Vinyl vs. Wooden Fencing: Which Is Best For Me?

Do you find yourself overwhelmed with choices when looking into fencing options? You’re not alone. Whether you are looking to replace old fencing or install a fence for the first time, once you dive into the sheer number of options, it can be a lot. But we’re here to help!

Today, let’s focus on the benefits of two of the more conventional options: Vinyl and Wooden Fencing.

Appearance

When choosing a fence, one of the most important factors for many homeowners is a cohesive aesthetic. Both vinyl and wood have a lot to offer when it comes to appearance.

Wood fencing offers a more rustic, natural appearance that many homeowners prefer. Between the unique grain patterns, choice of stain and finish, or even choice of wood – there’s enough variety to keep almost every homeowner happy.

Vinyl, however, can offer a more clean and modern look that some favor over wood. There tends to be more variety between vinyl options, given how easy it is to manipulate and manufacture colors and patterns on that material. It’s worth noting that nowadays, vinyl fencing also has the ability to closely imitate the look of wood fencing, without the maintenance (We’ll get to that later).

At the end of the day, both options offer a ton of versatility and curb appeal, and the aesthetics of either option is largely up to personal preference.

Cost

Although the cost of installing a fence is relatively affordable, especially when you consider the equity it will add to your home, it’s important to keep your budget in mind when exploring your options. Even though wood as a material is somewhat cheaper, installing a vinyl fence is often the more budget-friendly choice. While wood is typically a bit more cost effective in the short term when compared to vinyl, while vinyl has a longer life span.

Maintenance

Another factor to consider when deciding which fencing type to install is the ease and cost of maintenance. Generally speaking, vinyl fencing is easier to clean and maintain than wooden fencing. It does, however, appear dirty more easily than wood does, so it will need a regular wash. Vinyl can typically be cleaned using most soaps or pressure washing with little effort.

On the other hand, wood is susceptible to moisture, so it may require a little more delicacy with its maintenance – including regular re-staining or resealing every 3-5 years to protect it from the elements. The extra care necessary to keep wooden fencing looking its best often increases the overall cost of maintenance for this option.

Length of Life

Simply put, vinyl is usually the superior choice when it comes to longevity. If well maintained, you can expect vinyl fencing to last around 100 years. Wood fences typically have a shorter lifespan, which is somewhere around 20 years depending on the type of wood, type of sealant, and other environmental factors.

A primary reason for the decreased life span of wood when compared to vinyl is how vulnerable wood is to moisture, whereas vinyl is not. When water permeates the fibers of wood, it slowly causes degradation. While some woods are naturally more resistant to water damage, stains and sealants can also significantly delay the process of deterioration.

Conclusion

With all things considered, the choice of what type of fencing to use for your home largely depends on personal preference, budget, and availability for upkeep. Both options are great for security, privacy, and improving property value.

It’s important to keep in mind the overall costs of fence installation and maintenance, lifespan, and overall aesthetics when choosing which fence will best compliment your beautiful home.

Please feel free to reach out if you have any remaining questions about your fencing needs. Our professionals are more than happy to help!