Building a privacy fence in a Toronto backyard isn’t the same as fencing a new subdivision lot. Older neighbourhoods come with narrow side yards, slopes, mature trees and fences that have been patched for decades. Here’s what we plan for on Toronto jobs, with three recent projects.
Project 1: Scarborough — a Fence That Also Holds Back the Soil
This backyard in Scarborough sat higher than the neighbour’s side. A regular fence would have had soil pressing against the bottom boards — the fastest way to rot a wood fence. So we built a wood retaining wall along the bottom of the fence to hold the soil back, and added insulation and a membrane where the wood touches the ground to keep moisture off the boards.
See the full Scarborough project.
Project 2: East York — Slopes and a Mature Tree
On Macnaughton Rd in East York, the fence follows a sloped side yard next to a walkway and runs past a mature tree. On jobs like this, the fence steps down with the grade so the top line stays clean, and posts are placed to avoid the biggest roots instead of cutting through them.
Project 3: Toronto — Composite Instead of Wood
Not every Toronto homeowner wants wood. For this composite fence and gate, the owners chose composite panels with black posts and a metal walk gate: a clean, modern look that won’t need staining.
What We Plan for on Toronto Jobs
Access
Many Toronto backyards are reached through one narrow side yard. Materials are carried in by hand and old fence debris carried out the same way. We look at access during the quote visit so the day goes smoothly.
Old fences and footings
Replacing a fence usually means pulling old posts and their concrete. Old footings are often right where the new posts should go, so they have to come out first.
Buried lines
Older streets have gas, hydro and cable lines in places you wouldn’t expect. We request Ontario One Call locates before every job and don’t dig until lines are marked.
Laneways and garages
Where a backyard backs onto a laneway, the fence often meets a garage or a laneway gate. Plan where the gate goes and how wide it needs to be for bins and cars.
City rules
Fence height and pool enclosures in Toronto are covered by Municipal Code Chapter 447, Fences. Check it before you settle on height, especially near the street and on corner lots.
Which Privacy Fence Style Works in Toronto?
- Solid board privacy fence — full privacy, most popular in tight yards where neighbours are close.
- Board-on-board or shadow-box — looks good from both sides, a good choice for shared lines.
- Composite — modern look, no staining.
Prices and what changes them in the city are in our guide to fence costs in Toronto and the GTA. We also build in Mississauga, Vaughan, Richmond Hill and Brampton.
Planning a privacy fence in Toronto? Call 437-922-9070 or request a free quote. We measure on site and send a clear, itemized price, usually within 24 hours. No deposit: you pay when the fence is done.
FAQ
Can you build a fence if my backyard only has a narrow side yard?
Yes. Most Toronto backyards are like that. Materials are carried in by hand; it takes a little longer but works fine.
What do you do when one yard is higher than the other?
The fence steps down the slope, and where soil would sit against the boards we build a retaining wall at the bottom and protect the wood from moisture, as on our Scarborough project.
Can a fence be built around a big tree?
Yes. We place posts to avoid the main roots and leave space around the trunk for it to grow.
Do I need a permit for a backyard fence in Toronto?
Fences in Toronto are covered by Municipal Code Chapter 447. A standard backyard fence within the allowed height usually does not need a permit, but check the chapter for your property, especially for pool enclosures.
