Wood costs less up front, at $20 to $50 per foot installed, while vinyl runs $30 to $60 and asks for very little care afterward. Add years of stain and repairs to the wood fence and the gap narrows.
These price ranges are national figures published by HomeGuide for 2026. They are not our quotes. Rhode Island labor, material prices and what we find in your yard move the number up or down. Last checked October 2026.
| Wood | Vinyl | |
|---|---|---|
| Installed cost per foot | $20 to $50 | $30 to $60 |
| Upkeep | Stain or seal on a regular cycle | Rinse off dirt and green growth |
| Weak point | Posts rot at the ground | Can crack if struck in hard cold |
| Repairs | One board at a time | Often a whole panel |
| Look | Natural grain, any stain color | Even finish, fewer colors |
Cedar or pressure-treated pine?
Cedar for the boards if the budget allows, pressure-treated pine for the posts. Cedar holds its shape and resists decay and insects without chemicals. Treated pine is cheaper and stands up well in the ground. Many fences in this area combine the two.
Which fence lasts longest through freeze and thaw?
The one with the deepest, best-drained posts. Vinyl and aluminum will not rot, and wood lasts when it is kept off wet soil, but all three lean if the posts stop short of the 40-inch frost line. Near the bay, add salt to the list and pick stainless or hot-dip galvanized fasteners.
What type of fence is best for my yard?
| You want | Good choices | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy | 6-foot wood or vinyl | Solid panels take the full force of wind |
| A large dog | 5 or 6 foot wood, vinyl or chain link | Leave no gap along the ground |
| Small children | A solid fence with a self-latching gate | Put the latch out of reach |
| A pool | Aluminum or vinyl built to the pool barrier rule | The inspector checks the gate |
| Lowest cost | Chain link | Slats add privacy later |
| Low upkeep | Vinyl or aluminum | Costs more at the start |
| A historic street | Wood or ornamental metal | Commission review comes first |
Is aluminum fencing strong enough for a large dog?
Yes for most dogs. Height and picket spacing matter more than strength. A jumper needs a taller grade of fence, and a small dog needs tighter spacing near the ground.
We have a large dog, want privacy and do not want to spend a fortune. What makes sense?
A 6-foot pressure-treated pine privacy fence. It is the least expensive solid fence and high enough for nearly any dog. You can save more by putting the solid fence only where neighbors look in and running chain link along the sides out of view.
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 the two of you need to agree on it and write down the split. Other sides of your yard can be whatever you like. If no agreement comes, a vinyl fence of your own set just inside your line settles it.
Will the new fence look the same on my neighbor's side?
That depends on the style. Shadowbox wood and most vinyl panels look finished from both sides. Stockade and standard picket fences show their rails on one side. Turning the finished face toward the neighbor and the street is the usual courtesy, and some towns require it.
For a real price on your own yard, book a free on-site estimate. Call (401) 356-3395 or text us a photo of the fence line.