Your Fence Details

Fence Length (linear ft)

Fence Material

Fence Height

Post Style

Number of Gates

Gate Width

Remove Old Fence

Labour Region

Cost Estimate

Material Cost —

Labour Cost —

Gate Cost —

Removal & Disposal —

Total Estimated Cost —

Cost Per Linear Foot —

Estimates use mid-range Ontario contractor rates. Actual costs vary with site conditions (slopes, trees, rocky soil), contractor overhead, and material availability.

Assumptions & Methodology

Mid-range 2025 rates for Ontario residential fence installation. Regional labour multipliers applied.

Wood Privacy (6 ft): Materials ~$32/lf (posts, boards, concrete, hardware), Labour ~$25/lf.
Vinyl: Materials ~$40/lf, Labour ~$20/lf. Vinyl panels are more expensive but labour is faster.
Chain Link: Materials ~$20/lf, Labour ~$15/lf. Most economical option.
Aluminum: Materials ~$30/lf, Labour ~$18/lf. Low-maintenance decorative option.
Split Rail: Materials ~$18/lf, Labour ~$12/lf. Open style, not a privacy fence.
Height multipliers: 4 ft ×0.80, 6 ft ×1.00, 8 ft ×1.30.
Post style premium: Posts spaced every 8 lf. Post Cap adds ~$15/post; Decorative ~$35/post.
Gates: Walk gate (3 ft) ~$350 installed; Drive gate (10 ft) ~$900 installed.
Removal: Old fence tear-out and disposal ~$7.50/lf (concrete post removal extra).
Regional multipliers: BC ×1.12, AB ×1.08, ON ×1.00, QC ×0.88, Maritime ×0.82.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to install a fence in Canada?

A standard 120 lf wood privacy fence in Ontario costs $6,000–$9,000 installed, including gates. Vinyl runs $8,000–$12,000 for the same length. Chain link is the most affordable at $3,500–$5,500. Costs increase with height, post style, and removal of an old fence. BC runs 10–12% higher; Quebec 10–12% lower.

What's the cheapest fence option?

Chain link is the most economical at $25–45/lf installed for a standard 6 ft fence. Split rail is also affordable ($30–45/lf) but provides no privacy. For privacy at a low cost, wood privacy fence at $45–65/lf is the next step up. Vinyl and aluminum cost more upfront but require less maintenance over time.

Do I need a permit to build a fence in Ontario?

Most residential fences under 6 ft do not require a building permit in Ontario, but you do need to comply with local zoning bylaws (setback from property line, height restrictions in front yards). Fences over 6 ft, swimming pool enclosures, and fences on corner lots often require permits. Always check with your municipality before starting.

Wood vs vinyl fence — which is better?

Wood (pressure treated) is $15–25/lf cheaper installed but needs staining or painting every 3–5 years and will eventually rot, warp, or check. Vinyl costs more upfront but is virtually maintenance-free, doesn't rot, and holds its colour for decades. The lifetime cost difference often narrows significantly if you factor in wood maintenance. For resale appeal, both perform well.

How long does fence installation take?

A professional 2-person crew can install 80–120 lf of wood or vinyl fence per day on a straightforward site. A standard 120 lf backyard fence takes 1–2 days. Concrete post footings add a day of curing time before the fence can be built — most contractors stage the pour and come back the next morning to install panels.

How Much Does a Fence Cost in Canada?

Fencing is one of the most common outdoor projects for Canadian homeowners — whether for privacy, security, pet containment, or simply defining your property line. Costs vary widely by material, height, terrain, and province, but this guide covers what you need to know before calling contractors.

Average Fence Costs by Material (Ontario, 2025)

The following ranges are for a standard 6 ft residential fence, fully installed per linear foot:

Wood Privacy: $45–$65/lf installed ($5,400–$7,800 for 120 lf)
Vinyl: $60–$85/lf installed ($7,200–$10,200 for 120 lf)
Chain Link: $30–$50/lf installed ($3,600–$6,000 for 120 lf)
Aluminum: $55–$75/lf installed ($6,600–$9,000 for 120 lf)
Split Rail: $30–$45/lf installed ($3,600–$5,400 for 120 lf)

What Drives Fence Costs Up

Beyond material and length, the biggest cost variables are: terrain (slopes and rocky ground increase labour significantly — expect a 15–30% premium), old fence removal (add $5–10/lf for tear-out and disposal), gates (walk gates are $250–450 each; drive gates $600–1,200), and post style (decorative post tops add $20–40 per post). Permits for taller fences or pool enclosures add $200–500.

DIY vs. Hiring a Contractor

A wood privacy fence is a realistic DIY project for a handy homeowner — you can save $15–25/lf by doing the labour yourself. The critical skills are setting posts plumb and at consistent height on uneven ground, and properly mixing and placing concrete footings below the frost line (1.2m in most of Ontario). Vinyl and aluminum fencing is actually easier to install than wood — panels click together quickly once posts are set. Chain link requires specialized tools (stretcher bar, come-along) and is less DIY-friendly.

Getting Accurate Quotes

Get at least 3 quotes. Provide each contractor with your total linear footage, gate locations and widths, the material and height you want, and photos of the site (especially terrain challenges). Ask each quote to break out materials, labour, gates, and removal separately. A significant price difference between quotes usually points to different assumptions about scope — clarify before signing.