Fencing projects are very popular among Toronto homeowners. A new fence can be installed as a property marker, to increase security or simply for decoration. You can have a new fence installed in the front yard, backyard or between houses. Fencing costs have many variables. Based on the type of material, height and length of your fence, labour and many other factors, the cost for fencing will change drastically.
This cost guide has estimates for various types of fencing in Toronto based on 96 verified homeowner reviews written on HomeStars. Use the following cost examples to help you estimate a budget for your fencing project. You can also discuss your requirements and design ideas with a local fencing expert to help set your budget.
Fencing Costs in Toronto
| Task | Average Cost* | Lowest Reported* | Highest Reported* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Fence | $9,605 | $100 | $30,000 |
| Chain Link Fence | $2,500 | $2,000 | $3,500 |
| Iron Fence | $10,767 | $4,500 | $20,700 |
| Privacy Fence | $5,433 | $800 | $15,000 |
| Wood Fence | $6,447 | $100 | $50,000 |
Costs as of December 2020*
Cedar Fence
- Western red cedar is commonly used in cedar fences as it lasts as long as 20 years. Cedar fences are durable and can withstand moist weather conditions. You can choose a specific grading or shade of the wood for your fencing as it will be the first thing any visitor will encounter.
- To build a cedar fence by yourself you will need to have woodcutting tools, carpentry experience and an understanding of local codes of installing a fence around your home. Any mistakes in building a cedar fence can result in personal injuries and loss of expensive wood. We highly recommend you hire a professional contractor to successfully build a cedar fence around your house.
- Based on variables like how much wood you may require, its grading and labour, it may cost you up to $30,000 for the job. The average cost is closer to $9000.
Chain Link Fence
- Though aesthetically not very appealing, chain link fences fulfill their purpose. They are budget-friendly, low on maintenance and easy to install. Made of steel, residential chain link fences are very strong and durable. You can choose metallic or colour coated fence as per your style.
- Chain link fences are considered as the cheapest type of fencing option. It may cost you up to $3,500 to cover your property. If you want, you can also ask the contractor to give you a burglar-proof fence.
Iron Fence
- Compared to wood fences, iron fences may cost you more but they also require less maintenance. You can choose a solid steel, cast-iron or tubular-aluminum fence for your house. Due to their durability, iron fences are also known as “100-year fencing.”
- When installing iron fences, you can ask the contractor to apply a rust-resistant chemical on it along with new paint if you like. This will protect your fence from any rust, corrosion and other damages.
- You may have to pay $10,767 on average to install an iron fence in Toronto.
Privacy Fence
- Privacy fences can be installed to maintain privacy around your home and garden. You can choose your own material such as wood, metal or grass, to build your privacy fence.
- Many homeowners believe that it’s cheaper to build their own privacy fences. However, it requires more than a measuring tape to install a fence from a local shop. You may be required to create fence posts or dig up the ground to create a solid base for fence installation. Heavy equipment is needed for successful installation along with knowledge of local laws and regulations for installing a new fence.
- It may cost you up to $15,000 to install a privacy fence around your home, depending on the size and materials chosen.
Wood Fence
- Wood is the most common and primary type of material used in fencing jobs in Toronto. Wood fences provide better protection, durability, privacy and aesthetic value as compared to other types of fences.
- Wood fences can come in a variety of colours and styles, yet all require special tools and labour to be installed.
- You can choose the type of wood, its grading and design with the help of a local fencing expert. They may charge you $6,447 on average for complete wood fencing around your house.
Factors Impacting Fencing Costs in Toronto
Fence Height and Size
- The most common fence height in Toronto is six feet tall. Depending on where you live, local zoning laws may impact the height of your fence. Speak to a fencing pro to ensure your fence’s height is within code before you start building.
- The biggest cost factor is the length or size of your fence. The more square feet of area you cover, the more expensive your fence will be.
- When you start planning the project, the first thing you need to do is figure out the measurements. This way when you tell a pro how much area you wish to cover with fencing, they can provide you with an accurate estimate.
Grading
- Grading is a land levelling process done before you install a new fence. You may not realize it at first glance, but the area where you want to build the fence might be uneven. Bundling a fence on an uneven area can result in uneven fencing work, may require a different quantity of material and can be prone to damages in the future.
- The process to grade the land will differ depending on the type of land soil. A professional landscaping contractor will be able to help you grade your land before you start building the fence of your choice. Your fencing contractor will be able to tell you if your land needs to be graded prior to installation.
Labour
- Installing a new fence is not one person’s job. Based on the size of fencing and the type of material you will be using, the number of workers may differ from 2-5.
- Labour costs are often included in the final bill by the contractors, yet we recommend you discuss the number of additional workers and their costs with their employer before you hire them.
Parts
- Based on the main material you choose for fencing, you may require different parts and tools to build a fencing wall. Fence posts, hinges, screws, cement, measuring tapes, mounting and gate brackets, frame kits, wires, bolts and many other parts will be required for the fencing installation.
- A fencing expert will inspect the installation area, understand your needs and secure these parts on your behalf. Local fencing contractors have an inventory of these parts so it won’t cost you much if you opt to use their supplies instead of buying new ones.
Permits
- There are set standards implemented by the City of Toronto for fencing installation which includes fence height, material and structure details. Based on the location of your house and which area you want to build on (backyard, front yard, property line or pool), the rules of fencing change.
- We highly recommend you check the city’s guidelines before purchasing any fencing parts. You can also ask a Toronto based fencing contractor to help you design your fence as per the Toronto city bylaws.
Utilities
- Damage prevention is very important when you start digging the ground to install new fencing. If you accidentally harm the water or wireline going through the ground while digging, it may cost you heavily to get it repaired. For safe digging, we recommend you hire a professional or contact Dig Safe Canada for more relevant information.
- We highly recommend you check the city’s guidelines before purchasing any fencing parts. You can also ask a Toronto based fencing contractor to help you design your fence as per the Toronto city bylaws.
Talk to your local fencing expert to guide you through the process of installing the right type of fence as per your requirements. Check their Star Score, verification badge and homeowner reviews when you ask them for a custom quote. This way you can ensure you have a beautiful and securely installed fence the first time.