Wood vs Vinyl vs Chain Link vs Aluminum: Which Fence Is Best in Eastern Ontario?
Last updated: June 2026
For most Eastern Ontario homeowners, pressure-treated wood offers the best balance of price and privacy ($30–$55/ft installed), cedar is the premium wood choice for looks and longevity ($45–$75/ft, 20–30 years), vinyl is the lowest-maintenance option that handles freeze-thaw well ($45–$85/ft, 25–30+ years), chain link is cheapest for security without privacy ($15–$40/ft), and ornamental aluminum is the most durable and lowest-maintenance but costs the most ($60–$150/ft). The right choice depends on your priority: budget (chain link), privacy (wood/vinyl), or longevity with zero upkeep (aluminum/vinyl).
What's the best fence material for Eastern Ontario's climate?
Cedar and vinyl handle Eastern Ontario's freeze-thaw cycles best long-term; pressure-treated wood is the most popular for its price-to-privacy ratio; whatever you choose, proper post depth below the frost line matters more than the material. Cold can make vinyl brittle; cedar naturally resists rot; PT wood needs staining to last. Frost-line footings (4–6 ft) are non-negotiable here.
See the full fence cost breakdown.
Wood vs vinyl vs chain link vs aluminum — full comparison
Here's how the four main materials compare on the factors that actually decide the project:
| Chain link | Pressure-treated wood | Cedar | Vinyl (PVC) | Aluminum | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed cost / ft | $15–$40 | $30–$55 | $45–$75 | $45–$85 | $60–$150 |
| 100 ft installed | $1,500–$4,000 | $3,000–$5,500 | $4,500–$7,500 | $4,500–$8,500 | $6,000–$15,000 |
| Lifespan | 15–20 yrs | 15–20 yrs | 20–30 yrs | 25–30+ yrs | 30+ yrs |
| Privacy | None | Full | Full | Full | None/low |
| Maintenance | Low | Stain every 2–3 yrs | Optional seal | Wash only | Very low |
| Best for | Budget/security | Budget privacy | Premium looks | No-maintenance privacy | Longevity/curb appeal |
Which fence is cheapest?
Chain link is the cheapest fence at $15–$40 per linear foot installed — but it offers no privacy. For the cheapest privacy fence, pressure-treated wood at $30–$55/ft is the standard choice.
See the full cost guide for extras like HST, removal, and gates.
Which fence lasts longest with the least maintenance?
Ornamental aluminum and vinyl last longest (30+ and 25–30+ years) with the least upkeep; cedar is the longest-lasting wood at 20–30 years. Pressure-treated wood lasts 15–20 years but needs staining every 2–3 years. Vinyl requires only an occasional wash; aluminum won't rot, rust, or warp; cedar weathers to silver-grey without sealing.
Is a wood or vinyl fence better for privacy?
Both give full privacy. Choose wood for lower upfront cost and a natural look you can stain any colour, or vinyl for higher upfront cost but near-zero maintenance for 25+ years. The decision: pay less now and maintain (wood) vs pay more now and forget it (vinyl).
Check your town's height limits before choosing — Brockville fence rules / Kingston fence bylaw.