Monday 12 December 2011

Are Vinyl Fences Better Than Wood Fences?

As with any home improvement project, it is always best to do your homework before going ahead with your plan. Whether you go with vinyl or wood, keep in mind that these fences will be around for at least 10 years, so it's even more important that you like the fence that you are getting.

So, are
vinyl fences better than wood fences? There are homeowners who prefer vinyl fences and then there are those who are all for wood fences too. Both camps swear by their choice of fence, but when you get down to the details, is there really a clear winner? Let's find out.
Affordability

The price of the fence is a major issue for most homeowners and here's the deal: Wood fences are cheaper upfront. Vinyl fences cost more initially but then once they are put up, you can leave them there for the next 15 years or so without having to fix or repaint anything. But even if say that wood is more expensive in the long run, it would all still depend on the resources you have on hand (i.e. can you afford a
vinyl fence now?).

Look


The natural look of wood is what most homeowners who opted for
wood fences really like. Wood fences come with a rustic charm that blends perfectly with most landscaping designs. In addition, wood fences can be custom made with a lot of options to choose from with respect to texture and design. This is the true beauty of wood that remains unmatched by vinyl fences until now. Sure you'd need to do a lot of maintenance work to keep your wood fences looking the way they are, but who says beauty doesn't come with a price?

Maintenance and Durability


Vinyl
fences clearly have the edge in this aspect. They can last up to up to 50 years without the need for much maintenance work. Just a hosing down every now and then to remove dust and loose dirt will keep your vinyl fences in top condition. Plus, they don't rot or crack, and are weather and termite resistant.
Wood fences on the other hand, need to be sealed, stained, and painted on a regular basis. Cedar and redwood are the best wood materials for fences. Properly finished, fences from these types of wood can last up to 20 years, maybe a little more, even under the harsh weather conditions.

Warranty

Vinyl fences also trump wood fences when it comes to warranty. Because wood is naturally susceptible to decay regardless of how well you have it treated, wood fences rarely come with a warranty. For a vinyl fence, a 20-year warranty is quite common, and even labor and installation comes with up to 5 years warranty.

Again, which is the better choice?
vinyl or wood? I'd say it all boils down to what aspects of a fence matter most to you. The advantages and disadvantages of both types have been laid out for you and ultimately, the decision is yours to make.

2 comments:

  1. A wood fence is going to last about 10 to 12, maybe 15 years, then you'll be replacing it.(And it WON'T be cheaper the next time around, I'll guarantee it!!) A vinyl fence IS going to cost more to install, but you do it once, and you're done with it. Guess it's not how much you spend, it's how often you spend it!!! (That's paraphrased from an old Firestone tire commercial!)

    Vinyl Fences Toronto



    ReplyDelete
  2. These are all the reasons I have four different kind of vinyl fences surrounding my house, they cost as much as a single wrought iron fence. However I think that they are worth it.

    http://vinylfenceconnection.com/vinyl-fencing-utah/

    ReplyDelete