Wood vs vinyl fence — which is better?

Vinyl wins for long-term cost: no staining, no rotted boards, 25+ year lifespan with no replacement boards. Upfront cost is 30–60% higher than wood ($35–$70/linear foot installed vs $25–$45/ft for pressure-treated). Wood wins on upfront price and on aesthetic for high-end homes — cedar and ipe age beautifully and pair better with traditional architecture. Wood needs staining/sealing every 2–4 years ($200–$500 per session for 150 LF) and board replacement at year 10–15 ($500–$1,500). Break-even between the two is typically year 10–12.