What Does Fencing Actually Cost on Vancouver Island?
If you’re pricing out a fencing project on Vancouver Island in 2026, you already know the range is all over the map. A quick chain link run around your yard is a completely different conversation than deer-proofing a rural acreage in the Cowichan Valley. Material costs, labour, terrain, and the type of fence you choose all play into the final number.
This guide breaks down realistic pricing for the most common fence types on the Island — with actual numbers, not vague estimates. Whether you’re a homeowner tackling a weekend DIY project or a contractor quoting a client, this should give you a solid baseline.
Chain Link Fencing
Chain link remains one of the most affordable fencing options on Vancouver Island. For materials alone, expect to pay between $8 and $15 per linear foot for a standard 4-foot residential fence, depending on gauge and coating. Vinyl-coated chain link (black or green) runs a bit higher — typically $12 to $18 per foot for materials.
Installed by a contractor, you’re looking at $25 to $45 per linear foot in the Cowichan Valley. That includes posts, top rail, tension wire, and basic gate hardware. A 100-foot run with one walk gate might land around $3,000 to $4,500 installed.
Chain link works well for property boundaries, dog runs, and keeping kids contained. It’s not the prettiest option, but it’s durable and low-maintenance — a solid choice when function matters more than aesthetics.
Farm Wire Fencing
For acreages, hobby farms, and livestock operations, farm wire fencing is the workhorse of the Cowichan Valley. This is where WC Supplies really shines — we stock the most common rolls and can get you set up without the markup you’ll find at big box stores.
Here’s what you’re looking at for materials from WC Supplies:
- Horse Fencing 4’x100′: $184.95
- Horse Fencing 5’x100′: $214.95
- Cattle Fencing 55″x330′: $294.95
- Cattle Fencing 47″x330′: $234.95
- Welded Wire Mesh 5’x100′: $154.95
Add in T-posts ($5–$8 each), corner bracing, and clips, and a typical 330-foot cattle fence run comes in around $500 to $800 in materials. That’s a fraction of what you’d pay for wood or vinyl over the same distance. For DIY farmers, this is the most cost-effective way to fence a property.
Installed, farm wire fencing typically runs $8 to $15 per linear foot depending on terrain and post spacing. Rocky ground or steep slopes push the price higher because of the extra labour and equipment needed.
Deer Fencing
If you’ve got a garden on Vancouver Island, you already know — deer are relentless. Standard 4-foot fencing won’t cut it. You need 7 to 8 feet minimum to keep them out.
WC Supplies carries Deer Fencing at 8’x300′ for $694.95 — that’s poly mesh designed specifically for deer exclusion. It’s lightweight, nearly invisible from a distance, and effective. For a typical backyard garden enclosure (say 100 feet of perimeter), you’re looking at roughly $250 to $350 in materials including posts and fasteners.
Professional installation for deer fencing runs $10 to $20 per linear foot, but many homeowners handle this as a DIY project since the mesh is easy to work with. The key is making sure your posts are solid and the bottom edge is secured — deer will test every weak spot.
Wood Fencing
Wood fences are the classic choice for residential properties, and they’re everywhere on Vancouver Island. A standard 6-foot cedar privacy fence runs $30 to $50 per linear foot for materials — cedar posts, rails, and boards. Pressure-treated is cheaper at $20 to $35 per foot, but cedar weathers better in our coastal climate and lasts longer without chemical treatment.
Installed, expect $55 to $85 per linear foot for a cedar privacy fence in the Cowichan Valley. A 60-foot backyard fence with a gate could run $3,500 to $5,500. Custom designs, horizontal slat patterns, or board-on-board construction push prices toward the higher end.
Wood fences need maintenance — staining or sealing every 2 to 3 years keeps them looking good and extends their life. Factor that ongoing cost into your decision. That said, nothing beats the look of a well-built cedar fence on a Vancouver Island property.
Vinyl Fencing
Vinyl is the premium, low-maintenance option. Material costs run $25 to $45 per linear foot for a standard 6-foot privacy panel. Installed, you’re looking at $50 to $90 per linear foot in the Cowichan Valley, depending on the style and contractor.
The upside is zero maintenance — no painting, no staining, no rot. The downside is the upfront cost and the fact that vinyl can crack in extreme cold (rare but possible on the Island). It also looks distinctly “vinyl,” which isn’t everyone’s aesthetic.
For a 60-foot vinyl privacy fence installed, budget $4,000 to $6,000. It’s a significant investment, but the 20+ year lifespan with no upkeep makes the math work for a lot of homeowners.
Installed vs. DIY: Where’s the Real Savings?
The labour component of fencing installation typically runs 40% to 60% of the total project cost. That means a fence that costs $5,000 installed might only be $2,000 to $3,000 in materials if you do it yourself.
But here’s the reality check: fencing is physical work. Digging post holes in Cowichan Valley soil — which ranges from rocky to clay-heavy depending on your property — is no joke. Renting a post hole auger or an excavator from WC Supplies makes the job dramatically easier.
DIY makes the most sense for:
- Farm wire and T-post fencing on flat ground
- Deer mesh fencing around gardens
- Short runs of chain link (under 50 feet)
Hire a pro when:
- You’re doing 6-foot privacy fencing (post depth and alignment matter)
- Terrain is sloped or rocky
- The fence line is long (200+ feet)
- Permits or property line surveys are involved
What Affects Your Final Price
Beyond material and fence type, several factors push costs up or down on Vancouver Island:
Terrain: Flat, clear ground is cheapest. Rocky soil, slopes, or heavily treed areas add labour and may require equipment rental.
Access: If a truck can’t get close to the fence line, materials need to be carried in by hand — that’s extra labour cost.
Removal: Tearing out an old fence before installing new adds $3 to $8 per linear foot depending on the material.
Gates: A basic walk gate adds $150 to $400. A double drive gate for vehicle access can run $500 to $1,500 installed.
Permits: Check with the CVRD or your local municipality. Most residential fences under 6 feet don’t require a permit, but it’s worth confirming before you start.
Get Your Fencing Project Started
Whether you’re fencing a 5-acre horse property or putting up a backyard privacy fence, the first step is figuring out exactly what you need. WC Supplies stocks farm fencing, deer fencing, welded wire mesh, gates, T-posts, and all the hardware to get the job done — and we offer fencing installation services if you’d rather leave it to the pros.
Give Brad a call at 250-532-0090 or email brad@wcsupplies.com — he’ll walk you through your options and get you a straight answer on pricing.
