We got a quote for $8,000 for 120 feet of cedar fence in Port Coquitlam — is that reasonable?

$8,000 for 120 feet of cedar fencing works out to about $67 per linear foot, which falls right in the middle of the current Metro Vancouver market range for quality cedar privacy fencing. This is a reasonable quote for 6-foot cedar fencing in Port Coquitlam, assuming it includes proper materials, installation, and concrete footings.

Breaking down your quote, at $67 per linear foot, you're looking at pricing that suggests quality Western Red Cedar boards, proper 4x4 cedar posts set in concrete, galvanized hardware, and professional installation. Cedar fencing in Metro Vancouver typically runs $40-$80 per linear foot installed, with basic cedar picket fences at the lower end and premium board-on-board or horizontal designs at the upper end. Your quote sits comfortably in the middle range, which usually indicates solid construction without premium upgrades.

Port Coquitlam's specific conditions make proper installation especially important. The area gets significant rainfall — over 1,400mm annually — and has clay-heavy soil in many neighborhoods that retains moisture. This means your fence posts need proper concrete footings with gravel drainage beds to prevent water pooling around the post bases. Quality contractors in the Tri-Cities understand these local soil conditions and factor proper drainage into their installations.

What should be included at this price point: Your quote should cover Western Red Cedar boards (likely 1x6 or 1x8), cedar or pressure-treated posts, concrete footings, galvanized fasteners, and professional installation with cleanup. The fence should be built with posts spaced no more than 8 feet apart, set at least 2 feet deep (deeper in soft soil), and include gravel drainage at the base of each post hole. Ask specifically about the board thickness, post size (4x4 minimum), and whether end-cut sealer will be applied to all cut surfaces.

Red flags to watch for include quotes significantly below $50 per linear foot, which often means shallow posts, minimal concrete, or lower-grade materials that won't last in Metro Vancouver's wet climate. Also be cautious of quotes that don't specify cedar grade or include concrete in the price. Some contractors quote material-only prices or charge extra for concrete, which can add $8-12 per post to your final cost.

Before accepting, verify that the contractor carries WorkSafeBC coverage and liability insurance, and ask to see photos of recent cedar fence projects in Port Coquitlam or nearby areas. The wet climate in the Tri-Cities means fence quality varies dramatically — a well-built cedar fence will last 15-20 years with proper maintenance, while a poorly installed fence may start leaning or showing rot within 5-7 years.

Consider getting 2-3 quotes to compare not just price but also the specifics of construction methods, post depth, concrete usage, and warranty terms. Quality fence contractors in Port Coquitlam will gladly explain their installation process and show you examples of their work in similar soil and climate conditions.

Need help finding additional fence contractors for comparison quotes? Vancouver Fence Builders can match you with local professionals through the Vancouver Construction Network for free estimates on your project.