Wood costs less up front, $20 to $50 per foot installed by national figures, against $30 to $60 for vinyl. Vinyl earns that back over the years because it never needs stain or sealer. The better fence is the one that fits how much upkeep you are willing to do.
These price ranges are national figures published by HomeGuide for 2026. They are not our quotes. Local labor, material prices and the conditions in your yard push the number up or down. Last checked October 2026.
| Wood | Vinyl | |
|---|---|---|
| Installed cost per foot | $20 to $50 | $30 to $60 |
| Upkeep | Stain or seal every few years | Wash with a hose |
| Weak point | Rot at the soil line | Can crack if hit in deep cold |
| Repairs | Board by board | Usually a full panel |
| Road salt | Wears the finish near the street | Not affected |
| Look | Natural, any stain color | Uniform, fewer colors |
Cedar or pressure-treated pine?
Cedar for the boards if you can, since it resists rot and bugs on its own and warps less. Pressure-treated pine is cheaper and rated for ground contact, which makes it a strong post. A common Lincoln Park build uses treated posts with cedar boards.
Which fence lasts longest through freeze and thaw?
The fence with the deepest posts. Frost works on the footing, so any material on short posts fails early. Above ground, aluminum and vinyl cannot rot, and coated chain link lasts a long time. Wood does well when it is sealed and kept out of wet soil.
What type of fence is best for my yard?
| You want | Good choices | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy | 6-foot wood or vinyl | A solid fence takes the full push of the wind |
| A large dog | 5 or 6 foot chain link, wood or vinyl | No gap at the bottom |
| Small children | A solid fence and a self-latching gate | Put the latch up high |
| A pool | Aluminum or vinyl built for pools | The gate is what inspectors check first |
| Lowest cost | Chain link | Some cities limit slat colors |
| Low upkeep | Vinyl or aluminum | Costs more at the start |
| A corner lot | Open aluminum or picket | Drivers need to see past it |
Is aluminum fencing strong enough for a large dog?
For most dogs, yes. Height and the space between pickets matter more than strength. A dog that jumps needs a taller panel, and a small dog can squeeze through standard spacing, so ask for tighter pickets at the bottom.
We have a large dog, want privacy and do not want to spend a fortune. What makes sense?
A 6-foot pressure-treated pine privacy fence. It is the lowest-cost solid fence and tall enough for most big dogs. To save more, use privacy fence only where people look in, such as the alley and the side by the neighbor's windows, and chain link for the rest.
My neighbor has wood and wants me to match it so we can split the cost. I want vinyl.
Then the two of you need to pick one material for the shared run, because one stretch is one fence. Put the split in writing. If you cannot agree, build your vinyl fence just inside your own line and leave theirs alone. In Lincoln Park, if the old fence on the line is chain link, it can only come out with your neighbors' consent.
Will the new fence look the same on my neighbor's side?
With some styles. Shadowbox wood and most vinyl look alike from both yards. A standard stockade or picket fence shows its rails on one side. Lincoln Park requires the 2x4 rails on the installer's side, so your neighbor gets the finished face.
The only real price is one measured on your lot. Call (313) 723-2710 for a free on-site estimate, or text a photo of the fence line to the same number.