Backyard fencing can raise a lot of questions such as “who is responsible for the fence between houses” or “what fence material is best for Canadian winters“. But the most asked one of all is “how much will my fence material cost”? Installing a fence on your property, front or backyard, increases your curb appeal, but also ensures privacy and adds a sense of security for your family. As the winter months are approaching, it’s time to get your current fence repaired so it is able to withstand the harsh weather ahead and prevent further damages come springtime. If you’re in need of a new fence, be sure to install it before the ground is too frozen.
Depending on the style of your fence, you will have the option of different materials to choose from. The materials that are most common among homeowners today are wood, chain link, aluminum, and vinyl. The biggest thing that will impact the cost of your project is how much of the specific material you will need. Read on to learn about your options and their costs.
Fence Materials
Wood
Wood is a very common material used for fences as it can be crafted in so many ways. Being so versatile, wood fences can be built to many styles, such as privacy, picket, and lattice. Tip: For long lasting results, purchasing pressure treated wood or coating your wood with a preservative before finishing will extend its lifespan.
The material itself is very durable and can also be painted or stained any colour. Cedar is the preferred wood due to its resistance to rot. It also weathers naturally so it is longstanding. Wood is one of the cheaper materials to construct your fence, however, the maintenance can be more demanding. Most woods require to be re-treated every 4 years.
Cost
The average cost for installing a wooden fence is $3,500. The average cost per linear foot is $15 with the labour also averaging $15 per linear foot.
Chain Link
While this style of fence is not seen as the prettiest, it has many benefits. Chain link fences are sturdy and durable, plus are an economical choice. The installation process is simple and, if needed, repairs are quite simple as well.
Different mesh sizes are available as well as different colours, allowing you to stray from the simple silver (if you want). A pro to chain link fences is that they can be nearly invisible if installed among shrubs or in wooded areas — giving you the security you need while also staying hidden.
Cost
The average cost of installing a chain link fence is $1,400-$3,000. The average cost per linear foot is $9 with the labour averaging $13 per linear foot.
Aluminum
The maintenance is minimal for aluminum fences, limited to occasional washing down. Lacking in privacy and strength, an aluminum fence is very decorative and adds curb appeal to your property. Available in several shapes and designs, this fence can be customized to compliment your home. This material will last a lifetime, outstanding wood, chain-link, and wrought iron.
Cost
The average cost of installing an aluminum fence is $2,600-$6,600. The average cost per linear foot is $34 with the labour averaging $13 per linear foot.
Vinyl
The styles of vinyl fences match those of the wooden styles. The advantage is that it doesn’t wear, warp, splinter, rot, or split like wood, and therefore requires minimal maintenance. The initial upfront cost may be more than wood, but it is less expensive overtime.
The disadvantages are that not everyone is drawn to the plastic appearance, and while the material is tough, it can break upon impact. If you don’t have extra material on hand, you’ll have to match the material to keep your fence uniform.
Cost
The average cost of installing a vinyl fence is $2,000-$6,000. The average cost per linear foot is $22 with the labour averaging $9 per linear foot.
Below are the average costs of Fences & Gates services across different cities in Canada:
|
City |
Average |
Minimum |
Maximum |
|
$6,104 |
$150 |
$40,000 |
|
|
$6,498 |
$125 |
$47,000 |
|
|
$7,816 |
$147 |
$40,000 |
|
|
$1,680 |
$250 |
$4,500 |
|
|
$4,449 |
$420 |
$10,700 |
|
|
$8,269 |
$123 |
$50,000 |
|
|
$5,848 |
$100 |
$50,000 |
|
|
$3,831 |
$150 |
$30,000 |
*Costs based on 3655 verified Canadian homeowner reviews as of March 2022
When considering a fence installation, having your dimensions, as well as style in mind is very important. Weighing the pros and cons of each material, thinking about function, and customizing to meet your style needs will help you determine which material is best for your home. If you want a second opinion, contact a pro to help you get started today.
Article Updated June 2022.
