How much does a horizontal cedar fence with spacing cost per foot in Metro Vancouver?

A horizontal cedar fence with spacing typically costs $60 to $120 per linear foot installed in Metro Vancouver, depending on the board width, gap size, post material, fence height, and overall design complexity. This is a premium fence style that commands higher pricing than standard vertical board fences due to the precision and heavier structural requirements involved.

The cost breaks down into several components. Material costs for the cedar boards alone run $15 to $30 per linear foot for a 6-foot-tall fence using 1x6 Western Red Cedar with 15 to 25mm spacing between boards. Posts are where costs can vary significantly — standard 6x6 cedar posts add $25 to $45 each (spaced every 6 to 8 feet), while steel posts with powder coating run $50 to $100 each. Steel posts are increasingly popular for horizontal fences because they resist the lateral bowing that can occur when heavy horizontal boards push against wood posts over time, especially in Vancouver's wet climate where wood softens seasonally.

Labour typically accounts for 40 to 50% of the total cost for horizontal fences, which is higher than the 30 to 40% labour share for vertical fences. The reason is precision — every horizontal board must be dead level across the full span between posts, and the spacing must be perfectly consistent from top to bottom. Any variation is immediately visible. A skilled fence crew in Metro Vancouver charges $35 to $55 per hour per worker, and a horizontal fence takes roughly 30 to 50% longer to install than an equivalent vertical privacy fence.

Here are realistic installed costs for a typical Metro Vancouver horizontal cedar fence project:

Budget-friendly option ($60 to $80 per linear foot): 1x6 pressure-treated or lower-grade cedar boards, 20 to 25mm spacing, 6x6 cedar posts, 6-foot height. This gets you the horizontal look at a more accessible price point, though pressure-treated wood will need sealing and won't have cedar's natural beauty.

Mid-range option ($80 to $110 per linear foot): Clear or select-grade Western Red Cedar 1x6 boards, 15 to 20mm spacing, steel posts with cedar post sleeves or 6x6 clear cedar posts, 6-foot height. This is the sweet spot most Metro Vancouver homeowners land on — premium appearance with quality materials that will last 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance.

Premium option ($110 to $150 per linear foot): Tight-knot or clear vertical-grain Western Red Cedar, custom board widths, steel posts with powder coating, integrated lighting, 6 to 8-foot height, and possibly a cap rail detail. This is what you'll see on high-end builds in Kitsilano, Point Grey, and West Vancouver.

For a typical 100-linear-foot project (common for a rear yard plus one side), budget $6,000 to $12,000 for a quality horizontal cedar fence with spacing. That includes old fence removal ($3 to $8 per linear foot), posts set in concrete with gravel drainage beds, all fasteners (stainless steel screws are essential in Metro Vancouver's wet climate), and cleanup. Add $200 to $600 for each gate.

One important cost factor specific to Vancouver's climate: horizontal fences with spacing tend to handle moisture better than solid privacy fences because airflow between the boards helps both sides of each board dry after rain. This can actually extend the life of the fence compared to solid board-on-board designs where trapped moisture accelerates rot between boards. That said, you'll still want to stain or seal the cedar every 2 to 3 years — budget $2 to $4 per linear foot for professional staining.

Get matched with fence contractors who specialize in horizontal designs through Vancouver Fence Builders — our service is free and we can connect you with professionals who will provide detailed quotes for your specific project.

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