Do you remove the old fence?

Yes — removal, stump extraction and disposal are included in every fence replacement quote.

Can I upgrade to a taller fence when replacing?

Often yes — contractors check your local bylaw and confirm the maximum allowed height before the crew start.

How much does fence replacement 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 replacement?

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 replacement?

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

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Fence Replacement

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

(343) 503-0063

Out with the leaning, splintered fence — in with straight posts, crisp panels and a gate that latches.

Vetted contractors

5-star rated

48-hour quotes

Contractors remove leaning, rotted or storm-damaged fences and install fresh ones with proper posts, squared panels and gates that actually close. Same-day removal in most cases — no fence sitting on your lawn for a week.

Out with the leaning, splintered fence — in with straight posts, crisp panels and a gate that latches. Replacing a fence is the right time to upgrade — taller, more private, better posts. Contractors remove the old fence and stumps the same day, set new concrete footings, and install panels that fit your property's actual style instead of repeating the last installer's mistakes.

Best suited to: Homeowners with an old wood fence that's leaning, rotting at the base or about to come down in the next windstorm.

What's included

Removal and full disposal of existing fence

Old post stumps dug out — no shortcuts

Fresh concrete footings below frost line

Cedar, composite, aluminum or chain link panels

Gate rebuilt with proper hardware

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

01Measure — Quote with material options and a clear lead time.

02Remove — Old fence and post stumps fully extracted.

03Install — New posts set, panels installed plumb.

04Detail — Caps, hardware, gate alignment and final tidy.

Why it holds up

Same-day removal — Old fence out before new posts go in — no lawn littered with debris for a week.

Stumps fully removed — Contractors dig the old footings out, not over them. New posts go in clean holes.

Upgrade options walked through — Height, material, style — they'll show you what's possible within your bylaw.

Finished both sides — Where the design allows, contractors finish both faces so it looks clean from your yard and theirs.

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

Material guide

Choosing the right material for fence replacement

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 Replacement FAQ

Common questions about fence replacement in the Ottawa area.

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

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