Which wood fence styles suit a San Francisco yard?
- Good-neighbor fences, with boards fixed to alternate sides, so the yards on both sides of a shared line get the same finished face.
- Board-on-board fences, where overlapping boards leave no see-through gaps even after the wood shrinks.
- Horizontal fences in clear or tight-knot redwood, a common pick behind remodeled homes.
- Stepped fences on slopes, built in level sections that drop with the hill.
- Lattice or slat toppers that add light and height where the rules allow.
Redwood or cedar: which holds up better in the fog?
Both are naturally decay-resistant, which matters more here than sun resistance. Redwood is the traditional Bay Area fence wood and is easy to source in good grades. Western red cedar is a little lighter and usually a little cheaper. For posts, we talk through pressure-treated lumber rated for ground contact or galvanized steel posts, because the post base is where a damp fence fails first.
What does a wood fence cost in San Francisco?
Angi's national cost guide lists installed wood fencing at about $10 to $45 per linear foot as of October 2026. A plain 6-foot fence on level ground sits low in that range. Clear-grade redwood, horizontal boards, stepped sections on a hill and materials carried through a house or up stairs push it higher. Your written quote lists each of those items.
How do you build a wood fence for a damp climate?
- Bottom boards held a couple of inches above the soil, or a replaceable kick board.
- Concrete around posts crowned so water runs off instead of pooling against the wood.
- Stainless or hot-dip galvanized fasteners, which matter most in the Sunset and Richmond.
- Plantings and ivy kept off the boards so the fence can breathe.
A penetrating sealer every few years slows moss, mildew and graying.
Is wood the right material for you?
Pick wood if you want a natural look, a full privacy screen at a moderate price, and you are fine with occasional sealing. Pick vinyl to skip upkeep, or aluminum for an open fence near the ocean that will not rot or rust.
Will I need a permit for a wood fence?
Not usually for a back-yard fence of 6 feet or less on the side and rear lot lines, or any fence of 3 feet or less. Taller fences and taller front-yard fences need one. Read the San Francisco permit guide.