Recent Fence IQ Answers
Browse the latest fence building questions from Vancouver and Metro Vancouver homeowners.
Where does cedar rot start on a Vancouver fence?
Cedar rot on Vancouver fences almost always starts at the post base — specifically where the wood meets the soil or conc...
How deep does a Vancouver fence post footing go?
In Metro Vancouver, fence posts should be set a minimum of 600mm (2 feet) deep for a standard 6-foot privacy fence — and...
What type of fence provides the most privacy in a dense Vancouver neighbourhood?
For maximum privacy in a dense Vancouver neighbourhood, a 6-foot solid board-on-board cedar privacy fence is the gold st...
Why does my Vancouver gate sag after one winter?
Gate sag after one winter is almost always caused by undersized posts, inadequate footings, or hardware that wasn't buil...
Is yellow cedar worth it on a Vancouver fence?
Yellow cedar (also called yellow cypress or Alaska cedar) is an excellent fencing material, but for most Metro Vancouver...
Can one rotten Vancouver fence post be replaced alone?
Yes, a single rotten fence post can be replaced without tearing down the entire fence — and it's one of the most cost-ef...
How do I pick a fence that gives me privacy from my neighbours without making my small Vancouver yard feel closed in?
The key is balancing solid coverage at eye level with openings above or below that let in light and air — a fence that s...
What recourse do I have if my neighbour's new fence is actually on my property in Burnaby?
If your neighbour's new fence is encroaching on your property in Burnaby, your first step is to establish the legal boun...
Is it more affordable to hire a fence company or a general contractor for fence installation in BC?
For fence installation in BC, hiring a fence company is almost always more affordable than a general contractor — typica...
How do I install fence panels between existing concrete retaining walls in a Vancouver hillside yard?
Installing fence panels between existing concrete retaining walls on a hillside is one of the more technically demanding...
What if a Vancouver survey pin cannot be found?
If you can't find your survey pins in Vancouver, do not guess at the property line and do not start digging post holes....
How do I add a decorative arbour or pergola feature to my fence gate in Burnaby?
Adding an arbour or pergola feature to a fence gate in Burnaby is absolutely achievable, but it requires careful structu...
Do I need WorkSafeBC coverage if I hire someone to build my fence in BC?
You don't need to obtain WorkSafeBC coverage yourself, but you do need to confirm that the contractor you hire has it —...
How much does it cost to install a temporary construction fence around a renovation site in Vancouver?
Temporary construction fencing in Vancouver typically runs $3–$8 per linear foot per month for rental, or $15–$35 per li...
Who is responsible for the fence between my property and my neighbour's in BC — what does the law say?
In BC, responsibility for a fence on a shared property line is governed by the BC Property Law Act, which generally trea...
Does a vinyl fence need any special maintenance in Vancouver's climate or is it truly maintenance-free?
Vinyl fencing is about as close to maintenance-free as you'll find in Metro Vancouver, but "no maintenance" isn't quite...
Can I install a privacy fence along the front property line in Metro Vancouver or are there height restrictions?
Front yard fences in Metro Vancouver are permitted, but height is strictly limited — most municipalities cap front yard...
We're comparing quotes for a 6-foot vinyl fence in Delta — is $45 per foot a fair price?
$45 per linear foot for a 6-foot vinyl fence in Delta is on the lower end of the fair range, but not suspiciously cheap...
How do I clean moss and algae off a vinyl fence in the Lower Mainland without damaging it?
Vinyl fencing is one of the easiest surfaces to clean, but Metro Vancouver's wet climate means moss and algae buildup ca...
What causes those black streaks on cedar fences in Vancouver and how do I prevent them?
Those black streaks on cedar fences in Metro Vancouver are caused by tannin bleed — a natural reaction between cedar's w...
How long does a pressure-treated wood fence last in Metro Vancouver before needing replacement?
A pressure-treated wood fence in Metro Vancouver typically lasts 15–25 years before full replacement, but only if it's p...
What's a fair price for a cedar fence with post caps and trim details in the Langley area?
A cedar fence with post caps and trim details in Langley typically runs $50–$90 per linear foot installed, depending on...
How do I build a cedar fence on a slope in a hilly area like North Vancouver or Burnaby?
Building a cedar fence on a slope requires choosing between two installation methods — stepped panels or racked (angled)...
What's the best way to install a fence on a concrete patio or along a retaining wall in Vancouver?
Installing a fence on concrete or along a retaining wall requires a different approach than standard in-ground post sett...
What should I do about a fence that's leaning onto my neighbour's property in Surrey?
A leaning fence needs to be assessed quickly — if it's crossed the property line or is at risk of falling, you have both...
What's the best type of fence to install on uneven terrain in areas like Port Moody or North Van?
