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Fences · Pressure-Treated Wood · Hamilton
Pressure-Treated Wood Fence Installation in Hamilton & Burlington
Pressure-treated wood is Ontario’s most popular and most affordable solid-privacy fence. It suits dogs, active yards and long rear boundaries; typical Ontario installed ranges (2026) are $30–$55 per linear foot, with a typical 15–20 year lifespan.
Est. 2020Posts set ~4 ft below frostBylaw-checked layoutsFence + landscape design
Quick answer
Pressure-treated wood is Ontario’s most popular and most affordable solid-privacy fence. It suits dogs, active yards and long rear boundaries; typical Ontario installed ranges (2026) are $30–$55 per linear foot, with a typical 15–20 year lifespan. Your exact price comes from an on-site quote.
Fit before finish
Is this the right fence for you?
May not suit
- A completely maintenance-free boundary
- Perfectly uniform boards with no natural checking
- Sites where an open, visually light edge is preferred
Profiles & details
Styles and options
Board-on-board
Overlapping boards help close sightlines as wood moves.
Shadowbox
A good-neighbour pattern creates a finished face on both sides.
Flat or lattice top
Choose a quiet cap or a lighter decorative edge.
Dog-ear or capped trim
Traditional clipped corners or a tailored framed finish.
Balanced guidance
Honest pros & considerations
Advantages
- Lowest market range among solid-privacy materials in the brief
- Flexible around gates, grade and existing yards
- Warm grain that accepts stain
- Individual boards can be replaced
Considerations
- Boards naturally check, cup or warp to some degree
- Fresh lumber must dry before its first stain
- Finish care affects appearance and service life
- 4x4 versus 6x6 posts changes stiffness and visual weight
Typical Ontario installed range (2026)$30–$55/linear ft
Lifespan15–20 years
MaintenanceModerate–higher
PrivacyFull
Common heights4 / 5 / 6 ft
Material decision
Compare the closest alternatives
Pressure-Treated Wood
Classic warm wood · Affordable backyard privacy
Privacy5/5
Lifespan15–20 years
MaintenanceHigher
Upfront cost$$
$30–$55/linear ft
Cedar
Premium natural grain · Warm, architectural yards
Privacy5/5
Lifespan15–25 years
MaintenanceHigher
Upfront cost$$$
$45–$75/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 pressure-treated wood fencing
The lasting work happens below grade and in the post layout. We confirm the line, manage grade and frame gates before closing the fence face.
- 01
Use ground-contact-rated posts appropriate to the assembly
- 02
Set posts about 4 ft deep in concrete below local frost depth
- 03
Select 4x4 or 6x6 posts for height, gate weight and exposure
- 04
Allow treated boards to dry before staining or sealing
- 05
Fasten for seasonal movement without losing the layout
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
Let the lumber dry
Wait until moisture has left the boards before applying the first stain; weather and exposure determine timing.
Inspect the finish
Clean gently and renew the coating when colour or water resistance declines.
Catch movement early
Check gates, fasteners and boards after winter; isolated failed pieces can be replaced.
Hamilton · Burlington · Oakville
Local height and pool notes
Hamilton
By-law 10-142 generally allows 2.0 m, with lower 0.9 m front and visibility zones.
Burlington
Rear and side fencing is generally about 2.0 m; zoning and visibility conditions govern the lot.
Oakville
By-law 2002-034 allows 2.0 m outside front yards; front-yard fencing is limited to 1.5 m, with open lattice above 1.0 m.
Confirm current rules with your municipality before building.
Read the fence bylaw guide →Material-specific answers
Pressure-Treated Wood fence FAQ
How long should I wait before staining a pressure-treated fence?
Wait until the lumber has dried sufficiently rather than following one fixed number of days. Sun, rain, season and board moisture affect the timing.
Why do pressure-treated boards split or check?
Checking is a normal response as wood loses moisture. Good fastening limits distortion, but outdoor lumber will not remain furniture-perfect.
Is pressure-treated wood or cedar better?
Pressure-treated wood has the lower initial market range. Cedar is lighter, naturally rot resistant and chosen for richer colour and finish.
Is pressure-treated wood safe around gardens and pets?
Modern residential treated lumber is commonly used outdoors. Follow manufacturer handling instructions and use a garden-bed liner where direct soil contact is a concern.
Can you match my neighbour’s fence?
Often. We document direction, height, cap, spacing and finish, while explaining where age or unavailable profiles prevent an exact match.
Can both neighbours get a finished-looking side?
Yes. Shadowbox and framed good-neighbour layouts can present a considered face to both properties.
Local installation
Hamilton, Ancaster, Burlington & Oakville
Hamilton
Hamilton MountainAncasterDundasStoney CreekWaterdownBinbrookFlamboroughWestdaleKirkendallGlanbrook
Burlington
AldershotBrant HillsTyandagaMillcroftApplebyLaSalle
Oakville
BronteGlen AbbeyRiver OaksPalermoOld OakvilleKerr Village
Start on site
Plan your pressure-treated wood fence.
Share the length, height, gate needs and city. We’ll arrange the free on-site visit that produces your exact quote.