The cedar smell stays a while
Fresh-cut cedar has a warm, dense smell the first couple of weeks it's up. By the time you've stained it, the scent has settled into the wood. You still catch a whiff on humid summer afternoons years later.
Wood Fence Installation in Kansas City
Kansas City's freeze-thaw cycles heave shallow-set wood posts out of the ground every winter. RKC is the Kansas City fence contractor that installs Western Red Cedar and pressure-treated pine privacy fencing with every post set 36 inches deep in poured concrete — below the KC frost line. Board-on-board, shadow box, horizontal, and custom styles. In-house staining in 30 days.
★★★★★
4.9
from 77+ reviews
Licensed
& Insured · KS + MO
400+
fences installed
A+ BBB Rated Licensed KS + MO 0% Financing Available Free On-Site Estimates
WHY HOMEOWNERS CHOOSE WOOD 
The Wood Fence You'll Still Enjoy in 15 Years
A cedar fence isn't the cheapest option in the market — but it's the one that becomes part of the yard. Real grain you can see, color that shifts with the years, a smell that lingers on humid afternoons, and a kind of character vinyl can't fake. Built right, it stays with the house.
A fence you don't think about
36-inch post depth, wet-set concrete, select-grade cedar. Dogs run it, wind hits it, the hose sprays it — and the fence stays where we put it. Weeks go by where you don't notice it at all.
Grain you can actually see
This is real wood, not wood-look vinyl. You see the grain on every board, the knots the lumberyard didn't fake, the character that comes with select-grade cedar. A decade in, it still looks like what it is.
Same crew for the stain, if you want it
Cedar holds color longer with stain, and most customers add it to the estimate. When you do, the same crew that built the fence handles the stain — 30 days after install, and again every 2-3 years. No stain-guy handoff, no separate contractor to track down later.
WHY MOST WOOD FENCES FAIL IN KANSAS CITY
The Three Mistakes That Kill Wood Fences in Three Years
Most wood fences in the Kansas City metro fail long before they should. Cedar privacy panels should last 15–25 years. Pressure-treated pine should last 10–15. When they fail in 3–5 instead, it comes down to three installation shortcuts. Here’s what they are — and what a correct install looks like instead.
- 1. Shallow posts (18–24 inches instead of 36+). The KC frost line runs 30–36 inches deep. Posts set shallower heave 2–3 inches per freeze-thaw cycle. Over 80+ cycles per winter, a wood fence leans, splits at post connections, and pulls itself apart.
- 2. Dry-set posts or partial concrete bags. Budget installs dry-set posts (no water added) or use a half-bag of concrete mix per hole. Wood posts shift as the soil expands and contracts. RKC uses full bell-bottom footings — 40+ lbs of wet-poured concrete per post.
- 3. No staining plan. Cedar turns gray in 12–18 months if you don't stain it. Pressure-treated pine cracks and checks within 2 years without a quality sealer. Most contractors hand you off to a "stain guy." RKC handles staining in-house — same company, same crew standards, 30 days post-install.
Wood Fence Catalog
Every Wood Fence Style Kansas City Homeowners Actually Want
Western Red Cedar, pressure-treated pine, and every major wood style — all installed to the same 36-inch-post standard. Browse the full wood catalog below to compare styles, see available color options, and explore the specs on each profile before your estimate.
Select a style above to see colors and details
MATERIAL COMPARISON
Cedar or Pressure-Treated — Which Is Right for You?
Both materials work in Kansas City. Both require 36-inch posts. They differ on lifespan, maintenance, and cost. Here's how each performs across the factors that matter most — so you can pick the one that fits your priorities, not the contractor's margin.
| Factor | Western Red Cedar | Pressure-Treated Pine |
|---|---|---|
| Installed cost per LF | $25–$35 | $20–$28 |
| Expected lifespan (KC climate) | 15–25 years | 10–15 years |
| Maintenance cadence | Re-stain every 2–3 years | Re-stain every 2–3 years |
| Rot resistance (untreated) | Excellent — natural tannins | Moderate — chemical treatment |
| Grain / finish quality | Select-grade, minimal knots | Construction-grade, visible knots |
| Take stain color | Excellent | Good |
| Best for | Premium curb appeal, long-term value | Budget-conscious, short-to-medium hold |
INSTALLATION STANDARDS
The Six Standards That Make an RKC Wood Fence Last 20 Years
Every wood fence RKC installs follows the same six standards — no matter the material, style, or project size. These aren't upsells. They're the baseline. If a contractor skips any of them, your fence won't survive Kansas City weather for more than a few seasons.
