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 depending on material and style. The cost increase comes from three factors: more material per panel section, longer (and often thicker) posts that must be set deeper, and slightly more labour time for the taller installation.

Here's how the numbers break down by material for installed pricing in Metro Vancouver. A 4-foot Western Red Cedar picket fence runs about $30-$55 per linear foot, while a 6-foot cedar privacy fence costs $40-$80 per linear foot. For pressure-treated wood, a 4-foot fence is $22-$45 per linear foot versus $30-$65 for 6-foot. Vinyl fencing shows similar scaling: a 4-foot vinyl picket is $25-$50 per linear foot, while a 6-foot vinyl privacy panel costs $35-$70. Chain-link is the most predictable — a 4-foot galvanized chain-link fence runs $20-$35 per linear foot, and 6-foot chain-link is $28-$45.

The post cost increase is often underestimated. A 4-foot fence uses 4x4 posts that are typically 7 feet long (4 feet above grade plus minimum 2 feet below grade plus a few inches for gravel drainage). A 6-foot fence needs posts that are at least 9 feet long, and many contractors use 10-foot 4x4s or step up to 6x6 posts for added strength. The price difference per post is $5-$15, and with posts every 8 feet on a 150-foot fence run, that's an extra $100-$280 just in post material. Deeper post holes also require more concrete — a 6-foot fence post should be set at least 30 inches deep in Metro Vancouver's wet soil, compared to 24 inches for a 4-foot fence.

On a typical Metro Vancouver project of 200 linear feet, the total cost difference between 4-foot and 6-foot fencing is roughly $1,600-$5,000 depending on material. That's a meaningful amount, but most homeowners who invest in fencing choose 6-foot for the rear and side yards because it provides genuine privacy. A 4-foot fence does not block sight lines — most adults can see over it easily — so it's primarily used for decorative front-yard borders, property line markers, and pet containment.

Vancouver's municipal bylaws align with this decision. The City of Vancouver allows fences up to 1.83 metres (6 feet) in rear and side yards, but limits front-yard fences to 1.22 metres (4 feet). Most other Metro Vancouver municipalities follow similar height limits. So the practical decision often comes down to geography on your lot: 6-foot on the sides and rear where the bylaw allows it and privacy matters, and 4-foot (or no fence) in the front where height limits and aesthetics apply.

One cost-saving hybrid approach is to use 6-foot fencing along the rear and side boundaries where you need privacy, and 4-foot fencing or decorative aluminum along the front. This targets the higher-cost material where it delivers the most value — privacy and security — while keeping the front yard budget-friendly and compliant with height restrictions.

Want to compare quotes for your specific project? Vancouver Fence Builders can connect you with local fence contractors for free estimates across Metro Vancouver.

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