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Vinyl vs Wood Fencing: Which is Better For You?

Vinyl vs. Wood Fencing: Which is Best For You?

A fence is more than just the boundary line of your property. The right fence can be a statement of style, a layer of privacy from the outside world, and a symbol of home. It’s the first thing people see when they visit, and the last thing they see as they leave. It’s no surprise then, that choosing the right fence is a significant decision for homeowners.

If you’re weighing the options between a vinyl vs wood fence, it’s essential to understand the unique advantages and disadvantages of each fencing material before you take the plunge. Maintenance, installation, aesthetics, lifespan—wood fencing and vinyl fencing have a lot of differences, and they can all play a part in determining what type of fence is best for your needs.

Sound like a lot to learn? Not to worry—in this guide, we’ll explore the pros and cons of each fence material, as well as factors to consider when choosing between wood and vinyl fencing so that you can select a beautiful and long-lasting fence for your home.

Vinyl Fencing Pros and Cons

Vinyl fencing, usually made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), is a popular choice among homeowners looking to enclose their yards with a durable, low-maintenance material.

Let’s take a look at the benefits of fencing with vinyl:

Low maintenance – As the years pass, your vinyl fencing won’t take much to maintain. You’ll never need to paint or stain it, and it’s easy to clean with plain water or a quick pass with a broom.
Durability – High-quality vinyl is resistant to weathering, and it won’t crack, peel, or splinter like wood fences can. Insects, water damage, rot—none of it will be a problem with your vinyl fence.
Long lifespan – Vinyl fences are known for their longevity (thanks to that previously mentioned durability). When properly installed, vinyl fencing stands up to weather, sun, insects, and other factors that can make wood fences look worn over time.
Versatile appearance – Vinyl fencing comes in many styles and colors, from traditional white picket to extra-tall privacy fencing. It can also feature charming latticework and can even be textured to have a wood grain appearance.

However, despite all of these advantages, vinyl fencing might not be right for every home. Some drawbacks to consider include:

Installation cost – When it comes to vinyl fence cost vs wood, the initial installation expense is usually higher with vinyl.
However, keep in mind that vinyl fences usually require less upkeep than wood. That early outlay could be offset by lower maintenance costs over time.
Repairs – Vinyl fencing can be challenging to repair if one part is damaged. Depending on the style of the fence, you might need to replace an entire section of fencing instead of just the broken piece.
Discoloration – Good quality vinyl fencing resists fading thanks to the color being impregnated throughout the material. However, the surface can sometimes become stained by mold or mildew in areas where moisture collects.
Limited color options – Vinyl can’t be painted or stained to match your home, and your color options are typically limited to a few solid colors or wood-look tones.

Wood Fencing Pros and Cons

Wood fencing is a traditional choice that offers a welcoming and natural aesthetic that many homeowners love. Although wooden fences require a little more upkeep to look and last their best, they also offer some advantages to make up for the extra maintenance:

Beautiful aesthetic – Wood fences offer a classic look that can complement any architectural aesthetic, from Victorian to modern. They also come in just about every style—from trellis to board-on-board to cap and rail—as well as fully custom designs to suit your home.
DIY-friendly – While a wood fence installation takes specialized know-how that the average homeowner may not have, much of the upkeep and even simple repairs can be done by DIYers. Sanding, staining, painting, and fixing or replacing loose slats are all typical maintenance projects you can do yourself if you’re the hands-on type.
More affordable – Wood fencing expenses vary greatly depending on the style, height, and type of wood you choose. However, the average fence installation cost is often cheaper than vinyl. Plus, the cost can easily be tailored to your budget by opting for a simpler style or choosing a more affordable wood.

Eco-friendly – When properly harvested, wood is a sustainable, renewable resource. It generally has a lower environmental impact during the manufacturing process compared to polyvinyl materials. It also naturally breaks down over time, making it an environmentally friendly material over the long term.

However, just like with vinyl fencing, wood fencing is not without its drawbacks. These include:

Maintenance – Wood fences require a bit of upkeep to stay in optimal condition. Expect to occasionally sand, stain, or touch up paint. Fortunately, good-quality wood for outdoor use should be treated to resist the elements, so your fence shouldn’t require fence repair services every year.
Lifespan – You may be wondering: how long does a wood fence last? Wood fences can last for decades—as long as they’re installed and maintained properly. Their lifespan also depends greatly on the type of wood you choose (redwood and cedar last longest; softwoods like pine break down quickly outdoors), as well as factors like sun exposure, moisture, insects, and so on.
Vulnerability – Wood is vulnerable to a variety of environmental factors: water damage can cause warping and splitting, contact with the ground can lead to rot, and insects like termites and carpenter ants can cause structural weakening.

What Are the Key Differences Between a Wood vs Vinyl Fence?

As discussed above, wood and vinyl each have their strengths and weaknesses. But let’s boil it down to the key differences between a wooden fence vs vinyl to help you determine which is the best fence material for you.

Here are three of the most crucial differences to keep in mind:

Aesthetic value. If you’re aiming for a timeless, classic look for your home and garden, you may wish to opt for wood fencing. Wood not only offers more options in terms of color, style, and stain, but it also elevates your home’s curb appeal and can be a perk for your property value.
Durability. If your top priority is a sturdy, long-lasting fence that needs no maintenance and won’t warp, fade, or rot, vinyl is the perfect fit. A vinyl fence should look essentially the same as the day it was installed for years to come. Wood can also last for 20 years or more, but it requires regular upkeep (such as repainting or staining) every few years.
Customization and repair. Wood fences are more customizable than vinyl, so you can create custom fencing made to fit your personal style or landscape needs. Wooden fences are also easier to repair when small fixes are needed, such as a broken slat or loose nail. Because vinyl fences come in a narrower range of styles, wood may be a better choice if you want the most custom options.

How to Pick the Best Fence For You

Ultimately, the type of fence that’s best for your property will depend on your budget, the style of your home, your reasons for constructing a fence, and your own tastes.

To start, consider why you’re building or upgrading your fence. Is your top priority an attractive fence to add curb appeal and enhance your garden? Are you more concerned with privacy and security so kids and pets can play safely?

Additionally, is your budget fixed, or are style upgrades worth a bigger upfront investment?

While choosing from all the options can feel overwhelming, a simple way to get started is to use our instant quote generator. With just five easy steps, you can get a free, custom quote within minutes:

Use our point-and-click tool to measure your yard—there’s no need to learn how to measure for a fence here!
Add details about the terrain of your landscape.
Add any gates you need.
Select from our many different types of fences and styles.
Receive your free customized quote instantly.

Once your initial quote is complete, you can easily tweak options like height, material, and finishing touches to create a fence that fits your budget, the look of your home, and your privacy, safety, and security needs. And, you can do it all without any sales pressure. Only get in touch with our team when you’re ready for expert answers to all of your questions and concerns.

Build a Fence That Lasts With Everfence

Choosing the right fence is a big investment in your property and your lifestyle. An attractive, high-quality fence can raise your property value, enhance the beauty of your garden, provide safety for children and pets, and add privacy to your home. But with so many options available, it’s best to work with a fence construction expert to make sure you’re getting a fence you’ll be happy with for years to come.

At EverFence, we’re ready to consult with you to find the perfect fit for your property.

Start with a free custom quote, then reach out to our fence services team to turn your dream fence into a reality. With our expert advice, reliable support, and lifetime guarantee, you can rest assured that your investment will be with your home for the long haul.

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