If you’re planning to install a new fence around your property, you’re probably trying to decide between two of the most popular options: Wood or vinyl fencing. Each material has its strengths and drawbacks, but the right choice depends on what matters most to you: Cost, durability, style, environmental impact, and/or long-term maintenance.
At Peg City Fence Pros, we know every yard, budget, and homeowner is different. That’s why we’ve broken down everything you need to know about wood vs. vinyl fencing so you can choose the best fence material for your space and lifestyle.
Here’s a side-by-side look at the essential differences between wood and vinyl fencing:
| Feature | Wood Fence | Vinyl Fence |
| Material | Natural material (e.g. cedar) | PVC (polyvinyl chloride) |
| Initial Cost | Lower to moderate | Higher initial cost |
| Lifespan | 20–30 + years (with maintenance) | 20–30+ years |
| Maintenance | Staining recommended every 7 years | Pressure washing annually |
| Aesthetic Options | Traditional, rustic, customizable | Sleek, can resemble wood |
| Environmental Impact | Biodegradable, sustainable | Plastic-based, not biodegradable |
| Repairability | Easy to repair individual boards | The entire panel may need replacing |
| Installation | Straightforward, customizable | Requires precise placement |
Vinyl fencing is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a type of plastic engineered to stand up to moisture, rot, and pests. This is a big selling point for homeowners who want a virtually maintenance-free option.
You’ll find vinyl fence panels in everything from white pickets to full privacy fence styles. Some panels are even textured to resemble wood, but some may argue that they still look and feel like plastic up close.
And, unfortunately for us here in Winnipeg, PVC doesn’t always love the cold. We’ve seen vinyl fences get brittle and crack after a few tough winters. Not ideal if your fence is going to double as a windbreak when the north wind kicks up.
Wood fences are built using natural materials, typically cedar or pressure-treated lumber. Cedar is especially popular in Canada because it smells great, looks great, and naturally resists rotting and insect damage.
Wood is warm, welcoming, and customizable. Want a rustic cottage look? Go with a rough-sawn finish. Prefer something modern? Horizontal slats with a black stain do the trick. You’re not locked into one fence style, and if your tastes change in a few years, you can repaint or restain.
Plus, wood fencing just feels right in a yard with big trees, a veggie garden, or a cozy patio setup. It blends into the landscape in a way vinyl rarely does.
Let’s talk about the budget: If you’re watching your wallet, wood fencing is usually the more affordable option out of the gate. On average, a standard wood fence runs from $45 to $60 per linear foot, depending on height, style, and materials.
Vinyl fences start around $60 to $70 per linear foot and can climb past $100, especially if you’re going for a custom colour, a unique layout, or decorative privacy-style vinyl fence panels. And because vinyl installation requires more precision, level surfaces, perfect spacing, and often specialty tools, you may end up with higher labour costs too.
It is also worth noting that most wood fences can be installed in stages, which helps if you're spreading out the cost. With vinyl, it's usually all or nothing since the entire panel system needs to be installed in one go for everything to line up properly.
If you’re fencing a small area or doing a prefab install on flat land, vinyl might not break the bank. But for large yards, uneven ground, or custom layouts, wood fencing offers better value for your dollar and more room to work within your budget.
Over the years, the costs of fence ownership go beyond just installation. This is where the differences between wood and vinyl fencing really show.
Vinyl fencing is often praised for being almost maintenance-free, and that’s true. It won’t rot, doesn’t need to be painted or stained, and only needs the occasional rinse with a hose or power washer. That said, repairs can be expensive. If a panel cracks, you usually have to replace the entire panel, not just a piece of it.
Wood fences, on the other hand, require staining approximately every seven years, as per manufacturer recommendations, to maintain their durability and appearance. You’ll need to stain or seal them every few years to prevent rot, protect against UV damage, and keep them looking fresh. But here’s the upside: If something goes wrong, you can replace just one board or post—no need to dismantle an entire section. And if you're handy, the materials are more accessible and affordable.
In the long run, both materials will cost something to maintain or repair, but wood gives you more flexibility and typically lower fix-it bills over time.
We know no fence lasts forever, especially not in Manitoba’s wild weather. Vinyl holds up well in dry, temperate areas. But with our freeze-thaw cycles, snow loads, and occasional hailstorms, vinyl can show wear. Over time, sun exposure may cause fading or chalking, too.
Wood, on the other hand, is more forgiving. Yes, it requires occasional upkeep. But cedar especially stands up to wet and cold weather. With a solid stain job and a bit of attention every few years, your wood fence can easily last 25 to 30 years or more.
And when things do go wrong? It’s way easier to patch up wood than to hunt down a matching vinyl section from a discontinued product line.
If you want a fence you can mostly forget about, vinyl fencing fits the bill with little to no maintenance and high performance. A quick rinse with a hose or pressure washer a couple of times a year is usually enough to keep it looking fresh.
Wood fences, by contrast, need a little more love. You’ll want to reseal or stain every seven years to prevent rot, protect against UV rays, and keep things looking sharp. If that sounds like a chore, remember: It’s also a chance to refresh your yard’s style.
Plus, you can always call in the pros (like us) to take care of that maintenance for you.
Aesthetics play a significant role in fence selection, and this is where wood fencing really pulls ahead. Nothing beats the look of real wood. Whether it’s a cedar privacy fence with a natural finish or a painted picket fence out front, wooden fences bring character and warmth that vinyl just can’t replicate.
Having said that, vinyl fence products also come in a range of colours and even mimic wood grain. But up close, they may tend to look a bit too uniform or shiny.
If your home has a more traditional or natural aesthetic or if you just want a fence that ages gracefully with your garden, wood is the way to go.
For eco-conscious homeowners, the environmental implications are worth considering.
Wood is a natural material that’s biodegradable and can be harvested sustainably. If you’re using locally sourced cedar or spruce, the environmental footprint is small.
Vinyl fencing, by comparison, is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a plastic that’s tough to recycle and doesn’t break down naturally. The production process is also more resource-intensive.
Bottom line: If you want a fence material that’s easy on the earth, wood is your best bet.
Choosing between vinyl and wood fencing really comes down to what you value most as a homeowner.
If you want something that’s almost entirely hands-off and basically maintenance-free, and you’re okay with a higher upfront cost for that convenience, vinyl fencing might be a fit. It’s sleek, durable in some climates, and doesn’t ask much from you in terms of maintenance.
But if you’re looking for a fence that’s cost-effective, customizable, eco-friendly, and built to handle the ups and downs of our Canadian weather, wood fencing is hands down the better choice, especially here in Winnipeg.
Here’s a quick recap of how it breaks down:
At the end of the day, most homeowners we work with choose wood because it offers the right mix of looks, performance, and value. With a little maintenance, a wood fence will serve you well for years and look great doing it.
Deciding on the best fence material for your home can be challenging. At Peg City Fence Pros, we're here to help you navigate your options and find the perfect fit for your property.
We specialize in wood fences that not only enhance the beauty of your home but also stand up to the unique challenges of the Canadian climate. Our team is dedicated to providing quality craftspersonship and personalized service to ensure your fencing project exceeds expectations.
Call us today or contact us to request a free quote. Let's build a fence that you'll love for years to come.
