Wood costs less up front ($20 to $50 per foot installed) and vinyl costs more ($30 to $60) but needs almost no upkeep. Over many years the totals come close, because wood needs staining and repairs.
Price ranges are national figures published by HomeGuide for 2026, not our own quotes. Boston-area labor and disposal usually put a job in the upper half of a range. 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 | Rot at the posts | Can crack from impact in deep cold |
| Repairs | Board by board | Usually a full panel |
| Look | Natural, can be stained any color | Uniform, limited colors |
Cedar or pressure-treated pine?
Cedar resists rot and insects naturally, stays straighter and looks better as it ages. Pressure-treated pine costs less and is a sound choice for posts. A common build here is pressure-treated posts with cedar boards.
Which fence lasts longest through freeze and thaw?
Material matters less than the posts. Any fence fails early if the posts are too shallow for frost. Aluminum and vinyl do not rot; wood lasts when the posts are set deep and the boards are kept off the soil.
What type of fence is best for my yard?
| You want | Good choices | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy | 6-foot wood or vinyl | Solid fences catch wind, so posts matter |
| A large dog | 5 or 6 foot wood, vinyl or chain link | Close the gap at the bottom |
| Small children | Any solid fence with a self-latching gate | Latch height |
| A pool | Aluminum or vinyl built to pool code | Gate hardware is inspected |
| Lowest cost | Chain link | Add slats for privacy |
| Low upkeep | Vinyl or aluminum | Higher price up front |
| A historic street | Wood or ornamental metal | Design review may apply |
Is aluminum fencing strong enough for a large dog?
For most dogs, yes. The issue is spacing and height more than strength. A dog that jumps needs a taller fence, and a small dog needs closer picket spacing at the bottom.
My neighbor has wood and wants me to match it so we can split the cost. I want vinyl.
You can have different materials on different runs, but a shared run is one fence. Agree on one material for the shared line and put the split in writing. If you cannot agree, building your own fence just inside your line is the usual way out.
Will the new fence look the same on my neighbor's side?
Some styles have a finished face on both sides, such as shadowbox wood and most vinyl. A standard stockade or picket fence has a rail side. Many towns expect the finished side to face out, toward the neighbor or the street.
The fastest way to get a real number is a free on-site estimate. Call (617) 917-2681 or text us a photo of the fence line.