Wood vs. vinyl vs. aluminum
Three good fences built for different jobs. Here’s how they hold up in south Louisiana.
The short version
Want privacy at the lowest starting cost? Wood. Want privacy and never want to paint? Vinyl. Want a fence that looks sharp, lets the view and the wind through, and won’t rust? Aluminum.
| Wood | Vinyl | Aluminum | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Privacy | Full | Full or partial | None. You see through it. |
| Upkeep | Oil-based stain every few years | Wash it | Rinse it |
| Typical life | 10–15 yrs pine, longer cedar | 20+ yrs | Decades |
| Humidity & rot | Posts are the weak point | Won’t rot | Won’t rot or rust |
| Wind | Solid panels catch wind | Solid panels catch wind | Wind passes through |
| Best for | Backyard privacy | Privacy without upkeep | Front yards, pools, curb appeal |
Wood
The most common backyard fence here, and the cheapest to start. It needs care: keep it coated with an oil-based stain, keep sprinklers off it, and set the posts right. In wet Acadiana soil, posts decide how long a wood fence lasts. More on wood privacy fence.
Vinyl
More money up front, almost nothing after. It doesn’t rot, peel or need paint. Buy a quality product with UV protection, and make sure the posts are reinforced for wind. More on vinyl fence.
Aluminum
The iron look without the rust, which matters in humid and coastal air. It gives no privacy, but it suits front yards, pools and anywhere you want to keep the view. More on aluminum fence.
What about chain link?
If budget and durability matter more than looks, chain link outlasts most of the field with almost no upkeep. Black vinyl-coated chain link looks better than most people expect. More on chain link.
Why no prices here?
Lumber, aluminum and steel prices move too often for a posted number to stay right. Send your fence type and footage and you’ll get a current number.