fence that's sealed regularly and kept away from sprinklers commonly lasts around 10–15 years. Cedar can last longer. Neglected fences fail sooner.
Do I need a permit for a wood fence?
Not in unincorporated Sarasota County, as long as it meets the zoning rules. Inside city limits or in Manatee County the rules differ. See the permit guide.
Is wood cheaper than vinyl?
Up front, usually yes. Over 15–20 years, sealing, repairs and an earlier replacement narrow the gap.
Can I stain my fence right away?
Usually not. Give new pressure-treated wood time to dry. Water beading on the surface means wait; water soaking in means it's ready.
Does my HOA allow wood fences?
Some communities do, some require vinyl or aluminum. We check your guidelines before you choose.
Which side of the fence faces out?
Sarasota County requires the finished side to face the street and adjacent properties. Shadowbox and board-on-board look finished on both sides.
Will termites get into a wood fence?
Pressure-treated pine and cedar both resist insects far better than untreated lumber, and keeping soil and mulch off the boards helps. Posts are checked first at every repair visit.
Wood Fence Across Sarasota & Manatee
Get Your Free Wood Fence Estimate
Call us or send a quick request for a free on-site estimate and a written quote. No cost, no pressure.
- Free on-site estimates
- Permit & HOA paperwork handled
- Salt-air-ready hardware
- Old fence haul-away & cleanup