- 1
36-inch minimum post depth, set in poured concrete
Every 4x4 cedar or pressure-treated post goes 36 inches deep, poured with wet concrete (not dry-set, not a half-bag of mix). Full bell-bottom footing resists frost uplift.
- 2
Kiln-dried, select-grade lumber only
We use Western Red Cedar from mills that dry and grade their lumber. No warped big-box-store boards. No knotty filler. Consistent dimension means every panel aligns straight on install day.
- 3
Galvanized ring-shank nails and joist hangers
Every fastener is rated for exterior exposure. Zinc-plated or uncoated nails corrode and stain the cedar within a season. RKC uses ring-shank galvanized — they don't loosen, don't rust, don't bleed.
- 4
Staining schedule written at install
Every wood fence install includes a re-stain timeline on the invoice. You know when the first stain coat is due (typically 30 days post-install once the wood dries) and the cadence after that (every 2–3 years). We handle staining in-house — same company, same crew standards.
- 5
Permits pulled and 811 utility locates scheduled
Permit fees are included in your estimate — we handle the building-department call. We schedule the 811 utility locate before breaking ground so nothing gets cut.
- 6
Final walkthrough before invoice is due
We walk every foot of fence line with you. Every post, every panel, every gate latch. You pay the final balance only after you've signed off.
RKC is the Kansas City fence contractor that installs every type of fence — wood, vinyl, chain link, ornamental iron, aluminum, and commercial security — plus gates, automatic openers, and in-house staining. The six standards above apply to every wood fence we build; material-specific standards apply to the rest.
WHAT WOOD FENCE CUSTOMERS SAY
What Do Kansas City Homeowners Say After Their Wood Fence Install?
Every one of those six standards shows up in the reviews. Here are nine wood-fence customers who felt the difference — from board-on-board privacy installs to full staining schedules and emergency post replacements. Full archive on Google.
★★★★★
“Josh and his crew replaced 180 feet of cedar privacy fence after a spring storm took ours out. Posts went in deeper than the original, concrete at every one. Three days start to finish.”Cedar Privacy Fence
★★★★★
“We needed a wood fence for our new yard and RKC showed up on time, hauled off the old chain link, and installed a gorgeous board-on-board in two days. Stained it 30 days later. Still looks new.”Cedar Privacy Fence
★★★★★
“RKC stained our entire 250-foot cedar fence and it looks brand new. Clean and professional crew. They handled the prep, back-brushed every board, left the site cleaner than they found it.”Fence Staining
★★★★★
“Had three companies quote our cedar fence. RKC was the most professional and their price was fair. Done in two days. Every post plumb, every panel tight.”Cedar Privacy Fence
★★★★★
“Replaced old chain link with shadow-box cedar across the back yard. Night and day difference. The shadow box handles our wind-tunnel back yard beautifully and looks great from both sides.”Shadow Box Cedar
★★★★★
“Best experience with a contractor, period. Clear communication, clean work, fair price. They walked the entire line with me before I paid the final balance. Every post was plumb.”Cedar Privacy Fence
★★★★★
“They matched our HOA requirements exactly for the wood fence install. No issues with the architectural review board. Permit was pulled before the crew showed up. Smooth from start to finish.”HOA Cedar Fence
★★★★★
“Storm knocked down 4 sections of our cedar fence. RKC was out for an estimate within 48 hours and had the fence rebuilt the following week. They matched the existing stain color perfectly.”Storm Damage Repair
★★★★★
“Our 10-year-old wood fence had three posts that had heaved out with the winters. RKC pulled each one, re-set it 36 inches in concrete, and the fence is solid again. Fixed what should have been done right the first time.”Fence Repair
WOOD FENCE PRICING
What Wood Fence Installation Costs in Kansas City
Typical installed prices across the KC metro — materials, labor, concrete, permits, and cleanup included. All prices assume standard terrain, no gates, no old fence removal. Use the cost estimator for a project-specific range in 30 seconds, or call for a free on-site estimate.
