Adding a fence around your property does not only add value to it, it allows you to enjoy some privacy, especially when you are in the backyard. Not all homes come with a fence erected or some may have fences that are worn out or damaged and thus not feasible for making the property look good.
Two of the most popular fence options include vinyl and wood. The two biggest differences between these two lie in their aesthetics and their durability. A wooden fence is very timeless and gives your property a classic look. However, it does come along with maintenance requirements to ensure it remains in good condition. Vinyl fencing is quite budget friendly and it is durable adding a nice look to your backyard and property all around.
Below, we will look at both of these fence types along with their different features to help you better determine which one is best for you.
Let’s go.
What Exactly Is Wood Fencing?
Wood fencing is made from just that, wood. It is one of the most popular options and has been around since fences were introduced. The design and appearance of a wood fence will differ quite a bit depending on your taste preferences and what you choose. In addition, the tree used to cut the wood will help offer differences in the wood’s appearance as well. The best type of wood for your fencing project will depend on factors such as climate, budget, and landscape design.
What Exactly Is Vinyl Fencing?
Vinyl has been around for about five decades now and has become an increasingly popular option for a fence. It is made from a plastic like material and is quite versatile in function, aesthetics, and design. The fence itself is made from a polymer of vinyl chloride or PVC. It is affordable and durable, which makes it a good option for those who do not want the traditional wood look around their property.
Cost of Vinyl vs. Wood Fencing
The cost of each type of material will differ and it is important for you to understand how each will fit into your budget. Keep in mind that you can always choose budget options to help keep your costs low, but the higher quality options will run you more money and last a lot longer.
Vinyl
Vinyl fencing costs will land somewhere between $10 to $45 per linear foot. This means that the average 150-foot fence will run you around $3,500.
Wood
Wood fencing costs will land you somewhere between $15 and $50 per linear foot. This means that the average 150-foot fence will run you around $3,100.
Appearance of Vinyl vs. Wood Fencing
The look of the fence you opt for will really depend on your personal preferences and the look you want to create.
Vinyl
Vinyl fencing does not look like a wood fence and does not try to either. There is a distinct difference between the two, so it would be extremely hard to mistake one for the other. Vinyl fences come in a large array of colors and styles for you to choose from. Of course, you can choose a faux wood option, if you want vinyl with a look similar to traditional wood.
It is important to keep in mind that you cannot paint or stain vinyl fences, so you want to make sure you choose a color or style that you are happy with.
Wood
Wood fencing is made from wood and looks like wood. It is a timeless option and known for its appearance. Wood fences are very recognizable and simply driving in a neighborhood, you will see many of them. You have many options as far as the type of wood used. Depending on the type used, you will enjoy different patterns, grains, and more.
You can choose from a variety of already stained wood fences or you can opt to stain or paint your own wood fence. The beauty about wood fences is that you can change their color as needed to update your property.
Durability of Vinyl vs. Wood Fencing
When looking at both fence materials, vinyl is more durable than wood without a question. Here are some things to keep in mind between the two.
Vinyl
Vinyl fencing is considered to be a rot-resistant, flexible, low maintenance, and very robust and durable. It has been built to last for many years and you do not have to worry about it warping or deteriorating in the sun and weather elements. With that said, vinyl fencing can become discolored over time due to UV ray exposure.
If you do live in an area that is prone to very cold weather, vinyl may not be the best option for you. This is because vinyl becomes less flexible the colder it gets, so it is prone to breakage.
- Avoidant of pest and rot damage
- Can discolor from UV rays
- Doesn’t do well in extremely cold areas
- High fire resistance
- Doesn’t warp in the heat
Wood
Wood fencing is not as durable as vinyl fencing in that it can become damaged due to the weather and experience warping, cracking, and rotting. If you live in a humid area, a wood fence may not be the best choice.
The type of wood that you choose for your wooden fence makes a difference as well. It is important to pay attention to your fence as it can become susceptible to mold and insect infestations and it is not fire resistant.
- Prone to rot and warping
- Failure to maintain the fence can reduce its longevity
- Pests can infest the wood
Maintenance of Vinyl vs. Wood Fencing
Vinyl is widely known for its ease of care and ability to not need maintenance often and remain in good condition. Wood on the other hand does require maintenance of the homeowner.
