Wood costs less up front: $20 to $50 per foot installed, against $30 to $60 for vinyl, in the national figures. Vinyl needs very little care after that. A wood fence in this climate needs washing, sealing and now and then a new board, so the gap narrows over the years.
These price ranges are national figures published by HomeGuide for 2026. They are not our quotes. Labor rates in the Charlotte area, material prices and the conditions in your yard push the real number up or down. Last checked October 2026.
| Wood | Vinyl | |
|---|---|---|
| Installed cost per foot | $20 to $50 | $30 to $60 |
| Upkeep | Wash and seal every few years | Wash off mildew |
| Weak point | Posts rot in damp clay; boards warp as they dry | Sun ages cheap panels; an impact can crack one |
| Repairs | Board by board | Usually a whole panel |
| Look | Natural, any stain color | Uniform, limited colors |
Cedar or pressure-treated pine?
Pressure-treated southern yellow pine is the standard fence wood in the Carolinas. It is affordable and the treatment protects it from rot and termites, which makes it the right choice for posts. It is delivered wet and tends to shrink, twist and crack as it dries in summer heat. Cedar is lighter, straighter and better looking, and it costs more. Cedar pickets on treated pine posts give you the strengths of both.
Which fence lasts longest in heat and humidity?
Aluminum and good vinyl, since neither rots or feeds insects. Among wood fences, the fence that lasts longest is the one with well-set posts and regular sealing. Our winters are mild, so hard freezes are not the main worry. Moisture is: humid summers, mildew on the shaded side, wet clay around the posts, and termites.
What type of fence is best for my yard?
| You want | Good choices | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy | 6-foot pine, cedar or vinyl | Solid fence catches thunderstorm wind |
| 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 or vinyl built to the pool barrier code | Height and gate hardware are inspected |
| Lowest cost | Chain link | Black coating blends in better |
| Low upkeep | Vinyl or aluminum | Higher price at the start |
| A view of the lake or golf course | Black aluminum | Often the only style an HOA allows there |
Is aluminum fencing strong enough for a large dog?
For most dogs it is. What matters more is how tall the fence is and how far apart the pickets are. A dog that jumps needs more height. A small dog can slip between standard pickets, so use panels with closer spacing near the ground.
We have a large dog, want privacy and do not want to spend a fortune. What makes sense?
A basic 6-foot dog-ear fence in pressure-treated pine. It blocks the view, holds most large dogs and is the least expensive privacy fence. To cut the cost further, use privacy fence only on the sides that face neighbors or the street and chain link where nobody looks, if your HOA allows it.
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 that stretch and put the cost split in writing. The other sides of your yard are your choice. If you cannot agree, you can build your own fence just inside your line at your own cost. Check your HOA rules first, since some do not allow two fences back to back.
Will the new fence look the same on my neighbor's side?
That depends on the style. Shadowbox, board-on-board with a cap and most vinyl look finished from both yards. A standard dog-ear or picket fence has a face side and a side with rails and posts. Many HOAs and some local rules expect the finished side to face out, so settle that before we build.
The only way to get a real price for your yard is a site visit, and ours is free. Call (980) 291-4187 or text us a photo of the fence line.