How to Maintain a Wood Fence

Annual Maintenance Checklist A well-maintained wood fence can last 15-20 years. Follow this annual routine: Inspect for loose boards, leaning posts, and rot — especially at ground level Clean with a garden hose or light pressure wash (1,500-2,000 PSI max) Trim vegetation, vines, and tree branches away from the fence Repair damaged boards, tighten hardware, and re-secure loose rails Staining and Sealing Apply a quality wood stain or sealant every 2-3 years. This is the single most important thing you can do to extend your fence's life. Wait for a dry period with temperatures between 50-90°F. New pressure-treated wood should weather for 2-3 months before the first stain application. Preventing Rot The most common failure point is where posts meet the ground. Ensure posts are set in concrete (not bare soil) and that water drains away from the base. Keeping the bottom of fence boards 1-2 inches above ground prevents moisture wicking.

What Is the Cheapest Fence to Build?

Most Affordable Privacy Fence Options If budget is your primary concern, here are your best options from cheapest to most expensive: Bamboo: $10–$25/ft — cheapest eco-friendly privacy option Wood privacy: $15–$35/ft — cheapest durable privacy fence Cedar: $20–$45/ft — premium wood with natural rot resistance Vinyl: $20–$40/ft — cheapest long-term when factoring in zero maintenance How to Save Money DIY installation saves 40-50% on labor costs Pressure-treated pine is the cheapest wood (vs. cedar or redwood) Standard 6-foot height costs less than 8-foot Straight runs cost less than lots of corners and angles Off-season installation (late fall/winter) may get better contractor rates Cheapest vs. Best Value The cheapest fence upfront isn't always the best value. A $15/ft wood fence lasting 12 years costs $1.25/ft per year. A $30/ft vinyl fence lasting 25 years costs $1.20/ft per year — actually cheaper over time.

Aluminum vs Wood

Choosing between Aluminum and Wood fencing? Aluminum offers low maintenance, a 20–30 year lifespan, and $25–$55 per linear foot, while Wood offers high maintenance, a 10–20 year lifespan, and $15–$35 per linear foot. Here's a full side-by-side comparison of cost, lifespan, maintenance, and best use cases.

Quick Comparison

	Aluminum	Wood
Cost / ft	$25–$55	$15–$35
Lifespan	20–30 yrs	10–20 yrs
Maintenance	low	high

Overview

Aluminum

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.

Wood

Wood privacy fences are the classic American fence, offering warmth and natural beauty. Typically built with pressure-treated pine, they provide full privacy with tightly spaced vertical boards. Wood fences can be painted or stained in any color and are easy to repair.

Common Uses

Aluminum

✓ Front yard boundaries
✓ Pool enclosures
✓ Garden borders
✓ Decorative property lines
✓ Privacy screening with panels

Wood

✓ Backyard privacy
✓ Property boundaries
✓ Pet containment
✓ Decorative borders
✓ Noise reduction

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

Wood

+ Affordable upfront cost
+ Easy to customize height, style, and color
+ Natural, warm appearance
+ Simple to repair — replace individual boards
+ Widely available materials

− Requires staining or painting every 2-3 years
− Susceptible to rot, warping, and insect damage
− Shorter lifespan than vinyl or metal
− Can lean or sag over time
− Weather damage accumulates without maintenance

Cost Comparison

Measure	Aluminum	Wood
Per linear foot	$25 – $55	$15 – $35

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Lifespan & Maintenance

Attribute	Aluminum	Wood
Expected Lifespan	20–30 years	10–20 years
Maintenance Level	low	high
Material	Metal	Wood

Which Is Better: Aluminum or Wood?

Choose Aluminum if you need:

✓ Pool fencing (meets most codes)
✓ Front yard curb appeal
✓ Properties with slopes (rackable panels)
✓ Coastal areas (no rust)

Choose Wood if you need:

✓ Budget-conscious homeowners
✓ Custom designs and heights
✓ DIY installation
✓ Properties wanting a natural look

Aluminum is not recommended for:

× Containing small pets (gaps between pickets in standard styles)
× Areas needing wind or noise blocking
× Tight budgets

Wood is not recommended for:

× Areas with heavy termite activity (without treatment)
× Wet climates without proper maintenance
× Homeowners who dislike regular upkeep

Published February 15, 2026

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