Wood costs less up front: $20 to $50 per foot installed, compared with $30 to $60 for vinyl in the national figures. After that the upkeep runs the other way. Vinyl wants a hose. Wood wants stain or sealer and a repair now and then, which narrows the gap over the years.
The price ranges on this page are national 2026 figures published by HomeGuide. They are not our quotes. South Bay labor rates, lumber and metal prices and the conditions in your yard push the real figure higher or lower. Last checked October 2026.
| Wood | Vinyl | |
|---|---|---|
| Installed cost per foot | $20 to $50 | $30 to $60 |
| Upkeep | Stain or seal every few years | Wash it down |
| Weak point | Posts rot at the soil; sun splits boards | Strong sun dulls it; an impact can crack a panel |
| Repairs | Board by board | Mostly panel by panel |
| Look | Natural grain, any stain color | Even finish, limited colors |
Redwood, cedar or pressure-treated pine?
Redwood is the traditional fence board in the Santa Clara Valley, with cedar close behind. Both have heartwood that resists decay and insects on its own, and both move less than pine as they dry in summer heat. Pressure-treated lumber is cheaper and makes good posts, because the post is the part buried in wet clay. Many fences here pair redwood or cedar boards with treated posts.
Which fence lasts longest in hot, dry summers and wet winters?
Aluminum and vinyl last longest, since neither rots or dries out. Among wood fences, the one whose posts were set deepest and kept driest is the fence that lasts longest. San Jose has no freeze and thaw to plan for. The stress here is six rainless months of sun followed by saturated clay. Good lumber, a sloped concrete collar and boards kept above the dirt make the difference.
What type of fence is best for my yard?
| You want | Good choices | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy | 6-foot redwood, cedar or vinyl | Solid fence needs deeper posts in clay |
| A large dog | Wood, vinyl or chain link, 5 to 6 feet | Leave no gap at the bottom |
| Small children | Solid fence, gate that latches itself | Mount the latch high |
| A pool | Aluminum or vinyl to the state barrier rules | Height, gaps and gate hardware get inspected |
| Lowest cost | Chain link | Add slats for privacy |
| Low upkeep | Vinyl or aluminum | Higher first cost |
| A foothill lot with deer | Tall open metal or mesh fence | Confirm height limits and fire rules first |
Is aluminum fencing strong enough for a large dog?
For most large dogs it is. Strength is rarely the issue. Fence height and the space between pickets are. Dogs that jump need extra height, and small dogs need closer pickets near the ground.
We have a large dog, want privacy and do not want to spend a fortune. What makes sense?
Build a basic 6-foot dog-ear board fence. It blocks the view, holds most big dogs and costs less than any other solid fence. To trim the bill further, put board fence only on the sides that face neighbors or the street and run chain link where nobody sees it.
My neighbor has wood and wants me to match it so we can split the cost. I want vinyl.
A shared line gets a single fence, so you two have to pick one material for it and put the cost split in writing. On the sides you do not share, build what you want. If there is no agreement to be had, you can set a vinyl fence a few inches inside your own line at your own expense.
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 are finished on both faces, and they are often called good neighbor fences for that reason. An ordinary nailed-board fence has a rail side and a smooth side. Settle which way it faces with your neighbor beforehand, and check whether your city says anything about it.
We only give a firm price after measuring the line in person. The visit is free and you get the quote in writing. Call (408) 217-2790 or text a photo of the fence.