Vinyl vs wood fence: which is right for your yard?

Choosing between vinyl and wood for your fence comes down to how you balance upfront cost, long-term maintenance, appearance, and durability. Wood costs less to install but needs regular upkeep. Vinyl costs more upfront but requires almost no maintenance for decades.

This guide compares both materials across every factor that matters so you can make a confident decision for your yard and budget.

Quick comparison

Wood fencing in detail

Wood has been the standard fencing material for generations. It offers a natural, warm look that complements most home styles and landscapes.

Types of wood for fences

Cedar is the most popular premium fence wood. It naturally resists rot and insects, has a rich reddish tone when new, and ages to a silver-gray if left untreated. Cedar costs $20 to $40 per linear foot installed for a 6-foot privacy fence.

Pressure-treated pine is the budget-friendly option. The lumber is treated with preservatives that resist rot and insects, making it durable for outdoor use. Pine costs $15 to $30 per linear foot installed. It accepts stain well but is more prone to warping than cedar if not properly maintained.

Redwood is available in some western markets and offers excellent natural rot resistance with a beautiful grain. It is the most expensive wood option and not widely available outside the West Coast.

Pros of wood fencing

• Lower upfront cost than vinyl, especially with pressure-treated pine
• Natural appearance that many homeowners prefer
• Can be stained or painted any color
• Easy to repair (individual boards can be replaced)
• Strong and solid, provides good wind resistance
• Widely available from any lumber yard or fence supplier

Cons of wood fencing

• Requires staining or sealing every two to three years
• Vulnerable to rot, insect damage, and moisture
• Can warp, crack, or split over time
• Color fades without regular treatment
• Shorter lifespan than vinyl (15 to 25 years)
• Ongoing maintenance costs add up

Wood fence cost breakdown

For a standard 150-linear-foot wood privacy fence at 6 feet tall:

Wood fence lifespan and maintenance

A pressure-treated pine fence lasts 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance. Cedar lasts 15 to 25 years. Both require staining or sealing every two to three years, which costs $1 to $3 per linear foot each time, or $150 to $450 for a 150-foot fence.

Without maintenance, wood fences deteriorate much faster. Unstained wood can show significant rot and structural weakness within five to seven years, especially in humid climates.

Vinyl fencing in detail

Vinyl (PVC) fencing has grown from a niche product to one of the most popular fencing materials in the country. Modern vinyl fences come in a wide range of styles that go far beyond the basic white picket.

Types of vinyl fences

Privacy panels are the most common vinyl fence style. Solid panels in 6-foot heights provide full screening from neighbors. Available in white, tan, gray, and woodgrain textures.

Semi-privacy panels have small gaps between boards or lattice tops that allow some airflow and light while still limiting visibility. These work well for side yards and areas where full privacy is not essential.

Picket fences in vinyl offer a classic look without any maintenance. They are popular for front yards and decorative boundaries.

Pros of vinyl fencing

• Virtually zero maintenance (just hose off dirt)
• Will not rot, warp, crack, or splinter
• Will not fade, peel, or need repainting
• Longer lifespan than wood (20 to 30 years)
• Resistant to insects and moisture
• Available in multiple colors and textures
• Many manufacturers offer 20 to 30 year warranties

Cons of vinyl fencing

• Higher upfront cost than wood
• Limited color options compared to stainable wood
• Can crack in extreme cold if struck
• Harder to repair (may need full panel replacement)
• Some homeowners find it looks less natural than wood
• Quality varies significantly between manufacturers

Vinyl fence cost breakdown

For a standard 150-linear-foot vinyl privacy fence at 6 feet tall:

Vinyl fence lifespan and maintenance

A quality vinyl fence lasts 20 to 30 years with virtually no maintenance. The only upkeep is an occasional rinse with a garden hose and mild soap to remove dirt and mildew. No staining, sealing, or painting required.

The keys to vinyl longevity are buying from a reputable manufacturer (cheap vinyl yellows and becomes brittle faster) and ensuring proper installation with adequate post depth and concrete footings.

10-year cost of ownership comparison

Upfront cost only tells part of the story. When you factor in maintenance, the gap between wood and vinyl narrows significantly over time.

The numbers show that cedar and vinyl end up in a similar range over 10 years. Pressure-treated pine remains the cheapest option even with maintenance costs included, but its shorter lifespan means you may need to replace it sooner.

Over 20 years, vinyl pulls ahead. A vinyl fence is still going strong at year 20 while a pine fence may need full replacement, and a cedar fence is nearing the end of its life. The true lifetime cost of vinyl is often lower than wood.

Durability in different climates

Climate plays a significant role in how each material performs over time.

