How Much Does a Cedar Fence Cost in the GTA? (2026 Pricing Guide)

Cedar privacy fences are one of the most common exterior projects GTA homeowners undertake — and one of the most inconsistently priced. A quote for a backyard fence can range from $40 to $120 per linear foot for what sounds like the same job. The difference is almost always in the post depth, lumber quality, and whether the crew is actually building something that will stay straight.

Here's a transparent look at cedar fence pricing in the GTA in 2026 and what drives the variation.

Cedar Fence Cost Per Linear Foot in the GTA

Standard cedar privacy fence (6 ft tall)

• Basic board-on-board or tight-board: $45–$65 per linear foot installed
• Premium cedar with trim cap and kickboard: $60–$80 per linear foot installed
• Shadow box (alternating boards, visible from both sides): $65–$85 per linear foot installed

Gates

• Standard walk gate (3–4 ft wide): $500–$900 installed
• Double drive gate (8–10 ft wide): $1,200–$2,500 installed
• Custom gate with window or decorative elements: $800–$1,800+

Typical project totals

A standard GTA backyard enclosure runs 120–200 linear feet. At mid-range pricing with one walk gate, expect $7,000–$14,000 for a properly built cedar privacy fence.

What Drives the Price Difference

Post depth and concrete

This is the biggest hidden variable in fence quotes — and the biggest factor in whether your fence is still standing straight in five years. In Ontario, frost heave is a real issue. Posts that aren't set deep enough in concrete will heave in winter and lean by spring.

The rule of thumb for post depth is one-third of the total post length in the ground. For a 6-foot fence, posts should be 8–9 feet total with 2.5–3 feet in concrete below grade. Some contractors use 6-foot posts with 18 inches in the ground — it saves time and materials, and the fence moves.

Cedar grade

Not all cedar is the same. Clear or select-grade cedar has tight grain, minimal knots, and will hold stain and resist moisture far better than lower grades. Construction-grade cedar has more knots and irregular grain — it works, but knots are the first places wood splits and allows moisture entry. Ask what grade of cedar is being used.

Post material

Cedar posts rot faster than the fence boards because they're in direct contact with soil and moisture. Many quality fence builders use pressure-treated posts even on cedar fences — the pressure treatment protects against ground-contact rot while the cedar boards above provide the look. This is our standard approach at 416Marvel.

Kickboard

A kickboard (also called a gravel board) is a horizontal board running along the bottom of the fence above grade level. It protects the vertical boards from ground moisture and rot, and it gives the fence a clean finished look at the base. Cheaper quotes often omit it.

How Long Should a Cedar Fence Last?

A properly built cedar fence with pressure-treated posts, set in concrete to proper depth, and maintained with stain or sealant every 3–5 years should last 20–30 years. The most common failure points are post rot at grade (prevented by PT posts and proper drainage), board warping and splitting (prevented by cedar grade and staining), and gate sag (prevented by proper gate framing and hardware).

Do You Need a Permit for a Fence in the GTA?

Most GTA municipalities don't require a permit for a standard residential privacy fence under 6 feet tall. However, height restrictions, setback requirements from property lines, and sight-line rules near driveways vary by municipality. Toronto, Mississauga, Vaughan, and Brampton all have specific bylaws. Check with your municipality before building, and confirm your property line location — fence disputes between neighbours are common and expensive to resolve.