How Much Does Fence Installation Cost in Vancouver & BC?
New fence quotes are one of the first things homeowners start researching in spring — and for good reason. A fence defines your property, gives you privacy, keeps your kids and pets safe, and dramatically changes how your yard feels. In the Vancouver area and across BC, expect to pay between $15 and $70 per linear foot installed, depending on the material, height, and complexity of your project. For a typical 100-foot residential perimeter, that translates to roughly $3,000–$7,000 for a standard cedar fence, which is by far the most popular option in the Lower Mainland.
But material choice is only part of the picture. Terrain, old fence removal, gate count, and even your strata's rules can all push the final number around. Here's a complete breakdown of what fence installation actually costs in BC in 2026, from the cheapest option to the premium builds.
Price Breakdown by Fence Material
| Material | Cost per Linear Foot (Installed) | Lifespan in BC | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western Red Cedar | $30 – $50 | 20 – 30 years | Stain every 3–5 years |
| Chain Link | $15 – $25 | 25 – 35 years | Virtually none |
| Composite / Vinyl | $45 – $70 | 30 – 50 years | Occasional wash |
| Aluminum / Ornamental | $35 – $55 | 30+ years | Minimal — no rust |
These prices include standard 6-foot height, post installation in concrete footings, and basic cleanup. Gates, corners, slopes, and custom details add to the total — we'll cover those below.
What a Typical Cedar Fence Project Looks Like
Since cedar accounts for roughly 70% of the residential fences we install in the Lower Mainland, let's break down a real-world example. A standard project — say a 120-foot perimeter with one 4-foot gate and one 8-foot double gate — looks something like this:
| Line Item | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 120 ft cedar fence (6 ft height, good neighbour style) | $3,600 – $6,000 |
| 4 ft pedestrian gate | $350 – $600 |
| 8 ft double gate (vehicle access) | $800 – $1,400 |
| Old fence removal & disposal | $500 – $1,200 |
| Total | $5,250 – $9,200 |
This is the most common project size we quote in neighbourhoods like Burnaby Heights, East Vancouver, New Westminster, and Surrey. Prices shift up for premium cedar boards (tight-knot vs. standard), custom cap rails, or lattice tops.
Factors That Affect Your Fence Installation Cost
1. Height: Most residential fences in BC are 6 feet — the maximum height typically allowed without a permit. Going taller requires a building permit in most municipalities and costs more per foot due to longer posts and additional material. A 4-foot fence costs roughly 25% less than a 6-foot fence of the same length.
2. Material Grade: Not all cedar is created equal. Standard SPF (spruce-pine-fir) posts are cheapest but rot faster. Western Red Cedar posts and boards are the BC standard and last significantly longer in our wet climate. Tight-knot cedar is the premium grade — fewer knots, better appearance, and better weather resistance. The jump from standard to tight-knot adds about $5–$10 per linear foot.
3. Terrain: A flat lot in Richmond is straightforward. A sloped yard in North Vancouver or Coquitlam requires stepped panels or racked panels that follow the grade — both add labour. Rock in the ground (common in North Van) means post holes take longer. Soft, wet soil (common in Delta and Richmond) may need deeper post footings or concrete piers.
4. Old Fence Removal: If there's an existing fence to come down, budget $3–$8 per linear foot for removal and disposal. Concrete-set posts are harder to extract than posts that were simply set in gravel. Chain link is faster to remove than wood.
5. Gates: Every gate adds $300–$600 for a pedestrian gate and $700–$1,400 for a double gate. Heavy-duty hardware (self-closing hinges, lockable latches) adds $50–$150 per gate. If you need a sliding gate for a driveway, budget $2,000–$4,500 depending on width and automation.
6. Custom Details: Post caps, lattice top panels, horizontal board patterns (increasingly popular), mixed materials (cedar with metal posts), and decorative elements all add to the cost. A horizontal slat fence with metal posts typically costs $45–$65 per linear foot — about 30–50% more than a standard vertical board cedar fence.