Hot, dry climates

Wood dries out and cracks faster in hot, sunny conditions. Without consistent staining, UV exposure causes rapid fading and surface deterioration. Vinyl handles heat well but can expand slightly in extreme temperatures. Choose vinyl with UV inhibitors (most quality brands include them).

Humid and rainy climates

Moisture is wood’s biggest enemy. In humid regions, wood fences are more susceptible to rot, mold, and insect damage. Vinyl excels in wet climates because it does not absorb water and will not rot or grow mold.

Cold climates with freeze-thaw cycles

Freeze-thaw cycles cause wood to expand and contract, which loosens fasteners and can lead to warping and cracking. Vinyl does not absorb water, so freeze-thaw is less of an issue. However, vinyl can become brittle in extreme cold (below zero Fahrenheit) and may crack if hit with force.

High wind areas

Both materials perform well in moderate wind when properly installed. Wood’s weight and rigidity make it strong in gusts, but individual boards can blow off. Vinyl panels are designed to flex slightly, which can actually help them survive high winds without breaking. Quality vinyl panels are rated for winds of 70 to 110 mph.

Appearance and style options

Wood aesthetics

Wood offers the most natural look. Its grain patterns, warm tones, and organic texture give wood fences a character that manufactured materials cannot fully replicate. Wood can be stained any color, from natural tones to bold shades, giving you complete control over appearance.

The trade-off is that wood’s appearance changes over time. Without staining, it grays and weathers. With staining, it looks great but requires effort to maintain.

Vinyl aesthetics

Modern vinyl has come a long way. Woodgrain-textured panels closely mimic the look of real wood, and the uniform appearance creates clean, straight lines. Vinyl comes in white, tan, almond, gray, and several woodgrain options.

Vinyl maintains its appearance consistently over its entire lifespan. It will not gray, fade, or develop the uneven coloring that neglected wood shows. For homeowners who want a fence that looks the same on day one and day 3,000, vinyl delivers.

Environmental impact

Neither material is a clear environmental winner.

Wood is a renewable resource and biodegradable. However, pressure-treated wood contains chemical preservatives (typically copper-based compounds), and maintaining a wood fence requires regular applications of stain or sealant containing volatile organic compounds. Harvesting timber also has forest-impact considerations.

Vinyl is made from PVC, a petroleum-based plastic. It is not biodegradable and manufacturing PVC involves chemical processes with environmental concerns. On the positive side, vinyl fences last longer (reducing replacement frequency), many manufacturers incorporate recycled content, and vinyl can be recycled at the end of its life, though recycling infrastructure is limited.

If environmental impact is a top priority, consider composite fencing, which blends recycled wood fibers and plastics. Learn more in our privacy fence cost guide which covers composite pricing.

Best material by state

Climate should influence your choice. Here is how vinyl and wood compare across the states we serve:

• Utah and Idaho: Both work well. Dry climate is kind to wood. Vinyl is popular in newer subdivisions with HOAs.
• Colorado: Vinyl and composite have the edge. High-altitude UV breaks down wood faster. Cedar needs staining every two years, not three.
• Oregon: Vinyl excels. Persistent rain accelerates wood decay. Cedar is the best wood option if you commit to sealing regularly.
• North Carolina and Tennessee: Vinyl handles humidity better. Cedar works well with regular maintenance. Budget wood (pine) needs diligent staining.
• Florida: Vinyl is the clear winner. Humidity, termites, and salt air punish wood. Pressure-treated pine is the only viable wood option.
• Arizona: Block walls are the dominant choice. When using vinyl, choose heat-rated products. Wood dries out and cracks in the desert.
• Ohio: Both work well. Vinyl handles freeze-thaw better. Cedar is the best wood choice for humidity resistance.

Which fence is right for your situation

Choose wood if:

• Upfront budget is your primary concern
• You prefer the natural look and warmth of real wood
• You want the ability to stain any color
• You do not mind spending time on maintenance every two to three years
• Easy repair is important (individual boards can be swapped)

Choose vinyl if:

• You want the lowest long-term cost of ownership
• Maintenance-free living is a priority
• You live in a humid or wet climate where wood rots faster
• You want a consistent appearance that does not change over time
• You plan to stay in your home for 10 or more years to recoup the upfront cost

Consider your timeline

If you are planning to sell within five years, wood may be the smarter choice. You get a good-looking fence at a lower upfront cost, and the maintenance burden stays manageable over a short period. If you are staying long-term, vinyl’s zero-maintenance advantage and longer lifespan make it the better investment.

For more guidance on finding the right contractor for either material, read our guide to choosing a fence contractor.

More fencing resources

Exploring your options further? These guides can help:

• Privacy fence cost guide for detailed pricing by material and yard size
• Chain link fence guide for the most affordable fencing option
• Fencing overview for a look at all fence types including chain link and aluminum
• Fence permit requirements to understand local regulations before you build