How deep do you set fence posts?

Below frost line — typically 4 feet in the Ottawa area — in concrete footings. Anything shallower will heave and lean within a few winters.

What fence materials do you install?

Cedar, pressure-treated, composite, aluminum, ornamental steel and chain link. They'll recommend what suits your goals, budget and bylaw.

How much does fence installation cost in the Ottawa area?

Pricing depends on size, material and site access. Every quote is itemised and provided up front — no surprises, no hidden change orders.

Are you vetted for fence installation?

Craft Deck and Fence Ottawa is a referral service that matches homeowners with independent, local contractors. Those contractors are vetted and carry their own insurance — documentation can be requested from the assigned contractor before work begins.

Do you handle permits for fence installation?

When permits are required, contractors pull them as part of the job. They'll confirm what's needed in your municipality during the quote.

How quickly can you start?

Most builds start within 1–3 weeks in peak season. Urgent jobs (storm damage, listings, move-in dates) can often be slotted in sooner.

(343) 503-0063

All services

Fence Installation

Name: Craft Deck and Fence Ottawa
Price range: $$

(343) 503-0063

New fences installed straight, square and built to handle Ontario freeze-thaw. Wood, composite, aluminum and chain link.

Vetted contractors

5-star rated

48-hour quotes

Contractors install residential fences across the Ottawa area — cedar privacy, horizontal slat, board-on-board, chain link, aluminum and ornamental steel. Posts set deep below frost line, panels squared and gates that swing true.

New fences installed straight, square and built to handle Ontario freeze-thaw. Wood, composite, aluminum and chain link. A new fence is only as good as its posts. Contractors dig below frost line, set every post in concrete, and build the rest of the fence around posts that won't shift, lean or heave. Panels squared, gates aligned, hardware that'll outlast the wood.

Best suited to: Homeowners installing a brand-new fence or replacing one with something cleaner, taller or more durable.

What's included

Site survey, line marking and locate requests

Posts set in concrete below frost line

Cedar, pressure-treated, composite, aluminum or chain link panels

Gates squared, hinged and latched properly

Old fence removal and disposal available

What to expect

A clear written quote with material options, scope and timeline.

Permits, locates and bylaw checks handled by the contractor where required.

Owner-led crew on site every day until the job is finished.

Daily site cleanup — your yard isn't a construction zone overnight.

Final walkthrough with you before the crew call the job complete.

How the job runs

01Quote — On-site measure with material samples and a written estimate.

02Prep — Locates booked, old fence removed, line marked.

03Install — Posts set, panels installed plumb and squared.

04Finish — Gates aligned, hardware tested, site cleaned.

Why it holds up

Posts set below frost — Contractors dig the depth — no shortcuts that leave you with a leaning fence in spring.

Squared and plumb — Every panel checked. Gates align on day one and still align in five years.

Locates handled — Contractors book the locate and protect underground services before the crew dig.

Quality hardware — Galvanized or stainless fasteners and hinges — never the bag-of-screws option.

Serving the Ottawa area — Barrhaven, Kanata, Stittsville, Orléans, Nepean, Riverside South & more.

Material guide

Choosing the right material for fence installation

Material drives cost, looks, maintenance, lifespan and resale value. Some options cost less on install day but ask for work every couple of seasons; others cost more up front and then mostly leave you alone. Here's a plain breakdown of each option, what it's good at, where it falls short, and how to decide.

Fence materials

Pressure-Treated Wood

The traditional workhorse for posts, rails and boards — economical, endlessly customisable and easy to work around real property lines.

Cost: Low–Medium
Upkeep: High
Privacy: Excellent

Pros

One of the most economical ways to get full privacy
Built in any style: privacy, horizontal, board-on-board, lattice-top, decorative
Stain changes the look dramatically
Easy to cut and step around slopes, gardens and odd lot shapes

Cons

Needs periodic cleaning and refinishing
Boards can twist, shrink, crack or warp as they age
Constant moisture exposure wears components down
Posts are the weak point when drainage or installation is poor

Best for — Privacy and customisation at a sensible price, with upkeep every few years.

Cedar

The most popular premium wood fence — warm colour, tight grain and natural resistance to insects and decay.

Cost: Medium–High
Upkeep: Medium–High
Privacy: Excellent

Pros

Best-looking natural wood fence, especially in board-on-board privacy styles
Natural resistance to insects and rot
Stains beautifully and holds a rich tone
Fully customisable on site like any wood fence

Cons

Costs more than pressure-treated
Finish must be maintained to keep the original colour
Turns silver-grey if left bare
Soft boards can be damaged by impact

Best for — Homeowners for whom appearance is the priority and who want a premium natural privacy fence.

Vinyl (PVC)

Manufactured PVC panels that deliver clean, uniform privacy with no painting or staining.