Vinyl
One of the biggest perks associated with vinyl fencing is that it is easy to take care of and does not require a lot of maintenance. This is awesome for homeowners who do not want to have to worry about keeping up with their fence.
You will need to rinse it off occasionally to remove any buildup of dirt to keep it looking clean. Vinyl is resistant to pests, mold, and mildew, so it makes a good choice when upkeep is something you do not want to deal with.
The biggest downside to a vinyl fence is that weather damage and cracks can lead to expensive repairs. In general, if damage occurs, you will need to replace the entire vinyl panel. If the needed repair is quite small, you may be able to get away with a DIY repair kit from the local home improvement store.
- Whole panels must be replaced and can be expensive
- Easy to keep clean
- Lower maintenance required
Wood
Wood fences need to be treated, cleaned, and re-stained often to help them retain their appearance and stay in good condition. Failure to do so can result in an aged fence that does not last as long as it should.
If you do keep up with wood maintenance and happen to have damage occur to the fence, the repairs are much cheaper than with vinyl because you can replace the damaged slat as opposed to the whole panel. Typically, repairs to a wood fence are done as a DIY project.
- Requires a lot of maintenance
- Easy to repair and replace individual posts
- Requires re-staining and retreatment
Longevity of Vinyl vs. Wood Fencing
The longevity of your fence will depend on several factors such as how you maintain it and where you live. Without looking at those factors and just simply looking at the lifespan of the fence itself, here is the difference between the two.
Vinyl
Vinyl fencing is designed to last at least three decades and can last up to 100 years. It would not be surprising to have a vinyl fence installed that lasts the remainder of your lifetime.
Wood
Depending on the type of wood used, you can expect to get at least two decades out of your fence. You may be able to get more, but the expected longevity is 20 years.
Installation of Vinyl vs. Wood Fencing
Both vinyl and wood fencing require installation that also requires digging and setting the posts. Poor installation is something you want to avoid, as this can cause serious issues with the longevity and integrity of your fence. It is important to always hire a licensed and insured contractor to install your fence whether you choose wood or vinyl.
You can expect to pay anywhere from $25 to $85 per hour for installation of a fence. Both wood and vinyl are relatively close in price when it comes to installation.
Vinyl
A standard vinyl fence will require just as much effort to install as its counterpart and costs about the same. Vinyl fencing does have a slight edge in being easy to install, especially if you are having panels of vinyl installed on your property.
Wood
A wood fence is not too difficult to install for an experienced contractor and will require that holes are dug for the posts and then the posts set into concrete. In general, wood fence installation and vinyl fence installation are similar in ease.
Which Option is Better for My Home?
Honestly, it all depends on what you are looking for and what will best meet your needs. Here is a recap of both vinyl and wood fencing.
Vinyl Fencing
- $10 to $45 per linear foot
- Sleek manufactured look
- Pest and rot resistant
- Lower maintenance requirements
- 30+ years of longevity
Wood Fencing
- $15 to $50 per linear foot
- Natural rustic look
- Weather and pests can become a problem
- Higher maintenance requirements
- 20 years of longevity
Do I Have Any Other Options?
Yes. Vinyl and wood are not the only two options out there and there are other options available to choose from. Here is a quick breakdown of them:
Wrought Iron
- Offers a durable and classic look
- $25 to $35 per linear foot
- Ornamental designs and styles available
- Not good for privacy
- Rusts easily
- Not budget friendly
Aluminum
- Long-lasting material
- Corrosion resistance
- Low maintenance requirements
- $15 to $90 per linear foot
- Modern look and aesthetic
- Can get expensive quickly
Chain Link
- Not aesthetically pleasing
- No privacy offered
- $9 to $21 per linear foot
- Extremely affordable for homeowners
- Easy to install
- Keeps kids and pets secure in the backyard
Choosing Your Next Fence
You may feel overwhelmed when it comes time to choose a fence. Not only do you have many options, you must choose what works best for your budget and your preferences.
Wood is an excellent choice and has been around for many years. It can be customized, painted, and stained to improve its look and meet your needs. However, it does require quite a bit of maintenance.
Vinyl is excellent for those who do not want to have to maintain their fence, but it is not as versatile when it comes to aesthetics as wood is.
No matter which option you choose, choose something that you will be happy and content with. Make sure you take a look at your budget and ALWAYS work with a licensed and insured contractor.