CostWood vs Vinyl Fence: Cost Comparison
Wood is cheaper upfront but needs staining every 2–3 years. Vinyl costs 40–70% more to install but lasts 20–30 years with almost no maintenance. Here's how the numbers actually work out.
Typical range: $1,700 – $8,000 for a typical 150 ft residential fence
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Wood Fence
$15–$40 / linear ft
Pros
- Lowest upfront cost
- Natural look
- Easy to repair board-by-board
- Fully customizable
Cons
- Stain/seal every 2–3 years
- 10–15 year lifespan
- Warps, rots, splinters
- Higher long-term cost
Vinyl Fence
$25–$65 / linear ft
Pros
- 25+ year lifespan
- Zero maintenance beyond rinsing
- Won't rot or warp
- Consistent look forever
Cons
- 40–70% higher upfront cost
- Hard to repair (replace panels)
- Fewer style options
- Cracks in extreme cold
Bottom line
If you plan to stay in the home 10+ years, vinyl usually wins on total cost of ownership. For rental properties or short-term ownership, pressure-treated wood is the smarter play.
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