Wood costs less up front, at $20 to $50 per foot installed, and vinyl costs more, at $30 to $60, but vinyl does not rot and termites do not eat it. In Montgomery's climate that matters, because rot and termites are what end most wood fences here.
Price ranges are national figures published by HomeGuide for 2026, not our own quotes. Local labor, material prices and the conditions on your lot move a job up or down inside a range. Last checked October 2026.
| Wood | Vinyl | |
|---|---|---|
| Installed cost per foot | $20 to $50 | $30 to $60 |
| Upkeep | Seal or stain every few years | Wash off mildew and green algae |
| Weak point | Rot and termites at the posts | Impact damage; dark colors run hot in full sun |
| Repairs | One board or post at a time | Often a whole panel |
| Look | Natural, takes any stain | Uniform, fewer colors |
Cedar or pressure-treated pine?
For posts, pressure-treated pine rated for ground contact. Southern yellow pine is the local lumber and it takes treatment well, which is what keeps termites and rot out below ground. Cedar resists decay above ground, stays straighter and weathers to a better color, but it is shipped in and costs more. A common build is treated pine posts and rails with cedar or treated pine pickets.
Which fence lasts longest in Alabama heat and humidity?
Aluminum and vinyl, since neither rots or feeds termites. This area has almost no frost to worry about. What wears a fence out here is moisture, insects, sun and moving clay. Wood lasts when the posts are rated for ground contact, the pickets clear the soil and the fence gets sealed. For any material, the fence lasts longest when the posts are set deep enough for the soil.
What type of fence is best for my yard?
| You want | Good choices | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy | 6-foot wood or vinyl | A solid fence takes the full force of storm wind |
| A large dog | 5 or 6 foot wood, vinyl or chain link | Close the gap at the bottom |
| Small children | A solid fence with a self-latching gate | Latch out of reach |
| A pool | Aluminum or vinyl built to pool code | The inspector tests the gate |
| Lowest cost | Chain link | Slats can add privacy later |
| Low upkeep | Vinyl or aluminum | Costs more at the start |
| A historic street | Wood picket or ornamental metal | Architectural Review Board approval |
| Open, windy land | Chain link, aluminum or spaced boards | Lets wind pass through |
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 fence, a small dog needs tighter spacing near the ground, and a dog that leans or charges does better behind a heavier grade of panel.
We have a large dog, want privacy and do not want to spend a fortune. What makes sense?
A 6-foot treated pine privacy fence. It is the least expensive solid fence in Alabama and tall enough for nearly any dog. To spend less, put privacy fence where neighbors can see in and run chain link along the back or the wooded side.
My neighbor has wood and wants me to match it so we can split the cost. I want vinyl.
Settle the shared run first. A line you both pay for has to be one fence, so the two of you need to agree on one material there and write down the split. The rest of your yard can be vinyl. If you cannot agree, you can build your own vinyl fence a little inside your line and pay for it yourself.
Will the new fence look the same on my neighbor's side?
Only with certain styles. Shadowbox wood, board-on-board with a cap, and most vinyl look finished from both yards. A standard dog-ear privacy fence shows posts and rails on one face. Custom, and many association rules, put the finished face toward the neighbor and the street, so ask before we build.
A price for your yard takes a visit and a tape measure. The estimate is free. Call (334) 649-8995 or text us a photo of the fence line.