How much does a cedar lattice-top fence cost per linear foot in Metro Vancouver?

A cedar lattice-top fence in Metro Vancouver typically costs $50 to $90 per linear foot installed for a 6-foot total height, with the solid cedar panel occupying the lower 4 to 5 feet and a lattice section adding 1 to 2 feet on top. This hybrid design is one of the most popular fence styles in Metro Vancouver because it delivers privacy where you need it while allowing light and airflow through the lattice — a practical advantage in a region where shading from solid fences can make already-dim winter yards feel even darker.

The cost breakdown for a typical 6-foot cedar lattice-top fence includes several components. The solid cedar section (lower 4 to 5 feet) accounts for the majority of the material cost and is essentially the same as a standard privacy fence — boards attached to horizontal rails between posts. The lattice section (upper 1 to 2 feet) adds $8 to $20 per linear foot depending on the lattice style. Pre-made lattice panels (the most economical option) cost $3 to $8 per linear foot for the material, with diagonal lattice being the most common and affordable, and square lattice costing slightly more. Custom-built lattice with thicker slats, tighter spacing, or specific patterns costs $10 to $20 per linear foot but provides a more substantial, premium appearance.

For a 100-linear-foot cedar lattice-top fence at 6 feet total height, expect to pay $5,000 to $9,000 installed in Metro Vancouver. This includes 4x4 or 6x6 cedar posts set in concrete with gravel drainage (spaced 8 feet apart), three horizontal rails per section, tongue-and-groove or flat cedar boards for the solid portion, a lattice cap frame that holds the lattice panel, the lattice panels themselves, post caps, and all stainless steel or galvanized fasteners. Labour for a lattice-top fence runs slightly higher than a standard privacy fence because the lattice frame requires additional carpentry — each panel section needs a top rail, a lattice frame with trim, and precise fitting to ensure the lattice sits level and square.

The lattice-top design offers several practical advantages in Metro Vancouver's climate. First, the open lattice section allows wind to pass through the upper portion of the fence, reducing wind load compared to a fully solid 6-foot fence. This is particularly valuable in exposed locations on the North Shore, West Vancouver hillsides, and waterfront properties in White Rock and Richmond. Second, the lattice allows dappled sunlight into the yard — important in Metro Vancouver's overcast climate, where a fully solid 6-foot fence on the south or west side of a yard can create deep, persistent shade. Third, lattice provides a ready-made trellis for climbing plants like clematis, jasmine, honeysuckle, and climbing hydrangea — all of which thrive in Metro Vancouver's mild, wet climate and add beauty to the fence year-round.

Lattice quality varies significantly, and this is one area where cheaper is not better in Metro Vancouver's wet marine climate. Budget lattice panels made from thin stapled strips are the most common option at $15 to $30 per 4x8 sheet, but they're fragile, sag over time, and deteriorate quickly when exposed to constant moisture. Heavy-duty cedar lattice with thicker strips (3/4 inch rather than 1/4 inch) and screwed rather than stapled joints costs $40 to $70 per 4x8 sheet but lasts significantly longer. For the best longevity, choose lattice made from Western Red Cedar rather than pressure-treated spruce — cedar's natural rot resistance is especially important in the lattice section, which is fully exposed to rain from above and doesn't benefit from the partial shelter that the solid fence section below provides.

The lattice frame is an often-overlooked detail that affects both appearance and durability. A properly built lattice-top fence has the lattice panel recessed into a cedar frame — essentially a picture frame of 2x2 or 2x4 cedar trim that holds the lattice securely on all four edges. This frame prevents the lattice from warping, sagging, or popping out during wind, and it creates a clean visual transition between the solid fence and the lattice section. Some budget installations simply staple lattice directly to the top of the fence posts without a frame, which looks crude and fails quickly. Insist on framed lattice panels for a result that lasts.

Maintenance for a cedar lattice-top fence follows the same schedule as any cedar fence in Metro Vancouver — stain or seal every 2 to 3 years. The lattice section requires extra attention because its many surfaces and crevices trap moisture and promote moss and mildew growth. A pressure washer on a low setting (or a garden hose with a scrub brush) cleans the lattice effectively before re-staining. Find experienced fence contractors who build quality lattice-top fences through Vancouver Fence Builders — our free matching service covers all of Metro Vancouver.

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