The material you choose shapes almost everything about your fence: how it looks next to your house, how much time you’ll spend maintaining it, how it handles our freeze-thaw winters and humid summers, how much privacy it gives, and what it costs. 76 FENCE Main Line installs six main material families for homes and businesses across the Main Line and nearby Chester, Delaware and Montgomery County communities.
There’s no single best fence material. There’s the best one for your goals, your yard and your budget. Use this page as a starting point, then let us show you samples during a free walkthrough.
Side-by-side comparison
This table is a general guide. Real-world results depend on the specific product, how it’s installed, and how it’s cared for. Lifespan notes assume a professional installation with posts set below the frost line and reasonable upkeep.
| Material | Look | Maintenance | Lifespan in PA weather | Privacy | Relative cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wood (cedar, pressure-treated pine) | Natural, warm, traditional; can be stained or painted | Moderate to high: periodic staining or sealing | Moderate; cedar generally outlasts pine, and upkeep makes a big difference | Full, semi or open depending on style | Mid |
| Vinyl / PVC | Clean, uniform; white, tan, gray and wood-grain options | Low: occasional washing | Long; won’t rot or need paint | Full, semi or open | Mid to upper |
| Aluminum | Classic ornamental, usually black; wrought-iron look | Very low | Very long; does not rust | Low (open pickets) | Mid to upper |
| Steel / ornamental iron look | Heavy-duty ornamental; strong, substantial lines | Low: touch up scratches in the coating | Very long when the coating is maintained | Low (open pickets) | Premium |
| Chain link (galvanized, black vinyl-coated) | Utilitarian; black-coated blends into landscaping | Very low | Long | Low; screening can be added | Budget-friendly |
| Composite (e.g., Trex-style) | Wood-like, modern, rich colors | Low: occasional washing | Very long; resists rot and insects | Full | Premium |
Relative cost reflects material only. Total project cost also depends on footage, height, gates, slope, rock and roots, tear-out of an old fence, and permits. Our pricing guide explains each factor.
Choose by your top priority
Maximum privacy
Board-on-board or tongue-and-groove wood, solid vinyl panels, or composite. See privacy fences.
Least maintenance
Aluminum, vinyl, composite and chain link all skip the staining cycle. Aluminum is especially carefree because it can’t rust.
Classic Main Line curb appeal
Black aluminum or ornamental steel in front of stone colonials; painted or cedar picket for cottages and Victorians.
Tightest budget
Chain link typically costs least per foot. Pressure-treated pine is the budget-friendly way to get wood privacy.
How our climate affects each material
Southeast Pennsylvania throws a little of everything at a fence: humid summers, heavy spring rains, freeze-thaw winters and the occasional nor’easter or heavy snow load.
Moisture is wood’s main enemy, so drainage, ground clearance and regular sealing matter. Vinyl stays rot-free but should be installed with room to expand and contract as temperatures swing. Metal fences shrug off moisture, though steel relies on its protective coating. And regardless of material, posts set below the frost line, typically 30″–36″ in our area (local code governs), keep freeze-thaw cycles from heaving the fence out of line.
Deciding between the two most popular backyard options? Read our wood vs. vinyl in Pennsylvania FAQ.
Explore each material
Every material comes in several styles, from picket and horizontal to pool and security fences. Browse the full lineup on our fence styles page, or dive into a material below.
Wood & Cedar
Warm, classic and endlessly customizable — cedar and pressure-treated pine.
Learn more →
Vinyl (PVC)
Clean lines with virtually no painting or staining, ever.
Learn more →
Aluminum
The look of wrought iron without the rust. A Main Line favorite.
Learn more →
Steel & Ornamental
Heavy-duty ornamental steel for security with real presence.
Learn more →
Chain Link
Galvanized or black vinyl-coated — practical and budget-friendly.
Learn more →
Composite
The beauty of wood with low-maintenance, eco-minded durability.
Learn more →Ready for a fence you'll love?
Book a free, no-pressure estimate. Zero dispatch fees — and we handle permits, HOA paperwork and the 811 call.
Mixing materials
You don’t have to pick just one. Plenty of Main Line properties use black aluminum across the front yard for curb appeal and switch to wood or vinyl privacy along the back. Commercial sites often pair chain link security with a composite or wood dumpster enclosure. We’ll help you plan transitions so the whole property looks intentional.
Warranty and next steps
We offer and honor manufacturer warranty coverage on every fence we install, and financing is available through our partner Wisetack; see financing. To see and handle samples in person, call or text 484-779-6307 or book a free estimate.