Aluminum vs Cedar
Choosing between Aluminum and Cedar fencing? Aluminum offers low maintenance, a 20–30 year lifespan, and $25–$55 per linear foot, while Cedar offers medium maintenance, a 15–25 year lifespan, and $20–$45 per linear foot. Here's a full side-by-side comparison of cost, lifespan, maintenance, and best use cases.
Quick Comparison
| Aluminum | Cedar | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost / ft | $25–$55 | $20–$45 |
| Lifespan | 20–30 yrs | 15–25 yrs |
| Maintenance | low | medium |
Overview
Aluminum fences offer the elegant look of wrought iron without the rust and heavy maintenance. They feature vertical pickets with decorative finials and are powder-coated for long-lasting color. Aluminum fencing is lightweight, strong, and ideal for both security and curb appeal. Privacy options include louvered panels and solid infill panels.
Cedar fences are premium wood fences made from naturally rot-resistant cedar lumber. Western red cedar contains natural oils that repel insects and resist decay, making it one of the longest-lasting wood fencing options. Cedar weathers to an attractive silver-gray patina if left unstained.
Common Uses
Aluminum
- ✓ Front yard boundaries
- ✓ Pool enclosures
- ✓ Garden borders
- ✓ Decorative property lines
- ✓ Privacy screening with panels
Cedar
- ✓ Privacy fencing
- ✓ Decorative yard fencing
- ✓ Garden enclosures
- ✓ Property boundaries
- ✓ Custom designs
Pros & Cons
Aluminum
- + Rust-proof — ideal for coastal and humid climates
- + Elegant appearance with many style options
- + Virtually maintenance-free
- + Lightweight and easy to install
- + Rackable panels follow slopes naturally
- − Standard styles do not provide full privacy
- − More expensive than chain link
- − Can bend under heavy impact
- − Privacy panels cost significantly more
- − Gaps in picket styles allow small animals to pass through
Cedar
- + Naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insects
- + Beautiful natural grain and color
- + Ages gracefully to silver-gray if left natural
- + Lighter weight than pressure-treated pine
- + No chemical treatment needed
- − More expensive than pressure-treated pine
- − Still requires sealing for color retention
- − Softer wood — can dent more easily
- − Cost varies significantly by region
- − Not as structurally strong as hardwoods
Cost Comparison
| Measure | Aluminum | Cedar |
|---|---|---|
| Per linear foot | $25 – $55 | $20 – $45 |
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Lifespan & Maintenance
| Attribute | Aluminum | Cedar |
|---|---|---|
| Expected Lifespan | 20–30 years | 15–25 years |
| Maintenance Level | low | medium |
| Material | Metal | Wood |
Which Is Better: Aluminum or Cedar?
Choose Aluminum if you need:
- ✓ Pool fencing (meets most codes)
- ✓ Front yard curb appeal
- ✓ Properties with slopes (rackable panels)
- ✓ Coastal areas (no rust)
Choose Cedar if you need:
- ✓ Homeowners wanting natural beauty
- ✓ Areas with moisture or insect concerns
- ✓ Custom fence designs
- ✓ Long-term wood fence investment
Aluminum is not recommended for:
- × Containing small pets (gaps between pickets in standard styles)
- × Areas needing wind or noise blocking
- × Tight budgets
Cedar is not recommended for:
- × Very tight budgets (premium pricing)
- × Ground-contact applications without treatment
Published February 15, 2026
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