A Homeowner's Guide to Choosing Pickets for a Fence in Ottawa
- Nicka Marzzz
- 2 hours ago
- 18 min read
Your fence pickets are the star of the show. They’re what you see every day, and they’re what stands between your yard and the world—not to mention our wild Ottawa weather.
Choosing the right picket is an actionable decision. You need to weigh how well the material will hold up, the style you're going for, the level of privacy you need, and your budget. This guide provides the practical, actionable advice you need to build a fence that looks great and lasts for years.
Your Action Plan for Choosing the Perfect Fence Pickets
Starting a new fence project can feel overwhelming. The options seem endless. But think of it this way: the pickets are like the siding on your house. They define the entire look and are your first line of defense against sun, rain, and snow. The right choice comes down to matching the material and design to your specific needs for privacy, security, and curb appeal.
We wrote this guide to provide clear steps for making a confident decision. We’ll cover everything from the classic, warm look of cedar to the modern, set-it-and-forget-it appeal of PVC. Getting it right from the start means you won't be dealing with surprise repairs or regrets down the road.
What You Will Learn
We’ve broken down the must-knows for choosing fence pickets right here in the Ottawa-Gatineau area. Here's what you'll be able to do:
Select Picket Materials: Compare wood, PVC, and hybrid pickets to see how they stand up to our harsh winters and humid summers, so you can choose the best one for your yard.
Design for Style and Privacy: Learn how to use the size, shape, and spacing of your pickets to create anything from a breezy, open feel to a completely private backyard oasis.
Budget Your Project: Get a clear breakdown of what different materials and installation options cost so you can plan effectively and avoid hidden fees.
Decide: DIY vs. Pro Installation: Get a realistic look at what's involved in building a fence yourself versus hiring a professional team like FenceScape.
By the end of this guide, you won't just know the difference between a cedar and a PVC picket. You'll have a clear plan to select the right long-term investment for your property, lifestyle, and budget.
Our goal is to give you the actionable knowledge you need to choose the perfect pickets for a fence that ticks all your boxes and adds real value to your home.
Comparing Fence Picket Materials for the Ottawa Climate
Picking the right material for your fence pickets is about more than just looks—it’s a crucial decision for anyone living in Ottawa. Our city throws everything at a fence: deep winter freezes, heavy snow, and then sweltering, humid summers. A picket that can’t handle that constant freeze-thaw cycle and moisture will quickly fail, leaving you with a warped, rotten, or cracked fence.
So, let's get into the materials that actually hold up in our demanding climate. I’ll walk you through each one, looking at durability, long-term value, and what they really offer homeowners here, helping you choose the perfect pickets for a fence that will stand strong for years to come.
Classic Wood Pickets: A Tale of Two Timbers
There's a reason wood is the go-to classic. It has a natural warmth that just works in any backyard. But here in Ottawa, not all wood is created equal.
Pressure-Treated (PT) Pine is what you’ll see most often, mainly because it’s easy on the wallet. The wood is chemically treated to fight off rot and insects, which gives it a fighting chance against the elements. It’s a solid starting point, but prepare for upkeep. Actionable Step: Plan to stain or seal it every few years to stop it from turning grey, cracking, and soaking up moisture.
Cedar, on the other hand, is the gold standard for wood in our region. It comes with its own built-in defense system—natural oils and tannins that make it resistant to rot, decay, and bugs. Cedar is far less likely to warp or shrink compared to PT pine, holding its ground through our wild temperature swings. Actionable Insight: While it costs more upfront, its longevity and minimal maintenance often make it the smarter long-term investment.
If you're stuck between these two, we've got a detailed comparison to help you decide. Find out more in our guide on cedar vs. pressure-treated fences and make the right call for your property.
Modern PVC and Vinyl Pickets: The Low-Maintenance Champion
If the thought of yearly staining makes you cringe, then PVC or vinyl pickets are your answer. This material is engineered for one primary purpose: to look great with almost zero effort.