Cedar Privacy (6-ft)
$25–$35 / LF installed
Included: Select-grade cedar, 36" post depth, bell-bottom concrete, galvanized hardware, permits, cleanup
Changes price: Gate count, terrain slope, old fence removal, premium stain color
Cedar Shadow Box (6-ft)
$28–$38 / LF installed
Included: Select-grade cedar, both-sides finish, 36" post depth, bell-bottom concrete, galvanized hardware, permits, cleanup
Changes price: Height (6 vs 8 ft), style complexity, gate count
Pressure-Treated Privacy (6-ft)
$20–$28 / LF installed
Included: Pressure-treated pine, 36" post depth, bell-bottom concrete, galvanized hardware, permits, cleanup
Changes price: Grade of PT lumber, stain vs clear sealer, gate count
HOW IT WORKS
From First Call to Finished Fence in 1–3 Days
Most residential wood fence installs complete in 1–3 days once materials arrive. The full timeline from your first call to a finished fence with stain schedule in hand typically runs 2–4 weeks, depending on permit turnaround and material lead time.
- 1
Call or Request a Quote
Call (913) 286-1091 or fill out the form. We discuss scope, materials, and schedule a free on-site measurement. Typical response: same business day.
- 2
Get Your All-Inclusive Estimate
We measure the property, quote materials and labor, and send a written estimate within 3–5 business days. Every line item is specified — no surprises.
- 3
Permit, Utility Locate, Install
We pull permits, schedule the 811 utility locate, and install the fence — typically 1–3 days on-site for residential projects. Posts set first, concrete cures, panels go up.
- 4
Final Walkthrough + Stain Schedule
We walk every foot of the fence with you before final payment. You get a written 30-day stain schedule on the invoice, and we handle the first stain coat in-house.
RECENT WOOD FENCE INSTALLS
What Does a Finished Cedar Fence Look Like in Kansas City?
Every photo below is a real RKC wood fence install. Cedar privacy, shadow box, horizontal, and pressure-treated projects from Olathe to Lee's Summit. Click through for the full gallery.
OUR SERVICE AREA
Where Does RKC Install Wood Fences Across the Kansas City Metro?
We install wood fences in 56 cities across the KC metro, both sides of the state line. From Johnson County subdivisions to established KCMO neighborhoods, we handle the permit offices, soil conditions, and HOA rules in every community.
Kansas
Johnson County is home base. Bonner Springs , Gardner , Leawood , Lenexa , Mission , Olathe , Overland Park , Prairie Village , Shawnee , Spring Hill . We handle permit applications, 811 utility locates, and HOA architectural review in every city.
Missouri
From the Northland to the southern suburbs. Belton , Blue Springs , Grain Valley , Grandview , Greenwood , Independence , Kansas City , Lee's Summit , Liberty , Oak Grove , Peculiar , Pleasant Hill , Raymore , Smithville . We handle KCMO's CompassKC portal and varying code requirements across Jackson, Clay, and Platte counties.
Recent Installs Across KC
WOOD FENCE QUESTIONS
Every Wood Fence Question KC Homeowners Ask — Answered Straight
Straight answers to the wood fence questions that come up most often on estimate calls. If yours isn't here, call (913) 286-1091.
Materials
What's the difference between Western Red Cedar and pressure-treated pine for fencing?
Western Red Cedar has natural oils that resist rot, insects, and UV — it's the premium option for Kansas City, with a 15–25 year lifespan and excellent stain uptake. Pressure-treated pine is chemically infused to resist rot, runs 15–20% cheaper per linear foot, and lasts 10–15 years with a 30-day stain cycle after install. Cedar wins on curb appeal and long-term value; PT wins on upfront budget.
Do you use kiln-dried cedar or green cedar?
Kiln-dried select-grade cedar only. Green cedar (freshly milled, high moisture content) warps, twists, and splits as it dries on your fence. Kiln-dried lumber is stabilized, consistent in dimension, and installs straight on day one. It's more expensive to buy but it's the only cedar we'll put on a customer's property.
Can I mix materials (e.g., cedar panels with PT posts)?
Yes, and it's a common cost-saving choice. Pressure-treated 4x4 posts underground with cedar panels above is a durable, budget-aware combination — the PT resists the soil rot zone and the cedar gives you the look above grade. We'll walk through the tradeoffs during your estimate.
What's the difference between #1 grade and #2 grade cedar?
