Vinyl vs. Wood Fence: What’s the Difference?
Struggling to decide if vinyl vs. wood fence works best for your property? Understanding how each material differs can help determine which side of the fence you fall on. Yukta Fence constructs attractive vinyl and expert wood fences in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They'll walk you through what sets one material apart from the other and which option might work best for your property below.
Vinyl vs. Wood Fence: Know the Differences
Wood is a classic material traditionally used to erect white-picket fences. Vinyl, a more recent option, seamlessly mimics wood’s appearance. What makes these preferred fences different? Explore why you might choose one over the other.
Durability
First and foremost, you must choose materials that can withstand harsh Wisconsin winters and humid summers. Precipitation and moisture in the air can settle on your fencing material. Wood, which is porous, will absorb this moisture. Therefore, a wood fence will quickly degrade, especially if you don’t keep up with regular maintenance. Vinyl offers a more long-term solution because its smooth surface has no pores.
Longevity
All fence materials have an expiration date. As discussed above, your local weather patterns and maintenance routines influence the material life. Well-maintained wooden fences can last between 10 and 15 years. In contrast, vinyl fences last up to 30 years.
Why does vinyl surpass its wooden counterpart? Wood’s porousness significantly influences its ability to withstand outdoor elements:
- Temperatures and moisture levels cause it to expand and contract.
- Wood can rot faster, especially in shady areas that prevent it from drying thoroughly.
- Pests like termites, carpenter bees, and woodpeckers can further damage each picket.
Vinyl fences don’t yield to the elements as readily in the long run.
Maintenance
A wood fence requires consistent maintenance to protect it. If you install a wooden fence, you must:
- Treat and stain your fence annually. Quality stains protect your fence from external moisture penetration.
- Regularly replace dilapidated materials. Sometimes, pickets, ties, and hardware become warped or fall out of place.
- Stay vigilant for pests. You might need pest control services to protect the structure.
- Power-wash the pickets. Cleaning the fence prevents mold from taking over, ensuring it maintains its color and integrity.
Vinyl fences just need a quick rinse now and again to maintain their appearance.
Cost
Expenses go beyond the initial installation for vinyl vs. wood fences. While vinyl fence installation generally costs more than wood, wood tends to cost more over time. This is because the maintenance and material replacement services force you to dig deep into your pockets and energy reserves. Once you install a vinyl structure, you don’t have to balance additional investments.
Sustainability
Generally, vinyl is a more sustainable, eco-friendly material compared to wood. This might surprise you since wood is a natural material that degrades over time; however, vinyl requires replacement services less often, which reduces material usage. You don’t have to maintain it unless something catastrophic happens, like a large tree falling on your fence. Plus, it doesn’t require chemical treatments that could harm the environment. You can recycle the old materials to produce new ones once you remove and replace the fence.
Property Value
A wood fence’s value steadily decreases throughout its lifespan. Meanwhile, a vinyl fence’s value remains almost the same. Therefore, vinyl fences are better long-term investments. The overall wood fence cost doesn’t have the same longevity or ROI.
Which Material Works Best for You?
Although vinyl comes out the clear winner, you might prefer a wooden fence if:
- You have a limited installation budget
- You want a cost-effective home improvement project to increase property value
- You plan to sell the property and move within the following year
A wood fence can instantly increase your property’s curb appeal if you aim to put it on the market. You’ll attract parents, pet owners, and outdoorsy folks who prefer extra safety and privacy.
However, if you want to enhance your property overall, you’ll benefit more from vinyl. It increases property value and function without lengthening your to-do list. It also looks just as idyllic as a classic wooden fence.
Ask Yutka Fence for Advice on Which You Should Choose
Vinyl vs. wood fence: which material best suits your residential property? If you still aren’t sure, ask Yukta Fence about their wood and vinyl fence installation services. They can help you examine the advantages of each, discuss the best time to install a fence, and more. Schedule a free estimate to discuss each option in depth with an experienced Milwaulkee fence contractor.