A new fence is a significant investment that enhances privacy, security, and curb appeal, potentially adding considerable value to your property. This guide aims to demystify fencing expenses in Calgary, breaking down factors that influence your project’s budget, from material choices and labour to permits and local bylaws. Understanding these elements from the outset helps you budget confidently and make informed decisions.
Understanding Fencing Costs in Calgary: The Big Picture
For a new fence installation in Calgary, typical costs range from $1,900 to $7,000, with many homeowners spending $3,000 to $4,500 for a standard project. For a common 150-foot residential fence, expect to pay $7,000 to $10,000, depending heavily on your choices.
This wide range highlights that numerous factors contribute to the final price, making a personalized cost calculation essential. Key determinants include:
- Material Choice: The largest cost determinant, from economical chain link to premium ornamental iron.
- Fence Length & Height: More materials and labour are needed for longer or taller fences.
- Labour & Installation Complexity: Professional installation can be 40-50% of the total budget. Uneven terrain, sloped land, rocky soil, or intricate designs increase labour costs.
- Site Preparation: Demolishing an old fence can add $500 to $1,500 , or clearing land for stable ground and drainage.
- Additional Features: Walk gates ($250-$600) or driveway gates ($800-$1,500+) add to the price. Decorative post caps or specific finishes also contribute.
- Permits & Bylaws: City of Calgary permit fees can range from $300 to $500 when required.
Fence Material Deep Dive: Costs, Pros, and Cons for Calgary Homes
Choosing the right fence material impacts aesthetics, functionality, cost, and long-term maintenance. The table below compares average fencing costs by material type in Calgary, including installation.
Table 1: Average Fencing Costs in Calgary by Material Type (Installed)
| Fence Type | Average Total Project Cost (Calgary) | Average Cost per Linear Foot (Installed) | Pros for Calgary Homeowners | Cons for Calgary Homeowners |
| Chain Link | $2,500 – $5,500 | $10 – $20 / $22 (material+labor) | Budget-friendly, durable, low maintenance, strong, long-lasting, doesn’t block views. Resists warping in Calgary’s climate. Can be enhanced with coatings or made burglar-proof. | Less aesthetic appeal, minimal privacy unless slats are added. |
| Wood (Pressure-Treated & Cedar) | $2,000 – $7,500 | $20 – $30 / $30 (material + labor) | Classic aesthetic, natural beauty (cedar), versatile, generally cost-effective. Pressure-treated and cedar are often recommended as “best choices for Calgary’s climate” for longevity. | Requires regular maintenance (staining, sealing) to prevent rot and warping. Costs fluctuate based on wood type and treatment. |
| Vinyl | $2,000 – $6,000 | $25 – $40 / $31 (material + labor) | Very low maintenance, highly durable, available in various styles and colors, resists fading, no painting required. Offers a clean, attractive way to create secluded space. | Higher initial investment. Performance can diminish significantly in heavy snow, making it less suitable for areas with harsh Calgary winters. |
| Ornamental Metal (Iron & Aluminum) | Iron: $3,100 – $20,700. Aluminum: $2,600 – $6,600 | Aluminum: $29 – $42 (material) + large installation fees. Wrought Iron: $130 – $396 (total) | Excellent security, strength, durability, and significant curb appeal. Aluminum is rust-resistant. | Generally the most expensive options. Wrought iron is prone to rust in rainy regions and can dent more easily than other materials. |
Consider the total cost of ownership, including ongoing maintenance and resilience to Calgary’s weather challenges.
Detailed Breakdown by Material:
Wood Fencing (Pressure-Treated & Cedar):
- Cost: Total project costs range from $2,000 to $7,500 , or $50-$60 per linear foot. Specific planks can cost $4.35-$8.24 each. Local discussions suggest at least $50/foot for PT Fortress with 4×4 posts.
- Pros: Classic aesthetic, versatile, natural beauty (cedar), and often cost-effective. Cedar resists rot and insects. Both are excellent for Calgary’s climate.
- Cons: Requires regular maintenance (staining, sealing) to prevent weathering, rot, and warping. Costs vary by wood type and treatment.
Chain Link Fencing:
- Cost: Average total project costs are around $2,500 – $3,500, or $25-$40 per linear foot.
- Pros: Durable, minimal maintenance, strong, long-lasting, and cost-effective. Good for basic boundaries and doesn’t obstruct views. Resists warping in Calgary’s climate. Customizable with coatings or for security.
- Cons: Less aesthetic appeal and limited privacy unless slats are added ($5-$15 per linear foot).
