An old wood fence does a lot of quiet work. It gives a backyard privacy, keeps pets and kids in, and frames the garden. When the boards turn grey and the gate starts to sag, it is time for a new one. On a recent job in Mississauga, our crew took out a tired backyard fence and built a new wood fence in its place. Here is how the job came together, step by step.
The project at a glance
- Location: Mississauga
- Type: Backyard fence replacement
- Old fence: Weathered wood boards and a worn wood gate
- New fence: New wood posts and vertical wood boards
- Visits: We filmed the job across several site visits, from the first day of work to the finished fence
Where the job started
The old fence ran along the back and side of the yard, beside a patio and a row of shrubs and evergreens. The boards had weathered to a dark grey brown, and the gate showed its age. A fence like this can still stand for a while, but once the wood and the gate start to wear, a full replacement is usually the cleaner fix than patching board by board.
Step 1: Getting materials to the yard
Fence lumber is long and heavy, and backyards are rarely easy to reach. The new lumber arrived on a flatbed truck, and a truck mounted forklift moved it off the truck so the crew did not have to carry every load by hand.
Step 2: Digging and breaking ground for the posts
The posts are what hold a fence straight for years, so this is the step that matters most. The crew dug along the fence line beside the garden beds and used a demolition hammer to break up hard ground where the post holes needed to go. A string line was pulled tight along the run so every post would land in a straight line.
Step 3: Setting the posts and the frame
With the holes ready, the new wood posts went in and were cut to height on site. Horizontal rails were then fastened between the posts to give the boards something solid to attach to. Getting the posts plumb and the rails level here is what makes the finished fence look clean from end to end.
Step 4: Cutting and installing the boards
Each board was cut to length and fastened in place one by one. The new fence uses vertical wood boards with a small, even gap between them, which lets some light and air through while still giving the yard privacy.
The finished fence
Once the last boards were on, the new fence wrapped the back of the yard in clean, fresh wood. With the evergreens and flowering shrubs in front of it, the garden finally has a backdrop that matches it.
Tips if you are planning a new fence
- Check your property line first. Know exactly where your fence can go before any digging starts.
- Ask about underground services. Post holes go deep, so utility locates should be done before digging.
- Talk to your neighbours. A shared fence is easier when everyone knows the plan ahead of time.
- Protect your garden. Let your contractor know which plants you want to keep so the crew can work around them.
Planning more work outside? Read how we handled backyard grading and drainage in Toronto, or see our guide to the home renovation timeline in Toronto.
Thinking about a new fence?
Levand Construction builds fences and handles renovations and repairs for homes and businesses across Mississauga, Etobicoke, Toronto and the wider GTA. If your fence has seen better days, contact us to talk about your project.
FAQ
Should I repair or replace an old wood fence? If only a few boards are damaged, a repair can work. When the wood has weathered across the whole fence and the gate is worn, a full replacement usually gives a cleaner, longer lasting result.
How are fence posts installed? On this Mississauga job, the crew dug along the fence line, broke up hard ground with a demolition hammer, pulled a string line to keep the posts straight, then set the posts and cut them to height before adding rails and boards.
Why leave gaps between fence boards? A small, even gap between vertical boards lets some light and air through while still giving the yard privacy.
Does Levand Construction build fences in Mississauga? Yes. Levand Construction works on homes and properties across Mississauga, Etobicoke, Toronto and the wider GTA.
