It depends on the job the fence has to do. Aluminum is the better pick for a front yard or a pool: it is open, will not rust and lets wind pass. Vinyl is the better pick for back-yard privacy with no painting. In Hialeah, both need signed and sealed details for the permit, so the paperwork is a wash.
Updated October 2026
How do they compare side by side?
| Aluminum | Vinyl | |
|---|---|---|
| Angi range | $17 to $90 | $15 to $40 |
| HomeGuide range | $25 to $75 | $30 to $60 |
| Privacy | Little; it is open | Full with solid panels |
| Wind | Wind passes through | Solid face catches wind |
| Upkeep | Almost none | Rinse off dirt and mildew |
| Typical Hialeah use | Front yards, pools | Back and side yards |
| Permit paperwork | Sealed details (or city picket detail) | Sealed details |
Which is better for a front yard?
Usually aluminum. Hialeah caps fences along the front lot line at four feet, so privacy is not on the table anyway, and an open picket fence keeps the house visible and handles the corner visibility rule better. It pairs well with a rolling driveway gate in the same finish.
Which is better for a back yard?
Usually vinyl, when you want privacy. Side and rear fences can go to six feet, and a solid vinyl panel blocks the view completely without ever needing paint. Ask for a product with engineered details for the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone.
Can I mix them?
Yes, and many homeowners do: aluminum across the front and around the pool, vinyl along the sides and back. Check with your HOA first if you have one.
Sources
Angi, "How Much Does Fence Installation Cost?" and HomeGuide, "Fence Installation Cost," checked October 2026; City of Hialeah Code of Ordinances, Sec. 98-2121 (fence heights); City of Hialeah "Fence and Rolling Gate Requirements"; Florida Building Code, Residential, R4501.17 (pool barriers). The wind comparison is general guidance on open versus solid fences. This page is general information.