How much does an Ipe fence cost per square foot installed?

An Ipe fence costs $25–$55 per square foot of fence face installed in 2026. This includes Ipe fence boards ($10–$18/SF), posts and framing ($4–$10/SF), hardware ($1–$2/SF), and labor ($10–$22/SF). A standard 6-foot privacy fence runs $35–$60 per linear foot.

How much does an Ipe fence cost per linear foot?

An Ipe privacy fence (6 ft tall) costs approximately $35–$60 per linear foot installed. A 100-linear-foot fence runs $3,500–$6,000. A 200-linear-foot perimeter fence costs $7,000–$12,000. Costs vary by post type, height, and regional labor rates.

Is Ipe good for fencing?

Ipe is exceptional for fencing. Its 3,684 Janka hardness resists impact, its natural oils repel rot and insects, and its density prevents warping. An Ipe fence will outlast cedar by 3–4× and pressure-treated pine by 5×, without needing chemical treatment.

How long does an Ipe fence last?

An Ipe fence can last up to 50–75+ years in ground contact applications. Even the posts — the weakest point of any wood fence — last far longer than other species because Ipe naturally resists ground-level moisture and insects.

How does Ipe fence cost compare to cedar?

Cedar fencing costs $15–$30/LF installed — roughly half the cost of Ipe. However, cedar fences typically last 15–20 years before needing replacement. Over 50 years, you'd replace a cedar fence 2–3 times ($45,000–$90,000) versus one Ipe fence ($35–$60 per LF once).

Can Ipe fence posts go in the ground?

Yes, though we recommend using steel post brackets with concrete footings for the longest life. If using Ipe posts directly in ground contact, they'll still dramatically outlast cedar or pine, but steel-to-wood connections eliminate the ground contact entirely.

Installed Cost Guide

How Much Does an Ipe Fence Cost Installed?

2026 pricing guide for Ipe wood fences — privacy, horizontal, and picket styles priced per square foot and per linear foot with regional labor rates.

$25–$55

per sq ft installed

$10–$18

material only / SF

75+

year Ipe lifespan

an Ipe Fence Cost Installed — Quick Answer

The total cost is $25 to $55 per square foot fully installed in 2026, depending on your location, project complexity, and contractor experience. Material alone runs $10–$18/SF. Labor rates vary significantly by region — from $35/hr in lower-cost areas to $150/hr in major metro markets like San Francisco and New York City.

Compare Material Costs by Species

Live material pricing from our catalog. Select a species to see how it affects total installed cost for your fence.

Material Cost

$16–$18

per sq ft (from our catalog)

Total Installed Estimate

$30–$50

per sq ft (material + labor)

Ipe Lifespan

Up to 75+

years · Janka 3,680 lbf

Board Size	Profile	Price/LF	Price/SF
Ipe 1x6	E4E	$7.50	$16.36
Ipe 1x4	E4E	$5.19	$17.79

Prices shown are live from our catalog for the most common fence sizes. Price/SF uses actual (net) board width. Installed estimates include substructure, fasteners, and labor across all U.S. regions.View full pricing →

Fence Cost Breakdown

Here's where your money goes when building your fence. Each component contributes to the total installed price per square foot.

Ipe Fence Boards

35–45%

$10–$18/SF

1x6 E4E boards are most common. Boards are installed vertically (picket style) or horizontally (modern privacy).

Posts & Framing

15–25%

$4–$10/SF

Ipe or steel posts, concrete footings, horizontal rails. Steel posts with Ipe infill is a popular hybrid approach.

Hardware & Fasteners

3–5%

$1–$2/SF

Stainless steel screws, post brackets, gate hardware, and caps.

Installation Labor

30–40%

$10–$22/SF

Fence installation labor. Post hole digging, concrete, leveling, and board attachment.

Fence Installation Labor Costs by Region

Contractor rates for hardwood fence installation vary significantly by region. Here's what to expect across the U.S.

High Cost

San Francisco, NYC, Boston, Seattle, LA, DC

Contractor rate

$75–$150/hr

Total installed/SF

$31–$51

Above Average

Denver, Austin, Portland, Miami, Chicago, San Diego

Contractor rate

$55–$100/hr

Total installed/SF

$27–$43

Average

Atlanta, Phoenix, Dallas, Nashville, Raleigh, Charlotte

Contractor rate

$45–$80/hr

Total installed/SF

$26–$39

Below Average

Houston, Tampa, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Oklahoma City

Contractor rate

$35–$65/hr

Total installed/SF

$24–$37

Note: Rates above reflect general contractor pricing for experienced hardwood installers. Ipe requires specialized skills — pre-drilling, carbide tooling, and heavier handling — so rates are typically 15–25% higher than softwood or composite installation. Always get 3+ quotes from contractors with tropical hardwood experience.