BC-Specific Fence Rules and Considerations
Height Limits: Most BC municipalities allow a maximum fence height of 6 feet (1.83 m) in rear yards and 4 feet (1.22 m) in front yards without a permit. In Vancouver, corner lots have additional sight-line restrictions within 6 metres of an intersection. Always check your specific city's bylaws — Burnaby, Surrey, and Coquitlam each have their own variations.
Property Line Setbacks: In most Lower Mainland cities, a fence can be built directly on the property line. However, the "good side" (the finished side without exposed posts and rails) traditionally faces your neighbour. Some municipalities require the good side to face outward. If you're unsure where your property line is, get a survey — building a fence 6 inches onto your neighbour's property is a dispute you don't want.
Strata Bylaws: If you live in a townhouse or strata development, your strata council may have specific rules about fence materials, colours, heights, and styles. Some strata corporations require written approval before any fence work begins. Check your strata bylaws first — we've seen homeowners get quotes and buy materials only to discover their strata won't approve the design.
Climate Impact on Materials: BC's wet climate is tough on wood. Western Red Cedar is naturally rot-resistant, which is why it's the go-to species here. But even cedar needs maintenance — we recommend staining or sealing within the first year of installation and every 3–5 years after that. Untreated cedar will grey out within 12–18 months and eventually deteriorate faster. Composite and aluminum options eliminate this maintenance burden entirely, which is why they're gaining popularity despite the higher upfront cost.
How to Get an Accurate Estimate
Before calling for quotes, do a quick walk around your property and note these things:
Measure the perimeter. Even a rough count of paces helps. Walk the fence line and count your steps — each step is roughly 2.5 feet. Multiply by 2.5 and you have a ballpark linear footage.
Count the gates you need. One pedestrian gate? A double gate for vehicle access? A side gate for the garbage bins? Each one needs to be in the quote.
Check for obstacles. Trees with roots along the fence line, concrete pads, retaining walls, drainage pipes, utility boxes — anything that might complicate post placement.
Know if there's an existing fence. If it needs to come down, that's a line item. Note the material (wood vs. chain link) and whether the posts are set in concrete.
Red flags in a quote: Any contractor who doesn't ask about underground utilities (BC One Call is required before digging). Any quote that doesn't specify the wood species. And anyone who sets posts in gravel instead of concrete in the Lower Mainland — our wet soil conditions require concrete footings for structural posts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does a 6-foot cedar fence cost per foot in Vancouver?
In 2026, expect $30–$50 per linear foot installed for a standard 6-foot Western Red Cedar fence with concrete-set posts. This includes materials, labour, and basic cleanup. The lower end is for a simple vertical board "good neighbour" style with standard-grade cedar. The higher end is for tight-knot cedar, horizontal patterns, or custom cap rails. Gates, old fence removal, and slopes are additional.
Q: Do I need a permit to build a fence in BC?
For a standard 6-foot backyard fence, no permit is required in most BC municipalities. However, you may need a permit if: the fence exceeds 6 feet in height, it's in a front yard and exceeds 4 feet, it includes a retaining wall component, or it's in a heritage conservation area. Always check with your local city hall. In Vancouver, the permit inquiry line is 311. We check bylaws as part of every project we quote.
Q: How long does a cedar fence last in BC's climate?
A well-built Western Red Cedar fence with proper concrete footings and regular maintenance (staining every 3–5 years) lasts 20–30 years in the Lower Mainland. Without maintenance, expect 12–18 years before significant deterioration. The posts typically fail before the boards — that's why we always use 6x6 cedar or pressure-treated posts set in concrete, not 4x4 posts in gravel. The post is the foundation of the entire fence; if it rots, the whole section goes with it.
Get a Free Estimate
We install fences across Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Surrey, Richmond, Coquitlam, and throughout the Lower Mainland. Whether it's a simple cedar perimeter or a custom horizontal fence with metal posts, the process starts with a free on-site visit where we measure, discuss options, and give you a clear, itemized quote.
Call us at 236-881-2977 or request your free estimate online. We typically respond within 24 hours and can schedule your site visit within the week.
