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Fence Materials: How Wood, Vinyl, Aluminum and Chain Link Compare

What each material is good at, what it costs you in upkeep, and where it struggles in Carolina clay and humidity.

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Choosing a Fence Material

Start with what the fence has to do. Privacy points to wood, vinyl or composite. A view points to aluminum or steel. Keeping a dog in on a long property line points to chain link or split rail with wire. Once the job is clear, the choice is between cost now and upkeep later.

The Charlotte climate narrows it further. Summers are humid, rain is frequent, and the red clay under most yards holds water. Wood in contact with that ground has to be treated for it. Bare steel rusts. Vinyl, aluminum and composite are unaffected by moisture, which is most of the reason they cost more.

QC Fence Contractors installs and replaces all of the materials below. If you want a recommendation for your lot, call (833) 691-3387 or request a free estimate.

Fence Materials We Install

Fence Material Comparison

MaterialUpkeepBest forWatch for
Wood (treated pine)HighestPrivacy, slopes, custom layoutsPosts in wet clay, shrinkage gaps
CedarMediumHorizontal and close-up fencesWeathers to gray unless finished
VinylVery lowPrivacy with no paintingFixed panel sizes, wind on solid panels
CompositeVery lowWood look that does not rotWeight and cost
AluminumVery lowPools, lake lots, front yardsNot a security fence
Wrought iron and steelLow to mediumSecurity with a formal lookTouch up chips before they rust
Chain linkVery lowDogs, long runs, commercial sitesNo privacy without slats
MasonryLowColumns, walls, enclosuresFootings and drainage

More on Specific Materials

Material pages in the fence types index

These pages go deeper on one material or finish than the overviews above.

Fence Material Questions

Which fence material needs the least upkeep?

Vinyl, aluminum, composite and chain link. None of them needs paint or sealer, and an occasional wash is all they ask. Wood needs the most attention, and steel needs its finish kept intact.

Which fence material costs the least to install?

Chain link is generally the least expensive per foot, followed by treated pine. Vinyl, aluminum and cedar cost more, and composite, steel and masonry cost the most. A written estimate for your footage is the only number worth comparing.

What holds up best in Charlotte humidity and clay?

Materials that do not react to moisture: vinyl, aluminum, composite and galvanized or coated steel. Wood holds up well when the posts are treated for ground contact and the fence can dry out between rains. Steel posts under wood pickets are an option where the ground stays wet.

Can two materials be combined in one fence?

Yes. A common layout is wood or vinyl privacy fence along the sides of a lot and aluminum across the back to keep a view. Masonry columns with steel or wood between them is another.

Does my HOA limit which material I can use?

Many do. Associations commonly restrict material, color and height, and some ban chain link in view of the street. Read the fence rules before you choose, and we will build to what your approval says.

Every Material, Every Service Area

All of these materials are installed from our offices across the Charlotte metro in North Carolina and in Rock Hill, South Carolina.

Offices

Service areas

See addresses and maps on the QC Fence Contractors locations page.

Want a Recommendation for Your Lot?

Describe the property and what the fence has to do. We will tell you what we would build and price it in writing.

Get a Free EstimateCall (833) 691-3387