Recent Fence IQ Answers
Browse the latest fence building questions from Vancouver and Metro Vancouver homeowners.
What's a reasonable budget for a fence around a new-build home in South Surrey?
A typical new-build home in South Surrey will need 200-300 linear feet of fencing, with total costs ranging from $8,000-...
What's the best privacy fence style for a small backyard in East Vancouver?
For a small East Vancouver backyard, a board-on-board (shadowbox) cedar fence at 6 feet is your best choice. This style...
How do I prevent green algae and moss from growing on my cedar fence in North Vancouver?
Green algae and moss growth on cedar fences is extremely common in North Vancouver due to the area's high humidity, freq...
How much does it cost to install a 6-foot cedar privacy fence around a typical Burnaby backyard?
A 6-foot Western Red Cedar privacy fence around a typical Burnaby backyard costs between $6,000 and $16,000 installed, d...
What's the best type of fence for Vancouver's rainy climate that won't rot within a few years?
The best fence materials for Vancouver's rainy marine climate are Western Red Cedar (with regular sealing), vinyl/PVC, a...
How long does a professional fence installation take for an average-sized yard in Surrey?
A professional fence installation for an average-sized Surrey yard typically takes two to four days for a standard wood...
We just bought a place in North Vancouver — is Western Red Cedar really worth the extra cost for fencing?
Yes, Western Red Cedar is absolutely worth the extra cost for fencing in North Vancouver — and arguably more so there th...
What's the difference between pressure-treated wood and cedar for fencing in Metro Vancouver?
The core difference is how each material resists rot: Western Red Cedar uses natural oils built into the wood fibre, whi...
How deep should fence posts be set in the ground for Vancouver's soil conditions?
Fence posts in Metro Vancouver should be set a minimum of 24 inches (2 feet) deep for a standard 6-foot fence, and 30 to...
Can I install a fence during Vancouver's rainy season from October to March?
Yes, you can install a fence during Vancouver's rainy season — and experienced Metro Vancouver fence contractors do it r...
What's the typical cost per linear foot for a basic wood fence in Richmond BC?
A basic 6-foot wood privacy fence in Richmond, BC costs $30 to $65 per linear foot installed for pressure-treated lumber...
How do I choose between a nail-on and a panel fence system for my Coquitlam property?
A nail-on (board-by-board) fence is built on site by attaching individual fence boards directly to rails between posts,...
Is it worth getting a fence with concrete post footings in Metro Vancouver or can I just use gravel?
Concrete post footings are strongly recommended — and effectively required — for any permanent fence in Metro Vancouver'...
How much does vinyl fencing cost compared to wood in Metro Vancouver?
Vinyl fencing typically costs $35 to $70 per linear foot installed in Metro Vancouver, while wood fencing ranges from $3...
Does vinyl fencing hold up well in Vancouver's constant rain and humidity?
Vinyl fencing is one of the best-performing fence materials in Vancouver's wet marine climate precisely because it does...
What are the pros and cons of chain-link fencing for a residential property in Surrey?
Chain-link fencing is the most affordable permanent fencing option for residential properties in Surrey, costing $20 to...
Can I add privacy slats to an existing chain-link fence and how much does that cost in Vancouver?
Yes, privacy slats can be added to most existing chain-link fences and are one of the most cost-effective ways to gain p...
How long does a vinyl fence typically last in the Lower Mainland climate?
A quality vinyl fence installed in the Lower Mainland typically lasts 25 to 30 years or longer, making it one of the lon...
What's the cheapest fencing option for a large backyard in Langley BC?
Galvanized chain-link fencing is the cheapest permanent fencing option for a large backyard in Langley, costing $20 to $...
Is black vinyl-coated chain-link worth the extra cost over galvanized in Vancouver?
Black vinyl-coated chain-link is absolutely worth the extra cost for most residential properties in Vancouver, typically...
How much should I budget for a complete vinyl privacy fence around a 5,000 square foot lot in Burnaby?
For a complete 6-foot vinyl privacy fence around a 5,000 square foot lot in Burnaby, budget $8,000 to $18,000 installed,...
Can chain-link fencing be installed on sloped terrain in North Vancouver?
Yes, chain-link fencing can absolutely be installed on sloped terrain and is actually one of the easiest fence types to...
What height of chain-link fence do I need for a pool enclosure in BC?
The BC Building Code requires a minimum fence height of 1.2 metres (approximately 4 feet) for pool enclosures in British...
My wood fence is leaning badly after a windstorm in Vancouver — can it be repaired or does it need full replacement?
In most cases, a leaning wood fence after a windstorm can be repaired rather than fully replaced — but it depends on the...
How much does it cost to replace a few rotted fence posts in Metro Vancouver?
