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Fence comparisons

The comparison that decides most projects is up-front cost versus maintenance. Wood is cheaper to install (about $20 to $50 per linear foot in 2026) but needs staining and typically lasts 10 to 25 years. Vinyl costs more ($30 to $60) and lasts 20 to 30 with minimal upkeep. Aluminum costs the most in range ($25 to $75) but is commonly cited at 50 years or more.

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Wood versus vinyl. Wood wins on day-one price and repairability — a damaged board costs a few dollars. Vinyl wins on maintenance and on reaching its lifespan without your involvement. If you are staying long term and will not stain, vinyl usually costs less over the life of the fence despite the higher install price.

Aluminum versus steel. Aluminum does not rust and is light, which is why it dominates residential ornamental fencing. Steel is stronger for security applications but needs a coating maintained. Neither gives privacy.

Chain link versus wood. Chain link at roughly $10 to $25 per linear foot is the budget option and does the containment job well. If privacy is the point, it does not compete — slats are a partial fix at best.

Repair versus replace. If posts are sound and only boards or one section are damaged, repair. If posts are failing along the run, or the fence is at the end of its material's typical life, replacing is usually cheaper than a series of repairs.

How to choose

Compare total cost of ownership, not install price
Add the realistic cost of staining or sealing wood over the years you plan to stay.
Let the function decide, then the material
Privacy, containment, security and looks lead to different materials. Pick the job first.
Factor in your climate honestly
Freeze-thaw, coastal salt, wind and UV punish materials differently. Ask a local installer what they see fail.
Think about resale and matching
Being able to buy a matching board or panel in ten years is worth something. Unusual colors and profiles get discontinued.
Get one repair quote before accepting a replacement quote
Some contractors default to replacement. A second opinion on repairability is free and sometimes saves thousands.
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All fencing comparisons

Wood vs Vinyl Fence

Vinyl vs Aluminum Fence

Chain Link vs Privacy Fence

Composite vs Wood Fence

Repair vs Replace Fence

DIY Fence vs Professional

Manual vs Automatic Gates

Privacy vs Semi Privacy Fence

FAQ

Fencing comparisons — common questions

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Often vinyl, despite costing roughly $30 to $60 per linear foot installed against wood's $20 to $50, because it typically lasts 20 to 30 years with minimal upkeep while wood's 10 to 25 years assumes regular staining you have to pay for or do.
Aluminum for most residential use — it will not rust and needs almost no upkeep, with lifespans commonly cited at 50 years or more. Steel where strength matters more than corrosion resistance, and only if you will maintain the coating.
Yes, if you need containment rather than privacy. At roughly $10 to $25 per linear foot installed it is the cheapest real fence, and vinyl-coated versions are cited at 25 to 30 years.
Repair when the posts are still solid and the damage is localized. Replace when posts are failing across the run or the fence has reached the end of its material's typical lifespan.
Sources

Where these figures come from

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