What's the recommended spacing between cedar fence posts in Metro Vancouver's soft ground?

For cedar fence posts in Metro Vancouver's soft, wet soil, 6-foot spacing is strongly recommended instead of the standard 8-foot spacing used in drier climates. The region's marine climate, heavy rainfall, and naturally soft ground conditions require closer post spacing to prevent sagging and maintain structural integrity over time.

Metro Vancouver's unique soil conditions make post spacing critical for fence longevity. The area receives over 1,200mm of annual rainfall, with some North Shore locations exceeding 2,000mm, creating consistently soft, moisture-saturated ground. Unlike the harder clay soils found in the Interior or Prairie provinces, Metro Vancouver's soil provides less lateral support for fence posts, especially during the wet season from October through March when the ground becomes particularly saturated.

Standard spacing recommendations for Metro Vancouver:

• 6-foot post spacing for most residential cedar privacy fences up to 6 feet tall


• 5-foot spacing for 8-foot privacy fences or wind-exposed locations (North Shore, waterfront properties)


• 4-foot spacing for solid fences in high-wind areas or where maximum structural integrity is required

The closer spacing compensates for the reduced holding power of soft soil and helps distribute wind loads more effectively. Solid cedar privacy panels act as wind sails, and Metro Vancouver's winter storms can generate winds of 80-100 km/h, particularly on the North Shore. With 8-foot spacing in soft ground, the middle of fence panels often sags within 2-3 years, creating an unsightly wave effect that's expensive to correct.

Post depth is equally critical in Metro Vancouver's conditions. Cedar posts should be set minimum 2.5 feet deep for 6-foot fences, and 3 feet deep for 8-foot fences or exposed locations. Use 4x4 cedar posts for fences up to 6 feet, but upgrade to 6x6 posts for anything taller or in high-wind areas. The larger post size provides more surface area for concrete adhesion and better resistance to lateral forces.

Concrete and drainage considerations are essential in Metro Vancouver's wet climate. Each post hole should include 4-6 inches of drainage gravel at the bottom, followed by concrete around the post. The gravel prevents water from pooling around the post base, which accelerates rot even in naturally rot-resistant cedar. Use fast-setting concrete mix, but avoid pouring concrete footings during heavy rain as this compromises the cure and reduces holding strength.

When to hire a professional: Post setting requires precise spacing, proper depth, plumb alignment, and correct concrete techniques. A fence with poorly spaced or shallow posts will lean, sag, and potentially fail within a few years. Professional fence installers have the equipment to dig consistent holes in Metro Vancouver's root-filled, rocky soil (common on the North Shore and parts of Coquitlam) and the experience to adjust spacing for terrain variations while maintaining structural integrity.

The additional cost of closer post spacing—typically one extra post per 24-30 feet of fence—is a worthwhile investment that can extend your fence life from 10-15 years to 20-25 years in Metro Vancouver's challenging climate conditions.