Cost guides › Fence installation
Canada
Fence installation cost per linear foot
Building 30 m of 6 ft pressure-treated wood privacy fence with one walk gate typically costs $4,600 before GST/HST, with most quotes between $3,600 and $5,950. Galvanized chain-link of the same length is about $2,800, and a vinyl privacy fence with heavier posts and caps runs around $6,350. Cedar, aluminum and composite can be priced in the calculator, along with removal of the old fence, a drive gate, a slope or rocky ground.
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mid-range, typicalCost by region
| Location | Basic | Mid-range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quebec | $2,850 | $4,850 | $6,500 |
| Alberta | $2,800 | $4,700 | $6,400 |
| British Columbia | $2,850 | $4,600 | $6,500 |
| Ontario | $2,800 | $4,600 | $6,350 |
| Saskatchewan | $2,750 | $4,450 | $6,250 |
| Manitoba | $2,600 | $4,250 | $6,050 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $2,600 | $4,250 | $6,050 |
| Nova Scotia | $2,650 | $4,150 | $6,100 |
| New Brunswick | $2,600 | $4,100 | $6,050 |
What's included
Mid-range
- Laying out the fence line and booking a utility locate before digging
- Augering post holes and setting every post in concrete below the frost line
- 6 ft pressure-treated privacy boards on 4x4 posts and 2x4 rails
- Hot-dipped galvanized fasteners and hardware
- One walk gate with hinges and a latch
- Cleanup of spoil from the post holes and offcuts
What affects the cost
Material
Chain-link is the cheapest, pressure-treated wood is the common privacy fence in Ontario and the Prairies, and cedar, vinyl, aluminum and composite cost more. Cedar is the local favourite in BC for its looks and rot resistance.
Frost depth
Posts have to sit below the frost line or they heave. In Ontario and the Prairies that means deep holes, long posts and a lot of concrete, while coastal BC needs much less.
Slope and soil
Stepping or racking a fence down a slope takes more labour, and rock or hard-pan soil may need special drilling equipment. Tight side yards where an auger will not fit mean digging by hand.
Height
Backyard fences are usually 5 to 6 ft. Each extra foot adds material and labour, and front-yard fences are usually capped lower by municipal bylaws.
Gates
One walk gate is included. A double swing gate for a driveway needs heavier posts and hardware and costs several times more; automated gates are a separate project.
Old fence removal
Taking down and disposing of an old fence adds a few dollars per foot, more when concrete footings have to be dug out.
How to save
- Book in late summer or fall, when demand drops after the spring rush.
- Talk to your neighbour about sharing the cost of a fence on the shared line.
- Remove the old boards yourself and leave the posts to the crew.
- Get at least three written quotes for the same material, height and gate count.
Grants, tax and rules
Permits and bylaws
Fence height and placement are set by municipal bylaws, and pool enclosures have their own rules with self-closing gates. Check with your city before you order material.
GST/HST
GST/HST applies to renovation work; our figures are before GST/HST (for example 13% HST in Ontario, 5% GST in Alberta).
Frequently asked questions
How much does a fence cost per foot in Canada?
A 6 ft pressure-treated privacy fence averages $4,600 for 30 m including one walk gate, before GST/HST. Divide by the length for a per-foot figure; chain-link costs less, while cedar, vinyl and composite cost more.
Is cedar or pressure-treated wood better for a fence?
Pressure-treated pine is cheaper and strong, but it checks and needs staining. Cedar costs more, is more stable and looks better as it ages. Either way, the posts should be pressure-treated for ground contact.
Does vinyl fencing crack in the cold?
Cheap vinyl can become brittle in deep cold and crack on impact. A UV-stabilized, cold-rated product from a reputable maker handles Canadian winters much better.
How long does fence installation take?
A two-person crew usually installs a typical backyard fence in one to three days, after a utility locate. Rock, slopes and many gates add time.
When is the best time to build a fence?
Late summer and fall are usually cheaper and easier to book. Winter installs are possible but frozen ground makes digging slow and costly.
How this estimate is calculated
Work hours: 24.3 · Labour: $2,012 · Materials: $2,576
Sources: Job Bank wages (Employment and Social Development Canada); Regione Toscana, Prezzario dei Lavori 2026 (CC BY 4.0); ECB exchange rates; market check: 98 ft pressure-treated wood privacy + walk gate. HomeStars PT wood $27-45/ft, gate $400-1,500 (Aug 2026); fenced.ca PT 6 ft $32-52/ft (May 2026).
Last reviewed September 26, 2026 · How we calculate costs · Editorial policy