Wood costs less up front, $20 to $50 per foot installed compared with $30 to $60 for vinyl in the national figures. Vinyl then needs almost nothing. Wood needs sealing and repairs, and in valley sun it needs them sooner, so the gap narrows over the life of the fence.
The price ranges here are national figures that HomeGuide published for 2026. They are not quotes from us. Labor rates in the Fresno area, the cost of lumber and steel, and what we find in your ground change the real number. Last checked October 2026.
| Wood | Vinyl | |
|---|---|---|
| Installed cost per foot | $20 to $50 | $30 to $60 |
| Upkeep | Seal or stain every few years | Hose off dust |
| Weak point | Sun cracks boards; posts rot where irrigation keeps them wet | Heat and sun can chalk, fade or warp low-grade panels |
| Repairs | Board by board | Usually a whole panel |
| Look | Natural, any stain color | Uniform, limited colors |
Redwood, cedar or pressure-treated pine?
All three are used here. Redwood and cedar resist rot and insects naturally in their heartwood, and they move less as they dry, which matters when summer air is this dry. Pressure-treated pine costs less and holds up in the ground, so it is a sensible choice for posts. It tends to twist and check more as it dries in the heat. A common build is redwood or cedar boards on treated posts.
Which fence lasts longest in valley heat, sun and winter fog?
Aluminum, steel with a good coating, and quality vinyl last longest, since none of them rot. Among wood fences, the one with the best posts is the fence that lasts longest. Fresno has no deep freeze and thaw to worry about. The wear here is months of hard sun, then tule fog and rain that keep wood damp, plus irrigation water at the base all summer. Light colors and thicker vinyl handle heat better than dark, thin panels.
What type of fence is best for my yard?
| You want | Good choices | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy | 6-foot redwood, cedar or vinyl | Side and rear yards only; front yards are held to 3 feet in Fresno |
| A large dog | 5 or 6 foot wood, vinyl or chain link | Close the gap at the bottom |
| Small children | Any solid fence with a self-latching gate | Keep the latch high |
| A pool | Aluminum or steel built to the state pool rules | 60-inch height and gate hardware are inspected |
| Lowest cost | Chain link | Check street-side rules; slats add privacy |
| Low upkeep | Vinyl or aluminum | Higher first cost |
| A flood-irrigated yard | Metal or vinyl, or wood on well-set treated posts | Keep boards above the water line |
Is aluminum fencing strong enough for a large dog?
For most dogs, yes. What matters more is how tall the fence is and how far apart the pickets are. A dog that jumps needs height. A small dog needs closer pickets near the ground. Remember that an open fence gives no shade, and a dog left in a Fresno yard needs some.
We have a large dog, want privacy and do not want to spend a fortune. What makes sense?
A basic 6-foot dog-ear board fence. It is the least expensive way to get a solid wall that most large dogs will not clear. To cut the cost further, build solid fence only on the sides that face neighbors or the street, and use chain link where the yard backs onto a wall, an alley or open ground.
My neighbor has wood and wants me to match it so we can split the cost. I want vinyl.
The shared line can only be one fence, so the two of you have to pick one material for it and put the cost split in writing. You are free to use vinyl on the other sides of your yard. If there is no agreement, the fallback is a fence of your own just inside your line, paid for by you alone.
Will the new fence look the same on my neighbor's side?
That depends on the style. Board-on-board, shadowbox and most vinyl fences look the same from both yards. A plain board fence has a face side and a rail side. Decide with your neighbor who gets which, and ask the city whether it has a rule for fences facing a street.
We only know the real price after we measure your yard. The estimate is free and comes in writing. Call (559) 719-6557 or text us a photo of the fence line.