Metal fence cost guide, Metro Vancouver 2026

Metal fence pricing spans a wide range because the product spans a wide range, from a simple 20-metre horizontal slat side-yard fence to a 200-metre commercial security perimeter with engineered posts and anti-climb detail. The fabrication, materials, and site work are completely different. Even within residential fencing, the difference between a simple rear-yard slat fence and a front-yard fence with a matching pedestrian gate, custom infill detail, and a duplex finish is substantial. Every project is quoted individually based on the actual scope.

For most residential fences under 50 linear metres, fabrication and materials, the steel, welding, primer, and powder coat, is the largest single cost. Post footings and installation labour together are the next largest. Site conditions matter: a level rear yard with standard access is straightforward. A sloped front yard on a corner lot with limited truck access and heritage design review takes longer and costs more.

Generally yes. The mobilisation cost, site visit, drawing preparation, delivery, installation setup, is largely fixed regardless of fence length. Spreading that over more linear metres reduces the per-metre rate. A 15-metre section and a 50-metre section take similar time to design, coordinate, and mobilise, but the 50-metre fence amortises that cost over three times the product. Longer fences also allow more efficient fabrication batching at the shop.

Building permit fees vary by municipality and are set by bylaw, check your city's current fee schedule for the accurate number. Beyond the permit fee itself, the cost impact depends on how much documentation the building department requires. A standard residential fence permit with a site plan and elevation drawing is typically handled within our standard drawing set at no additional cost. An engineer-reviewed permit for a commercial fence, a heritage area submission, or a fence near the upper height limit that requires structural review will add engineering fees.

Yes, in almost every case. When the fence and gate are built at the same shop, from the same design, in the same fabrication run, the post details match, the infill profile matches, the finishing is done in the same batch, and the installation is coordinated in one mobilisation. Building them separately, from different shops, at different times, means two mobilisations, two quoting processes, and almost certain visual inconsistency in finish and profile. For most Metro Vancouver residential fence-and-gate projects, building together is both more economical and better quality.

The most useful information for a quick budgetary range: total linear metres of fencing, fence height, fence location (front yard, side yard, rear yard), desired fence type (horizontal slat, picket, privacy), whether a gate is needed, and photos of the site. For a fixed-price quote we need drawings or a site visit. We turn around initial budgetary ranges within 2 to 3 business days from photos and dimensions, and a fixed-price quote within a week of site visit for straightforward residential fences.