Wood vs. Vinyl Fence in NH: A Real Cost Comparison

This is the question we get on almost every estimate call in Southern NH. Wood or vinyl? The honest answer is: it depends on how long you plan to own the house, how much you want to maintain the fence, and what your yard looks like. Here's the real breakdown — not the sales pitch version.

Upfront Cost

Wood is almost always less expensive upfront. For a typical 150 linear foot privacy fence in Southern NH, expect:

• Cedar privacy fence (installed): $22–$32 per linear foot
• Pressure-treated pine privacy fence (installed): $18–$26 per linear foot
• White vinyl privacy fence (installed): $28–$40 per linear foot
• Tan or gray vinyl privacy fence (installed): $28–$42 per linear foot

On a 150-foot job, that's roughly a $1,500–$2,000 upfront premium for vinyl. For a lot of homeowners, that's the end of the conversation. But it shouldn't be.

The Maintenance Reality in NH

Wood fences in New Hampshire require real maintenance. The freeze-thaw cycle, wet springs, humid summers, and the amount of snow we see means an untreated cedar fence will start to gray and weather within 2–3 years. If you want it to hold its color and resist rot, here's the maintenance schedule:

• Year 1–2: Apply a quality penetrating stain or sealant
• Year 3–4: Re-stain or re-seal as needed based on wear
• Every 5–7 years: More thorough application, check all post connections
• Ongoing: Annual inspection for loose boards, splitting rails, and post rot at grade level

Vinyl requires essentially no maintenance — occasional washing with a garden hose to remove pollen and mildew. It doesn't rot, doesn't need staining, and doesn't split. The color is molded throughout the material, not painted on.

Lifespan in NH Climate

• Cedar (properly maintained): 20–30 years
• Pressure-treated pine (properly maintained): 15–20 years
• Vinyl (quality manufacturer): 25–40 years
• Vinyl (budget manufacturer): 10–15 years before fading, cracking, or brittleness in cold

The vinyl lifespan qualifier matters. Cheap vinyl becomes brittle in NH winters — especially in direct sun — and can crack when hit. Quality vinyl (brands like ActiveYards, Bufftech, or CertainTeed) uses UV stabilizers and virgin PVC. Ask your contractor what brand they're using and look up whether it has a manufacturer's warranty.

Appearance Over Time

Fresh-installed cedar looks warm, natural, and beautiful — arguably better than vinyl at day one. But 5 years in, unmaintained wood looks rough. 10 years in, you're looking at a fence that's seen better days. Vinyl looks essentially the same at year 10 as it did at year 1, provided you chose quality material.

If you love the natural wood look and will commit to maintaining it, wood is a great choice. If you want a low-maintenance fence that holds its appearance, vinyl wins.

Resale Value Consideration

Real estate agents in Southern NH will tell you that a well-maintained fence is a selling point, and a weathered, failing fence is a deduction from list price. If you're planning to sell within 10 years, vinyl often has an advantage because it still looks clean and fresh at resale time, without requiring you to refinish it before listing.

Which One Is Right for You?

• Choose wood if: you love the aesthetic, you're willing to maintain it, and upfront cost is the primary driver
• Choose vinyl if: you want zero maintenance, you're staying in the house long-term, or you're thinking about resale
• Don't choose based on price alone: a wood fence that's replaced in 12 years because of rot and neglect costs more than a vinyl fence that runs 30 years without any attention