What it costs in the GTA
| Job | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Wood or vinyl privacy fence, typical GTA | $45–$85/ft |
| Pressure-treated wood, installed | $40–$70/ft |
| Cedar, installed | $45–$85/ft |
| Old wood fence removal | $5–$10/ft |
| Old vinyl or metal fence removal | $8–$15/ft |
| Concrete footing removal, extra | $3–$8/ft |
| Pressure-treated fence, typical Toronto yard | $3,000–$6,500 |
Before HST, per linear foot for a 6-foot privacy fence. Gates, slopes, rocky soil, tight access and taller or decorative styles push prices up. Ranges where published GTA and Ontario sources overlap, checked November 2026. Not a quote.
Rebates, permits & rules
- In Toronto, back and side yard fences can be up to 2.0 metres. Front yard fences are lower, generally 1.2 metres near the street. Other GTA cities set their own limits, so check yours.
- Ontario law requires a free utility locate through Ontario One Call before anyone digs post holes. Request it at least 5 business days ahead.
- A fence on the property line is shared with your neighbour. Get their agreement, in writing, on design and cost before work starts.
- Fencing around a pool is different: it needs a pool enclosure permit in Toronto. See the pool repair guide.
- Signed the contract at your home? Ontario gives you 10 days to cancel most contracts signed there, for any reason.
What a complete quote includes
If any of these aren't on your quote, ask. Missing doesn't mean it's wrong, but it should be in writing.
- Total linear feet, height and style (privacy, semi-privacy, picket)
- Material and grade: pressure-treated, cedar or vinyl brand
- Post size, spacing, depth and setting (concrete or gravel)
- Number and width of gates, and the hardware
- Removal and disposal of the old fence and footings
- Ontario One Call locate, and who requests it
- Property line: survey or your neighbour's agreement
- Cleanup and site restoration
- Warranty on posts and workmanship, in writing
- A price per foot with no total length
- No post depth or setting method listed
- Digging without a locate
- Gates left off or priced “TBD”
- Taller than the bylaw allows with no exemption mentioned
- A few leaning posts on a fence under about 10 years old: replace the posts, keep the panels.
- Rot at the base of many posts: the fence is near the end; replace it.
- Boards warped or split but posts solid: re-board the existing frame.
- Pressure-treated wood costs least upfront; cedar and vinyl cost more but need less upkeep.
- Shared fence in bad shape: plan the replacement with your neighbour and split the cost.
5 questions to ask before you sign
- How deep are the posts, and are they set in concrete?
- What's the total length you measured, and does the price include gates?
- Who's requesting the Ontario One Call locate?
- Is removal of the old fence and footings included?
- What does your warranty cover, and for how long?
Paste your quote into ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini with this prompt:
I'm a homeowner in [city], Ontario. Here is my fence quote: [paste]. List what it includes and leaves out (length, height, material and grade, post size, depth and setting, gates, removal of the old fence, utility locate, property line, cleanup, warranty), flag anything vague, and give me 5 questions to ask before I agree. Don't guess a fair price.
Or skip the copy-paste: our free Quote Checker already knows what a fence installation & repair quote should include, and compares the price with real GTA ranges.
Common questions
How much does a fence cost per foot in Toronto?
Most 6-foot wood or vinyl privacy fences in the GTA run about $45–$85 per linear foot installed. Pressure-treated wood sits at the lower end, cedar and vinyl higher.
How high can a fence be in Toronto?
Up to 2.0 metres in back and side yards. Front yard fences are lower, generally 1.2 metres near the street. Higher fences need an exemption.
Do I need to call before digging fence posts in Ontario?
Yes. Ontario law requires a free locate through Ontario One Call before you dig. Request it at least 5 business days before work starts.
Who pays for a fence between neighbours?
A fence on the property line is shared. Agree on the design and split of costs with your neighbour, in writing, before anyone starts.