Both wood and vinyl fencing are popular nowadays. As one would imagine, there are pros and cons to both. After reading the below, hopefully you will be able to determine which is best for you and your property. Including the information below, it is important that some factors listed in this blog post may be more or less important to you, as each scenario will vary.
Vinyl Fence
Vinyl is a more recent type of fence, as it was first introduced in the 1980s. One huge benefit of this material is that it is long lasting, and compared to wood lasts much longer. Additionally, maintenance or upkeep is not necessarily necessary. It also doesn’t come with the disadvantages that wood does.
When it comes to maintenance, the most that may need to be done is to keep it clean by washing it with a hose here and there to remove any accumulated dirt. Otherwise, it does not need any kind of treatment or maintenance. Vinyl is strong and reliable when it comes to external circumstances that are out of our control, such as harsh weather, or pests (excluding extreme weather conditions).
With vinyl fences, there are many options for colors, and different styles to choose from. It is even possible to get a vinyl fence with a “real wood” appearance.
However, because there are many positives and advantages that vinyl brings, it’s important to note that it may be more costly to install. It is also important to remember that it is only the initial investment that is more costly. Since maintenance or repair is not generally required, the cost long term works out.
Wood Fence
Wood fences will require repairs and maintenance over time. There are a few cons of wood such as its likelihood to mold, decay and rot. It also may splinter over time. Pests and fungus can end up destroying the wood as well. So even though it can last for many years, repairs and maintenance will be needed to keep a clean and beautiful appearance. Otherwise, it will not be able to last for many years, especially compared to vinyl. Cleaning, treating and staining every year or so is strongly recommended to keep it long lasting. As time passes, the material can warp and may eventually fall apart, which then you will need to order a fence replacement. As that there are various types of wood available to use, it is highly recommended to use a type of wood that is stronger and resistant to some of the above mentioned, such as Redwood and Cedar. Also if desired, it is possible to have the wood chemically treated or pressure treated, which will increase its durability.
Just like there are different types of wood, there is also a variety of designs and styles to select from. This gives one a wide variety and ability to use imagination when designing a fence. They have been the traditional fence for many years in history, so it is a very classic option, in which depending on the style can appear more elegant or more simple. Wood fences have been the traditional type of fence that many people adore because of the ‘real wood’ appearance and its appeal it brings to a property. The initial cost will be lower than a vinyl fence, but long term it may cost more with repairs and maintenance fees.
Vinyl vs Wood Conclusion
The best way to make the decision between the two materials is to know if you are able to afford the upfront fence installation cost, how much land the fence will need to cover, and if this is a long term or short term investment of the property. A vinyl fence will cost more upfront, but considering that wood fences will require constant maintenance and upkeep over time, a vinyl fence may be less expensive overall.