Fencing Materials Comparison
Compare wood, vinyl, aluminum, and chain link fencing. Compare costs, lifespan, pros and cons to find the best option for your project.
| Material | Cost | Lifespan | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chain Link | $10 - $20/linear ft installed | 15-20 years |
|
| Pet containment, security, budget projects |
| Wood Privacy | $20 - $35/linear ft installed | 15-20 years |
|
| Privacy, traditional homes, backyards |
| Vinyl Privacy | $25 - $45/linear ft installed | 20-30 years |
|
| Low maintenance, clean look, harsh weather |
| Aluminum | $25 - $50/linear ft installed | 20-30 years |
|
| Front yards, pools, decorative boundaries |
| Wrought Iron | $30 - $60/linear ft installed | 50+ years |
|
| Historic homes, security, front yards, high-end properties |
| Composite | $30 - $55/linear ft installed | 20-25 years |
|
| Privacy fence, eco-conscious, matching composite deck |
Chain Link
$10 - $20/linear ft installedLifespan: 15-20 years
Pros
- • Cheapest option
- • Low maintenance
- • Durable
Cons
- • No privacy
- • Industrial look
- • Rust possible
Best for: Pet containment, security, budget projects
Wood Privacy
$20 - $35/linear ft installedLifespan: 15-20 years
Pros
- • Full privacy
- • Natural look
- • Can be stained
Cons
- • Requires maintenance
- • Can rot/warp
- • Termite risk
Best for: Privacy, traditional homes, backyards
Vinyl Privacy
$25 - $45/linear ft installedLifespan: 20-30 years
Pros
- • No maintenance
- • Won't rot
- • Clean appearance
Cons
- • Higher cost
- • Can crack in cold
- • Limited colors
Best for: Low maintenance, clean look, harsh weather
Aluminum
$25 - $50/linear ft installedLifespan: 20-30 years
Pros
- • Elegant appearance
- • Won't rust
- • Low maintenance
Cons
- • No privacy
- • Can dent
- • More expensive
Best for: Front yards, pools, decorative boundaries
Wrought Iron
$30 - $60/linear ft installedLifespan: 50+ years
Pros
- • Classic elegance
- • Very durable
- • Secure
Cons
- • No privacy
- • Can rust
- • Expensive
Best for: Historic homes, security, front yards, high-end properties
Composite
$30 - $55/linear ft installedLifespan: 20-25 years
Pros
- • Wood look, low maintenance
- • Won't rot
- • Eco-friendly option
Cons
- • Expensive
- • Limited styles
- • Can fade
Best for: Privacy fence, eco-conscious, matching composite deck
Which Option Is Right for You?
Chain Link
Pet containment, security, budget projects
Wood Privacy
Privacy, traditional homes, backyards
Vinyl Privacy
Low maintenance, clean look, harsh weather
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