Strata Picket Fence Case Study

Project Overview

Many strata properties eventually reach a point where continually repairing and repainting an aging wood fence no longer makes practical or financial sense. That was the situation facing this 50-unit duplex townhouse complex in Surrey, BC. Its painted wooden picket fencing had begun to peel, lean, and require increasingly frequent maintenance.

The project included approximately 2,228 linear feet of 42-inch-high NORTHERNLINE® MACKENZIE closed-top picket fencing in Tan. The strata also required 76 matching gates to provide access to residents’ yards. The tan picket fence was installed with standard MACKENZIE 5″ × 5″ vinyl posts, giving it a heavier and more finished appearance.

The Problem

The existing wooden picket fence had become worn and uneven. Its paint was peeling, sections were leaning, and it required regular attention to keep it presentable.

The strata council and residents wanted to avoid the continued painting, staining, and repairs associated with wood. They also wanted a fence that would not rot or leave residents dealing with rough boards and splinters.

Maintaining visibility throughout the front yards was another priority. Full privacy fencing would have made the individual yards feel more enclosed, and local bylaws do not permit front-yard fencing over four feet high. They wanted the new fence to separate yards without blocking views or plants.

The Solution

The strata considered both vinyl and aluminum picket fencing. They chose a tan picket fence because vinyl was the more cost-effective option and offered a color that coordinated better with the property.

The property manager had worked with Premium Fence on previous strata projects. Before the strata made its final decision, our team provided physical samples, project renderings, and information about the proposed fence. We also attended the strata’s AGM on March 19 to present and allow council members and residents to review the product and ask questions.

The strata officially selected the 42-inch-high NORTHERNLINE® MACKENZIE closed-top style in Tan. Its open picket design maintained visibility around the front yards, walkways, and landscaped areas, while the lighter color complemented the siding on the townhouse buildings.

Feedback from the Surrey strata following the completion of its NORTHERNLINE® tan picket fence installation.

Our crew began removing the old fence and installing the new system on May 27, 2026. The property was relatively level, but some areas required custom fence lengths, unusual angles, and adjustments for changes in elevation.

Many residents also had established gardens and carefully maintained flower beds beside the fence lines. The installers worked cautiously around these areas to avoid damaging the residents’ plants and flowers.

The installation continued through a particularly hot June, with many days reaching between 25°C and 30°C. Temperatures climbed to approximately 34°C on June 30, the final day of the project. The removal, disposal, and installation were completed in approximately five weeks.

The Result

The new tan picket fence gave the strata a brighter, cleaner, and more coordinated appearance. The tan color complemented the light siding on the buildings, while the consistent fence style helped tie the individual yards together across the property.

The picket design clearly defines the yards without making them feel closed off. It also provides convenient access through 76 matching gates while maintaining open sight lines throughout the complex.

The strata now has an updated fence that will not rot or splinter and does not require painting, staining, or sealing. A 20-year limited product warranty covers the NORTHERNLINE® vinyl, and Premium Fence provides a 10-year workmanship warranty on the installation.

Feedback From the Strata

“I want to put out a huge thank you to all the hard working staff at Premium Fence. We are a 50 unit townhouse complex in Surrey and we contracted with Premium Fence to remove all the old wooden fence and replace it with a new vinyl fence. It was a large project with over 800 posts, all post holes dug by hand, and 78 gates. The crews worked an average of 10 hours a day in some extreme weather conditions and never once complained. If you are thinking of replacing any existing fence I would strongly recommend contacting Premium Fence as there vinyl is 100% Canadian made and they have the best warranty in the business.”

— Strata Representative

FAQ

Why did the strata choose a tan picket fence?

The strata wanted to keep open sight lines throughout the residents’ front yards, making picket fencing a better fit than full privacy panels.

Tan was selected because it coordinated well with the siding on the townhouse buildings and gave the yards a lighter, warmer appearance. Vinyl was also more cost-effective than the aluminum picket fencing the strata considered.

What heights and panel widths are available?

NORTHERNLINE® MACKENZIE picket fencing is available in standard heights of 36, 42, and 48 inches. Standard panels are six feet wide.

Panels can be shortened where a property layout, garden, angle, or other site feature requires a custom section. This Surrey project included several custom lengths and adjustments for unusual angles and elevation changes.

What colors are available for NORTHERNLINE® picket fencing?

NORTHERNLINE® picket fencing is available in White, Light Grey, Tan and Khaki.

Because colors can appear different depending on lighting, surroundings, and screen settings, we recommend viewing a physical sample before making a final selection. Premium Fence provided samples and renderings to help this strata compare its options.

Does vinyl picket fencing require maintenance?

Vinyl picket fencing does not require painting, staining, or sealing. It will also not rot or splinter.

The fence may still need occasional cleaning to remove surface dirt. In most cases, rinsing it with a garden hose or washing it with mild soap, water, and a soft cloth or brush is enough.

Can vinyl picket fencing accommodate slopes and unusual angles?

Yes. Fence sections can be adjusted to accommodate gradual changes in elevation, unusual corners, and different distances between posts.

For this project, the installers used custom lengths and made adjustments as the property layout or elevation required.

Is vinyl picket fencing available with matching gates?

Yes. Matching MACKENZIE closed-top picket gates are available for front yards, side yards, gardens, and other pedestrian access points. Double-gate configurations can also be used where a wider opening is needed.