Vinyl Fencing:
- Cost: Higher upfront investment, with average project costs around $4,600, or $55-$70 per linear foot.
- Pros: Exceptionally low maintenance, highly durable, various styles and colors, resists fading, no painting needed. Creates secluded space.
- Cons: Higher initial cost. Conflicting information on performance in heavy snow, potentially less suitable for harsh Calgary winters.
Ornamental Metal Fencing (Iron & Aluminum):
- Cost: Most expensive options. Iron fences average $3,100 but can reach $20,700. Aluminum projects are typically $2,600-$6,600. Per linear foot, aluminum material costs $45-$65 plus installation, while wrought iron is $130-$400 total installed.
- Pros: Superior security, strength, durability, clear sightlines, and significant curb appeal. Aluminum is rust-resistant.
- Cons: High cost. Wrought iron is prone to rust in rainy regions and can dent more easily than other materials, requiring more maintenance than aluminum.
Beyond Materials: Essential Costs & Considerations for Your Calgary Fence Project
Other essential costs and considerations play a crucial role in your fencing project’s overall budget and success.
Labor Costs: What to Expect for Professional Installation
Labour is a significant portion of the budget, typically 40-50% of the total cost. Average hourly rates for professional fence installation in Calgary are $30-$45 per hour, or $30-$33 per hour. A 150-foot vinyl fence might take about 23 hours of contractor work. Professional services ensure proper, compliant, and durable installation, avoiding costly mistakes.
Permits & Bylaws: Navigating Calgary’s Regulations
Most standard residential fences in Calgary do not require permits if they remain within specified height limits. A permit is necessary if:
- Front yard fences exceed 1.2 meters (4 feet).
- Backyard or side yard fences exceed 2 meters (6 feet, 6 inches).
- Fences near corners that could obstruct traffic visibility.
- Construction involves non-standard materials or unique designs.
- The fence is built on or incorporates a retaining wall over 1.2 meters (4 feet) high.
- The fence is part of a garden box structure exceeding standard height limits.
For more information, read “city of Calgary fence bylaws”.
Key Considerations Before You Build
- Property Lines: Build entirely on your own property. Check your property survey or hire a land surveyor to confirm lot lines to avoid disputes.
- Neighbor Communication: Discuss plans with neighbours to maintain good relations.
- Prohibited Materials: Barbed wire and electric fencing are generally not permitted in Calgary residential areas.
- Maintenance: Proper ongoing maintenance is mandatory; deteriorating fences can lead to bylaw violations.
Site Preparation & Additional Features:
These additional costs can significantly inflate the final bill if not accounted for.
- Old Fence Removal/Demolition: Can add $500 to $1,500. Some contractors include this.
- Post Holes & Concrete: Fence posts typically cost $100-$145 each
- Site Grading & Clearing: Recommended for stable ground and proper drainage. Complex terrains or rocky soil increase costs.
- Gates: Walk gates typically cost $250-$600, driveway gates $800-$1,500+.
- Decorative Elements: Post caps ($5-$20 each) or paint/stain finishes ($1-$3 per linear foot) add to the cost.
- Contingency Buffer: Add a 10% contingency buffer for unexpected challenges.
DIY vs. Professional Installation: Making the Right Choice for Your Calgary Home
Deciding between DIY and professional installation is a common dilemma.
DIY Considerations:
- Pros: Potential cost savings on labour.
- Cons: Significant time commitment, need for specialized tools. High risk of costly mistakes, including bylaw violations or improper installation. No warranty. Requires a thorough understanding of property lines and utility locates.
Professional Installation Benefits:
- Expertise & Efficiency: Contractors handle complex terrains, ensure proper techniques, and complete projects efficiently.
- Compliance: Licensed professionals ensure adherence to Calgary bylaws, avoiding costly rebuilds or fines.
- Peace of Mind: Reputable contractors offer warranties (e.g., 5-year warranty) and are licensed, bonded, and insured, protecting your investment.
- “Total Package Solution”: Many companies offer comprehensive service including materials, labour, post holes, concrete, and old fence removal, with transparent pricing.
- Financing Options: Some companies offer financing to manage costs.
While professional installation may seem higher initially, the risks and hidden expenses of DIY often make it a more reliable, compliant, and ultimately cost-effective long-term choice.
Timing Your Fence Installation: Seasonal Tips for Calgary Homeowners
The timing of your fence installation can significantly impact feasibility and efficiency.
- Best Time: Late spring and summer are ideal for fence installation in Calgary. The ground is thawed and workable, allowing for easier digging and stable foundations.