Real-World Fence Cost Examples

Here's what real projects typically cost based on size and location. Use these as a ballpark for your budget.

Side Yard Privacy Fence

50 LF × 6 ft tall

$1,750–$3,000

fully installed

Simple side yard privacy fence with horizontal Ipe boards on steel posts. Average-cost area.

Full Backyard Perimeter

150 LF × 6 ft tall

$5,250–$9,000

fully installed

Standard backyard perimeter fence with gate. Vertical board-on-board privacy design.

Large Property Fence

300 LF × 6 ft tall

$10,500–$18,000

fully installed

Full property perimeter with double gate for vehicle access. Above-average cost area.

Modern Horizontal Fence

100 LF × 4 ft tall

$2,500–$5,500

fully installed

Contemporary low horizontal fence with gaps for a screen effect. Steel posts, Ipe slats.

Why Choose This Species for Your Fence?

Lasts up to 50–75+ years — you build it once for your lifetime

No annual staining or sealing required — maintenance-free option

Extreme impact resistance prevents damage from storms and impacts

Naturally resists termites and wood-boring insects without chemicals

Won't warp, cup, or twist like cedar or pine over time

Beautiful warm tones or elegant silver-gray weathered patina

Class A fire rating — important in wildfire-prone regions

Increases property value with premium curb appeal

While premium hardwood costs more upfront than cedar, pressure-treated pine, or composite, the decades-long lifespan means you'll likely never replace it. Over 50 years, the lifecycle cost is often lower than materials that need replacement every 10–20 years.

Ipe Fencing: Styles, Costs, and Long-Term Value

Fences are one of the most cost-sensitive outdoor structures because they require so much linear footage. A typical backyard perimeter might need 150–300 linear feet of fencing — and at $35–$60/LF for Ipe, that's a significant investment. But the math changes dramatically when you factor in replacement cycles.

A cedar fence installed today for $20/LF will likely need replacement in 15–20 years — costing another $20–$30/LF with inflation. Over 50 years, you're looking at 3 cedar fences vs. 1 Ipe fence. The Ipe fence wins on lifetime cost, and you never deal with the hassle of demolition and rebuilding.

Popular Ipe Fence Styles

Horizontal privacy: Modern look with horizontal 1x6 boards. Currently the most popular design for Ipe fences. Steel posts with Ipe infill keeps costs lower.
Board-on-board: Traditional privacy fence with overlapping vertical boards. Provides complete privacy with no gaps.
Horizontal screen: Spaced horizontal boards (1x4 or 1x6 with 1" gaps) for a semi-transparent modern look. Uses less material = lower cost.
Picket fence: Classic look with vertical pickets. Typically 3–4 ft tall. The lowest-cost Ipe fence option per linear foot.

For material pricing, browse our hardwood fencing page or request a custom quote for your project dimensions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pricing Disclaimer

All costs on this page are estimates based on national averages and are provided for general budgeting purposes only. They are not quotes and do not constitute an offer or guarantee of pricing. Actual costs vary significantly based on your geographic location, project complexity, site conditions, material selections, contractor experience, and current market rates.

Contractor rates span a wide range. You may find less experienced installers who charge below the ranges shown — but Ipe is an extremely dense hardwood that requires specialized skills, carbide tooling, and pre-drilling. Hiring someone without tropical hardwood experience can result in costly mistakes, material waste, and a finished product that doesn't perform to its potential. Conversely, a world-class craftsman with decades of hardwood experience may charge above the ranges shown, and the quality of their work is often worth the premium.

Labor rates are influenced by local cost of living, seasonal demand, contractor availability, union vs. non-union markets, and the complexity of your specific project (elevation, stairs, curves, railing, access constraints, etc.). Regional ranges shown are illustrative and may not reflect current conditions in your area.

We strongly recommend getting at least three written quotes from contractors with verified tropical hardwood installation experience. Ipe Woods USA provides material only — we do not perform installation and are not responsible for labor pricing or contractor selection. Always verify contractor licensing, insurance, and references before hiring.