Here’s why PVC is a smart choice for our climate:
Completely Moisture-Proof: PVC doesn't absorb water, period. That means no rot, no warping, and no peeling, even after being buried in snow all winter.
Stays True to Colour: Good quality PVC has UV inhibitors baked right in. This protects it from the harsh summer sun, preventing that faded, yellowed look you see on cheaper plastics.
A Breeze to Clean: A quick spray with the garden hose is usually all it takes to make a PVC fence look like it was installed yesterday.
While the initial investment is higher than wood, you’ll save a ton in the long run on stains, sealers, and weekend labor. For busy homeowners, PVC pickets deliver that crisp, clean look that lasts.
Expert Tip: When choosing PVC, ask your supplier about picket thickness and the quality of UV protection. A thicker, well-protected picket is your best bet for durability and lasting color, ensuring your investment truly pays off.
Hybrid Systems: The Best of Both Worlds
For the ultimate blend of strength and style, hybrid fence systems are becoming a huge favorite around Ottawa. These clever designs take the classic beauty of wood or PVC pickets and pair them with the unshakeable strength of steel posts.
The biggest advantage here is the defense against frost heave. Around here, the ground freezing and thawing makes the soil shift and expand. This movement can easily push traditional wood posts right out of the ground, leaving you with a leaning, wobbly fence. Galvanized steel posts, driven deep, simply don’t move. Your fence line stays perfectly straight, year after year.
This map helps visualize how different factors play into your choice of fence pickets, connecting materials to their function and overall style.
As you can see, the best choice is always a balance between the practical (materials) and the personal (style). A hybrid system is the perfect example of this in action. You get the beautiful look of cedar or the clean aesthetic of PVC, all built on a rock-solid steel foundation that’s tough enough for Ottawa's climate.
How Picket Style and Spacing Define Your Fence
Once you’ve settled on the right material, the real design work begins. The way you arrange your pickets for a fence is what transforms a simple boundary into a genuine statement piece. It all comes down to the interplay between the picket dimensions, the gaps you leave between them, and the finishing touches on top.
Think of your picket arrangement as the grammar of your fence's design. It dictates how open or private your yard feels, adds a layer of architectural character, and ultimately sets the fence’s entire personality. Let’s dig into how these small details make such a big impact.
Choosing Your Picket Dimensions
The width of your pickets is one of the first calls you'll have to make, and it directly steers the final look. The two most common choices are standard 1x4 and 1x6 boards (which, after milling, are actually closer to 3.5" and 5.5" wide, respectively).
1x4 Pickets: Use these for a classic, traditional profile. Their narrower width is perfect for shorter, more decorative fences where you want a light, airy feel.
1x6 Pickets: When privacy is the goal, choose wider 1x6 pickets. This is the workhorse of most modern privacy fences because it creates a more solid, substantial barrier with fewer boards.
It really comes down to what you need the fence to do. If you're building a tall privacy fence to create a backyard oasis, 1x6 pickets are the logical way to go. For a charming garden fence that just needs to look good, 1x4s will deliver that timeless aesthetic every time.
Mastering Picket Spacing for Privacy
The space you leave between each picket is the single most important factor in controlling privacy. You can fine-tune this gap to get exactly the level of seclusion you’re after.
Your picket spacing is a dial you can turn from "completely open" to "totally private." Even a half-inch adjustment can dramatically change the feel of your backyard.
Here’s a breakdown of your options:
Full Privacy: For total seclusion, install pickets edge-to-edge with no gap. This creates a solid visual wall, perfect for backyards facing busy streets or close neighbors.
Semi-Privacy: To strike a balance, leave a small gap, usually between 1/2 to 1 inch. This screens the view but still allows light and air to pass through, so your yard doesn't feel like a fortress.
Open-Spaced: For a purely decorative boundary, use wider gaps of 2 inches or more. This style defines a boundary without blocking any views, making it a great choice for front yards or sectioning off a garden.
