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Fences · Horizontal & Modern · Hamilton
Horizontal Modern Fence Installation in Hamilton & Burlington
Horizontal fencing is the defining contemporary yard style, using cedar, composite or aluminum slats for architectural lines. Typical Ontario installed ranges (2026) are cedar $45–$75 and composite $55–$95 per linear foot; aluminum privacy systems are typically higher and quoted on site.
Est. 2020Posts set ~4 ft below frostBylaw-checked layoutsFence + landscape design
Quick answer
Horizontal fencing is the defining contemporary yard style, using cedar, composite or aluminum slats for architectural lines. Typical Ontario installed ranges (2026) are cedar $45–$75 and composite $55–$95 per linear foot; aluminum privacy systems are typically higher and quoted on site. Your exact price comes from an on-site quote.
Fit before finish
Is this the right fence for you?
May not suit
- Pool enclosures before climbability rules are confirmed
- Wide unsupported wood spans
- Sites where open gaps conflict with privacy
Profiles & details
Styles and options
Tight privacy
Minimal gaps reduce sightlines.
½–1 inch reveals
Measured spacing creates a lighter rhythm.
Cedar + black posts
Warm boards contrast with charcoal structure.
Composite boards
Uniform profiles provide modern colour.
Aluminum slats
Powder-coated battens sharpen the line.
Balanced guidance
Honest pros & considerations
Advantages
- Strong architectural expression
- Adjustable privacy through spacing
- Works in three distinct material families
- Pairs naturally with patios and lighting
Considerations
- Wood needs tighter spacing or support to control sag
- A top cap helps keep the line composed
- Horizontal rails may be climbable around pools
- Material selection creates a broad price range
Typical Ontario installed range (2026)Cedar $45–$75; composite $55–$95; aluminum privacy quoted on site
Lifespan15–30+ years by material
MaintenanceLow–moderate
PrivacyAdjustable
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$$$
$45–$75/linear ft
Composite
Modern, uniform boards · Premium low-maintenance yards
Privacy5/5
Lifespan25–30 years
MaintenanceLow
Upfront cost$$$$
$55–$95/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 horizontal & modern fencing
Horizontal lines magnify small errors. We establish post spacing, board support, gate frames and top elevation as one composition.
- 01
Set posts about 4 ft below frost or use an appropriate engineered mount
- 02
Reduce wood spans or add mid-supports
- 03
Use consistent spacers for privacy or deliberate ½–1 inch gaps
- 04
Cap upper edges and detail ends cleanly
- 05
Check pool climbability rules before selecting horizontal members
Compacted native soilGravel baseConcrete footingFrost line
A post set about 4 ft deep extends below local frost depth, helping the footing resist seasonal movement.
Ownership timeline
Care & maintenance
Set the finish strategy
Let cedar dry before coating; composite and aluminum generally need routine cleaning only.
Read the long lines
Sight down boards, check supports and gates, and renew wood finish.
Keep details crisp
Clean cap joints and address movement before it affects adjacent runs.
Hamilton · Burlington · Oakville
Local height and pool notes
Hamilton
By-law 10-142 height and visibility limits apply; horizontal members may raise pool climbability concerns.
Burlington
Zoning controls height and location, and solid fencing is restricted in visibility triangles.
Oakville
Front-yard fencing above 1.0 m must be open lattice, so a solid screen may not suit that location.
Many pool-enclosure rules restrict climbable horizontal members. Confirm the profile and current rules with your municipality before building.
Confirm current rules with your municipality before building.
Read the fence bylaw guide →Material-specific answers
Horizontal & Modern fence FAQ
Do horizontal wood fences sag?
They can when boards span too far. Tighter post spacing, suitable board dimensions, intermediate supports and a cap help.
Can a horizontal fence surround a pool?
Possibly, but many rules restrict climbable horizontal members. Confirm current rules with your municipality before building.
What board width looks best?
Narrow boards create more rhythm; wider boards feel calmer but show movement. The profile should suit the run and architecture.
What gap provides privacy?
Tight layouts minimize sightlines, while ½–1 inch gaps create a lighter look. Movement and viewing angle affect actual privacy.
Does horizontal cost more than vertical?
It can because support, spacing and premium materials add labour or material. Your exact price comes from an on-site quote.
Which horizontal material is best?
Cedar provides warm grain, composite uniform boards and aluminum the crispest low-maintenance profile.
Local installation
Hamilton, Ancaster, Burlington & Oakville
Hamilton
Hamilton MountainAncasterDundasStoney CreekWaterdownBinbrookFlamboroughWestdaleKirkendallGlanbrook
Burlington
AldershotBrant HillsTyandagaMillcroftApplebyLaSalle
Oakville
BronteGlen AbbeyRiver OaksPalermoOld OakvilleKerr Village
Start on site
Plan your horizontal & modern fence.
Share the length, height, gate needs and city. We’ll arrange the free on-site visit that produces your exact quote.