If you’re looking to add a little bit of privacy to your yard, it may be time to invest in a privacy fence. Privacy fences are a great addition to your home and will increase the property value as well. But you may not be sure which material to choose yet.
The most common materials for fences are vinyl and wood. In this article, we’ll break down the vinyl fence vs. wood fence debate. Neither material is inherently better than the other, but one may be better for your lifestyle.
Vinyl Fence vs. Wood Fence: Which Is Right For You?
Vinyl fences are made of weather-resistant vinyl material. They’re similar to PVC fences, but not the same. Vinyl comes in many colors and designs, and many unique fence designs are made of vinyl.
Wood fences can come in many kinds of wood. Some of the most popular kinds are pine, spruce, cedar, and redwood. Different types of wood have different advantages and some last longer than others.
Durability Is Key
Both wood and vinyl fences are pretty durable. However, since wood is a natural material, it has an eventual expiration date.
When properly treated, most wood fences will not end up rotting or blowing over. But they will show wear and tear and will need to be replaced after around 20 years. A worn wood fence can bring down your curb appeal considerably.
Higher-quality lumber will last longer but will require more maintenance than a vinyl fence.
Vinyl fences, when properly maintained, can last up to a century! Because the fences are synthetic, they aren’t susceptible to any kind of mold or fungus.
Budget-Friendly Fencing
Wood and vinyl are not far apart in price, but vinyl is more expensive. On average, vinyl fencing costs around $17 per linear foot. Wood costs closer to $12 per linear foot.
However, this is excluding the installation costs. Though vinyl material is more expensive, it is also easier to install than most wood fencing. You’ll still have to pay for installation, but it will take a fraction of the time it would to install a wooden fence.
However, the installation cost is mitigated when you install a vinyl fence yourself.
You Can DIY!
Unless you’re especially handy and have some specialty equipment, you likely won’t be able to DIY a wooden fence. But vinyl fencing is easy to DIY with a little guidance.
This is one of the greatest advantages of vinyl fencing over wood. Installing a vinyl fence kit yourself mitigates all installation costs. You just pay with your labor.
Give Your Home A Facelift With A New Fence
We hope you better understand the vinyl fence vs. wood fence debate. Renovating the exterior of your home is an exciting undertaking. We hope you feel more confident in your decision between materials.
If you’re looking for a DIY vinyl fence kit or a professional installation, check out Gulf to Bay Fence. We provide top-notch fencing services in the Tampa Bay area. Don’t hesitate to reach out and get a quote today!