As you think about how picket style and spacing will look up close, it’s also wise to consider the overall fence line design within your landscape. Taking a step back ensures the final installation complements your property's layout instead of clashing with it.
The Good Neighbour Shadowbox Design
One of the most popular semi-privacy styles we build is the shadowbox fence, often called a "good neighbour" fence for a good reason. This clever design involves alternating the pickets on either side of the horizontal rails.
The result is a fence that looks identical from both your yard and your neighbour's—no one gets the "bad" side. When you look at it straight on, it appears completely solid. But from an angle, you can see through the gaps, which allows for fantastic airflow. That’s a huge plus during Ottawa's humid summers. It’s no wonder this design has become a go-to for its blend of good looks and smart function. You can see more popular options in our guide to the top 10 styles of wood fences for Ottawa-Gatineau homes.
Adding Character with Picket Tops
The final flourish that can really tie a fence design together is the picket top. This small decorative cut can connect the fence's style to your home's unique architecture.
Here are a few common choices we see:
Dog Ear: A corner is simply clipped off at a 45-degree angle. It softens the look, helps prevent splintering, and is a timeless, practical choice.
Flat Top: Clean, simple, and modern. This straight line is often finished with a top rail for a polished, built-in appearance.
Gothic Point: A sharp, pointed top that lends a touch of formal, traditional elegance to the property line.
Here in the Ottawa-Gatineau area, we've seen a huge shift toward privacy. The demand for privacy-focused designs has surged, with installations of toppers like lattice and vertical slat pickets jumping by 28% between 2023 and 2025 in suburban Ottawa alone. This trend reflects a growing desire for backyard seclusion, where these simple additions offer a cost-effective upgrade. Learn more about choosing a privacy fence topper in Ottawa and how it can elevate your project.
Budgeting Your Fence Picket Project for 2026
Before you even think about styles or colours, the first step in any fence project is figuring out the budget. Getting a realistic handle on what it costs to buy and install pickets for a fence here in Ottawa is crucial. It’s the only way to avoid sticker shock down the road and make sure you’re making a smart investment.
The final price isn't just about the pickets you see. It's a blend of materials, the crew's time, and a few other details that are easy to forget. Let's break it all down so you can plan for 2026 with confidence and find a solution that works for both your backyard and your bank account.
Breaking Down Material Costs Per Linear Foot
The biggest single factor driving your budget will be the picket material you choose. The best way to think about this is in "cost per linear foot," which gives you a complete picture by including the pickets themselves along with the rails and posts needed to hold them up.
Here’s a look at what you can realistically expect to spend on materials in the Ottawa region:
Pressure-Treated (PT) Wood: This is the go-to for many homeowners because it's the most budget-friendly. You're looking at a material cost in the $25 to $40 per linear foot range. It's a solid, practical choice, but remember to factor in the future cost of staining or sealing.
Cedar Wood: If you want a noticeable upgrade in both looks and longevity, cedar is a fantastic investment. It typically runs between $45 and $65 per linear foot for materials. The big advantage is its natural resistance to rot and insects, which adds to its long-term value.
PVC/Vinyl: For a truly "set it and forget it" fence, PVC is the answer. The material cost is higher, usually from $50 to $75 per linear foot, but the trade-off is that you save money and time for years to come because there’s no staining or sealing needed. Ever.
Actionable Step: Use these numbers as a starting point for your budget. Remember to increase your estimate if you plan for a taller fence or a more complex picket design, as they require more material.
Demystifying Labour and Installation Costs
Labour is the other major piece of the puzzle, often making up 40-50% of the total project cost. For a professional installation in Ottawa, you can generally expect to pay between $18 and $35 per linear foot.
So, why the range? A few on-the-ground factors can shift that number:
Terrain Difficulty: A flat, clear lawn is a contractor's dream. But a yard that's sloped, full of rocks, or dotted with trees means a lot more work digging post holes and keeping the fence line straight.
Site Accessibility: Is there room for a mini-excavator to get into your backyard, or will every single post hole need to be dug by hand? Tight access means more manual labour and more time.
