If you're shopping for a new fence in Rhode Island, wood and vinyl are almost always the first two materials you'll compare. They're both popular, widely available, and can look great on just about any property. But they suit very different types of homeowners — and making the wrong choice can cost you time, money, or both.
After 24 years of installing fences across Rhode Island, Eastern Connecticut, and Southeastern Massachusetts, our team at Lynch Fence has seen how each material performs over the long haul in a New England climate. Here's our honest take.
The Case for Wood Fencing
Wood is the classic choice for a reason. It's naturally beautiful, works with nearly any architectural style, and gives you more design flexibility than any other material. Want a custom height? An unusual profile? Decorative post caps? A mixed picket pattern? Wood can do all of it.
In Rhode Island, cedar and pressure-treated pine are the most common wood choices. Cedar is naturally resistant to rot and insects — important in our humid coastal climate — while pressure-treated pine is a more affordable option that can still last 15–20 years with proper care.
Wood fencing pros:
- Lower upfront cost — wood is typically 20–30% cheaper to install than vinyl
- Natural appearance — hard to beat the warmth and character of real wood grain
- Easy to customize — any height, style, or profile
- Repairable — a single damaged board can be swapped out cheaply
- Environmentally friendly — a renewable resource
Wood fencing cons:
- Ongoing maintenance — needs staining or sealing every 2–3 years
- Susceptible to rot — especially if posts aren't properly set or sealed
- Shorter lifespan — 15–25 years depending on care vs. 30+ for vinyl
- Can warp or split — New England's freeze-thaw cycles are tough on wood
The Case for Vinyl Fencing
Vinyl (PVC) fencing has exploded in popularity over the last two decades, and it's easy to see why. Once it's installed, you essentially forget about it. No painting, no staining, no sealing — just occasional rinsing with a garden hose.
Modern vinyl fencing looks far better than it did even ten years ago. Textured finishes mimic the look of wood grain, and color options now go well beyond basic white to include tan, gray, and two-tone combinations. That gray-and-white pool fence you've been seeing around Rhode Island neighborhoods? That's vinyl.
Vinyl fencing pros:
- Almost zero maintenance — no painting, staining, or sealing ever
- Long lifespan — quality vinyl can last 30+ years
- Resistant to rot, rust, and insects — won't be affected by moisture or pests
- Consistent color — doesn't fade, gray, or discolor over time
- Clean look — always looks freshly installed
Vinyl fencing cons:
- Higher upfront cost — typically 20–30% more than wood to install
- Less customizable — limited to stock profiles and colors
- Harder to repair — damaged sections often require replacing full panels
- Can crack in extreme cold — though quality vinyl products handle New England winters well
How New England Climate Affects the Decision
Rhode Island's climate — cold winters, wet springs, humid summers — is genuinely tough on outdoor materials. This is worth factoring heavily into your decision.
Wood fences in RI need to be resealed or restained regularly to stay ahead of moisture damage. If you skip a year or two, you'll start seeing graying, cracking, and eventually rot — especially at ground level where the posts meet the soil. A wood fence that's well-maintained will look beautiful; one that's neglected will start looking rough within 5 years.
Vinyl handles our climate better from a pure durability standpoint. The freeze-thaw cycles that crack and warp wood boards don't affect vinyl the same way. If you want a fence that just exists without demanding annual attention, vinyl wins in New England.
Cost Comparison
As a general guide for Rhode Island fence projects:
- Wood privacy fence: $20–$35 per linear foot installed
- Vinyl privacy fence: $28–$45 per linear foot installed
- Wood picket fence: $15–$25 per linear foot installed
- Vinyl picket fence: $20–$32 per linear foot installed
These are rough ranges — actual pricing depends on lot conditions, fence height, gate placement, and other factors. For an exact number, request a free estimate and we'll come out and measure.
So Which Should You Choose?
Choose wood if: You want a lower upfront cost, love the natural aesthetic, want complete design flexibility, or enjoy a bit of weekend maintenance as part of owning a home.
Choose vinyl if: You want the lowest possible long-term hassle, don't want to think about the fence again after installation, or are building in a damp or low-maintenance area like near a pool.
Either way, the quality of the installation matters just as much as the material. A premium vinyl fence installed poorly will fail. A basic wood fence installed correctly will outlast an expensive fence done wrong.
Have questions? Give us a call at (401) 356-4699 or request a free estimate. We serve homeowners across Rhode Island, Eastern Connecticut, and Southeastern Massachusetts and are happy to help you think through the right choice for your specific property.
Areas We Serve in Rhode Island
Lynch Fence installs fencing across all of Rhode Island. Find your town: