Wood costs less up front: $20 to $50 per foot installed, against $30 to $60 for vinyl in the national figures. Vinyl then costs almost nothing to keep up, while wood needs sealing and occasional repairs. Over the life of the fence the gap narrows.
Price ranges are national figures published by HomeGuide for 2026, not our own quotes. Central Valley labor, material prices and the conditions on your lot move the real number up or down. 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 dust |
| Weak point | Posts rot at wet soil; boards crack in dry heat | Expands in heat; can crack from a hard hit |
| Repairs | Board by board | Often a full panel |
| Look | Natural, any stain color | Even, limited colors |
Redwood, cedar or pressure-treated pine?
Redwood and cedar are the common board woods in California, and both have heartwood that resists rot and insects on its own. They also move less than pine as they dry, which counts in a place with summers like ours. Pressure-treated pine costs less and is the sensible choice for posts, because the post is the part in the ground. Redwood or cedar boards on treated posts is the usual build.
Which fence lasts longest in valley heat, fog and wet winters?
Aluminum and vinyl, since neither rots. With wood, the posts decide which fence lasts longest. There is no deep freeze here. The damage comes from the swing between a long, hot, dry season that shrinks and splits boards and a foggy, wet winter that soaks the ground. Good vinyl is made to take sun, but it must be installed with room to expand on a 100-degree day.
What type of fence is best for my yard?
| You want | Good choices | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy | 6-foot redwood, cedar or vinyl | Solid panels catch north wind, so posts must be deep |
| A large dog | 5 or 6 foot wood, vinyl or chain link | Leave no gap at the bottom |
| Small children | Any solid fence with a self-latching gate | Mount the latch high |
| A pool | Aluminum, vinyl or mesh built to the state pool law | 60-inch height and gate hardware are inspected |
| Lowest cost | Chain link | Slats add privacy later |
| Low upkeep | Vinyl or aluminum | Higher price at the start |
| A ranchette or orchard edge | Field fence, no-climb wire or pipe rail with wide gates | Size gates for trailers and equipment |
Is aluminum fencing strong enough for a large dog?
For most dogs, yes. What matters is the height and the space between pickets, not the strength of the metal. A dog that jumps needs more height. A small dog needs tight spacing at the bottom. A dog that throws its weight at the fence is better behind steel or a solid wood fence.
We have a large dog, want privacy and do not want to spend a fortune. What makes sense?
A basic 6-foot dog-ear board fence on treated posts. It is the lowest-cost solid fence, and it is tall enough for most large dogs. To spend less, put the solid fence where neighbors or the street can see in and run chain link along a side that faces a field, an alley or a block wall.
My neighbor has wood and wants me to match it so we can split the cost. I want vinyl.
The stretch you share can only be one fence, so you both have to agree on one material for it and put the cost split in writing. The other sides of your yard are your choice. If you cannot agree, you can build a vinyl fence just inside your own line at your own cost and leave the shared fence as it is.
Will the new fence look the same on my neighbor's side?
That depends on the style. Board-on-board, shadowbox and most vinyl privacy fences look finished on both faces. A standard nailed board fence has a smooth side and a side showing rails and posts. Many valley builders alternate the faces panel by panel on a shared line so each neighbor gets half. Decide this with your neighbor before we start.
We can only give a real number after seeing the fence line. The estimate is free. Call (209) 231-7679 or text us a photo of the yard.