How much does a 6-foot solid cedar privacy fence cost per linear foot installed in Vancouver?

A 6-foot solid Western Red Cedar privacy fence in Metro Vancouver typically costs $40-$80 per linear foot fully installed, with most projects landing in the $50-$65 range for standard construction. This includes the cedar fence boards, 4x4 cedar posts set in concrete with gravel drainage, horizontal rails (typically three per section for a 6-foot fence), all hardware, labour, and cleanup.

What drives the per-foot cost within that range: The lower end ($40-$55) applies to straightforward installations on flat ground with easy access, standard dog-ear or flat-top board profiles, 4x4 posts at 8-foot spacing, and basic construction. The upper end ($65-$80) reflects premium tight-knot or clear cedar boards, board-on-board (shadowbox) construction (which uses 50% more boards), 6x6 posts, closer post spacing for wind resistance, difficult terrain (slopes, rocky soil), or restricted access that requires hand-carrying materials through the property.

What's Included in the Per-Foot Price

A complete installed price from a reputable Metro Vancouver fence contractor should cover all materials (posts, rails, boards, concrete, gravel, fasteners), digging post holes to proper depth (minimum 2 feet, deeper in soft or exposed areas), setting posts plumb and in concrete with gravel drainage beds, attaching rails and boards with galvanized or stainless steel fasteners, applying end-cut preservative to all cut surfaces, final cleanup and disposal of packaging and debris. If old fence removal is needed, that's typically an additional $3-$8 per linear foot.

Full Project Cost Examples

To put the per-foot pricing in context for common Metro Vancouver residential projects: a small yard enclosure of 40-60 linear feet with one pedestrian gate runs $2,000-$5,000 total. A typical side and rear yard fence of 100-120 linear feet with one gate costs $5,000-$9,000 total. A full perimeter fence on a standard 33 x 120 foot Vancouver lot (approximately 250 linear feet of fencing with multiple gates) runs $12,000-$20,000 total.

Gates add cost on top of per-foot pricing. A single pedestrian gate (3-4 feet wide) adds $200-$600, while a double gate (5-6 feet wide) for wheelbarrow or equipment access adds $400-$900. Gate posts should be 6x6 (not 4x4) with extra concrete to handle the repeated stress of opening and closing.

Why Cedar Costs More — and Why It's Worth It

Western Red Cedar costs 30-50% more than pressure-treated lumber for fencing, but it's the preferred material in Metro Vancouver for good reasons. Cedar contains natural oils that resist rot, insects, and moisture absorption — critical in a climate that receives over 1,200mm of rain annually. It's locally sourced in BC, which keeps transport costs reasonable compared to imported materials. It's dimensionally stable, meaning it resists warping and cupping in wet/dry cycles. And it weathers beautifully to a silver-grey if left unstained, or maintains its warm honey-brown colour with regular staining every 2-3 years.

A properly installed and maintained cedar fence in Metro Vancouver lasts 15-25 years, compared to 10-15 years for pressure-treated. Over that lifespan, the higher upfront cost of cedar often works out to less per year than a cheaper alternative that needs replacing sooner.

Getting accurate quotes: Request written estimates from 2-3 fence contractors that specify the cedar grade, post size, post depth, concrete per post, fastener type, and whether end-cut preservative is included. The lowest quote often reflects shortcuts — shallow posts, minimal concrete, standard steel fasteners — that cost more in the long run when the fence fails prematurely. Vancouver Fence Builders can help you find experienced local fence contractors through the Vancouver Construction Network for free estimates on your project.

---

Find a Fencing Contractor

Vancouver Fence Builders connects you with experienced contractors through the https://vancouverconstructionnetwork.com:

• Levelone Construction Ltd. ✓
• Premier Grounds Contracting ✓
• Good Old Wood ✓