Guide to Fence Costs & Estimates in Canada

Most homes have some kind of fencing around them. Whether for decoration, property line markers, security features, or a combination of all three. The price for your fence will depend on several factors such as height and length, as well as the materials needed. Most fencing professionals will charge per linear foot that also includes both their labour and materials.

The range for a new fence can fall anywhere between $1,900 to $5,000. On average, most homeowners will spend about $3,000 for their fence, depending on the type and materials used. Because of the vast variations, it’s important to keep specific materials and dimensions in mind as you set your budget. For example, wood fence options average $3,500 to install while stone projects can average $6,100. Chain Link fences average $2,500 while vinyl fences are closer to $4,600.

It is important to get several quotes before you begin your project. Keep these cost factors in mind when planning to install a new fence.

Parts

When it comes to collecting parts for your fence you can either acquire some of them yourself or rely on the fence company to get them and then be charged later. While fencing companies do charge a markup fee, they receive discounts that could make the entire process more cost-effective for you.

Permits

You may be required to obtain a permit before you can begin working. You will have to contact your local municipality to see if a permit is required. Prices will vary depending on your location and the scope of the work.

Utilities

You will have to verify the fence doesn’t interfere with their services. Not knowing what’s below your ground could result in striking an underground pipe or wires. Ask your contractor about the best way to avoid hitting these utilities. You can also use online resources like Dig Safe Canada.

Grading

It’s important to know the grading of your land. Not knowing could result in higher costs than anticipated. For example, there’s a chance your costs could be higher for a fence installation if the land is sloped higher because it makes installation more difficult.

Labour

You can expect to be charged per linear foot for materials and have labour and materials charged together. Keep in mind different materials each have unique installation costs depending upon their build complexity.

The most common fence size is six feet. This is because this height is tall enough that few people can see over it, while also keeping pets from being able to jump over it. If you want a fence with a different height, this could affect your overall cost.

The size of your fence, or how many square feet it will cover, is one of the biggest cost factors, aside from material costs. Before you begin, you should evaluate your project as having a set cost per square foot. Be sure to measure accurately, if not you may build on a portion of land that you do not own. A small miscalculation could result in financial ramifications and a delayed project.

The overall cost of your fence is greatly impact by what type of material you will use. Here is a breakdown of expected costs for each major material.

Chain-link fences are a great option for anyone looking for a basic, affordable structure. They are durable and come with a long lifespan, as well as requiring minimal maintenance. Despite its durability and low price point, there is one major downside to chain-link fences: its looks. While not the most beautiful fence option, it gets the job done. If the curb appeal isn’t a problem, there are several options to consider.

Wire Fencing

Wire fencing is a great option if you are looking for something durable, low maintenance, and comparatively inexpensive. Wire fences are typically used to mark property lines and as animal fences to keep your pets in but strays out. Due to their cost, they are widely used in commercial settings, but many homeowners have also caught on to their many selling points.

Once a fire fence is installed, there is not much else to do. When it comes to maintenance, you can either hose off dirt or wait for it to rain. Heat and cold have virtually no effect on their performance, making this a great option for extreme Canadian weather.

Wood is a more difficult option to evaluate due to the wide variety of options. Another thing to take note of is that most privacy fences employ some form of wood as the primary material. The wood fence cost will vary depending on the type of wood used. For example, even if you chose a more economical option such as cedar, this type of wood has different treatment types that will affect the cost. While a basic plank costs as little as $1.50, a plank of treated red cedar can be as much as $8. Keep this in mind as you begin to choose your materials.

Wood fences provide greater security and privacy than chain link fences. However, they require more of a financial investment due to the increased labour and material costs. The durability of wood is also lackluster, though staining or painting it might increase its strength and longevity.

Privacy Fences

The most common reason for installing a wood fence is privacy. If you want less eyes on what you’re doing in your backyard, a nice looking wood fence is a great option. To professionally build a privacy fence, a contractor will spend around 23 hours installing a fence of the average length of 150 linear feet. This equals out to around $30 to $33 per hour in labour costs.

Homeowners may also find themselves paying for additional materials. With fence posts, most contractors will ask that the client pay for the posts and the concrete or cement. Fence posts usually cost around $3 to $5, and depending on the size of the yard, the fence might require five or more posts.

While there are many benefits to a vinyl fence, the biggest drawback is cost. Vinyl fences provide a different look from conventional materials such as wood and metal. There are a wide variety of colours, so you can pick the perfect one to match your home. They are also easy to clean and generally only require a quick hosing to wash away the grime.

When it comes to cost, materials can run from $13 to $33 per linear foot. Labour adds another $6 to $30 on top of that. Another drawback of vinyl fences is that they do not handle heavy snowfall well. If you live in a particularly snowy climate, you might want to skip vinyl as an option.

The saying you get what you pay for applies here. Aluminum is a great choice for fences as it requires little maintenance and is not prone to rust. You can hire a professional to powdercoat the aluminum to add to its weatherized protection. It’s also an optimal choice for swimming pool fencing. If you are willing to pay more to get the look you want, aluminum costs $29 to $42 per linear foot and comes with large installation fees as well.

While wrought iron has long been considered the ultimate in fencing materials, it actually has significant drawbacks:

If the cost and cons do not both you, wrought iron is a great option. It provides the best security of fencing and it offers a stylized look that can boost your curb appeal dramatically.

When it comes to deciding on the perfect fence for your home, there is much to consider. Be sure you correctly measure your lawn so you know exactly how much fencing you will require. Due to the number of variations, it’s important to keep specific materials and dimensions in mind as you set your budget. Consult with a fencing expert who can help you choose the best material for your needs and achieve the look you want.