Wood Snow Fence vs. Plastic Snow Fence: What’s the Difference?
Keep blowing snow at bay with a wood or plastic snow fence
Highlights
Wood snow fences have a more rustic look but are more expensive than plastic snow fences.
Plastic fences can withstand the harsh winter elements better than wood fences.
Both types of snow fencing are temporary, but wood fencing can be permanent.
Wood and plastic snow fences are easy to install and remove.
Too much blowing snow can be at best, inconvenient or, at worst, dangerous. That’s why many homeowners debate between installing a wood vs. plastic snow fence. A snow fence offers protection against the elements by breaking up wind streams and forcing them to dump snow in specific areas. This guide details the pros and cons of each type of fence and how well it works as a barrier.
Wood Snow Fences vs. Plastic Snow Fences: Key Differences
Wood and plastic snow fences are both easy to install and remove as needed, but that’s where the similarities end. Wood snow fences are more expensive, made from more durable materials, and can be temporary or permanent. On the other hand, plastic snow fences are temporary installs, less expensive, and less durable. While there are many types of snow removal equipment, let’s take a look at the differences between wood and plastic snow fences.
What Is a Wood Snow Fence?
A wood snow fence is a snow barrier made from slats of spruce, aspen, or another type of wood held together by galvanized wire. It is often painted with a red oxide stain that helps it remain intact in the elements.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| More aesthetically pleasing | More expensive |
| Temporary or permanent | Made from heavier materials |
| Additional outdoor uses | Susceptible to rot or mold |
Best for:
Properties located in inclement weather regions
Property owners who want a more rustic look
Properties that are frequently snowed in
Pros of Wood Snow Fences
Wood snow fences can be temporary or permanent and offer rustic appeal to a property. They will drastically improve safety and can lower costs with maintaining a property during the cold winter months. Temporary wood snow fences are easy to install and remove at the end of the winter season. They can be used for other purposes, such as creating walkways and paths or for construction fencing.
Cons of Wood Snow Fences
Depending on the type of wood used, wooden snow fences may be more costly than plastic snow fences. While wood fences are easy to install, they are heavier than plastic snow fences and may be more burdensome during installation or removal.
Wood fences are greatly affected by moisture and climate extremes. Excess moisture over time leads to rot, mold, and mildew, making it difficult to reuse the same snow fence year. Sun exposure is similarly damaging, as it causes wood to crack, fade, and warp. While sealing, staining or painting wood protects it from the elements, a wood snow fence needs regular repairs and maintenance to ensure it can be used multiple times.
What Is a Plastic Snow Fence?
A plastic snow fence is a temporary fence that acts as a barrier for drifting and blowing snow. It is designed to slow wind speed and direct snow in specific areas.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lighter than wood | Not attractive |
| Easier installation | Not biodegradable |
| Do not need painting or staining | Less sturdy than wood |
| Resistant to the elements | Not repairable when damaged |
Best for:
Properties in snowy climates
Homeowners working with a smaller budget
Property owners looking for easy DIY installation
Pros of Plastic Snow Fences
One of the biggest perks of a plastic snow fence is its price. Plastic fences cost less than wood fences, as they are made from less expensive materials. They are easy to install and have higher tensile strength than wood, making them ideal for wind and blowing snow. They do not corrode, rot, or age and they have a long lifespan if maintained and used properly. Plus, plastic snow fences do not expand or contract like wood in extreme temperatures.
Plastic snow fences are versatile and can be used as visual barriers for pathways, driveways, and special events. If cared for properly, they can be reused for several years.
Cons of Plastic Snow Fences
Wood snow fences can be temporary or permanent and made from any number of woods; plastic snow fences are temporary fences made from mesh. They come in limited colors and do not offer the same aesthetic appeal as wood slats. While less expensive and a low-maintenance fence type, if it does break, a plastic snow fence isn’t repairable and will likely have to be replaced.
Wood Snow Fences vs. Plastic Fences
Let’s take a look at which snow fence comes out on top in a few categories. Don’t forget to hire a local snow removal company to assist with maintaining your yard during harsh winters.
Appearance: Wood Snow Fence
While snow fences are temporary, wood snow fences can be permanent and add a rustic look to your property. Plastic snow fencing with perforated or mesh sheeting attached to stakes at regular intervals does not offer the same visual appeal though it works as intended.
Durability: Plastic Snow Fence
Plastic fences are resistant to moisture and the elements, which causes wood to expand and contract, rot, and grow mold. You don’t have to treat plastic snow fences with stain or paint, and they can withstand other weather-related elements like sleet and hail without much damage. When cared for properly, a plastic snow fence can last several years. Wood fences can also last many years, but they require regular maintenance to keep them functional.
Price: Plastic Snow Fence
Plastic snow fences are more affordable than wood snow fences. The price varies depending on the type of wood used for a wood snow fence. For example, 4-inch x 50-inch wood fence is approximately $100, and a mesh plastic fence at 4-inch x 100-inch is about $33 to $50. Installation labor can cost about $50.
Maintenance: Plastic Snow Fence
When not in use, plastic snow fences are a low maintenance fence that only needs to be properly removed and stored for the season. On the other hand, wood fences require painting and staining before the next winter season, as well as any repairs caused by the elements.
Installation: Plastic Snow Fence
While both snow fences are relatively easy to install, the plastic snow fence is lighter and stretches across the desired area with greater ease. While both are DIY projects, if you have any concerns about installing your snow fence, hire a local snow removal company to ensure the job is done properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
A fence installer or homeowner should place a snow fence upwind of the desired drift area, while keeping the prevailing wind direction in mind. When installing a snow fence, its posts should be sturdy, as they will be the weakest areas in terms of tensile strength. Posts should be buried at one-third their height and placed no more than eight feet apart.
A living snow fence acts much like a man made snow fence, but is a windbreak of trees, shrubs, and native grasses. It acts much like any snow fence as it controls how snow drifts and blows into specific areas. The plants that make up a living snow fence are often seen along ditches, roads, farms and communities.