Cost: High
Upkeep: Low
Privacy: Excellent

Pros

No staining or painting — just wash it down
Perfectly uniform colour and finish
Cannot rot, because there's no wood in it
Solid panels give excellent backyard privacy

Cons

Higher upfront cost than basic wood fencing
Hard impacts can crack panels, especially in deep cold
Less customisable — you build with the manufacturer's panels
Matching a discontinued style or colour years later can be difficult

Best for — A crisp, uniform privacy fence with the least ongoing work.

Aluminum

Powder-coated ornamental fencing for open boundaries, landscaped yards and pool enclosures where sightlines matter.

Cost: High
Upkeep: Very Low
Privacy: Low

Pros

Almost no maintenance
Will not rust the way iron or steel does
Elegant, open, architectural appearance
Keeps views and light — great around gardens and pools

Cons

Very little privacy — neighbours see straight through
Relatively high cost for quality systems
Not designed as a heavy security barrier
Panels follow the manufacturer's grades and heights

Best for — Decorative boundaries, open landscapes and pool enclosures where visibility is wanted.

Chain-Link

Galvanized steel mesh on posts and rails — the most economical way to enclose a large area securely.

Cost: Low–Medium
Upkeep: Very Low
Privacy: Low

Pros

Most economical way to enclose a big yard
Properly installed, it lasts for years with little attention
Ideal for dogs, runs, utility areas and commercial lots
No staining or refinishing

Cons

Almost no visual privacy on its own
Privacy slats change the look and add wind load
Less attractive than cedar, vinyl or aluminum
Reads as functional rather than decorative

Best for — Enclosure, pets and budget, where privacy and premium looks aren't the goal.

Composite

Engineered privacy panels using the same idea as composite decking — full privacy with very little upkeep.

Cost: High–Very High
Upkeep: Low
Privacy: Excellent

Pros

No staining or sealing
Excellent full-privacy designs, often horizontal
Consistent factory colour and texture
Won't split or splinter like natural lumber

Cons

Substantially more expensive than pressure-treated fencing
Heavy — posts and footings must be designed for the load
Installation requirements vary a lot by manufacturer
Replacing a discontinued board or colour later can be tricky

Best for — Premium, modern privacy with the least maintenance, when the budget allows.

Fence material comparison
Material	Initial cost	Maintenance	Privacy	Durability	Best for
Pressure-Treated Wood	Low–Medium	High	Excellent	Good	Privacy and customisation at a sensible price, with upkeep every few years.
Cedar	Medium–High	Medium–High	Excellent	Good	Homeowners for whom appearance is the priority and who want a premium natural privacy fence.
Vinyl (PVC)	High	Low	Excellent	Very Good	A crisp, uniform privacy fence with the least ongoing work.
Aluminum	High	Very Low	Low	Excellent	Decorative boundaries, open landscapes and pool enclosures where visibility is wanted.
Chain-Link	Low–Medium	Very Low	Low	Very Good	Enclosure, pets and budget, where privacy and premium looks aren't the goal.
Composite	High–Very High	Low	Excellent	Very Good	Premium, modern privacy with the least maintenance, when the budget allows.

How to figure out which one is right for you

Start with budget — over the whole life, not just day one

Compare material + installation + maintenance + repairs + expected lifespan. Pressure-treated is cheapest on install day; composite avoids years of staining. The cheapest board isn't always the cheapest deck.

Be honest about maintenance

Real wood looks incredible new, but keeping it that way means cleaning, refinishing, checking fasteners and swapping boards. Composite, PVC, vinyl and aluminum reduce that work — low maintenance still isn't zero maintenance.

Decide how much privacy you need

Wood, vinyl and composite panels give full privacy. Aluminum and chain-link keep sightlines open. Choose the boundary before you choose the material.

Respect the Ottawa climate

Rain, snow and freeze-thaw cycles hit every outdoor structure here. Decks need drainage and ventilation so water never sits against framing. Fences need posts set below frost line — wind loads on a tall privacy fence are significant.

The structure matters more than the surface

A premium panel on weak posts still fails, and expensive deck boards over poor framing never feel right. Spend on footings, framing and fasteners first.

Match the material to how long you'll stay

Selling in a few years? Upfront cost and curb appeal matter most. Staying for decades? Lower maintenance and longer lifespan usually win.

Still torn between materials?

There's no single best material — the right pick balances budget, appearance, upkeep, privacy and how long you plan to stay. Send the project details and a contractor will price two or three options side by side.

Fence Installation FAQ

Common questions about fence installation in the Ottawa area.

Straight answers before you request a quote. Anything else — send a message and a vetted local contractor will follow up.

Browse all FAQs →

Backyard deck at golden hour in the Ottawa area

Free · No obligation

Ready for fence installation?

Share the details about the project — a vetted local contractor will line up a clear plan and pricing within 48 hours.

Other services