Wood costs less up front: $20 to $50 per foot installed on national figures, compared with $30 to $60 for vinyl. Vinyl earns some of that back because it never needs stain or sealer and termites ignore it. The choice mostly comes down to upkeep and looks.
These price ranges are national figures published by HomeGuide for 2026. They are not our quotes. Labor and material prices in Louisiana and the conditions on your lot change the number. Last checked October 2026.
| Wood | Vinyl | |
|---|---|---|
| Installed cost per foot | $20 to $50 | $30 to $60 |
| Upkeep | Seal or stain every few years | Wash off mildew and algae |
| Weak point | Rot and termites at the ground | Panels can pop out or crack in high wind |
| Repairs | Board by board | Usually a full panel |
| Humidity | Greys and grows mildew if left bare | Does not absorb water |
| Look | Natural, any stain color | Uniform, limited colors |
Cedar or pressure-treated pine?
Use cedar for the pickets if you can afford it, and treated pine for the posts. Cedar resists decay and insects naturally and stays straighter in the heat. Pressure-treated pine costs less, and lumber rated for ground contact is the right material to put in wet soil. Treated pine posts with cedar boards is a common mix.
Which fence lasts longest in Gulf Coast heat and humidity?
Aluminum and coated chain link, because they neither rot nor feed termites and they let storm wind through. So the answer to which fence lasts longest is the metal one. Vinyl also shrugs off moisture, though a solid vinyl panel takes a lot of wind. We have no freeze and thaw here to lift posts. Wood lasts when it is sealed, kept off the soil and set on posts rated for ground contact.
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 storm wind, so posts must be heavier |
| A large dog | 5 or 6 foot chain link, wood or vinyl | Close any gap where the ground has sunk |
| Small children | A solid fence with a self-latching gate | Mount the latch high |
| A pool | Aluminum or vinyl built to pool code | Inspectors look hardest at the gate |
| Lowest cost | Chain link | Check HOA and historic district rules |
| Low upkeep | Aluminum or vinyl | Higher price at the start |
| A front yard | Aluminum or steel picket | New Orleans requires open fences in front yards |
Which is best for my yard is a question we answer on site, once we have seen the lot and heard what the fence is for.
Is aluminum fencing strong enough for a large dog?
For most dogs, yes. What matters is how tall the panel is and how far apart the pickets are. A dog that jumps needs more height. A small dog can squeeze through standard spacing, so ask for a panel with closer pickets along the bottom.
We have a large dog, want privacy and do not want to spend a fortune. What makes sense?
A 6-foot privacy fence in pressure-treated pine. It is the cheapest solid fence and tall enough for most large dogs. To cut the cost further, use the privacy fence only on the sides where neighbors look in, and chain link on the rest.
My neighbor has wood and wants me to match it so we can split the cost. I want vinyl.
A shared run has to be one material, so you two need to agree on it. Put the split in writing. If you cannot agree, you can build your own vinyl fence just inside your line and leave the existing fence where it is.
Will the new fence look the same on my neighbor's side?
That depends on the style. Shadowbox and board-on-board wood, and most vinyl, look alike from both yards. A plain picket or stockade fence has a face side and a side that shows rails and posts. Many cities and associations want the face side turned out. We ask about that before we build.
The real price for your yard comes from a free on-site estimate. Call (504) 584-7028 or text us a photo of the fence line.