Which fence fits your property?
Northern Florida's heat, humidity, and storm season all factor into which material makes sense. Here's how the five most common options stack up.
Wood — Side-by-Side Paneling
Boards mounted flush, edge to edge, on one side of the rail — the classic privacy-fence look.
Pros
- Lowest-cost wood option
- Fully private
- Paints or stains easily
Cons
- One side looks "finished," other shows framing
- Small gaps as wood dries and shrinks
Wood — Board-on-Board
Boards alternate and overlap on both sides of the rail, closing every gap as the wood moves with humidity.
Pros
- No sightline gaps, even over time
- Finished look from both sides
- Good for shared-line fences with neighbors
Cons
- Uses ~30% more lumber than side-by-side
- Heavier, so posts see more wind load
Wood — Horizontal Paneling
Boards run lengthwise across the posts for a modern, low-profile look that's popular on newer builds.
Pros
- Contemporary curb appeal
- Fewer visible posts
- Pairs well with modern home exteriors
Cons
- Requires stiffer, pricier boards to resist sagging
- Less common installers may charge a premium
Vinyl
PVC panels that never need staining or painting — a strong match for Florida's humidity and UV exposure.
Pros
- Won't rot, warp, or attract termites
- Hoses off, no sealing or painting
- Consistent color for decades
Cons
- Higher upfront cost than most wood
- Can look uniform/less custom than wood
Chain Link
Galvanized steel mesh — the most economical way to contain pets or mark a boundary without blocking the view.
Pros
- Lowest cost per foot by far
- Minimal maintenance
- Fast to install
Cons
- No privacy
- Less curb appeal for front yards
- Can rust at cut edges over decades
Ready to price yours out?
Plug your numbers into the calculator for an instant estimate on any of these materials.
Open the CalculatorDon't forget the gate
Gates are priced separately from the fence line since they need extra hardware and framing to hang correctly.
- Single gate (3–4 ft wide) $750 per gate — fits most walkways and side-yard access points.
- Double-wide gate (6–8 ft wide) $1,250 per gate — sized for mowers, ATVs, or vehicle access.
- Existing fence removal $5 per linear foot to demo and haul away your old fence line.