The Pros and Cons of Vinyl Fencing—Is There a Preference for PVC?
There’s a lot to love about a vinyl fence
Highlights
Vinyl fencing is made from polyvinyl chloride.
It’s highly durable, safer, and lower maintenance than other fencing materials.
Installation costs can be significantly higher.
Repairs can be more complicated than other types of fencing on the market.
We’ve all heard how good fences make good neighbors, but when planning your privacy fence, it’s easy to think wood or aluminum are your only options. However, vinyl fencing is not only another option worth considering—and you may not realize how many advantages it can offer versus a traditional wooden fence. In fact, vinyl fencing has become so popular you can now find it in various styles and purposes, including helping keep those neighborly relationships in check. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of vinyl fencing.
What Is Vinyl Fencing?
While we often associate fencing with wood, chain links, or wrought iron, vinyl fencing offers an alternative to these materials. It’s made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or what most of us refer to simply as plastic. Technically, there are other materials combined with the PVC, which give it added strength and durability so it can work effectively out in the elements.
Vinyl fencing comes in a variety of colors and styles, and you can use it in a variety of settings. Whether you need a taller structure to keep out animals (and those neighbors) while maintaining privacy, or if you prefer the shorter picket fences simply for their boundaries and curb appeal, you can likely find a vinyl fence option for your fencing needs.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Wide range of design styles and heights | More expensive upfront installation costs |
| Low maintenance | Repairs are more complicated |
| Greater durability | Limited to the manufacturer’s design offerings |
| Fewer safety hazards | Not eco-friendly |
Advantages of Vinyl Fencing
Vinyl fencing offers many advantages compared to its wood, chain-link, and wrought iron counterparts. There are many reasons why a homeowner might choose vinyl fencing over another type.
Low Maintenance and Repairs
The PVC material makes vinyl fencing a low-maintenance option. You won’t have to worry about painting or staining vinyl, unlike a wooden fence that needs regular updates. Taking care of a dirty vinyl fence is a breeze, too—if it does get dirty or muddy, you simply spray it down with a hose, and it’s as if it never happened. You can also use dish soap (after hosing the fence down with water) if you have more stubborn stains, such as mold, mildew, or algae.
Durability
Vinyl fences are made to last. While we don’t always associate plastic with high quality, the PVC offers greater durability versus a wooden fence. And unlike a chain-link fence, you won’t have any issues with rust either. Plus, not only is a vinyl fence waterproof, but termites and ants can’t destroy it either. All of these factors make it a highly durable product that a homeowner can rely on for years to come.
Range of Styles
As mentioned, you can get vinyl siding in various colors and styles. You can find almost any neutral shade, from whites, creams, beiges, and grays to bold colors such as greens, reds, and blues.
Not only can you find it in a shorter or taller variety, but the decorative elements may appeal to you as well. You can customize vinyl fencing with various picket styles (broader or more narrow) or add decorative elements, such as scallops or post caps. You can customize the texture, too, opting for a finish that mimics natural wood or stucco.
Greater Safety
In general, fences can provide extra security and protection around your home, but vinyl fencing goes above and beyond this. For starters, it doesn’t get as hot as an aluminum fence, which means there’s no need to worry about accidentally burning yourself, thanks to the hot scalding sun in the summertime. If you have pets or kids who like to show off their climbing skills with fences, then you’ll appreciate the lack of splinters on a vinyl fence, too.
Vinyl fences have greater fire resistance than wooden fences. While they’re not fireproof and can still melt if exposed to fire for a long time, vinyl fencing is not vulnerable to fire embers like other fencing products, which may provide further peace of mind.
Disadvantages of Vinyl Fencing
Lower maintenance, durability, style, and safety may be convincing reasons for choosing vinyl fencing. Still, before you commit, you should be aware of potential downsides, too.
Expensive Installation and Repair Costs
One of the biggest differences between vinyl and other fencing options is the upfront installation cost. The average cost of vinyl fencing installation is $3,800 for a 150-linear-foot vinyl fence, compared to $3,100 for a wood fence.
Repairs can be costlier, too, because, unfortunately, you can’t replace only one slat with a vinyl fence. If you have a small area of the fence that somehow gets damaged or the color has faded too much and needs replacement, you’re forced to replace an entire section instead of one or two slats.
Permanent Customization
Once you settle on a design style for vinyl fencing, there’s no going back. Unlike a wooden fence, once you select the color, you’re stuck with it for as long as you have the vinyl fence. You’re also limited to the designs offered by the manufacturer since they use molds for the production process, which may not fully meet your design requirements, such as a particular texture or preferred gate latch type.
Not an Eco-Friendly Product
PVC is not a natural material, and it’s possible (though not highly likely) that some forms of vinyl fencing can release toxins into the environment. Also, it won’t naturally decompose, so it can take years to break down if left in a landfill. However, there are vinyl fencing recycling programs available so that you can prevent this.
If you think vinyl fencing is the answer you’ve been looking for, then reach out to a vinyl fence installation company near you to find the best solution for your fencing needs.