The short answer
New fences we build in Durham Region start from about $4,500. Fences are priced by the linear foot, and the final number depends on length, height, material, the number of gates and whether an old fence has to come out first. Most residential fences are built in a matter of days once materials are on site.
What drives the cost of a fence
- Length and terrain. Fences are priced by the linear foot. Slopes, rock, roots and tight access slow every post hole.
- Material. Cedar, aluminum and composite cost more per foot than pressure-treated wood or chain link.
- Height and style. A 6 ft solid privacy fence uses far more material than a 4 ft picket, and decorative tops add labour.
- Gates and hardware. Gates need stronger posts, better hinges and latches, and careful framing to hang square.
- Old fence removal. Tearing out and hauling away an old fence adds labour and disposal.
Where the money goes in a new fence
| Where the money goes | Typical share |
|---|---|
| Labour and installation | 42% |
| Boards and panels | 26% |
| Posts and concrete | 20% |
| Gates and hardware | 8% |
| Locates, removal and other | 4% |
A rough split for a typical fence project. Your itemized quote shows your own numbers.
Cedar, pressure-treated, vinyl, aluminum or chain link?
| Material | Relative cost | Expected life | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated | Lower | 10 to 20 years | Budget privacy and long runs |
| Cedar | Premium | 15 to 25 years | Privacy with a natural, warm look |
| Vinyl | Higher | 20 to 30 years | Low-maintenance privacy and pool areas |
| Aluminum | Premium | 30+ years | Pool enclosures, front yards and open-view fencing |
| Chain link | Lowest | 20 to 30 years | Pet runs, large lots and low-cost boundaries |
Most of the fences we build are cedar or pressure-treated wood, with posts set in concrete. Our fence materials comparison adds durability and upkeep ratings for each.
Fence by-laws, permits and property lines
Most Durham municipalities control fences through a fence by-law rather than a building permit. The by-law usually limits height, with different rules for front, side and back yards, and pool enclosures have their own requirements. Rules vary by town, so we check what applies to your property before we build.
Two things to sort out before anyone digs: confirm where the property line is, and call for utility locates. A fence on the wrong side of the line, or a post through a buried cable, is expensive to fix. Sharing the fence with a neighbour? Talk first, since a boundary fence can sometimes be split.
Smart ways to spend less on a fence
- Keep runs straight. Fewer corners, gates and steps down a slope mean fewer posts and less cutting.
- Pick the right material for each side. Pressure-treated wood works well for budget privacy; use cedar or aluminum where the look matters most.
- Use standard heights and styles. Stock panel and board sizes cost less than custom heights or patterns.
- Clear the fence line. Moving planters, sheds and brush ahead of time keeps the crew moving.
Where not to cut corners
- Post depth and concrete. Posts set deep enough and in concrete stay straight. Shallow posts lean and heave with the frost.
- Post size and quality. Thin posts twist and lean, especially at gates and on tall fences.
- Gate hardware. Galvanized hardware and heavy hinges keep gates from rusting and sagging.
- Good-quality boards. Cheap, wet lumber warps and gaps as it dries.