Last updated: June 2026 · By the Fortress Fencing Inc. team — fence installers serving Metro Vancouver.
Planning a new fence in Metro Vancouver and trying to pin down a budget? Fence pricing in BC swings widely with the material you pick, your property’s slope and access, and the details of the job. After installing fences across Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, Langley and the Fraser Valley, we’ve put together this 2026 guide that breaks down real per-foot costs by material — so you can budget with confidence before you ever request a quote.
How Much Does a Fence Cost in BC?
In BC, a fence typically costs between $25 and $100+ per linear foot installed, depending on the material. As a 2026 guideline: chain link runs about $26–$40/ft, pressure-treated wood $27–$35/ft, cedar $35–$50/ft, vinyl $30–$70/ft, and aluminum or ornamental fencing $20–$45/ft. For an average 150-foot backyard, most Metro Vancouver homeowners budget roughly $5,000–$12,000 all-in.
Fence Cost by Material in BC (2026)
| Material | Installed cost per linear foot (BC) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Chain link (6 ft) | $26 – $40 | Budget, security, commercial & pet yards |
| Pressure-treated wood | $27 – $35 | Lowest-cost privacy fencing |
| Cedar wood | $35 – $50 | Classic West Coast privacy look |
| Vinyl (PVC) | $30 – $70 | Low-maintenance, long-lasting privacy |
| Aluminum / ornamental iron | $20 – $45 | Decorative, rust-resistant, pool-safe |
| Composite | $60 – $80 | Premium, no-rot, modern look |
As a broad planning range, fencing in Canada commonly lands between roughly $25 and $100+ per linear foot once labour, materials, and site conditions are included. In our experience, most Metro Vancouver residential projects cluster in the $35–$70/ft range once a gate or two is added.
What Affects the Final Price of Your Fence?
Two homes on the same street can get very different quotes. The biggest cost drivers we see across Metro Vancouver are:
- Fence height: a 6-ft fence uses more material and stronger posts than a 4-ft one.
- Gates: each gate adds roughly $200–$700+; automated or double-drive gates cost more.
- Old fence removal & disposal: tearing out and hauling away an existing fence adds to the bill.
- Slope & terrain: sloped, rocky, or hillside yards (common on the North Shore) take longer to install.
- Post setting: concrete footings, retaining walls, or fencing on top of a wall raise costs.
- Access: tight side yards, alleys, or limited equipment access add labour time.
- Permits: fences over the bylaw height may require a development permit — see our guide on whether you need a fence permit in Vancouver.
Sample Fence Budgets in Metro Vancouver
- 100 ft chain link (6 ft): roughly $2,600 – $4,000
- 150 ft cedar privacy fence (6 ft): roughly $5,250 – $7,500
- 150 ft vinyl privacy fence: roughly $4,500 – $10,500
- 120 ft aluminum / ornamental: roughly $2,400 – $5,400
These are ballpark figures — an on-site measurement is the only way to get an accurate number for your property’s exact length, slope, and access. For city-specific pricing, see our Surrey fence installation cost and Greater Vancouver & Fraser Valley cost guides.
Does a New Fence Add Value to Your Home?
A well-built fence is one of the few exterior upgrades that delivers both daily use and resale appeal. In BC’s competitive housing market, a quality privacy or security fence improves curb appeal, defines the property line, adds child- and pet-safety, and is a frequent buyer expectation for family homes. Durable, low-maintenance materials like vinyl and aluminum tend to protect that value longest because they don’t grey, rot, or rust in the coastal climate.
Cost Over Time: Cheapest Up Front vs. Cheapest to Own
The lowest sticker price isn’t always the lowest lifetime cost. Pressure-treated wood and chain link are cheapest to install, but wood needs staining or sealing every few years and may be replaced sooner in BC’s rain. Vinyl and aluminum cost more on day one yet need almost no upkeep and routinely last 20–30+ years — so over two decades they can be the more economical choice. Factor maintenance and replacement cycles into your budget, not just the install quote.
Which Fence Gives the Best Value in BC?
For pure affordability, chain link and pressure-treated wood are the cheapest options up front. For the best long-term value in BC’s wet climate, vinyl and aluminum win — they resist rot, rust, and moisture damage and need almost no maintenance, so they often cost less over 20+ years even though they’re pricier on day one. Cedar offers the best balance of looks and cost for homeowners who want a natural privacy fence.
How to Save Money on a Fence (Without Cutting Corners)
- Get at least three written quotes from licensed local installers.
- Fence only what you need now — you can phase the rest later.
- Keep the fence line straight and avoid unnecessary gates or corners.
- Book in the off-season (late fall/winter) when contractors have more availability.
- Choose a material matched to BC’s rain to avoid early replacement costs.
- Avoid the cheapest “cash, no contract” bids — they often skip proper footings and permits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a fence cost per foot in Vancouver?
Most fences in Vancouver cost $26–$70 per linear foot installed, depending on material — chain link at the low end and vinyl or composite at the higher end.
What is the cheapest fence to install in BC?
Chain link is usually the cheapest at about $26–$40 per foot installed, followed closely by pressure-treated wood.
How much does it cost to fence a typical backyard in Metro Vancouver?
For an average 150-foot backyard, expect roughly $5,000–$12,000 installed, depending on the material and site conditions.
Is vinyl or cedar fencing cheaper in BC?
Cedar is usually cheaper to install ($35–$50/ft) than mid-to-high-end vinyl ($30–$70/ft), but vinyl is cheaper to own long-term because it needs no staining or sealing.
Does a fence need a permit in BC?
Not usually — most residential fences within the bylaw height limits don’t need a permit, but taller fences do. See our Vancouver fence permit guide for the exact height rules.
The Bottom Line
A fence in BC generally costs $25 to $100+ per linear foot installed, with chain link ($26–$40), wood ($27–$50), vinyl ($30–$70), and aluminum ($20–$45) covering most projects. For a typical Metro Vancouver backyard, plan on roughly $5,000–$12,000. The smartest next step is a free on-site quote so you get an exact price for your property, slope, and material choice.
Fortress Fencing Inc. provides fence installation across Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, Langley, Coquitlam, and the Fraser Valley. Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote.