Wood & Privacy Fences in Austin, TX
Cedar and wood privacy fences for Austin homes, from classic board fences to horizontal cedar on black steel posts, planned around the City of Austin fence rules.
or call (512) 337-3714 · Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
Cedar Fence Builder for Austin Homes
A wood privacy fence is the most common way Austin homeowners close in a backyard. It screens the view from the street and the neighbors, gives kids and dogs room to play, and suits everything from a mid-century ranch to a new build. Building one well here takes more than setting posts: the fence has to meet the city’s height limits and safe-fencing rules, work around large trees, and hold up on sloped or rocky lots.
Sagamore Fence & Deck has built fences since 2007 and has completed more than 18,000 projects for nearly 10,000 clients. Our owner, Tony Perez, grew up in Austin and went to Lanier High. We’re based in Georgetown and build wood fences throughout Austin, with free estimates, Wisetack financing and a one-year labor and workmanship warranty on installations. Most of our fences are built within two days.
Reviewed by Tony Perez, owner of Sagamore Fence & Deck.
Our process
How We Build Your Austin Wood Fence
MEASURE
We walk your yard, measure the fence line, and note slopes, large trees, gates and corner-lot sight lines. If you have a survey, we mark it up to show where the fence will go.
DESIGN
We help you choose the wood, the height and the style, from classic vertical boards to horizontal cedar on black steel posts, along with gates and stain.
PERMIT
Many wood fences in Austin don’t need a city permit, but fences in a floodplain or over the height limits do. When yours needs one, we handle the permit from start to finish.
BUILD
We set the posts, hang the boards and gates, and clean up when we’re done. Most of our fences are built within two days.
Austin Fence Rules for Wood Privacy Fences
The City of Austin’s fence regulations apply to every fence, whether or not it needs a permit. For a wood privacy fence, these are the rules that matter most:
- When a permit is required. A fence needs a City of Austin permit if it’s in a floodplain, more than 7 feet high at any point, or more than 6 feet high along a public street.
- Height on property lines. A solid fence on a property line can be up to 6 feet high from natural grade, or up to 7 feet where the grade changes by at least 1 foot.
- Safe fencing. Fences built since July 31, 2023 have to meet the city’s safe-fencing rules, which ban spiked pickets and spiked decorative elements above the top rail. Replacing more than half of an existing fence brings the whole fence under these rules.
- Trees. Trees 19 inches or more in diameter can require a city tree review before work near them.
- Corner lots. A solid fence on a corner lot needs approval from Austin Transportation and Public Works so it doesn’t block drivers’ views.
- Utilities. A fence can’t block utility meters or wastewater cleanouts.
If your neighborhood has an HOA, you’ll usually need its approval as well. Our HOA fence approval guide explains how that works.
Cedar or Pine, Classic or Modern
We build privacy fences in cedar and pressure-treated pine. Cedar naturally resists rot and insects, and a well-built cedar fence typically lasts 12 to 20 years. Pine costs less up front. Read why we prefer cedar over pine and how long a wood fence lasts before you decide.
- Vertical board privacy fences. The classic Austin backyard fence, in the height that fits your lot and the city rules.
- Horizontal cedar. A clean, modern look that pairs well with newer homes and updated ranch houses.
- Black steel posts. Cedar boards on black steel posts for a sharp, contemporary line.
- Stained finishes. Natural, gray or black stains. See fence staining and sealing and the perks of staining your wood fence.
- Gates. Matching walk and drive gates, including steel-framed gates. See gate installation.
Want to compare more styles? Browse our privacy fencing options.
Use Our Instant Quote Tool to Get a Project Estimate Today
Sloped Yards, Big Trees and Shared Fence Lines
Every Austin lot is a little different, and we plan the fence around yours:
- Slopes and rock. On sloped or rocky lots, we step the fence with the grade and set the posts deep so the fence stays straight.
- Large trees. We plan post locations to stay clear of trunks and major roots, and we flag trees that may need a city tree review.
- Shared fence lines. If the fence sits between you and a neighbor, it helps to agree on the plan first. Our guide to fence repair between neighbors in Texas covers the basics.
- Upkeep. A little maintenance goes a long way. Here are our privacy fence maintenance tips.
Price Match, Financing and Free Estimates
Price match. Got a written quote from an established Austin fence or deck company of similar size? We’ll match it, and we can often beat it, on the same materials and scope.
Financing. We offer financing through Wisetack, so you can spread the cost of your new fence over time.
Cost. Our recent Austin-area wood privacy fence projects typically ran $2,400–$10,000. See what moves the price in our Austin fence cost guide.
Free estimates. We’re fully insured, and every installation comes with a one-year labor and workmanship warranty.
Already have a wood fence that’s leaning or damaged? See fence repair in Austin.
Austin Wood Fence FAQs
How long does a wood fence last in Austin?
A well-built cedar fence typically lasts 12 to 20 years. Deep-set posts and regular staining and sealing help protect the wood over that time.
Should I choose cedar or pine for my privacy fence?
Cedar naturally resists rot and insects and is the wood we recommend most often. Pressure-treated pine costs less up front. We build with both and will walk you through the trade-offs at your estimate.
Do I need a permit for a wood fence in Austin?
Often not. In Austin, a fence needs a city permit if it’s in a floodplain, more than 7 feet high at any point, or more than 6 feet high along a public street. When your fence needs a permit, we handle it from start to finish.
How tall can a privacy fence be in Austin?
A solid fence on a property line can be up to 6 feet high from natural grade, or up to 7 feet where the grade changes by at least 1 foot. Taller fences, and fences over 6 feet along a public street, need a city permit.
Do you do property surveys?
No. We don’t do surveys, but if you have one, we mark it up to show exactly where your new fence will go.
How long does it take to build a wood fence?
Most of our fences are built within two days. A permit or an HOA review can add time before we start.
Will you match another company’s quote?
Yes. Got a written quote from an established Austin fence or deck company of similar size? We’ll match it, and we can often beat it, on the same materials and scope.
Do you offer financing?
Yes. We offer financing through Wisetack. Ask about it when you request your free estimate.
Ready for a New Wood Fence in Austin?
Tell us about your yard and we’ll design a cedar or wood privacy fence that fits it and the City of Austin rules. Call (512) 337-3714, or visit us at 6550 FM 1105, Georgetown, TX 78626.
