Upfront Cost Comparison (2026)
For a standard 150-linear-foot, 6-foot privacy fence:
- Pressure-treated pine: $3,000–$5,500 installed ($20–$37/ft all-in with gates)
- Cedar: $4,500–$7,500 installed ($30–$50/ft all-in)
- Vinyl (PVC): $5,500–$9,000 installed ($37–$60/ft all-in with gates)
Vinyl costs roughly 60–80% more upfront than pressure-treated pine. Run both through our free fence cost calculator with your actual footage for a tighter number.
10-Year Total Cost: Where Vinyl Wins
Wood isn't a one-time purchase. Budget for:
- Staining/sealing every 2–3 years: $800–$1,500 per application for 150 feet (or $300–$500 in materials if DIY)
- Board and picket replacement: $200–$600 over a decade as boards warp, rot, or get damaged
- Post replacement: $150–$300 per post if posts rot at ground level (the #1 wood fence killer)
Over 10 years, a pine fence realistically costs $5,500–$9,500 all-in. A vinyl fence costs $5,500–$9,000 — and needs nothing but an occasional wash. The break-even point is typically year 6–8.
Lifespan & Durability
- Pressure-treated pine: 10–15 years (less in wet climates or with poor drainage)
- Cedar: 15–20 years, naturally rot-resistant, ages to silver-gray if unstained
- Vinyl: 25–30+ years; won't rot, warp, or get termites; can crack in extreme cold if low quality
When Wood Is the Better Choice
- You plan to sell within 5–7 years (you won't own it long enough for vinyl's payback)
- HOA requires natural materials or a specific wood aesthetic
- Budget is tight now and you can DIY the staining
- You want a custom height, lattice top, or unique design vinyl can't match
When Vinyl Is the Better Choice
- This is your long-term home (10+ years)
- You want zero maintenance — no staining weekends, ever
- You're in a wet, humid, or termite-prone region (Gulf Coast, Southeast)
- Consistent appearance matters (vinyl never grays unevenly like wood)
Watch Out For
Cheap vinyl ($20/ft quotes) is thin-walled and chalks, cracks, or yellows within 5 years. Ask for the wall thickness and UV-inhibitor specs. Cheap wood installs skip concrete footings or use untreated posts — the fence leans by year three. Get itemized bids from fence contractors that separate materials, labor, gates, and old-fence removal.
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