What's the best privacy fence solution for a townhouse patio in Burnaby?

The best privacy fence solution for a townhouse patio in Burnaby depends heavily on whether your townhouse is a strata property — which most Burnaby townhouses are — because strata bylaws typically dictate what you can and cannot install on patio boundaries. Before spending a dollar on materials or hiring a contractor, your first step must be reviewing your strata's bylaws and getting written approval from strata council for any fence modification.

Most Burnaby townhouse complexes built in the last 30 years are bare land strata or strata lots with designated limited common property (LCP) patios. The patio area is typically yours to use exclusively, but the fencing or screening around it is often classified as common property or is governed by strata appearance standards. Many stratas require uniform fencing throughout the complex — meaning you may need to match the existing style, colour, and height rather than choosing freely. Some stratas allow modifications within guidelines (for example, adding a lattice extension or privacy screen to an existing fence), while others prohibit any changes without full council approval and a 3/4 vote.

Assuming your strata approves the project, here are the best privacy solutions for townhouse patios in Burnaby:

Vinyl privacy panels are often the ideal choice for townhouse patios because they're clean, uniform, maintenance-free, and available in neutral colours (white, tan, grey) that satisfy most strata appearance requirements. A 6-foot vinyl privacy fence for a typical townhouse patio enclosure of 30 to 50 linear feet costs $1,500 to $3,500 installed. Vinyl won't rot, warp, or need staining in Burnaby's wet climate, and it cleans easily with a garden hose — important for small patio spaces where dirt and algae are immediately visible.

Western Red Cedar privacy fencing provides a warmer, more natural look that many homeowners prefer. A board-on-board (shadowbox) cedar fence is an excellent choice for patio enclosures because it looks attractive from both sides — important when the other side faces a neighbour's patio or a common walkway. Cedar patio fencing runs $2,000 to $4,000 for 30 to 50 linear feet at 6 feet tall. The trade-off is maintenance: cedar needs staining or sealing every 2 to 3 years in Burnaby's wet climate, and in a small patio space, the annual moss and mildew cleaning becomes part of your routine.

Privacy screens and planters are a less permanent option that may not require strata approval in some complexes (check your bylaws). Freestanding privacy screens made of wood, metal, or composite materials can be positioned around a patio without modifying existing fences or structures. Large planter boxes with tall grasses, bamboo, or columnar cedars create living privacy screens. This approach is more flexible and can be removed if you sell or if strata requirements change, but it provides less complete privacy than a solid fence.

Lattice extensions added to existing lower fences are a common and often strata-friendly solution. If your townhouse patio currently has a 4-foot fence and you want more privacy, adding a 2-foot lattice section on top brings the total to 6 feet while maintaining airflow and light. Lattice extensions cost $8 to $15 per linear foot for materials and installation. The City of Burnaby generally allows fences up to 1.83 metres (6 feet) in rear and side yards without a permit, so a lattice extension that keeps the total height at or below 6 feet is typically compliant.

For Burnaby townhouse patios specifically, also consider your orientation. North-facing patios already get limited sunlight, so a solid 6-foot privacy fence can make the space feel dark and enclosed. In this situation, a semi-privacy style (shadowbox or spaced boards) or a lattice-top design provides screening while allowing more light through. South-facing patios can handle full privacy panels without the darkness issue.

Want to explore your options? Vancouver Fence Builders can connect you with fence contractors experienced with townhouse and strata projects across Burnaby — our matching service is free, and contractors familiar with strata requirements can help navigate the approval process.

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