What's the total cost including HST for a 200 linear foot cedar fence in Vancouver?

A 200-linear-foot Western Red Cedar privacy fence in Vancouver costs approximately $8,000 to $16,000 before tax, or $8,960 to $17,920 including GST — there is no HST in British Columbia. This is an important distinction: BC charges 5% GST (federal) plus 7% PST (provincial) separately, not the combined HST that Ontario and some Atlantic provinces use. However, residential fence installation labour is PST-exempt in BC, which saves you money compared to provinces with HST.

Let me break this down clearly so you know exactly where your money goes.

Material Costs (Subject to Both GST and PST)

For 200 linear feet of 6-foot cedar privacy fence, the material costs include:

Posts: Approximately 26 posts at 8-foot spacing (plus extras for corners and gates). Using 4x4 cedar posts at $15 to $25 each: $390 to $650. If your contractor recommends 6x6 posts (better for wind resistance in exposed locations): $650 to $1,170.

Rails: Three horizontal rails per section (top, middle, bottom). For 200 linear feet: approximately $800 to $1,400 in 2x4 cedar rail stock.

Fence boards: For a standard 6-foot vertical privacy fence using 1x6 cedar boards, you need roughly 400 boards. At $4 to $8 per board depending on grade: $1,600 to $3,200. Board-on-board (shadowbox) style uses about 30% more boards.

Concrete and gravel: Approximately 2 bags of premix concrete per post plus drainage gravel: $350 to $550 for 26 posts.

Fasteners and hardware: Galvanized or stainless steel screws (essential in Vancouver's wet climate), brackets, and gate hardware: $200 to $500.

Total materials: approximately $3,340 to $7,470. Materials are subject to both 5% GST and 7% PST (12% combined), adding $400 to $896 in tax.

Labour Costs (Subject to GST Only)

Professional fence installation labour in Metro Vancouver runs $20 to $40 per linear foot, depending on the contractor, terrain, and complexity. For 200 linear feet: $4,000 to $8,000 in labour. In BC, labour for residential construction is exempt from PST — you only pay 5% GST on the labour portion, adding $200 to $400.

Total Project Cost Summary

Here is the full picture for a 200-linear-foot, 6-foot Western Red Cedar privacy fence in Vancouver:

Materials: $3,340 to $7,470
Labour: $4,000 to $8,000
Subtotal before tax: $7,340 to $15,470

GST (5% on everything): $367 to $774
PST (7% on materials only): $234 to $523
Total tax: $601 to $1,297

Grand total: $7,941 to $16,767

If you add one pedestrian gate ($200 to $600) and old fence removal ($600 to $1,600), the all-in number reaches $8,741 to $18,967 including all taxes.

Most fence contractors in Metro Vancouver provide quotes that include GST but may or may not itemize PST separately. When comparing quotes, always confirm whether the price is "plus tax" or "tax included" and whether old fence removal and dump fees are included or extra. A good contractor's quote will itemize materials, labour, removal, gates, and taxes so you can see exactly what you are paying for.

One more tax note: If you hire a contractor whose total invoice (including materials they supply) exceeds $500, they are required to charge and remit GST. A contractor who offers to do the work "cash, no tax" is operating outside the law, will not carry proper insurance or WorkSafeBC coverage, and leaves you with no recourse if something goes wrong. Always get a written quote, a contract, and receipts showing GST registration.

Want to compare quotes from multiple Vancouver fence contractors? Vancouver Fence Builders can match you with experienced professionals for free — just reach out and we will connect you with contractors who provide detailed, transparent pricing.

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