What's the cost of replacing all the fence boards but keeping existing posts in Vancouver?

Replacing fence boards while keeping existing posts and rails — often called a fence re-board or re-skin — typically costs $15-$40 per linear foot in Metro Vancouver, roughly 40-60% less than a full fence replacement. For a typical 200-linear-foot residential perimeter, budget $3,000-$8,000 depending on material choice and fence height. This approach makes excellent financial sense when the posts and rails are still structurally sound but the boards are weathered, warped, split, or showing significant rot.

Before committing to a re-board, the posts and rails must be carefully inspected. Have a fence contractor check every post for rot at the ground line (push firmly at the base — any soft spots or movement indicate decay), verify that posts are still plumb and firmly set in their concrete footings, and confirm that the rails (horizontal stringers) are securely fastened and free of significant rot or sagging. If more than 20-30% of posts need replacement, a full fence tear-down and rebuild is usually more cost-effective than a partial re-board combined with individual post replacements.

Material costs for the boards themselves in Metro Vancouver run: Western Red Cedar boards (1x6 dog-ear or flat-top, 6 ft length) at $4-$8 per board, with roughly 2 boards per linear foot for a standard privacy fence. Pressure-treated boards (1x6, 6 ft) at $3-$5 per board. Pre-stained or pre-finished cedar boards at $6-$12 per board. For a 200-linear-foot fence, you'll need approximately 400 boards plus 10-15% extra for waste and cuts — so material alone runs $1,200-$4,800 depending on wood choice.

Labour for a re-board project in Metro Vancouver runs $8-$18 per linear foot, which includes removing the old boards, disposing of them at a transfer station, installing new boards with proper fasteners, and ensuring consistent spacing and alignment. The labour is less than a full fence build because the posts and rails stay in place — no digging, concrete, or structural framing is needed. A professional crew can typically re-board 80-120 linear feet per day, so a 200-foot perimeter takes 2-3 days.

Additional costs to budget for include: disposal of old boards ($150-$400 depending on volume and the transfer station), any rail repairs or replacements discovered during the process ($30-$60 per rail section), new fasteners — always use hot-dipped galvanized or stainless steel ring-shank nails or structural screws ($50-$100 for a full perimeter), and post caps if you're upgrading the look ($5-$25 each). If you want the new fence stained, add $2-$5 per linear foot for professional application or plan to DIY after the wood has dried for 3-6 months.

This is a good opportunity to upgrade your fence design without the full cost of replacement. Many homeowners in Metro Vancouver take the opportunity to switch from a dated vertical dog-ear style to a modern horizontal slat design, or upgrade from pressure-treated to cedar, since only the boards are changing. Board-on-board (shadowbox) is another popular upgrade — it provides better wind resistance than solid panels and looks attractive from both sides, which is a neighbourly touch. Keep in mind that changing from vertical to horizontal board orientation may require modifying or adding rails, which increases cost.

Timing matters in Vancouver's climate. Schedule a re-board project for the drier months (May through September) if possible. While installation can happen in light rain, staining and sealing must wait for dry weather, and working in heavy rain makes the job messier and slower. If you're installing pressure-treated boards, they need 3-6 months to dry before sealing — a spring installation allows fall sealing in the same year.

Need help finding a fence contractor for a re-board project? Vancouver Fence Builders matches homeowners with experienced local professionals at no cost.

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