Wood Fencing vs. Vinyl Fencing

Most residential privacy fencing is made from wood or vinyl pickets. There are benefits of wood fencing vs. vinyl fencing, depending on your overall plans. We typically recommend vinyl fencing because of its longevity, but some homeowners prefer the traditional look of wood fences. Let’s compare the benefits of wood and vinyl fencing so you can determine which option is best for you.

Appearance

Wood fencing is classic. Drive through any neighborhood in America and you’re bound to see wood fences that have been around for years. This is the biggest selling point to wood fencing – the fact that it looks timeless and elegant. With that in mind, it’s not ideal for every situation.

Modern-day vinyl fencing is designed to look just as appealing as wood fencing, if not more. Some vinyl is made to look like wood, so much that people visiting your home won’t even realize it’s vinyl until they get close to it. As long as you select the right vinyl or PVC fencing to complement your home’s exterior, you can get the same wow factor impact that you’d get from wood fencing.

Installation Costs and Long-Term Costs

Wood fencing is less expensive to install than vinyl fencing, but that’s where the savings end. Over time, you will need to stain or replace your wood fencing in order to keep it looking its best. With vinyl fencing, it’s finished after the initial installation. You never have to paint it, sand it, treat it, or do anything else beyond basic cleaning. You’re going to save a lot more money with vinyl fencing over the next few years or decades, but you may not want to make that investment if you are only going to live there temporarily.

Style Versatility

Even though wood fencing is classic, it is not available in a wide range of colors. You can paint it any color you like, but then you have to worry about re-painting it in the future. Vinyl fencing has much more versatile options, so you can get any look you want for your home. The colors will not fade quickly with prolonged sun exposure like paint would, so your fence will stay looking great well into the future.

Durability of Wood Fencing vs. Vinyl Fencing

Both wood fencing and vinyl fencing are built to be durable. They are thoroughly tested before they get installed to ensure they can withstand harsh weather conditions. Because vinyl fencing is manmade, it tends to be a little bit tougher against heavy wind or impact damage. You will get solid protection no matter which option you choose though.

Maintenance of Wood Fencing vs. Vinyl Fencing

Vinyl fencing is practically maintenance free. You may need to clean dirt off the edges from time to time, but that can be done with simple soap and water. Wood fencing may not show dirt as easily because of its color, but that does not mean it doesn’t get dirty. To clean a wood fence, you will most likely need to power wash it. If you’re looking for the option with the lowest maintenance, vinyl or PVC is the way to go.

Consider all of your options before you get your residential fence installed, and you will choose the best material for your home.

Talk to us for a free in-home estimate on your fence installation project!