Fencing around your residential property line protects your privacy, enhances curb appeal and is also regarded as a strong security feature. We recommend you plan a fencing project on warm days of summer or spring as the weather is ideal for outdoor work. Fencing costs have many variables like materials, parts, height and size of the fence you desire. Considering all these different factors, a professional fencing expert in Ottawa will be able to provide you with a cost estimate for fencing per foot. You can also refer to this cost guide based on 38 verified Ottawa based homeowner reviews written on HomeStars to plan your fence building project.
Fencing Costs in Ottawa
| Task | Average Cost* | Lowest Reported* | Highest Reported* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Fence | $5,780 | $1,800 | $17,180 |
| Chain Link Fence | $4,815 | $1,633 | $8,000 |
| Iron Fence | $7,866 | $4,000 | $18,700 |
| Privacy Fence | $7,666 | $2,000 | $15,000 |
| Wood Fence | $5,500 | $2,100 | $13,000 |
Costs as of December 2020*
Cedar Fence
- Fences made from western red cedar wood have a long lifespan and are durable in the harshest weather conditions. You can choose a special colour for your cedar fence or later paint it in the desired colour as well.
- To install a cedar wood fence, you will need to have some carpentry experience and tools for proper installation. It is important you hire a professional for cedar fence building to avoid any major damages, wastage of wood or personal injuries.
- Though this type of fencing can be expensive, its long term benefits and looks can enhance the surroundings of your home. It may cost you up to $17,180 to professionally install a cedar fence.
Chain Link Fence
- Chain link fences are made from metal which makes them budget-friendly and low maintenance. They are usually used to cover commercial property or gardens. You can use it to cover your home and add a burglar-proof wall behind it. Chain link fence requires heavy-duty wiring tools, hinges and bolts to be installed.
- Based on the radius of the area you want to cover, it may cost you up to $8,000 to install a chain link fence on your property.
Iron Fence
- Building a solid iron fence around your home will not only ensure privacy but will also serve as a strong security system. You can get a solid steel fence, cast-iron fence or a tubular-aluminum fence as per your needs. Iron fencing is the most durable fencing option as it is popularly addressed as ‘100-year fencing’.
- To avoid any rust or damages from harsh weather conditions in Ottawa, you can ask the fence builder to add a coat of rust-resistant chemicals or paint to your fencing. This will protect your fence from any future damages.
- It may cost you $7,866 on average to build an iron fence.
Privacy Fence
- Privacy fences are primarily built to maintain the privacy around your front yard, backyard or pool. You can choose from wood, metal or grass for your privacy fence and a local contractor will help you to build it.
- In order to build a secured and land covering privacy fence, you will need to check for the local laws and regulations. In Ottawa, you can’t build a privacy fence taller than 1 meter. A local fence expert will be able to help you build a proper privacy fence adhering to the city by-laws.
- Based on the type of material you use and the length of the fence, it may cost you up to $15,000 for the job.
Wood Fence
Wood fencing is one of the most popular fencing materials used in Ottawa. You can choose pine fencing or cedarwood fencing for your house. Based on the type, quality and quantity of the wood you may use, the cost of the project will differ.
- After installing the wood fence, you can easily paint it or stain it a different colour. Wood fences look traditional, regal and are durable in Ottawa’s harsh weather conditions. Hiring a professional to install a wood fence may cost you up to $13,000 in Ottawa.
Factors Impacting Fencing Costs in Ottawa
Fence Height and Size
- Based on the height of your fence and the total length of the area you would like to cover, the cost of basic material will increase. It will also take longer to build a bigger fence resulting in extra labour hours. Professional fence experts will be able to calculate the height and size of your fence and provide you with a cost and time estimate for your project.
Grading
- Levelling the area where you want to build the fence to the same height is important to avoid any discrepancies in the job. This is a process known as grading.
- Grading the ground will save time, avoid any damages and help you to calculate the exact number of materials you may require. Grading the ground may take hours based on the type of land and soil density.
Labour
- You may have to hire a team of people to build the fence around your home. Based on your timeline and the size of the project, the labour costs may differ. When you hire a fencing contractor, make sure you discuss the labour costs before they start the work.
Parts
- For any type of fencing project, you will require some necessary parts and tools to complete it. Instead of buying expensive tools, you can hire a fencing contractor who already has the tools. These contractors also maintain an exclusive and wide inventory of different fencing parts like wires, hinges and bolts. Instead of buying these parts from a store, you can use the contractor’s inventory and save money on those costs.
Permits
- Whether you’re installing a fence around your home or a commercial property, you must follow the fencing by-laws by the City of Ottawa. As per these by-laws, no person shall erect a fence or cause a fence to be erected that is higher than; one metre (1 m) in height in a yard, front; two hundred and thirteen centimetres (213 cm) in height in any yard other than a yard, front.
- You can study all the by-laws before starting the project or hire a local fence expert to do the job who has knowledge of the laws.
Utilities
- Secured lines of water supply and wires may run through the ground where you want to build your fence. It’s important to dig carefully to avoid any damage to these utility lines when installing a new fence. Your contractor will be able to avoid these lines when working on your project. If not done properly, it can result in catastrophic damages.
When you’re ready, talk to a local fence contractor to plan your fencing project. The contractor will help you design, choose and install the fencing material. Get a custom quote as per your requirements for your next fencing project. You can verify a contractor by checking their Star Score, verification badge and homeowner reviews on HomeStars before making a hiring decision.