Which fence is best for dogs?

It depends on the dog. Chain link and aluminum work well for most dogs, while privacy fences help with dogs that bark at passersby. Jumpers need taller fences and diggers may need reinforcement at the base.

Do I need my neighbor's permission to build a fence?

If the fence is fully on your property, you generally do not, but talking to your neighbor first prevents problems. If the fence will sit on the shared line, an agreement with your neighbor is recommended.

How close to the property line can I build a fence?

Rules vary by town. Many homeowners place the fence slightly inside their own line to avoid disputes. We recommend confirming the line with a survey when it is unclear.

How tall can a backyard fence be?

Six feet is common for backyards, and the limit depends on your town's zoning. Brookline, for example, allows up to 7 feet in side and rear yards and 6 feet in front yards.

Do you work with homeowners associations and condo boards?

Yes. We can provide product details and drawings for board approval before installation.

Family backyard enclosed by a 6 ft cedar privacy fence with kids' play area and a dog in Greater Boston in fall

Serving Greater Boston

Residential Fencing in Boston, MA

Fence Builder Boston installs residential fences for homeowners across Boston and Greater Boston. Whether you want backyard privacy, a safe place for your dog, a pool enclosure or a fence that finishes the front of your house, we help you choose the right fence and install it to last.

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Get a Free Fence Estimate

Free On-Site Estimates

We measure your property, walk the fence line with you and give you a written quote at no cost.

Residential & Commercial

Privacy, pool and pet fences for homes, plus security and perimeter fencing for businesses.

Wood, Vinyl, Aluminum & Chain Link

Four core fence materials and matching gates.

Serving Greater Boston

Boston, Watertown, Cambridge, Brookline, Belmont, Newton, Waltham and Lexington.

Fences for Every Need at Home

Privacy Fences

Six-foot wood or vinyl fences that screen your yard from neighbors and the street. On the tight lots common in Boston, Cambridge and Watertown, a privacy fence can turn a small backyard into usable outdoor space.

Pet Fences

Fences that keep dogs safely in the yard, from chain link and aluminum to wood and vinyl privacy. We can add features along the bottom for dogs that dig and pick heights for dogs that jump.

Pool Fences

Pool enclosures in aluminum, vinyl or chain link with self-closing, self-latching gates. Massachusetts requires pool barriers of at least 48 inches, and some towns require more.

Front Yard and Decorative Fences

Picket fences, ornamental aluminum and low decorative fences that add curb appeal. Front yard fences usually have lower height limits under local zoning, which we check for your address.

Garden and Property Line Fences

Split rail, post-and-rail and mesh fences to protect gardens from deer and rabbits or mark a property line without closing it in.

Fencing for Greater Boston Homes

Single-Family Homes

From Colonials in Lexington and Belmont to Victorians in Newton, we match the fence style and color to the house.

Two-Families and Triple-Deckers

Multi-family homes in Boston, Watertown and Cambridge often have shared yards and driveways. We can divide yards between units, add gates for shared access and work with owners on layouts that suit everyone.

Historic Homes

Homes in local historic districts in Cambridge, Brookline, Lexington and parts of Boston may need approval before a fence visible from the street goes up. We check before we install.

Privacy fence dividing the yard of a triple-decker in Greater Boston

Get a free on-site estimate for your residential fencing project.

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What to Expect

A free on-site estimate where we walk the fence line with you
A written quote with the style, footage, gates and timeline
Property line, permit and Dig Safe checks before digging
A clean, efficient installation and a final walkthrough

Choosing a Fence for Your Home

Goal	Good Options
Full backyard privacy	Wood or vinyl privacy fence, 6 ft
Keep dogs in	Chain link, aluminum, wood or vinyl, height based on the dog
Pool safety	Aluminum, vinyl or chain link with self-closing, self-latching gates
Curb appeal	Picket or ornamental aluminum, 3 to 4 ft
Protect a garden	Split rail with mesh or a taller garden fence

What Affects the Cost of a Residential Fence

The biggest factors are the material, the height, the total linear footage and the number of gates. Site conditions such as slopes, rocks, tree roots, tight access and old fence removal also add to the price. We give you an exact, written price after visiting your property.

Getting Along With the Neighbors

Confirm the property line before installation, especially on older lots
Talk to your neighbors before the crew arrives
Face the finished side toward the neighbors and the street
Consider a board-on-board design so both sides look finished
Keep the fence within your town's height limits

Massachusetts also has a law on so-called spite fences: a fence taller than 6 feet built maliciously to annoy a neighbor can be treated as a private nuisance. Following local height rules and keeping neighbors informed avoids problems.

Board-on-board fence showing the finished side in Greater Boston

Residential Fencing Across Greater Boston

We install home fences in Boston, Watertown, Cambridge, Brookline, Belmont, Newton, Waltham and Lexington. Each location page covers the housing styles, neighborhoods and local rules in that town.

Related Services

Serving Greater Boston

Frequently Asked Questions

Six-foot wood and vinyl privacy fences are the most common in backyards, with picket and aluminum fences popular in front yards.

Planning a fence for your home? Request a free on-site estimate.

We will measure your property, walk the fence line with you and send a written quote.

Call Us

Get a Free Fence Estimate

Residential Fencing in Boston, MA