Example photoCedar
Privacy fences with a natural, warm look
Silvers without stain; needs periodic upkeep
Fully private and semi-private fences that are built straight, set properly and made to last through Ontario winters.
Privacy, security and curb appeal, built with proven methods and durable materials.
Solid boards for maximum privacy, in styles like board-on-board and privacy panels.
Open or partial designs that add style and definition without closing in the yard.
Single, double and walk-through gates hung square with quality hinges and latches.
Posts set in concrete, plumb and spaced to suit the fence and the ground.
Finishes that protect the wood from weather and extend its life.
New boards, posts or complete replacement of a fence that has reached the end of its life.
Step by step
A fence lives outdoors through every Ontario winter, so how it's built below the ground matters as much as how it looks above it.
10 stages, start to finish
We confirm the style, height, material and gate locations, matching what you want with what's typical for your neighbourhood.
We confirm the property line and call in a utility locate before digging a single hole, so the fence lands in the right place and nothing underground gets hit.
Posts, boards or panels, concrete and gate hardware are ordered to suit the confirmed fence line.
The fence line is strung out and post locations are marked at even spacing, accounting for any slope or grade change in the yard.
Holes are dug below the frost line and posts are set in concrete, then left to cure. Posts that skip this step are the reason fences lean within a year or two.
Horizontal rails are attached between the set posts, forming the frame the fence boards or panels will be fastened to.
Fence boards or panels are fastened to the rails, working down the line to keep the top edge straight and level.
Gates are hung, then hinges and latches are adjusted until they swing and close properly, which takes more fine-tuning than people expect.
Post caps go on, and wood fences are stained or sealed to protect them from the weather from day one.
The site is cleared of offcuts and packaging, and we walk the fence line with you before calling the job done.
Illustrative sequence — icons represent each construction stage. Real project photos appear throughout the rest of this page.
Made for our climate
Most fences don't fail from age. They fail from frost pushing posts out of the ground and meltwater rotting what's left. Here is how we build yours to stay straight for as long as possible.
Post holes go down about 4 feet in Durham, below where the ground freezes, so frost can't push posts up and out of line.
Posts are set in concrete with the top sloped away from the post, so water runs off instead of pooling where the wood meets the ground.
A gravel base lets water drain away from the bottom of the post instead of sitting and freezing around it.
Posts are pressure-treated lumber rated for ground contact, and gate posts are sized up because they carry the most load.
Fence boards stop above grade, so they aren't sitting in snowbanks and meltwater all winter.
Galvanized hinges, latches and fasteners keep gates hanging square and connections tight through every freeze and thaw.
Want to see how it's built before you commit? We'll walk you through it at your free site visit. Get my free estimate
Working with us
The short version of what to expect on your fence project, beginning to end.
Open any photo to enlarge it.
These photos are for inspiration. Photos of our own recent projects will be added here soon.
Choosing materials
Cost, durability, upkeep and lifespan side by side, so you can choose with confidence.
Every fence material trades price, privacy and upkeep against each other.
Example photoPrivacy fences with a natural, warm look
Silvers without stain; needs periodic upkeep
Budget privacy and long runs
Can twist as it dries; shorter life
Low-maintenance privacy and pool areas
Can crack in extreme cold or from impact
Pool enclosures, front yards and open-view fencing
Doesn't give privacy on its own
Pet runs, large lots and low-cost boundaries
No privacy; plain look
Rule of thumb. Cedar and pressure-treated give you privacy and a natural look. Vinyl and aluminum cost more up front but need much less upkeep.
Approximate installed cost per linear ft of 6 ft fence, including posts and concrete. Gates are extra. Costs are approximate installed prices for Durham Region and the GTA (CAD) and vary with product, size and site conditions. They are for comparison only. Your free design and written, itemized quote will give you exact numbers.
We will walk you through the options at your site visit and price them side by side, so you can see exactly what each choice does to your budget.
Straight talk on cost
What drives the price of a fence, where you can save, and where cutting corners costs you more later. No jargon and nothing hidden.
A rough split for a typical fence project. Every job is different, and your itemized quote shows your own numbers.
The biggest cost drivers
Fences are priced by the linear foot. Slopes, rock, roots and tight access slow every post hole.
Cedar, aluminum and composite cost more per foot than pressure-treated wood or chain link.
A 6 ft solid privacy fence uses far more material than a 4 ft picket, and decorative tops add labour.
Gates need stronger posts, better hinges and latches, and careful framing to hang square.
Tearing out and hauling away an old fence adds labour and disposal.
Smart ways to spend less
Fewer corners, gates and steps down a slope mean fewer posts and less cutting.
Pressure-treated wood works well for budget privacy. Use aluminum or cedar where the look matters most.
Stock panel and board sizes cost less than custom heights or patterns.
Moving planters, sheds and brush ahead of time keeps crews moving faster.
A shared boundary fence can sometimes be split, so check before you plan.
Where quality pays for itself
Posts set deep enough and in concrete stay straight. Shallow posts lean and heave.
Thin or poor-quality posts twist and lean, especially at gates and on tall fences.
Galvanized hardware and heavy hinges keep gates from rusting and sagging.
Confirm the line and call for locates before digging. A fence on the wrong line or through a utility is costly.
Cheap, wet lumber warps and gaps as it dries. Graded boards look better for longer.