On uneven terrain in Port Moody or North Vancouver, Western Red Cedar with a stepped or racked panel design is your best...
Is chain-link fencing allowed in the front yard by most Metro Vancouver municipalities?
Chain-link fencing is generally permitted in front yards across most Metro Vancouver municipalities, but height restrict...
What's the price range for a 4-foot ornamental iron fence around a front yard in Vancouver?
A 4-foot ornamental fence around a front yard in Vancouver typically runs $45–$90 per linear foot installed, though what...
What's the difference between a good neighbour fence and a standard fence and which should I install in Vancouver?
A good neighbour fence (also called a shadowbox or board-on-board fence) has boards alternating on both sides of the rai...
What's the maximum fence height allowed in residential areas of Surrey without a variance?
In Surrey's residential zones, the maximum fence height is 1.83 metres (6 feet) in rear and side yards, and 1.22 metres...
What's the cheapest type of fence I can install in Abbotsford that still looks decent and lasts?
For budget-conscious homeowners in Abbotsford, pressure-treated wood fencing is your best starting point — typically $30...
We just bought a house in Langley and need a full backyard fence — what should we budget for a standard wood fence?
For a standard wood privacy fence in Langley, budget between $4,000 and $10,000 for a typical backyard enclosure, depend...
Can I replace individual fence boards on a cedar fence without it looking mismatched in colour?
Yes, you can replace individual cedar fence boards — but expect a visible colour difference for the first 1-2 seasons un...
Can I install a fence myself in BC or do I need a licensed contractor for the work?
In BC, there is no licensing requirement that prevents homeowners from installing their own fence — you are legally perm...
How close to a neighbour's driveway can I build a fence in Coquitlam?
In Coquitlam, fences near a neighbour's driveway are primarily governed by sight-line (sight triangle) requirements, whi...
How do I install a fence that steps down a hill versus one that follows the slope in Metro Vancouver?
Both methods work for sloped lots in Metro Vancouver — the right choice depends on your fence style, the steepness of yo...
Can I power wash a cedar fence safely or will it damage the wood grain?
Yes, you can pressure wash a cedar fence safely — but technique and pressure settings matter a lot. Done correctly, pres...
Is it worth repairing a 15-year-old cedar fence in Vancouver or should I just replace the whole thing?
At 15 years old, a cedar fence in Metro Vancouver is at a genuine crossroads — and the right answer depends almost entir...
How much more affordable is a pressure-treated fence compared to cedar in the Metro Vancouver market?
Pressure-treated wood typically runs 20-35% less than Western Red Cedar for a comparable fence in Metro Vancouver — a me...
How do I fix a gate that's sagging and won't close properly after the wet season in Metro Vancouver?
A sagging gate in Metro Vancouver is almost always caused by one of three things: a shifting or rotted post, stretched o...
Can I attach things like planters or lights to a vinyl fence without damaging it?
Yes, you can attach planters and lights to a vinyl fence — but the method matters a lot. Vinyl is strong but also brittl...
Can a chain-link fence be installed on a slope in North Vancouver without large gaps at the bottom?
Yes, chain-link fence can be installed on a slope in North Vancouver without large gaps at the bottom — the key is using...
How do I level a vinyl fence on a sloped lot in Coquitlam without large gaps underneath?
Vinyl fencing on sloped lots requires either stepped panels (maintaining level sections with gaps) or racked panels (fol...
What's the total cost to replace an old rotting fence with a new 6-foot cedar fence in Vancouver?
The total cost to replace a 6-foot cedar fence in Vancouver typically ranges from $45-$90 per linear foot installed, whi...
How do I treat fence posts that are starting to rot at ground level in the damp soil of Delta?
Fence posts showing rot at ground level in Delta's wet soil need immediate attention to prevent fence failure. The exten...
How do I install a horizontal cedar fence with the modern look that's popular in Vancouver right now?
Modern horizontal cedar fencing is one of the most popular fence styles in Metro Vancouver right now, but it requires pr...
What's the best decorative fence style for a heritage home in Vancouver that looks authentic?
For heritage homes in Vancouver, a traditional picket fence with period-appropriate details is the most authentic decora...
What's the process for installing fence posts in the rocky ground common in parts of West Vancouver?
Installing fence posts in West Vancouver's rocky terrain requires specialized equipment and techniques that go well beyo...
How do I find the property pins before installing a fence in my Coquitlam yard?
Finding your property pins before fence installation is absolutely critical in Coquitlam — building even a few inches on...
What type of hinges work best for a wide double gate on a fence in Langley?
Wide double gates in Langley require heavy-duty strap hinges or weld-on hinges designed for the gate's weight and Metro...
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