Most Panama City homeowners who call us for a privacy fence ask the same thing first: vinyl or wood?
Both make a solid 6 ft screen. They differ in price, upkeep and how they handle our salt air and summer sun.
Here is a plain side-by-side from the crews who build both every week as a fence company in Panama City.
Quick Answer
- Pick wood if you want the lowest starting price and a natural look, and you are fine sealing or staining it.
- Pick vinyl if you want almost no upkeep, a clean bright look, and a fence that will not need paint or stain.
Starting Prices
- 6 ft wood privacy: from $32/ft installed
- 6 ft vinyl privacy: from $36/ft installed
- Old fence removal: from $6/ft for vinyl and from $7/ft for wood, haul-off included
Our minimum project is $1,000. Footage, gates, height, style and terrain set the final number.
See the Panama City fence cost guide for more detail, and Wisetack financing if you want to spread payments out.
Upkeep: Vinyl vs Wood
- Vinyl: rinse it with water and mild soap a couple of times a year. No paint, no stain.
- Wood: seal or stain it to slow graying and help it shed water. Check boards and fasteners each spring.
We stain and seal wood fences with the EXPERT Professional Wood Care system. See fence staining.
Salt Air, Sun and Sandy Soil
Close to the Gulf or the bay, salt air is hardest on bare metal hardware, so hinges, latches and screws matter on both fences.
Vinyl does not rot and shrugs off moisture. Wood needs a good finish to hold up to humidity and sun.
In sandy soil, post depth and concrete matter more than the panel you pick. We set posts by what the auger finds on your lot.
Which Fits Your Yard?
- Rental or second home in Panama City Beach: vinyl, because nobody wants to stain a fence between guests.
- Family yard in Lynn Haven or Panama City with dogs: either works; wood board on board or vinyl privacy both block the view.
- Tight budget, big footage: wood stockade gives you the most privacy per dollar.
- HOA with strict looks: bring your guidelines to the estimate. Many HOAs list approved colors and styles for both.
Style Choices
- Wood: stockade, shadow box, board on board and horizontal.
- Vinyl: solid privacy panels in white, tan and other colors, plus semi-privacy and picket styles.
Not sure which privacy style you need? Start with our privacy fences page.
Gates
Both materials take walk gates and double drive gates. Wood walk gates start from $380 and wood drive gates from $620.
Vinyl gates are priced on site with the rest of your quote.
Doing It Yourself?
If you plan to build it yourself, you can buy vinyl and wood fence materials from our sister company, Olympus Fence Supply.
Why Homeowners Use Mr. Fence
- Our own W-2 crews. No subcontractors.
- Lifetime craftsmanship warranty on every install.
- Hundreds of 5-star Google reviews.
- Free on-site estimate and a written quote before you pay a deposit.
Common Questions
Q: Is vinyl or wood cheaper for a privacy fence in Panama City?
A: Wood is cheaper to start. A 6 ft wood privacy fence starts from $32/ft installed and 6 ft vinyl privacy starts from $36/ft. Our minimum project is $1,000.
Q: Which privacy fence needs less upkeep near the beach?
A: Vinyl. It only needs an occasional rinse with water and mild soap. Wood should be sealed or stained to hold up to sun and humidity.
Q: Can I buy vinyl or wood fence materials myself?
A: Yes. Our sister company, Olympus Fence Supply, sells vinyl and wood fence materials for DIY projects.
Q: Do you install privacy fences outside Panama City?
A: Yes. Our W-2 crews install vinyl and wood privacy fences in Lynn Haven, Panama City Beach, Callaway and across our service area from our Panama City headquarters.
Ready to Get Started?
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📍 6804 Bayou George Dr, Suite A, Panama City FL 32404