#1 grade cedar has tighter grain, fewer and smaller knots, and more consistent color — it's the grade we use on privacy installs. #2 grade has larger knots, more color variation, and occasionally loose knots that can fall out. #2 is cheaper but shows its age faster. We can quote either grade; we recommend #1 unless budget is the overriding factor.
Installation
How long does a wood fence installation take in Kansas City?
Most residential wood fence installs take 1–3 days of on-site work once permits clear and materials arrive. The full timeline from estimate approval to completed fence is typically 2–4 weeks in shoulder season, 4–6 weeks during the spring storm-repair rush. We schedule 811 utility locates and permit review before the crew shows up, so install days aren't wasted on logistics.
Do I need a permit to install a wood fence in my city?
Almost always, yes. Olathe, Overland Park, Lenexa, Leawood, Shawnee — every Johnson County city requires a fence permit and enforces height limits (usually 6 ft rear, 4 ft front). Kansas City MO uses the CompassKC portal with 3–4 week reviews. Permits are included in every estimate we write. You don't chase city hall.
How deep do you set wood fence posts?
36 inches minimum on every post — deeper for 8-foot panels and gate posts. The Kansas City frost line sits between 30 and 36 inches. Any post set shallower than that heaves up 2–3 inches every freeze-thaw season and drags the fence out of plumb. We bell-bottom the concrete footing at the base and add drainage gravel. Non-negotiable.
What happens if there's a buried utility line where you need to dig?
We call 811 before every install and wait for utility locates to arrive (typically 2–4 business days). If a marked line runs through our post path, we either shift the layout by a few inches or hand-dig around the line — never machine-auger through marked utilities. If an unmarked line is hit (rare but possible), RKC carries general liability that covers repair. You're not on the hook.
Staining & Maintenance
When should I stain my new wood fence?
30 days after install. Fresh cedar or pressure-treated lumber holds too much moisture to take stain properly on day one — the stain sits on top instead of soaking in. We write a 30-day stain date on your invoice and handle the first coat in-house. After that, every 2–3 years depending on sun exposure and color choice.
Do you do the staining in-house or refer it out?
In-house. RKC crews stain every fence we install. Same company, same standards, same accountability. We don't hand you off to a 'stain guy' two years later — we keep records on every fence we've ever built and can call you when your re-coat is due.
How often does a cedar fence need to be re-stained in Kansas City?
Every 2–3 years. Kansas City's combination of intense summer UV, 40+ inches of annual rainfall, and 80+ freeze-thaw cycles breaks down stain faster than drier climates. Skip the re-coat cycle and a 20-year fence turns into a 10-year fence. Semi-transparent penetrating stains (our preferred) last longer than solid stains but need re-coating a bit more often.
What stain colors and types do you use?
We apply semi-transparent penetrating stains from Cabot, Sikkens, and Benjamin Moore — these soak into the grain rather than sitting on the surface. Color options range from natural cedar tones (clear to golden) to deeper warm browns and grays. We walk through samples during the estimate or the 30-day stain visit so the color gets chosen on your actual fence, not from a laminate card.
Pricing & Warranty
How much does a wood fence cost in Kansas City per linear foot?
Cedar privacy runs $25–$35 per linear foot installed. Cedar shadow box runs $28–$38. Pressure-treated privacy runs $20–$28. A standard 150-foot residential backyard fence costs between $3,000 and $6,000 installed depending on material and style. Gates, slope, and old-fence removal change the total. Every estimate is free and itemized.
Do you offer financing for wood fence installation?
Yes. We partner with GreenSky for flexible monthly plans, including 0% intro APR on approved credit. Application takes about 5 minutes online. See the financing page for plan details or ask about it during the estimate — it doesn't cost you more and it can bridge the gap if the cash-up-front number is tight.
What's your warranty on the install?
RKC installs are backed by a written workmanship guarantee, plus the manufacturer warranty on materials (cedar carries a 1-year mill defect warranty; hardware carries its own manufacturer coverage). If a post leans, a gate sags, or a panel warps under normal use, we come back and fix it. We hold an A+ BBB rating and a 4.9★ average from 77+ Google reviews — rebuilding a damaged reputation costs more than rebuilding a fence.
Can I get a quote over the phone?
We can give a rough range over the phone based on linear footage, height, and material — useful for budgeting. For a binding quote with materials, labor, concrete, permits, and cleanup itemized, we need an on-site measurement (takes 25–45 minutes). On-site estimates are always free and there's no obligation to move forward.