Quick Answer
Fences cost more today because lumber, labour, and materials have all increased significantly since the early 2000s. What used to cost $20–$30 per foot can now cost $40–$95+.
What Changed Over Time
If you built a fence 10–20 years ago, the prices today can feel shocking. Many homeowners remember when a full backyard fence was only a few thousand dollars, and now the same job can be double or even triple that.
The biggest reason isn’t just one thing. It’s a combination of higher material costs, increased labour, and overall changes in the economy. Everything that goes into building a fence costs more now than it used to.
Lumber Prices: Then vs Now
One of the biggest drivers of fence cost is materials. Wood, metal, and composite have all gone up over time, which is why overall fence prices feel so much higher today.
| Material | 2000 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure-Treated Lumber | $10–$15 | $50–$80+ |
| Cedar Lumber | $20–$35 | $60–$110+ |
| Chain Link (per ft) | $5–$10 | $15–$30 |
| Vinyl (per ft) | $15–$25 | $55–$85 |
| Composite (per ft) | $25–$40 | $80–$160 |
Back in the early 2000s, materials were much cheaper and easier to source. Today, prices are higher across the board, and some materials have more than doubled or even tripled.
Labour Costs Have Gone Up
Labour is another big reason fences cost more today. Years ago, labour rates were much lower, and there were more workers available for physical jobs like fencing.
Now, fewer people are going into trades, and wages have gone up across the board. This means contractors have to charge more just to cover their costs and stay in business.
What used to be a small part of the total price is now a major portion of the job.
Everything Else Costs More Too
It’s not just wood and labour. Every part of the process has become more expensive over time.
• Concrete for posts costs more
• Hardware and fasteners cost more
• Fuel and transportation cost more
• Equipment and insurance costs have increased
Even small increases in each of these areas add up quickly when you look at the full project.
Fence Cost Comparison: Then vs Now
To put it into perspective, here’s what a typical fence might have cost in the past compared to today:
| Time Period | Cost Per Ft | Total Cost (80 Ft Fence) |
|---|---|---|
| Early 2000s | $20–$30 | $1,600–$2,400 |
| 2015 | $30–$45 | $2,400–$3,600 |
| 2026 | $40–$95 | $3,200–$7,600+ |
This is why so many homeowners feel like fence prices have “skyrocketed.” In many cases, they have.
Why It Feels So Much More Expensive
Part of the shock comes from memory. If you last built a fence 10 or 15 years ago, your expectation is based on a completely different market.
When you compare those old prices to today, it feels like everything doubled overnight. In reality, the increase happened gradually, but the gap feels big when you look at it all at once.
Are Fence Prices Going Back Down?
This is one of the most common questions people ask. The honest answer is that prices may stabilize, but they are unlikely to return to what they were years ago.
Material costs can go up and down slightly, but labour and overall expenses tend to keep increasing over time. That means today’s prices are likely the new normal.
How to Keep Fence Costs Lower
Even though prices are higher, there are still ways to manage your budget and avoid overspending.
• Choose pressure-treated wood instead of premium materials
• Keep the design simple
• Limit the number of gates
• Build during slower seasons when possible
Small decisions like these can make a noticeable difference in your total cost.
Want to See What Your Fence Would Cost Today?
If you want a quick estimate based on your fence size and layout, you can use this calculator:
https://easylandscapes.ca/blogs/fence-cost-calculator-ontario/
It gives you a realistic price range based on current market conditions.
Get a Real Quote for Your Property
Every yard is different, and small details can change the price quite a bit. The best way to know for sure is to get a quote based on your actual property.
You can request one here:
https://easylandscapes.ca/fencing-installers-in-london-ontario/
Final Word
Fences feel more expensive today because everything that goes into them costs more. Lumber, labour, and materials have all increased over time, and those changes add up.
While prices may not go back to what they used to be, understanding why they changed helps you make better decisions moving forward.