Old Fence Removal: If there's an old fence that needs to be torn down and hauled away, you should plan on adding $5 to $10 per linear foot to the installation quote.
It's also worth noting that recent market trends have had an impact. Costs for fence pickets in Ottawa-Gatineau have been climbing, partly due to 2025's U.S.-Canada trade tensions. We've seen pressure-treated lumber for pickets jump 15% year-over-year, while the steel-supported hybrid pickets popular in Ontario are up nearly 20% in the first half of the year.
Even with these pressures, local installers like FenceScape are finding ways to keep projects within reach. By using our own in-house crews and focusing on high-quality cedar, we can offer an Eastern White Cedar good neighbour style fence (6-foot height) for $69-$72 per foot installed. For those wanting premium Western Red Cedar, the price is closer to $79-$82. You can get more context on how trade tensions are affecting local fence pricing in the region.
The table below provides a clearer picture of how material costs and installation fees come together for different picket types.
Estimated Cost Per Linear Foot for Fence Pickets (Ottawa Region 2026)
Picket Type | Material Cost / Lin. Ft. | Installed Cost / Lin. Ft. |
|---|---|---|
Pressure-Treated Wood | $25 - $40 | $43 - $75 |
Cedar Wood | $45 - $65 | $63 - $100 |
PVC / Vinyl | $50 - $75 | $68 - $110 |
As you can see, the final installed price combines the raw material cost with the labour required for a professional, long-lasting job.
Uncovering Potential Hidden Costs
A smart budget is one that accounts for everything, not just the big-ticket items. Beyond the pickets and the labour, a few smaller expenses can sneak up on you if you’re not ready for them.
Make sure to ask about these potential costs:
Permits: Depending on your fence's height and exactly where you live in Ottawa, you might need a building permit. This can add a few hundred dollars right at the start.
Hardware: It's easy to forget the screws, nails, and brackets that hold everything together. On a larger project, these small items can easily add $100 to $300 to your final bill.
Gate Installation: A gate is more than just a moving section of fence. It needs special hardware like latches and hinges, plus extra labour for proper framing. A single gate can often cost $400 to $800+ to install correctly.
Here at FenceScape, we know that budgeting can be a challenge. That’s why we offer things like neighbourhood group discounts and flexible financing options to help Ottawa homeowners build the fence they really want without the financial stress.
Deciding Between DIY and Professional Installation
You’ve picked out the perfect pickets, and the vision for your new fence is crystal clear. Now for the big question: who’s going to build it?
This really boils down to a classic trade-off between your budget, your timeline, the tools in your garage, and how much sweat you’re willing to put in. Both rolling up your sleeves for a DIY project and hiring a professional contractor have their perks. Let's break down what each path looks like so you can figure out what’s right for you.
The DIY Approach: What to Expect
Building your own fence can be incredibly satisfying. There’s a real sense of pride that comes with it, not to mention the potential savings. But let’s be clear—this is a serious project that demands solid planning, the right equipment, and a fair bit of muscle. A great DIY fence is about a lot more than just tacking pickets onto rails.
Before you even think about buying materials, you’ll need to make sure you have the essential gear. This isn’t a simple hammer-and-nails job; a proper installation requires specific tools to guarantee your fence is straight, sturdy, and built to last.
Here’s a quick rundown of the typical toolkit for installing pickets for a fence:
Digging Tools: You'll need a post-hole digger or, even better, a powered auger to get those holes deep and uniform.
Levelling and Measurement: A long level, a good measuring tape, and some string lines are non-negotiable for keeping your posts plumb and your fence line true.
Cutting Tools: A mitre saw or circular saw is a must for cutting pickets and rails to the perfect length.
Fastening Tools: Forget the hammer. A reliable drill or impact driver is key for securing pickets with screws, which provide a much stronger and longer-lasting hold than nails.
