Fence Cost Guide for Portland & Vancouver Metro

Portland Metro Fence Cost Summary (2026)

The table below assumes a standard 150 linear foot residential project on relatively flat terrain with two gates and no significant demolition.

Installed pricing. Excludes complex terrain, premium gates, retaining walls, or HOA design upcharges.

How much does a wood fence cost in Portland?

A professionally installed cedar wood fence in Portland costs $35 to $60 per linear foot, or roughly $5,250 to $9,000 for a typical 150-foot residential yard. Pressure-treated pine runs $22 to $40 per linear foot, or about $3,300 to $6,000 for the same yard.

Western red cedar is the default choice across Oregon and Washington for one reason: the Pacific Northwest wet climate. Cedar's natural oils resist rot, fungal decay, and insects far better than untreated softwoods, and it ages to a refined silver-gray when left unstained. Pressure-treated pine is cheaper up front but tends to twist and cup in our wet winters.

For long-term performance, our fence team at Masters Fences specifies pressure-treated or galvanized steel posts set in concrete with gravel drainage at the base — a detail that matters far more in Portland and Vancouver's saturated soils than in drier climates. For the rules behind setbacks, ownership, and which side of the fence is yours, see our fence property-line & ownership FAQ.

How much does a 6-foot wood privacy fence cost?

A standard 6-foot cedar privacy fence costs $35 to $60 per linear foot installed in the Portland Metro area — putting a typical 150-foot yard between $5,250 and $9,000. Premium upgrades like clear (knot-free) cedar, lattice or decorative tops, steel posts, or horizontal slat designs push pricing to $65 to $80 per linear foot.

In Lake Oswego, West Linn, Happy Valley, and parts of Camas, HOA design standards frequently require specific picket profiles, cap-and-trim detailing, or stained finishes that add 10–20% to base pricing. We design every fence with the local code and HOA review process in mind.

How much does a vinyl (PVC) fence cost?

Vinyl fencing in the Pacific Northwest typically runs $40 to $75 per linear foot installed — about $6,000 to $11,250 for a 150-foot yard. The up-front cost is 15–30% higher than cedar, but vinyl never needs stain or sealant.

That maintenance-free quality is genuinely valuable in our climate. Cedar typically needs re-staining every 3–5 years to maintain its color; vinyl simply hoses off. For homeowners planning to stay in their Beaverton or Tigard home for 15+ years, vinyl's total cost of ownership is often lower than wood.

How much does a chain link fence cost?

Galvanized chain link is the most economical option at $15 to $32 per linear foot installed — roughly $2,250 to $4,800 for a 150-foot yard. Black vinyl-coated chain link is $22 to $40 per linear foot and disappears into landscaping much more gracefully than raw galvanized steel. It is most common for back-of-property containment, dog runs, and rural lots in outer Beaverton, Aloha, and Washougal.

How much does a metal or aluminum fence cost?

Powder-coated aluminum fencing costs $45 to $90 per linear foot installed in the Portland Metro area — about $6,750 to $13,500 for a 150-foot yard. Steel or wrought-iron-style fencing runs $55 to $120 per linear foot.

Aluminum is the go-to for front-yard ornamental fencing, pool enclosures (it meets Oregon's pool barrier code), and HOA neighborhoods in Happy Valley, Bethany, and Camas Meadows. It does not rust, requires essentially no maintenance, and lasts 40+ years in the PNW climate.

How much does it cost to fence a typical yard?

Most suburban Portland Metro lots need 120 to 200 linear feet of fencing to enclose the back and side yards. At that footage, a 6-foot cedar privacy fence typically costs:

• 120 ft yard: $4,200 – $7,200
• 150 ft yard: $5,250 – $9,000
• 200 ft yard: $7,000 – $12,000
• 300+ ft estate lots (Lake Oswego, West Linn): $10,500 – $18,000+

Larger acreage lots in Washougal, rural Clark County, or the outer reaches of West Linn frequently exceed 400 linear feet and can range from $14,000 to $30,000 or more, depending on terrain and material.

What drives fence cost up or down?

Two yards with identical footage can vary by thousands of dollars. The biggest cost drivers in our region:

• Height: A 6-ft fence requires ~50% more material and longer posts than a 4-ft fence.
• Material grade: Knotty cedar vs. clear cedar can be a 25–40% spread. Steel posts add $4–$8 per foot over wood posts.
• Terrain: Sloped lots (common in West Linn and Portland Heights) require stepped or racked panels. Rocky soil increases post-setting labor.
• Gates: A standard 4-ft walk gate adds $250–$500. A double drive gate adds $800–$2,500.
• Removal of old fence: Adds $3–$8 per linear foot for tear-out and disposal.
• Permits & HOA review: Lake Oswego, West Linn, Happy Valley, and many Camas HOAs require design approval.
• Licensing: Oregon CCB-licensed and insured contractors price 15–30% higher than unlicensed labor — and are the only legal option in Oregon.

Labor vs. materials breakdown

On a typical Portland Metro fence project, the split lands at roughly:

• Materials: 40–55% — cedar lumber, posts, hardware, concrete, gate components.
• Labor: 45–60% — site prep, post setting, framing, picket installation, finish carpentry.
• Demolition/disposal: $3–$8 per foot when removing an existing fence.
• Overhead, permits, insurance: 8–15% of total project cost.

Beware contractors quoting dramatically below these ranges — in the PNW, that usually means shallow posts, no gravel drainage, or unlicensed labor that will not stand up to our first wet winter.

Why the Pacific Northwest wet climate changes the math

Portland and Vancouver receive roughly 36–43 inches of rain annually, concentrated in the cool months when wood stays saturated for weeks. That single environmental fact dictates most of how a fence should be built here:

• Cedar is the default species — its natural rot resistance is built for this climate.
• Posts must be pressure-treated (ground-contact rated) or galvanized steel, set in concrete with a gravel base for drainage.
• Picket bottoms should sit 2 in. above grade to prevent wicking moisture from soil.
• Hardware should be hot-dip galvanized or stainless to avoid rust streaks down cedar pickets.

Oregon CCB licensing & what to verify

In Oregon, any contractor performing fence work for compensation must hold an active Construction Contractors Board (CCB) license. Always verify CCB status, general liability insurance, and workers' comp coverage before signing. In Washington, the equivalent is an active L&I contractor registration. Masters Construction Group is fully licensed, bonded, and insured for work on both sides of the Columbia.

Frequently Asked Questions