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Fences · Cedar · Hamilton
Cedar Fence Installation in Hamilton & Burlington
Western Red Cedar is a premium, lightweight wood with natural rot and insect resistance and a rich warm grain. Typical Ontario installed ranges (2026) are $45–$75 per linear foot and typical lifespan is 15–25 years.
Est. 2020Posts set ~4 ft below frostBylaw-checked layoutsFence + landscape design
Quick answer
Western Red Cedar is a premium, lightweight wood with natural rot and insect resistance and a rich warm grain. Typical Ontario installed ranges (2026) are $45–$75 per linear foot and typical lifespan is 15–25 years. Your exact price comes from an on-site quote.
Fit before finish
Is this the right fence for you?
May not suit
- The lowest initial-cost privacy option
- Owners unwilling to accept silver-grey weathering or maintain colour
- Details that trap persistent ground moisture
Profiles & details
Styles and options
Horizontal cedar
Long lines make a calm contemporary backdrop.
Board-on-board
Layered vertical boards provide deep privacy and shadow.
Shadowbox
A good-neighbour rhythm finishes both faces.
Black metal accents
Steel posts and caps sharpen the warm colour.
Decorative tops
Lattice softens traditional gardens.
Matching gates
Carry the grain through tailored entries.
Balanced guidance
Honest pros & considerations
Advantages
- Natural resistance without chemical treatment
- Rich colour and expressive grain
- Lighter and generally straighter than treated lumber
- Adapts to modern and traditional compositions
Considerations
- Higher initial range than pressure-treated wood
- Unfinished cedar weathers to silver-grey
- Oil-based stain helps retain warm colour
- Knotty and clear grades differ in look and cost
Typical Ontario installed range (2026)$45–$75/linear ft
Lifespan15–25 years
MaintenanceModerate
PrivacyFull or adjustable
Common heights4 / 5 / 6 ft
Material decision
Compare the closest alternatives
Cedar
Premium natural grain · Warm, architectural yards
Privacy5/5
Lifespan15–25 years
MaintenanceHigher
Upfront cost$$$
$45–$75/linear ft
Pressure-Treated Wood
Classic warm wood · Affordable backyard privacy
Privacy5/5
Lifespan15–20 years
MaintenanceHigher
Upfront cost$$
$30–$55/linear ft
Typical Ontario installed ranges (2026). Your exact price comes from an on-site quote.
| Material | Look | Privacy | Lifespan | Maintenance | Typical Ontario installed range (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-Treated Wood | Classic warm wood | 5/5 | 15–20 years | Higher | $30–$55 per linear foot |
| Cedar | Premium natural grain | 5/5 | 15–25 years | Higher | $45–$75 per linear foot |
| Vinyl | Crisp, matte or woodgrain | 5/5 | 25–30+ years | Low | $45–$85 per linear foot |
| Chain Link | Open and practical | 1/5 | 15–20+ years | Low | $15–$40 per linear foot |
| Aluminum | Black modern or ornamental | 2/5 | 20–30+ years | Low | $35–$65 per linear foot |
| Composite | Modern, uniform boards | 5/5 | 25–30 years | Low | $55–$95 per linear foot |
Planning range
Estimate your fence
Below grade first
How we build western red cedar fencing
Cedar rewards clean detailing. Precise posts, controlled fasteners and protection from trapped moisture let the grain lead the design.
- 01
Set structural posts about 4 ft below frost in concrete
- 02
Choose knotty or clearer boards for the desired consistency
- 03
Use corrosion-resistant fasteners compatible with cedar
- 04
Detail caps and lower edges to shed water
- 05
Pair cedar with black steel posts where stiffness or contrast is wanted
Why our posts go in 4 ft deep
- Compacted native soil
- Gravel base (compacted aggregate)
- Concrete footing
- Frost line / measurement
- Finished grade — ground level around the fence.
- Frost line — the depth the ground freezes in winter; footings should sit below this.
- Post depth shown: about 4 ft (1.2 m).
Ownership timeline
Care & maintenance
Choose colour or patina
Use a suitable penetrating oil after the wood is ready, or leave it unfinished for natural silver-grey.
Wash and review
Clean gently, inspect end grain and refresh finish according to exposure.
Protect drainage
Keep soil, mulch and growth from holding moisture against lower boards.
Hamilton · Burlington · Oakville
Local height and pool notes
Hamilton
By-law 10-142 generally allows 2.0 m, with 0.9 m limits in front and visibility areas.
Burlington
Property-specific zoning governs location and height; rear and side guidance is generally about 2.0 m.
Oakville
Outside the front yard, 2.0 m is general; front-yard cedar above 1.0 m must be open lattice and cannot exceed 1.5 m.
Confirm current rules with your municipality before building.
Read the fence bylaw guide →Material-specific answers
Western Red Cedar fence FAQ
Is cedar worth the difference over pressure-treated wood?
Cedar is selected for appearance, lighter weight, natural resistance and straighter boards rather than the lowest first cost.
Does cedar need staining?
No, but unfinished cedar weathers toward silver-grey. A compatible penetrating oil helps retain warm colour.
How long does cedar keep its original colour?
Ultraviolet exposure starts changing colour; orientation, shade and finish schedule mean there is no universal number.
What are knotty and clear cedar grades?
Knotty cedar has lively variation. Clearer grades provide a calmer, more uniform face and usually cost more.
Can cedar boards run horizontally?
Yes, with appropriate post spacing, intermediate support where required and a cap detail to resist sag and weather.
Can cedar use steel posts?
Yes. Black steel posts can add stiffness and create a crisp mixed-material design.
Local installation
Hamilton, Ancaster, Burlington & Oakville
Hamilton
Hamilton MountainAncasterDundasStoney CreekWaterdownBinbrookFlamboroughWestdaleKirkendallGlanbrook
Burlington
AldershotBrant HillsTyandagaMillcroftApplebyLaSalle
Oakville
BronteGlen AbbeyRiver OaksPalermoOld OakvilleKerr Village
Start on site
Plan your western red cedar fence.
Share the length, height, gate needs and city. We’ll arrange the free on-site visit that produces your exact quote.