Actionable Step: To avoid frost heave in Ottawa, you must set your posts at least 4 feet deep to get below the frost line. This is the most critical step for ensuring your fence stays straight through the seasons.
Even if you’re committed to the DIY route, you don't have to go it entirely alone. FenceScape can be a valuable partner by supplying you with the same professional-grade materials our own crews use. This ensures your project starts with top-quality pickets and hardware designed to withstand our tough Canadian seasons.
The Professional Installation Advantage
When you hire a team like FenceScape, you're not just paying for labour—you're investing in efficiency, deep expertise, and a guaranteed result. Sure, the upfront cost is higher, but the real value is in sidestepping common, costly mistakes and getting your weekends back. A professional crew takes care of every single detail, transforming what could be a multi-weekend headache into a beautiful, finished fence in just a few days.
The main difference, of course, is the cost of labour. Here in the Ottawa-Gatineau region, labour for installing fence pickets can average $18-$35 per linear foot. This means total installed costs often land in the $30-$65 per foot range for typical backyard fences. For instance, a popular "good neighbour" style fence with pressure-treated pickets might start at $58 per foot, a price that covers both materials and expert installation.
Here’s what you get when you go pro:
Permit and Utility Management: We handle the paperwork, pulling the necessary building permits and arranging for utility locates to make sure all digging is done safely.
Expert Craftsmanship: Our in-house crews know how to handle any challenge your property might throw at them, from tricky slopes to rocky soil, ensuring every picket is perfectly placed.
Efficiency and Speed: We have the team, the tools, and the process to complete most residential jobs in just 1-3 days.
Guaranteed Results: Your new fence comes with a solid warranty, giving you complete peace of mind that it was built right and built to last.
Choosing a professional installer is about more than just convenience. It’s about ensuring you get a flawless, durable fence that genuinely adds value to your home for years to come. For a deeper dive into choosing the right team for the job, have a look at our guide on hiring Ottawa fence builders.
Your Fence Picket Planning Checklist
Turning the idea of a new fence into a reality that's standing in your yard involves a bit of homework. With so many details to juggle—from city hall rules to the dozens of material choices—it’s easy for the whole thing to feel a bit daunting. This checklist breaks it all down into a simple, step-by-step roadmap so nothing falls through the cracks.
Think of it as your pre-flight check before the first post hole is dug. Taking the time to go through each point methodically will help you sidestep common headaches, manage the project with confidence, and make sure the final result is exactly what you envisioned.
Pre-Construction Essentials
Before you even think about ordering a single picket, you need to lay the groundwork. These first steps are all about understanding the rules and the reality of your property, which will shape almost every decision that follows. A few hours of planning here can literally save you weeks of trouble down the road.
Check with the City: First things first, look up your local bylaws. Fence height and how far it needs to be from your property line are the big ones. In Ottawa, for example, a backyard fence can typically be up to 2.1 metres (7 feet) high before you need a permit, but it's always best to confirm.
Get an Accurate Measurement: Grab a long measuring tape and walk the line where your new fence will go. Knowing the exact linear footage is crucial for figuring out how much material you'll need and for getting quotes that aren't just ballpark guesses.
Book a Utility Locate: This is the one step you absolutely cannot skip. Before anyone starts digging, you need to have a professional come out and mark all the underground gas, electrical, and water lines. It's a free service and prevents what could be a very dangerous and expensive mistake.
Material and Design Decisions
Okay, with the logistics out of the way, you can get to the fun part: actually designing your fence. This is where you get to balance how you want it to look, what you need it to do, and how much you want to spend to find the perfect pickets for a fence that will not only suit your home but also stand up to our tough Ottawa climate.
Your choice of material is the single biggest factor determining how long your fence will last and how much work it will be to maintain. A picket that looks fantastic on day one but can't handle a Canadian winter is not a good investment.
Use these points to help you narrow down the choices:
Pick a Climate-Ready Material: You have great options. Will it be the classic, natural durability of Cedar? The zero-maintenance ease of PVC? Or perhaps the incredible stability of a Hybrid system that pairs wood or vinyl with steel posts?
