An honest comparison of fence materials for Shreveport and Bossier City homes

If you're putting up a new fence in Shreveport, Bossier City or anywhere in Northwest Louisiana, the material you choose decides how long it lasts and how much work it takes to keep it looking good. Our heat, humidity, heavy rain and clay soil are hard on fences. Here's an honest comparison of the four materials we install most.

The short answer

• Longest-lasting: Ameristar ornamental aluminum and steel (wrought iron style).
• Lowest maintenance for privacy: Bufftech PVC vinyl.
• Best-looking wood: western red cedar and redwood.
• Lowest upfront cost for privacy: pressure-treated pine.

The rest of this guide explains why, and what each one needs from you over the years.

Why Louisiana is hard on fences

Three things wear fences out fastest around here:

• Moisture. Long humid stretches and heavy rain keep wood damp, which leads to rot, especially at the posts where wood meets the ground.
• Sun and heat. UV breaks down wood fibers and cheap finishes, causing graying, cracking and warping.
• Wind and storms. A fence acts like a sail. Shallow or rotted posts are what usually fail when a storm comes through.

Termites are also a real concern for wood in our area. A fence that resists all of this will last much longer.

Pressure-treated pine

Pine is the most common wood fence in Shreveport-Bossier because it costs the least up front. The posts and lumber are treated to resist rot and insects.

What to expect: pine pickets tend to shrink, warp and crack as they dry out in our sun, and they gray quickly without stain. With good posts set in concrete and a fresh coat of stain every few years, a pine fence can give you good service, but it needs the most upkeep of any material here.

Best for: homeowners who want privacy on a budget and don't mind some maintenance. See our wood fence page.

Western red cedar and redwood

Cedar and redwood contain natural oils that help them resist rot and insects. They shrink and warp less than pine, so the fence stays straighter and tighter. Both take stain beautifully, and unstained cedar weathers to a soft silver-gray.

What to expect: a longer, better-looking life than pine, especially if you stain it. The cost is higher, but many homeowners feel the look is worth it.

Best for: front yards, entertaining areas and anyone who wants a real wood look that holds up. See our cedar and redwood fence page.

Bufftech PVC vinyl

Vinyl won't rot, splinter, warp or attract termites, and it never needs painting or staining. A rinse with a garden hose is usually all it needs. We install Bufftech vinyl because it holds its color and shape well in Louisiana sun.

What to expect: very little maintenance for many years. Vinyl costs more than pine up front, but you skip the cost and work of staining, so it can come out ahead over time.

Best for: privacy fences, pool areas and HOA neighborhoods where the fence needs to look the same year after year. See our vinyl fence page.

Ameristar wrought iron style and aluminum

Old-fashioned wrought iron rusts and needs scraping and repainting. Modern ornamental fencing from Ameristar is galvanized steel or aluminum with a tough powder-coat finish. Aluminum will not rust at all, which makes it a favorite around pools.

What to expect: the longest life of any fence we install, with almost no maintenance. It doesn't give privacy, but it adds security and curb appeal.

Best for: front yards, pools, driveway gates and commercial entrances. See our wrought iron and aluminum fence page.

What about chain link?

Galvanized and black vinyl-coated chain link is durable, affordable and low maintenance. It's a great choice for backyards, dogs and commercial property when you don't need privacy. See our chain link fence page.

The part that matters more than material: installation

A fence is only as strong as its posts. Many fence failures come down to posts that were set too shallow, without enough concrete, or in a way that holds water against the wood. Whatever material you choose, ask your installer:

• How deep are the posts set, and are they set in concrete?
• Are gate posts heavier than line posts?
• What fasteners do you use?
• How do you keep the gate from sagging?

Good answers to these questions will add years to any fence.

Quick comparison

• Pine: lowest cost, most upkeep, full privacy.
• Cedar and redwood: higher cost, moderate upkeep, full privacy, best wood look.
• Bufftech vinyl: higher cost, almost no upkeep, full privacy.
• Ameristar aluminum and steel: higher cost, almost no upkeep, longest life, no privacy.
• Chain link: low cost, low upkeep, no privacy.

Frequently asked questions

What fence lasts the longest in Louisiana?

Powder-coated aluminum and galvanized steel ornamental fences last the longest. For privacy, vinyl usually outlasts wood with far less maintenance.

Is cedar worth it over pine?

For many homeowners, yes. Cedar stays straighter, resists rot and insects better and looks better longer, especially in our humidity.

Does vinyl fade in the Louisiana sun?

Quality vinyl like Bufftech is made with UV protection to resist fading. Lower-quality vinyl can chalk or yellow, so the brand matters.

How much does each fence cost?

It depends on your yard, the fence length, height and gates. Read our fence cost guide, then call or text us for a free estimate.

Get a free estimate

Not sure which fence is right for your yard? Superior Fence & Decks will walk your property with you and show you options side by side. Call or text (318) 518-1524. We're located at 126 Gardner St, Shreveport, LA 71106, and serve Shreveport, Bossier City, Benton, Haughton, Greenwood, Keithville, Stonewall and nearby towns.