Replacing individual rotted fence posts in Metro Vancouver typically costs $150-$400 per post, with most homeowners spen...
What's the best way to prevent fence rot in Vancouver's wet climate?
The best way to prevent fence rot in Vancouver's wet climate is a combination of proper material selection, correct inst...
How often should I stain or seal my wood fence if I live in the Lower Mainland?
You should stain or seal your wood fence every 2-3 years if you live in the Lower Mainland — and closer to every 2 years...
Our fence was damaged by a falling tree branch in a Vancouver storm — does homeowner's insurance cover fence repair?
In most cases, yes — homeowner's insurance in BC typically covers fence damage caused by a fallen tree or branch, as thi...
What's the best privacy fence style for a suburban lot in Delta BC?
For a suburban lot in Delta, a 6-foot board-on-board (shadowbox) Western Red Cedar fence is the best all-around privacy...
How tall can I build a privacy fence in the City of Vancouver without needing a permit?
In the City of Vancouver, you can build a fence up to 1.8 metres (approximately 6 feet) in your rear and side yards with...
What's the difference between board-on-board and solid board privacy fencing?
Board-on-board (also called shadowbox) fencing has alternating boards mounted on opposite sides of the horizontal rails...
Can I build a privacy fence between my property and my neighbour's in BC without their permission?
Yes, you can build a fence on your own property in BC without your neighbour's permission, as long as the fence is entir...
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 installe...
What's the total cost to fence a quarter-acre property in Surrey BC with cedar?
Fencing a quarter-acre property in Surrey with Western Red Cedar will typically cost between $12,000 and $24,000 install...
How much more expensive is aluminum fencing compared to wood in Metro Vancouver?
Aluminum fencing typically costs 30-60% more than wood fencing upfront in Metro Vancouver, but the total cost of ownersh...
Should I budget extra for rock removal when installing fence posts in North Vancouver?
Yes, absolutely — if your property is in North Vancouver, you should budget an additional $20-$50 per post hole for pote...
What's the price difference between a 4-foot and 6-foot fence in Vancouver?
A 6-foot fence typically costs 20-35% more than a 4-foot fence in Metro Vancouver, adding roughly $8-$25 per linear foot...
How much does it cost to have an old fence removed and hauled away in Metro Vancouver?
Old fence removal and disposal in Metro Vancouver typically costs $3-$8 per linear foot, with most residential projects...
What type of wood is most resistant to moisture damage for fencing in Vancouver?
Western Red Cedar is the clear winner for moisture resistance in Metro Vancouver fencing, and it's the reason cedar domi...
Are composite fence boards worth the higher cost in Vancouver's climate?
Composite fence boards are absolutely worth considering in Vancouver's climate, and they may be the smartest long-term i...
What's the best fence post material for longevity in Vancouver's wet soil?
Steel posts — either galvanized or powder-coated — offer the longest lifespan in Vancouver's wet soil, lasting 30-50+ ye...
How does Hardie board compare to wood for fencing in the Lower Mainland?
Hardie board (fibre cement) is not a mainstream fencing material and is rarely used for fence panels in Metro Vancouver,...
What type of hardware and fasteners should I use for a fence in Vancouver to prevent rust?
Use hot-dip galvanized or stainless steel fasteners for any fence in Metro Vancouver — standard steel hardware will rust...
How much does a driveway gate cost to install in Metro Vancouver?
A driveway gate in Metro Vancouver typically costs $800-$3,000 installed for a manual swing or sliding gate, and $2,500-...
What's the cost of adding an automatic gate opener to an existing fence in Vancouver?
Adding an automatic gate opener to an existing fence gate in Vancouver typically costs $1,200-$4,500 installed, dependin...
What type of gate hinges work best for heavy cedar gates in Vancouver's humidity?
Heavy-duty stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized strap hinges are the best choice for heavy cedar gates in Metro Vanc...
How wide should a pedestrian gate be and what are the standard sizes available in BC?
A standard pedestrian gate should be 36-42 inches (3-3.5 feet) wide for comfortable everyday use, though gates are avail...
Can I install an electric gate on my residential property in Vancouver without a permit?
It depends on the type of electrical connection. Low-voltage gate openers that plug into a standard outdoor outlet gener...
Do I need a building permit to build a fence in the City of Surrey?
No, a building permit is not required for standard residential fences in the City of Surrey. However, your fence must co...
What are the fence height restrictions in the City of Burnaby?
In the City of Burnaby, the maximum fence height is 1.2 metres (approximately 4 feet) in front yards and 1.8 metres (app...
Have Your Own Question?
Get free, instant answers from Fence IQ. No signup required!
Ask Free QuestionFind a Fence Contractor
Get matched with experienced fence building contractors in Metro Vancouver.
Find a Fence Contractor