Decide on Privacy: How much do you want to see your neighbours? An edge-to-edge layout will give you full privacy. A shadowbox design offers a semi-private feel, while wider spacing creates a more decorative, open boundary.
Choose a Style that Fits: Don't forget the details. The top of the picket—whether it's a simple Flat Top or a classic Dog Ear—should complement your home's architecture and boost its curb appeal.
Finalizing Your Project Plan
The last stage is all about turning those plans into a finished project. This is where you lock in your budget and decide whether you're going to tackle this yourself or bring in a pro.
Get a Few Quotes: It's always smart to talk to at least two or three reputable fence companies. Ask for detailed, written estimates that break down the exact materials, labour costs, and a clear project timeline.
DIY or Hire a Pro?: Be honest with yourself about your skills, the tools you have, and how much time you can dedicate to this. Building a fence yourself can save money on labour, but a professional installer guarantees a faster build, a straight fence, and a warranty on the work.
What to Expect with FenceScape: We like to keep things straightforward. It all begins with a free, no-pressure consultation to talk about what you need. From there, we'll give you a detailed quote, take care of any permits, and schedule the installation with our own in-house crew. We wrap up every job with a final walkthrough to make sure you're 100% happy.
Your Fence Picket Questions Answered
When you're zeroing in on the right pickets for your fence, a few last-minute questions always seem to pop up. To help you feel completely confident in your choice, we’ve put together answers to the most common things we hear from homeowners right here in the Ottawa-Gatineau area.
What’s the Best Picket Material for Ottawa's Climate?
Given our wild swings from cold, snowy winters to hot, humid summers, you really want a material that can take a beating. In our experience, premium Western Red Cedar and high-quality PVC are the clear winners. Cedar is fantastic because it’s naturally infused with oils that fend off rot, decay, and insects, and it handles our temperature shifts without complaining.
On the other hand, PVC is basically waterproof. It won't warp, crack, or rot, even when it’s buried in a snowbank for months, which makes it a phenomenal low-maintenance choice. For the absolute best of both worlds, FenceScape’s hybrid systems give you the classic look of wood pickets but anchor them with the sheer strength of steel posts. This combo offers incredible resistance to wind and the frost heave that plagues our region.
Actionable Insight: For our climate, Cedar and PVC are the two champions. Your final decision should be based on aesthetics: do you prefer the natural warmth of wood or the crisp, clean look of vinyl?
How Far Apart Should I Space My Pickets for Privacy?
The gap between your pickets is the single biggest factor in how private your backyard feels. If you're looking for total seclusion, the answer is simple: install the pickets edge-to-edge with no gap at all. This is easily the most popular setup for creating a quiet, personal outdoor space.
If you want to strike a balance between screening and letting a breeze through, a semi-privacy design with a small gap—think half an inch to one inch—is a great compromise. Another clever option is the "good neighbour" or shadowbox style, where pickets are staggered on opposite sides of the fence rail. It looks like a solid wall when you view it head-on but allows air and light to filter through when seen from an angle.
Will I Need a Permit Just to Replace My Fence Pickets in Ottawa?
Good news! In most situations in Ottawa or Gatineau, you do not need a permit if you’re only swapping out the pickets on an existing fence. As long as you aren't changing its height or location, the city views it as a simple repair, not a new construction project.
However, you'll almost certainly need a permit if you are:
Putting up a completely new fence.
Making the fence taller, especially if it goes beyond 2 metres (about 6.5 feet).
Building a fence around a swimming pool, as these have very specific safety codes.
It’s always a good idea to give your local municipality’s building department a quick call before you start. Of course, when you work with a professional like FenceScape, we take care of the entire permit process for you, making sure your project is fully compliant from day one.
Ready to build a fence that can handle Ottawa’s weather and add real value to your home? The experts at FenceScape are here to help you navigate all the options and design a fence you’ll love for years to come. Get your free, no-obligation estimate today!
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