Cedar privacy fence — classic PNW choice. 6 ft standard height, board-on-board or flat board styles. $35-55/linear ft installed for 6ft privacy. Cedar silvers to gray in 2-3 years unless stained annually. Lifespan 15-25 years with proper post base and ground contact treatment.
Horizontal cedar (modern) — same cedar but with horizontal slats instead of vertical. More contemporary look. Adds ~$5-10/linear ft for extra material and install time.
Vinyl privacy fence — 6 ft privacy vinyl. 30-year warranty typical. $45-70/linear ft installed. No staining, no rot. Slightly more industrial appearance — fits newer subdivisions well, looks out of place on older homes.
Aluminum decorative fence — 4-5 ft tall, powder-coated, picket-style or horizontal. $50-80/linear ft installed. Best for pool fences (meets code), front-yard ornamental, or properties where views matter.
Chain-link — utility fencing. Still requested for dog runs, back-of-property utility fences, or rental properties. $18-28/linear ft installed. Not usually residential main fence.
Split-rail / ranch style — 2-3 rail cedar, often with wire mesh for pet containment. Rural properties, acreage. $22-35/linear ft.
Composite fence panels — newer option, fiber-reinforced composite boards on aluminum posts. 25-30 year warranty, no maintenance. $60-95/linear ft. Premium price but premium longevity.
Privacy fence (most common): 6 ft cedar or vinyl. Board-on-board for cedar blocks sight lines completely. Flat-board cedar has ~5% gaps. Vinyl is solid.
Pool fence (code-required): Oregon and Washington require pool barriers. 48″ minimum height, self-closing / self-latching gate, 4″ maximum spacing, no footholds below 48″. We typically install aluminum decorative fences around pools — meets all code requirements and doesn’t trap moisture against the pool deck.
Pet fence: depends on pet. For most dogs, 4-5 ft cedar or horizontal with closed bottom (no dig-under gaps). For jumpers, 6 ft. Electric invisible fence not our scope — we do physical barriers only.
Deer fence (rural): 6-8 ft required to actually deter deer. We don’t often do full deer enclosures, but we’ve added deer-deterrent height to existing backyard fences in Amboy, Hockinson, rural Ridgefield.
Decorative / property line: 3-4 ft ornamental aluminum or cedar picket. Marks boundary without blocking views. $35-60/linear ft.
Clark County WA:
Portland OR:
HOA review: Many Ridgefield, Vancouver, Beaverton, Happy Valley subdivisions have HOA design review. Material, color, height are commonly regulated. We prepare the HOA submittal (drawings, specs, samples) as part of our quote.
Neighbor coordination: When fences are on or near property lines, we recommend notifying neighbors. Not legally required in most jurisdictions but prevents disputes. We can help with “good neighbor” designs where the finished face alternates between properties.
The biggest difference between a fence that lasts 20 years and one that leans in 5 is the post foundation. We do it the same way every time:
Shortcut methods — post in a hole with gravel only, or concrete poured around a post without proper excavation — fail within 5-7 years in PNW clay soils.
Step 1: Estimate + site walk. We measure property line, locate utility markers (811 one-call before any digging), identify grade changes, and sketch 2-3 layout options.
Step 2: Material selection + HOA review prep. Cedar grade, vinyl color, height specifics. If HOA required, we prepare and submit.
Step 3: Permit if needed. Clark County, Portland, or city-specific.
Step 4: Utility mark-out (811 call placed 3 business days before dig).
Step 5: Post installation. Dig, set posts in concrete, verify plumb, let concrete cure 24-48 hours.
Step 6: Rail + board installation. Rails fastened to posts, boards installed (overlapping for board-on-board, consistent gap for flat board).
Step 7: Gates + hardware. Self-closing hinges where required, latches, locks.
Step 8: Finish. Stain cedar (or leave natural), touch-up paint on vinyl, final walkthrough.
Timeline: Most standard residential fences complete in 5-8 days from start of work. Permit + lead time adds 2-4 weeks upfront.
Per linear foot installed (includes posts, rails, boards, hardware, labor):
| Fence type | Height | Typical price/linear ft |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar board-on-board privacy | 6 ft | $35 – $55 |
| Horizontal cedar | 6 ft | $45 – $65 |
| Vinyl privacy | 6 ft | $45 – $70 |
| Aluminum decorative | 4-5 ft | $50 – $80 |
| Pool-code aluminum | 48″ | $55 – $85 |
| Chain-link | 4-6 ft | $18 – $28 |
| Split-rail cedar | 3-rail | $22 – $35 |
| Composite fence panels | 6 ft | $60 – $95 |
Gate premium: each gate adds $400-1,200 depending on size and hardware (self-closing, electric latch, double-gate for equipment access).
Typical total project: 150 linear feet of 6 ft cedar privacy = $5,500 – $8,500. 250 linear feet of vinyl = $11,000 – $17,500. 400 linear feet of rural horse fence = $8,000 – $14,000.
LGC Remodeling is led by Larry Zagoriy, owner and lead contractor. Larry has been building decks, patios, pergolas, and outdoor living spaces across Clark County and the Portland metro for over 15 years, with 100+ completed outdoor living projects.
CSLB License #1106627 — Licensed, Bonded & Insured. Verify license at California State Licensing Board.
Call Larry directly at (360) 356-6008 or email info@lgcremodeling.com for a free on-site estimate. LGC Remodeling, 1616 NW 13th Street, Battle Ground, WA 98604.