PVC vs Timber Fencing - Complete Comparison 2026

Why PVC fencing saves you thousands over timber despite a higher upfront cost. Real numbers, honest comparison.

Side-by-side comparison

FeaturePVC FencingTimber Paling
Upfront cost (1.8m, per metre)$108-$130/m$90-$120/m
Lifespan25+ years15-20 years
Repainting requiredNeverEvery 3-5 years ($15-25/m)
Rail replacementNever10-15 years (~$500/20m)
Full fence replacementNot within lifespan15-20 years
Termite riskZero - inorganic materialHigh - requires treatment
Rot resistanceCannot rot - waterproofRots from moisture
WarpingCannot warpWarps from humidity changes
UV damageUV-stabilisedGreys and degrades
SplintersNone - smooth surfaceCommon - safety risk
Installation timeFast - panels slot inSlow - nails, screws, cutting
Post-install paintingNone neededRequired for full protection
RecyclableYes - 100%Limited (treated timber is not)
Chemical treatmentNone requiredCCA or ACQ treatment required
ConsistencyUniform, factory finishVariable - knots, grain, colour
25-year total cost (20m)~$4,300~$9,500

25-year cost of ownership - 20m boundary fence

The true cost of a fence includes maintenance, repairs, and replacement over its lifetime.

PVC Fencing

Materials$3,100
Installation$1,200
Painting (25 yrs)$0
Repairs (25 yrs)$0
Replacement$0
Total~$4,300

Timber Paling

Materials$2,400
Installation$1,200
Painting (5 repaints)$3,500
Repairs & rail replacement$2,000
Replacement at year 18included above
Total~$9,500

PVC saves ~$5,200 over 25 years compared to timber - more than the entire original cost of the PVC fence.

PVC vs timber in Queensland's climate

Queensland's subtropical climate is particularly harsh on timber fencing. High humidity causes wood to absorb moisture and expand, then shrink when it dries - this cycle causes warping, splitting, and premature decay. Combined with termite pressure (Queensland has the highest termite risk in Australia) and intense UV exposure, timber fences in Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast typically last only 12-15 years before needing major work.

PVC is completely unaffected by all of these factors. It cannot absorb moisture, cannot be eaten by termites, and is UV-stabilised to resist yellowing and degradation. This makes PVC the clearly superior choice for the Queensland climate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PVC fencing more expensive than timber?
PVC fencing costs a little more upfront than basic timber paling - but the gap is smaller than most people expect, because quality timber paling installed in Queensland is itself expensive. However, timber requires repainting every 3-5 years ($15-25/m each time), eventual rail replacement, and full fence replacement at 15-20 years. Over 25 years, PVC saves $5,000+ compared to timber for a 20-metre fence.
How long does PVC fencing last compared to timber?
PVC fencing lasts 25+ years with zero maintenance. Timber paling fencing typically lasts 15-20 years before requiring major repairs or full replacement. Treated pine performs better than untreated hardwood but still degrades from moisture, UV, and termites.
Does PVC fencing look like real wood?
PVC fencing has its own clean, contemporary aesthetic - it doesn't try to imitate wood grain. Most homeowners choose PVC specifically because they prefer the crisp, uniform white appearance over the weathered, inconsistent look of aged timber.
Can termites damage PVC fencing?
No. PVC is an inorganic material and termites cannot eat or damage it. Termites are one of the leading causes of timber fence failure in Queensland, costing homeowners thousands in repairs and replacement.
Is PVC fencing easier to install than timber?
Yes. PVC panels are lighter than timber and slot into posts without screws, nails, or brackets. Most PVC fence installations take half the time of timber because there's no cutting, no pre-drilling, and no painting after installation.
Does PVC fencing warp like timber?
No. PVC fencing does not warp, bow, twist, or cup like timber. Timber fencing warps when it absorbs and releases moisture - a constant issue in Queensland's humid climate. PVC is dimensionally stable regardless of humidity.
Is timber fencing more environmentally friendly than PVC?
Both have environmental considerations. Timber is a natural material but requires chemical treatment (CCA, ACQ), regular painting with chemical stains, and harvesting of trees. PVC is 100% recyclable, requires no chemical treatments, and lasts significantly longer, reducing landfill waste.
Can I replace my timber fence with PVC?
Yes. PVC fencing can be installed on the same boundary lines as existing timber fencing. Old timber fencing can usually be removed in a day and PVC installed immediately after. The post hole spacing may differ slightly (2.44m for PVC vs variable for timber).

Related guides

PVC Fencing Cost Guide 2026

Complete pricing for all styles and heights.

PVC vs Colorbond Fencing

Side-by-side comparison with Colorbond steel.

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Last updated: April 2026.