For most Portland homeowners, a cedar wood fence is the better choice when you want privacy, curb appeal, and added home value, while a chain link fence wins when your priority is low-cost security or keeping a clear, open view. The right pick really comes down to what you want the fence to do.
We install both, so this is an honest comparison, not a sales pitch. If you already know you want the warm, private look, jump straight to our cedar fence installation page. Otherwise, here is how the two stack up for a Northwest yard.
Wood Fence vs Chain Link: The Quick Comparison
Here is the honest side by side:
| What matters | Cedar Wood Fence | Chain Link Fence |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy | Excellent, a solid wall | Low, you see right through it |
| Curb appeal | Warm, natural, premium | Functional, utilitarian |
| Home value | Adds to it | Little to none |
| Security | Good, blocks sight and access | Good, especially pets and boundaries |
| Open view | Blocks the view | Keeps a clear view |
| Maintenance | A stain or seal every few years | Almost none |
| Best for | Back yards, privacy, looks | Budget security, pets, large yards |
Where a Wood (Cedar) Fence Wins
Wood is the go-to when you want your yard to feel private and look good doing it.
- Privacy: solid cedar boards block sightlines and cut noise, which chain link cannot do without add-ons.
- Looks and value: a clean cedar fence adds warmth and curb appeal, and a quality fence is the kind of upgrade buyers notice.
- Built to last here: cedar naturally resists rot, moisture, and insects, which matters in our wet climate. Built well, a cedar fence lasts 15 to 30 years, and up to 40 with regular sealing.
- Custom: you choose the height, style, and finish, so it fits your home instead of a stock panel.
The trade-off is upkeep: cedar wants a stain or seal every few years to look its best and reach that longer lifespan.
Where a Chain Link Fence Wins
Chain link is the practical pick when privacy is not the point.
- Budget and big areas: it is the most cost-effective way to enclose a large yard or property line.
- Security without blocking the view: great for pets, kids, and keeping an eye on the yard while still seeing through it.
- Almost zero maintenance: no staining, no sealing, it just holds up.
- Weather tough: it shrugs off Northwest rain and does not rot.
You can add privacy slats or a top and bottom rail to dress it up and make it sturdier, which we include on our better chain link builds.
So Which Should You Choose?
- Choose a cedar wood fence if privacy, looks, and home value matter most. This is what most homeowners want for a back yard.
- Choose chain link if your priority is affordable security, pet containment, or keeping an open view, especially on a larger or front yard.
- Some homeowners use both: cedar around the living and entertaining areas, chain link in side or back areas where looks matter less.
How Gorilla Works Builds Each One
Whichever you choose, the build is what makes it last:
- Cedar fences: Grade 1 cedar or better as the standard, stainless steel fasteners so there are no rust streaks, a kick board to seal the bottom, and deep-set posts, backed by our workmanship warranty.
- Chain link fences: properly tensioned, with the option of top and bottom rails, privacy slats, and commercial-grade wire on our premium builds.
You can see both on our fence installation services page.
And if you want the modern look in wood, our guide to horizontal cedar fences covers that style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a wood fence or chain link fence better?
It depends on your goal. A cedar wood fence is better for privacy, curb appeal, and home value. A chain link fence is better for affordable security, pet containment, and keeping an open view. Most homeowners who want a private back yard choose wood.
Which lasts longer, wood or chain link?
Both last a long time when built right. Chain link is extremely low-maintenance and weather resistant. A cedar fence lasts 15 to 30 years, and up to 40 with regular sealing, but it needs that occasional upkeep to get there.
Can you add privacy to a chain link fence?
Yes. Privacy slats woven through the chain link block most of the view and add rigidity. It is a budget-friendly way to get some privacy, though a solid cedar fence still gives you the most.
Which fence adds more home value?
A quality cedar wood fence. It improves curb appeal and is the kind of finished, private yard buyers look for. Chain link is functional but adds little to resale.
Do you install both wood and chain link fences in Portland?
Yes. We build cedar, chain link, and steel fencing across the Portland metro and Southwest Washington, including Portland, Gresham, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Tigard, Lake Oswego, Happy Valley, Milwaukie, Troutdale, Vancouver WA, and Camas WA.
The Bottom Line
There is no single winner. Choose cedar wood for privacy, looks, and value. Choose chain link for affordable security and an open view. The best fence is the one that matches what you actually want your yard to do.
Not sure which fits your yard? Our local, family-owned team will walk your property and give you a free, no-pressure quote on either. See our fence installation services or call (971) 343-4964. Gorilla Built. Gorilla Strong.
Still deciding between cedar and chain link?
We build both, so we have no reason to talk you into the wrong one. Tell us what the fence has to do, contain a dog, block a view, mark a line, and we will tell you which one we would put on our own yard.
Licensed, bonded & insured in OR and WA · 20+ years in the Portland area · Call (971) 343-4964
