Are you looking for a new privacy fence, or want to replace your old fence with a new one, but are on a budget and can’t decide which material will work best for you? There are various fences to choose from, but wood and vinyl are the most popular options for residential fences.
Wood ones have a long history. It once dominated the fencing market; nevertheless, vinyl is a fierce competitor that lasts longer than wood, does not require any practical maintenance, and is unrivaled by wood’s archenemies (termites, fire and fungus). Although this technologically advanced material is somewhat more expensive than wood, should you choose – vinyl or wood?
If you want a low-cost fence, here are some details to look at before you choose, and you can also consult your fencing contractor to get a more professional choice.
Vinyl
Also referred to as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), it was introduced in the 1980s. Unlike the earlier version, which looked more like plastic, the improved kind has made vinyl ones look more long-lasting and more substantial and more robust than ever.
Pros
- Requires less maintenance
- Easy installation – able to DIY
- Easy to clean
- Saves your money over time
- Does not require staining or painting
- Impervious to termites and insects
Cons
- Expensive
- Limited colors and styles available
- Affected by extreme temperatures – tends to expand or bend in extreme heat or cold
- Difficulty in repairing
Wood
Wood fence suits a homeowner who wants a natural and classic look that can blend with nature. It comes in various types, and styles like shorter picket-style fences are best for decorating, while taller wooden fences will provide significant privacy. You can choose your desired wood species – (oak pine, fir, cedar, spruce, etc.) – and paint or stain the fence to bring out the natural tone of the wood.
Pros
- Natural
- Cheaper than comparable vinyl
- Variety of colors to repaint – unlike vinyl ones which won’t hold paint
Cons
- Susceptible to peeling, rotting and sagging
- Subject to insect damage and moisture damage
- Regular maintenance
- Requires professional repairs and installation
While deciding which of the two fences is suitable, these pros and cons can help you overlook what to expect. So, choose wisely!
Factors that determine the cost of vinyl and wood
When deciding which fence is best for you, some factors will help you make a clear choice on the long-term economic outcome that the fence will have on you.
Durability
Which product can live longer? Vinyl beats wood hands-down. Vinyl is made of PVC plastic, which is exceptionally durable for most weather changes, fungus, and decay. Still, continuous exposure to high temperatures can damage the vinyl. Vinyl doesn’t change color over time, unlike wood, and only needs occasional cleaning to free the fence of built-up dirt.
On the other hand, wood is susceptible to harsh weather conditions, which can result in peeling and scraping. Also, attacks from termites and other insects are frequent. More, some types of wood like cedar and tropical hardwoods are more resistant and can last longer. Choose vinyl for a long-lasting fence and to avoid unnecessary costs that come with maintaining a wood fence.
Repairs
Repairing Fences made of vinyl is much easier and can be done by a do-it-yourself homeowner within minutes.
Wood ones require occasional repair on boards that warp or sag to help maintain its integrity. Wood ones may need repairs from a professional fencing contractor to help them look new again.
Refurnishing
Fences can fade in color over time due to extreme weather conditions experienced at Salt Lake County, Utah. Or maybe you are tired of the current color, and you want a different one to match your taste and style. It’s essential to note that fences made of vinyl can’t be painted or stained, so whatever color you choose for your vinyl, it will look like that for its life. When you change your mind, you’ll have to purchase a new one.
On the flip side, you can paint the fences made of wood anytime to suit your taste as time goes on.
Vinyl Fence VS Wood Fence Cost
It is advisable to get either fence installed by a professional fencing contractor because both require digging holes for posts, and sometimes pouring a setting material to fix the posts.
Wood fencing costs range between $3 and $6 per linear foot for a split rail fence made of pine and between $9 and $18 per linear foot for a wood privacy fence made of tropical hardwoods. The costs come with installation; nonetheless, a problematic installation may increase the costs by $25 to $50 an hour.
Fences made of wood are undoubtedly cheaper upfront; however, other expenses you will need include stains and treatment to your fencing budget. Fences made of wood are viable for small projects like garden areas; on the flip side, when fencing around your entire backyard or pool fencing, you should consider vinyl fences due to long-term cost effects.
A vinyl fence has different costs depending on the style of the fence rather than the material. Although it costs more than one made of wood, it has more extended durability with little or no maintenance. Vinyl costs typically range from $20 to $35 a linear foot, while installation costs range from $40 to $60 an hour if needed.
Vinyl is a wise and long-term investment for your home. You can decide to resell your home shortly after the installation of your vinyl and still retrieve your investment; also, the new owner won’t have to put additional money into the maintenance of the fence.
Contact a Professional for Fence Installation
As we debate, which is better between the vinyl and wood, we should focus on our homes’ long-term goals. Vinyl maintains its appearance and may increase the value of your home by more. Also, vinyl is less costly than wood after all the maintenance that a wood requires. If you compare the cost of repairs, maintenance, and replacement, the vinyl stands out better than the wood one.
Are you looking for a professional contractor to correctly install the affordable fence your home needs? Contact us today, and we will send an experienced contractor your way.
Learn more about how long a vinyl fence will last.
More about All Over Fence and our products.