- Winter Challenges: Frozen ground makes winter installations impractical, more difficult, and often increases labour costs and delays.
- Calgary Climate Considerations: Consider Calgary’s freeze-thaw cycles and heavy snowfall. Choose materials suited for the climate, like pressure-treated or cedar wood, recommended for longevity in this region.
Related Article: fence builders in Calgary
Maximizing Your Fencing Investment: Maintenance Tips for Longevity
Proper maintenance is essential to protect your fence investment, ensure longevity, and avoid bylaw violations.
- General Importance: Regular upkeep prevents deterioration and maintains structural integrity and appearance.
- Wood Fences: Require consistent cleaning, staining, or sealing to protect against moisture, UV damage, rot, and warping.
- Vinyl Fences: Exceptionally low maintenance, often needing just a quick rinse with water.
- Chain Link Fences: Durable and low maintenance. Simple cleaning and occasional rust prevention ensure long lifespan.
- Wrought Iron: Prone to rust in rainy regions. Requires regular cleaning and re-painting or sealing to prevent corrosion.
To see Falcon Contracting Inc.’s portfolio, click this link: fence in Calgary
Ready to Enhance Your Calgary Property? Get a Free Estimate Today!
Choosing the right partner for your fencing project is crucial. Falcon Contracting Inc. offers quality, transparency, and customer satisfaction, ensuring your fence enhances your property’s value and meets your needs.
Falcon Contracting Inc.’s Value Proposition:
- Quality & Expertise: Professional treatment and expert installation for lasting fences in Calgary’s climate.
- Transparency & Trust: The price quoted is the price paid, with no hidden costs.
- Customer Satisfaction: Dedicated to excellence, backed by satisfaction guarantees.
- Warranty: Projects often come with warranties (e.g., 5-year warranty) for peace of mind.
- Local Knowledge: Deep understanding of Calgary bylaws, climate, and homeowner needs for compliant and optimal installations.
- Financing Options: Flexible and affordable financing may be available.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Fencing Cost in Calgary
A comprehensive quote often includes materials, labour, post holes, concrete for foundations, and even old fence removal, providing a “total package solution”.
For a new fence installation in Calgary, typical costs generally range from $1,900 to $7,000, with many homeowners reporting average expenditures around $3,000 to $4,500 for a standard project. For a common 150-foot residential fence, the total cost can be expected to range from $3,000 to $7,000.
Material choice is a primary cost determinant. For a typical installed fence in Calgary, chain link can range from $2,500 – $5,500, wood (pressure-treated & cedar) from $1,900 – $7,659, vinyl from $2,000 – $6,000, and ornamental metal (iron & aluminum) can range significantly from $2,600 to $20,700 depending on the specific metal and design.
Beyond materials, key additional costs include labour (typically 40-50% of the total budget, averaging $30-$45 per hour), permit fees (if required, $200-$400), old fence removal ($500-$1,500), and expenses for post holes and concrete ($3-$8 per hole). Adding gates ($150-$3,500+) or decorative elements also increases the overall price. It’s wise to include a 10% contingency buffer for unexpected challenges.
Hi,
I recently purchased a freehold townhome at East Hills Crossing and am planning to have a fence installed around my backyard. The property is still under construction, with a closing date of November 4, 2025. If possible, I would like the fence to be built by mid-November.
I’ve attached some photos of the backyard. (The grass will be planted as shown on the right in one of the pictures.) The blue line indicates the proposed fence location.
According to the attached site plan, the backyard extends 6 meters from the house wall and is 7.170 meters wide. I would also need the fence to be cat-proof, meaning a net or similar structure that would cover the top of the fence and extend all the way back to the house.
Could you also advise whether I need to hire a land surveyor to confirm the backyard boundaries, or if the architectural and site plans I currently have are sufficient?
Thank you for your guidance.
Best regards,
Kevin
(I’ve sent a separate email with the pictures)
Hi Kevin,
Thank you very much for reaching out and I hope you’re doing well.
We would be more than happy to help with your fencing project. Regarding the timing of it, it really depends on the weather. Last year we built fence in mid december without any issues.
I believe when you buy a house, the seller is typically required to provide a current and compliant Real Property Report (RPR) with evidence of municipal compliance as part of the standard real estate purchase contract. This provides all the details about the property’s boundaries and is the best reference when it comes to building fences.
So let’s play it by the ear and see how the weather changes in mid November, and hopefully we can get your job done right away.
By the way, there was nothing attached to your email.