How much does vinyl fencing cost compared to wood in Metro Vancouver?

Vinyl fencing typically costs $35 to $70 per linear foot installed in Metro Vancouver, while wood fencing ranges from $30 to $80 per linear foot depending on the species. The overlap in pricing makes the comparison more nuanced than most homeowners expect — vinyl is not always more expensive than wood, especially when you factor in lifetime costs.

For a standard 6-foot privacy fence, pressure-treated wood runs $30 to $65 per linear foot installed, making it the cheapest wood option. Western Red Cedar, the premium choice in BC and the most popular wood fence material in Metro Vancouver, costs $40 to $80 per linear foot installed. A comparable vinyl privacy fence falls in the $35 to $70 range. So vinyl sits right in between pressure-treated and cedar on upfront cost.

Where vinyl pulls ahead is on lifetime cost. A cedar fence in Metro Vancouver's wet marine climate needs staining or sealing every 2 to 3 years at $2 to $5 per linear foot — that adds up to $1,000 to $2,500 over a 15-year span for a typical 100-foot fence. Pressure-treated wood needs the same maintenance schedule. Vinyl needs nothing beyond an occasional rinse with a garden hose. Over 20 years, a vinyl fence can save you $2,000 to $4,000 in maintenance costs compared to cedar.

For a 100 linear foot privacy fence — a common project size in Metro Vancouver — here is what you can expect to pay all-in:

• Pressure-treated wood: $3,000 to $6,500 plus ongoing maintenance
• Western Red Cedar: $4,000 to $8,000 plus ongoing maintenance
• Vinyl/PVC: $3,500 to $7,000 with zero maintenance

The trade-off is aesthetics. Cedar has a warm, natural look that many Metro Vancouver homeowners prefer, and it can be stained in a range of colours. Vinyl comes in white, tan, grey, and woodgrain finishes, but some homeowners find it looks less natural. Modern vinyl products have improved significantly in appearance, but cedar remains the premium aesthetic choice in most Vancouver neighbourhoods.

Durability in Vancouver's climate is another key factor. Vinyl does not absorb moisture, rot, warp, or attract mould — all serious concerns with wood fences in a region that receives over 1,200mm of annual rainfall. A quality vinyl fence from a reputable manufacturer carries a 20 to 30 year warranty and can last even longer. Cedar, while naturally rot-resistant, will still deteriorate without regular sealing and typically lasts 15 to 25 years with proper maintenance.

If budget is your primary concern, pressure-treated wood gives you the lowest upfront cost. If you want the lowest total cost over the fence's lifespan with zero maintenance hassle, vinyl is hard to beat. If aesthetics and natural beauty matter most, cedar is the Metro Vancouver standard. A local fence contractor can provide quotes for all three options based on your specific property — Vancouver Fence Builders can match you with fence professionals for free estimates.

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