What should I pay for painting a cedar pergola and matching fence in Stittsville?

Cedar pergola and fence painting in Stittsville typically runs $8 to $15 per linear foot for fencing and $15 to $25 per square foot of pergola surface area, depending on the condition of the cedar and whether you're staining or painting. For an average residential setup — say 100 linear feet of fence and a 12x16 pergola — expect total costs between $2,500 and $5,500.

The pricing variation comes down to surface preparation and product choice. If your cedar is weathered gray but structurally sound, it needs thorough cleaning with a deck brightener or mild bleach solution, followed by sanding to open the grain for proper stain penetration. This prep work is labor-intensive and represents about 60 percent of your total cost. If the cedar has existing stain or paint that's peeling or failing, add stripping costs that can double the prep time.

Staining versus painting makes a significant cost difference. Semi-transparent or solid stains ($50 to $80 per gallon) penetrate the cedar and typically require one coat after proper prep. Paint requires primer plus two topcoats, using more material and labor. However, paint lasts longer in Ottawa's harsh freeze-thaw cycles — expect 8 to 12 years from quality exterior paint versus 3 to 6 years from stain, depending on sun exposure.

Timing matters for both cost and quality in Stittsville. Book this work for late spring through early fall when temperatures stay consistently above 10 degrees overnight. Many contractors offer better rates for fence and pergola work during their shoulder seasons (May and September) when they're not competing with peak exterior house painting demand.

The biggest cost variable is access and complexity. A simple straight fence line costs less per foot than one with multiple gates, lattice sections, or decorative elements. Pergolas with intricate brackets, multiple levels, or integrated lighting require more detailed work and push costs toward the higher end of the range.

When you're ready to get specific quotes, you can browse painting contractors familiar with cedar restoration through the Ottawa Construction Network directory at justynrookcontracting.com/directory.