Some of the biggest price gaps between contractors come from what is left out, not what is included.
Ask about gate and hardware allowances. Are the amounts realistic for what you want?
These are real costs. Cheaper quotes sometimes leave them out.
Old wiring, rot or damp can appear once walls open. Know how surprises are handled.
A single lump sum makes it impossible to compare quotes fairly.
Every Ramsauer quote is written and itemized, so you can see all of this line by line before you commit.
18 Google reviews
Rated 4.3 out of 5 by our clients on Google
Real reviews from real homeowners, straight from Google. Hover over (or tap) any review to pause it and read it in full.
We worked with Ramsauer Renovations to enlarge and renovate our primary bathroom/ensuite. It was a wonderful experience from start to finish. From the initial meet and greet, the design consultation, to the breakdown of time line and prices, up the very end. Ramsauer renovations were a delight to work with. They were communicative, responsive and detail oriented. Demo days were quick and the crew always ended the day with vacuuming and cleaning their work area. They were respectable and mindful to the fact that we remained living in house during renos. They were very attentive to design details and you could tell they took pride in their craftsmanship. Ramsauer Renovations were reliable on time lines and pricing, their estimations also proved to be very accurate. We felt comfortable approaching them with any questions and concerns and never felt anxious about having them in our house unsupervised while we were at work. Overall this was a fantastic experience and we couldnt be happier with our new primary ensuite bathroom. We would definitely be turning to Ramsauer Renovations for any future projects and 100% recommend their services.
Ramsauer Reno renovated my basement with top notch professional service. We received great quality service and communication quickly and they were easy to work with. Jim and his team were always willing to answer my questions or make a recommendation even after the work was completed. Every aspect of the project was done professionally with great products and great service. They were neat and clean. I have no hesitation in recommending Ramsauer Reno to anyone thinking of renovating their basement or home renovation. We will definitely be using Ramsauer Reno for our next home improvement project!
Excellent work, they will work with you to ensure your project meets your needs and budget. Ramsaur Reno has renovated 2 bathrooms for me, extremely satisfied with both.
Straight answers about pricing, permits and timelines. Anything else, just ask.
New fence and deck projects start from about $4,500. The price depends on length, height, style, materials and the number of gates. You will get an itemized written quote after a free consultation.
Pressure-treated and cedar wood in privacy and decorative styles, with posts set in concrete and finishes selected for Ontario's climate.
Most residential fences are built in a matter of days once materials are on site. We give you a schedule with your quote.
Rules vary by municipality. Many have fence by-laws that limit height and set rules for front and side yards, and some require a permit. We check what applies to your property before we build.
Yes. We repair, replace and upgrade existing fences, including new boards, posts and gates.
How-to guides, design ideas and trends for your fence project.
4 min read
Three things to sort out before the first post goes in the ground.
Read articleA fence is one of the quickest home projects to complete, and one of the most expensive to fix if it is built in the wrong place. A little homework helps.
Check your survey or property records. If the boundary isn't clear, a land surveyor can mark it. Building a fence even slightly over the line can lead to disputes and costly changes.
Even where it isn't required, a quick conversation about style, height and who pays for a shared fence goes a long way.
Many municipalities set maximum heights and have different rules for front, side and rear yards, and some require a permit. Your local by-law office can confirm what applies.
Before digging fence post holes, have underground utilities marked. In Ontario, this is done by contacting Ontario One Call, which is free and required before digging.
Think about where you will need access for lawn equipment, garbage bins and service visits, and size the gates accordingly.
The takeaway: confirm the line, the rules and the utilities first. We handle the planning steps as part of the job.
4 min read
How height, spacing and orientation change the look, the privacy and the cost of your fence.
Read articleFence style affects privacy, wind load and the overall look of your yard.
Tight boards for maximum privacy. Clean and classic, and a good fit for backyards where you want to shut out the street or neighbours.
Overlapping boards keep the fence private even as the wood shrinks and moves with the seasons. It costs a little more and looks more finished from both sides.
A more modern look, and a nice fit with contemporary homes. Spacing controls how private it is.
Open designs, lattice tops or shadow-box styles add character and let light and air through.
The takeaway: decide how much privacy you need, then choose the style and finish that suit your home.
3 min read
Modern slat styles, black hardware and low-maintenance finishes are influencing fence design.
Read articleFences are moving from purely functional to part of the landscape design.
Clean horizontal lines suit modern homes, and slat spacing lets you dial in privacy.
Cedar tones and natural stains are popular, often paired with dark hardware or posts for contrast.
Black gate hardware, post caps and trim add a crisp, modern detail to any style of fence.
Fences designed with planters, climbing supports or small lights add layers without extra structures.
Good posts, proper drainage and quality finishes reduce upkeep for years to come.
Our advice: invest in the structure, meaning posts, footings and framing, and choose finishes you can refresh easily.
How we work
A simple process from property line to finished gate.
Send the quick form or call. Tell us where the fence needs to go.
We walk the property line, measure the run and talk through height, privacy and gates.
We help you choose style, height, boards and gate placement that suit your yard and your neighbours, with a clear itemized price and schedule.
A clear contract, utilities located before we dig, then posts set in concrete, rails and boards installed straight and true, and gates hung square.
Planning your project? Get a free design and estimate.
Get my free estimate