Fence Types
Wood Fences
Real wood, built right. Cedar or pressure-treated pickets on posts that are set deep, drained and plumb, so the fence still stands straight in ten years.
A wood fence is still the most popular way to close in a backyard, and for good reason: it's warm, private, easy to repair and can be built in almost any style. What separates a wood fence that lasts from one that leans after three winters isn't the pickets, though. It's the posts. Stakeline Fence Co. builds wood fences from the ground up, starting with what's under the grass.
What's included
- Layout and locates — we confirm the line with you, request free utility locates through Ontario One Call and mark every post before a shovel goes in.
- Posts set for our soil — holes dug below frost, gravel at the base for drainage, and concrete shaped so frost has nothing to grab.
- Rails and framing — top, middle and bottom rails fastened with exterior-rated screws or ring-shank nails, not staples.
- Your choice of style — dog-ear privacy, board-on-board, shadowbox, picket or horizontal, in cedar or pressure-treated lumber.
- Gates that close — framed and braced so they don't sag, with heavy hinges and a latch that lines up.
- Clean-up — dirt, offcuts and the old fence (if we're replacing one) hauled away.
How the job runs
- Site visit. We walk the line, talk about style and height, and check grade changes, trees and gates.
- Written quote. Material, height, length, gates, removal and any extras listed separately.
- Posts first. Posts are set and the concrete is given time to cure before the fence is hung.
- Build and walk-through. Rails, pickets, gates and caps go on, and we check every gate with you.
Cedar or pressure-treated?
Cedar is lighter, more stable and naturally resists rot, and it weathers to a soft grey if you leave it alone. Pressure-treated lumber costs less and is very durable in the ground, but it moves more as it dries. Either way, a stain and seal once it has dried out adds years. Comparing materials? Price wood against vinyl in the instant fence estimate.
What affects the cost of wood fences
Wood fence prices are mostly driven by length, height and the lumber itself: cedar costs more than pressure-treated, and board-on-board or shadowbox styles use more boards per foot than a standard privacy fence. Gates add cost, double driveway gates most of all. Site conditions matter too: slopes that need stepped sections, tree roots, rocky or wet ground, and tight access to the backyard. Removal of an old fence, decorative caps and trim, and staining are priced separately.
Wood Fences questions
How long does a wood fence last?
A well-built cedar or pressure-treated fence typically lasts 15 to 20 years, and longer with regular staining. Posts are usually what fails first, which is why we put the most care into setting them.
Which side of the fence faces out?
Traditionally the finished side faces the neighbour and the street, but it's your choice. Board-on-board and shadowbox styles look finished from both sides.
When can I stain a new wood fence?
New lumber needs to dry first. Pressure-treated wood often needs a few months; kiln-dried cedar can be stained sooner. We'll tell you when yours is ready.
Can you build a wood fence in winter?
Yes, as long as the ground can be dug. Frozen topsoil slows the digging, and concrete needs protection from freezing while it cures, so winter jobs can take a little longer. Spring and fall are the most popular seasons, so booking early helps.
Where we offer wood fences
We provide wood fences for homeowners in Windsor, LaSalle and Tecumseh. See what to expect in your area:
Build it once. Build it right.
See a ballpark for your fence in about a minute, or book a site visit for a written, itemized quote.