Wood costs less up front: $20 to $50 per foot installed on national figures, against $30 to $60 for vinyl. Vinyl earns some of that back because you never stain or seal it. The better one for you depends on how much yearly work you are willing to do.
These price ranges are national figures published by HomeGuide for 2026. They are not our quotes. Labor rates, material prices and what we find in your yard move the number. Last checked October 2026.
| Wood | Vinyl | |
|---|---|---|
| Installed cost per foot | $20 to $50 | $30 to $60 |
| Upkeep | Stain or seal every few years | Wash it |
| Weak point | Posts rot where they meet wet clay | Can crack from a hard knock in deep cold |
| Repairs | Board by board | Mostly panel by panel |
| Road and alley salt | Strips the finish low down | No effect |
| Look | Natural grain, any stain color | Uniform, limited colors |
Cedar or pressure-treated pine?
Choose cedar for the boards when the budget reaches. It stands up to rot and insects with no treatment and stays flatter as it dries. Pressure-treated pine costs less and is rated to sit in the ground, which makes it the better post. A treated post with cedar pickets is a common and sensible mix.
Which fence lasts longest through freeze and thaw?
The fence with posts below the frost line. Frost attacks the footing, so any material gives up early on short posts. Above the ground, aluminum and vinyl do not rot, and coated chain link lasts well even with salt. Wood holds up when it is sealed and kept off wet ground.
What type of fence is best for my yard?
| You want | Good choices | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy | 6-foot wood or vinyl | Over 5 feet needs a Chicago permit, and solid panels catch the wind |
| A large dog | 5 or 6 foot chain link, wood or vinyl | Close the gap at the bottom |
| Small children | A solid fence with a self-latching gate | Mount the latch high |
| A pool | Aluminum or vinyl built to the pool rule | Chicago asks for 5 feet, gates included |
| Lowest cost | Chain link | Several suburbs want it coated |
| Low upkeep | Vinyl or aluminum | Higher price at the start |
| A front yard | Aluminum or steel picket | A front fence that is mostly solid is held to 54 inches in the city |
Is aluminum fencing strong enough for a large dog?
For most dogs, yes. What matters more is the height and the space between pickets. A dog that jumps needs a taller fence. A small dog can squeeze between standard pickets, so ask for the style with tighter spacing near the ground.
We have a large dog, want privacy and do not want to spend a fortune. What makes sense?
A 6-foot fence in pressure-treated pine. It is the lowest-cost solid fence and tall enough for nearly any big dog. To trim the bill, use the solid fence only where neighbors or the alley look in, and run chain link on the side nobody sees. Remember the permit for the 6-foot part in the city.
My neighbor has wood and wants me to match it so we can split the cost. I want vinyl.
A fence you share has to be one material, so you both need to agree on it. Put who pays what in writing. If no agreement comes, build your vinyl fence a little inside your own line and let the neighbor keep the wood one.
Will the new fence look the same on my neighbor's side?
That depends on the style. Shadowbox wood and most vinyl look alike from both yards. A plain picket or stockade fence has a face side and a side with rails and posts. Several suburbs set the rule for you. Berwyn, Park Ridge and Lincolnwood require the finished side to face out, and Park Ridge wants both sides to look similar.
The real price comes from a free visit and a written quote. Call (773) 741-0364 or text us a photo of the fence line.