Vinyl vs. Wood Fences: Pros, Cons, and Costs

If you’re in the market for a new fence, chances are you’re thinking about safety for the kids and pets, adding privacy, or just sprucing up your property for some added curb appeal. Regardless of your reasoning, finding a sturdy, reliable fence that looks attractive and matches your budget requires some comparison shopping. 

Wood and vinyl fences may be two of the most popular fence options, but before you take your pick, it’s worth considering the long-term costs, maintenance needs, and durability of each. Vinyl offers low-maintenance perks, but wood might require a little more TLC. So, you’ll want to understand the difference between wood and vinyl fences to find the best choice for you. Let’s dive into the pros and cons of each to help you find a winner.

Key Differences Between Vinyl and Wood Fences

Choosing the right fence can do wonders for your home’s curb appeal and, in turn, increase your property value. Whether you’re looking to add some much-needed privacy and security or give your home a fresh, well-maintained look, a great fence not only marks your property line and defines your boundaries—it can make your home stand out and catch the eye of potential buyers.

Vinyl and wood fences are two popular options for residential fencing, and each type has its own set of characteristics you will want to consider carefully before choosing one for your yard. Vinyl fences, constructed from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), are known for their durability and low maintenance. They resist rotting, warping, and insect damage, making them a long-lasting choice. Additionally, vinyl fences are available in various styles and colors, offering versatility in design. 

Wood fences provide a timeless and natural aesthetic, enhancing the overall appeal of a property. They can be crafted from various types of wood, such as cedar or redwood, providing different looks and levels of durability. However, wood fences require more maintenance, including periodic staining or painting, to protect against weathering and decay. Ultimately, the choice between vinyl and wood fences depends on factors such as budget, maintenance preferences, and the desired aesthetic for the property.

Pros and Cons of Vinyl Fences

Vinyl, which consists of PVC, has many benefits to homeowners when used as a fence material.

Best for: 

• Laid-back homeowners.

• Design lovers.

• Homes in cooler climates.

Pros 

Considering installing a vinyl fence? One of the first factors any budget-conscious homeowner will want to consider is price. Vinyl is one of the best types of fences because it is easy to keep in good shape, especially since it’s pest- and rot-resistant. You can keep it clean by wiping it down or spraying it with a hose. 

This fence style is also great for homeowners seeking more privacy in their homes. When the vinyl fence panels are installed close together, this material effectively blocks wind or sounds from noisy neighbors. Want to balance cost, privacy, and the perfect look to complete your yard? Another benefit to vinyl is that it is incredibly customizable with different colors, shapes, and textures. A professional vinyl fence installer near you can help you create the perfect option for your yard.

Cons 

You will also want to weigh these cons of vinyl fences before moving forward with your fence installation plans. To start, this isn’t the most sustainable option and can cost you more than other materials. Since vinyl is made of plastic, it’s not considered an environmentally friendly fence material. Vinyl is more expensive than other options, like wood. You can expect to pay between $3,000 to $7,000 for a vinyl fence. 

If you live somewhere with lots of warm, sunny days, you may also want to reconsider vinyl. Over time, exposure to high heat and sunlight may cause vinyl to become brittle and impact the life span of a vinyl fence.

Pros and Cons of Wood Fences

Wood fences have been around for hundreds of years, and it’s no wonder they are still popular today. Here are the pros and cons to consider when fence shopping.

Best for: 

• Eco-friendly homeowners.

• Homeowners on a budget.

• DIYers who can commit to regular upkeep.

Pros 

One of the main benefits of installing a wood fence in your yard is its versatility. Wood can offer charm or a modern touch, depending on the style and how you paint or stain your fence. With many different types of wood, this fencing material has plenty of options to suit your home’s aesthetic. Wood is a biodegradable material, meaning it’s a more environmentally friendly option than plastic materials, so this lack of longevity may be worth the trade-off to homeowners focused on sustainability.

Despite how versatile this fencing option is, wood fences are less expensive to build than vinyl fences. A wood fence costs between $1,920 and $4,820.

Cons 

While wood has its pros, it does have some vulnerabilities. One of the most significant issues with wood is that this material is susceptible to decay, rot, and warping due to weather damage. You can apply a sealant to your wood fence to minimize the weathering risks. To keep a wood fence looking clean and fresh, you must perform regular upkeep, including washing the fence. So, how long does a wood fence last? Despite all that maintenance, wood fences still have a relatively short life span of around 15 years. Before you invest in any fence, it's worth checking if your home insurance policy includes coverage for fences.

Wood vs. Vinyl Fences: Every Aspect, Compared 

Wood and vinyl fencing have several differences that impact which option is best for your yard. Luckily, you can use this side-by-side comparison to determine the right fence material for you.

Appearance: Tie

Both wood and vinyl fencing can look sleek, modern, rustic, or anything in between. Both types of fencing are available in a range of tones and textures to suit your style. If you want a more natural look, you might opt for wood. Vinyl fencing may work better for a modern aesthetic.

Options and Customizations: Vinyl

Some of the most popular woods for fences include cedar, pine, redwood, spruce, fir, and wood fences, which can be stained or painted. They can also be arranged in a number of ways, both vertically and horizontally, to achieve a certain look or provide more privacy. 

While wood has a lot of custom options, vinyl is even more versatile. This material is manufactured in many different shades, shapes, and textures. You can even find vinyl fences that resemble wood, iron, stone, or other materials.

Durability: Vinyl

If you want a fence that can stand up to the outdoor elements, opt for vinyl. Wood requires more upkeep to help it withstand fading from harsh sunlight or warping from wet conditions. On the other hand, vinyl fencing is designed to prevent rotting, warping, decaying, chipping, and fading without any additional upkeep.

Cost: Wood

Wood fences cost about $11 to $45 per linear foot for professional installation. The cost to install vinyl fences professionally starts off a little higher, at about $15 to $40 per linear foot. 

For DIY installation, wood is a less expensive material at $1 to $10 per linear foot, while vinyl costs about $10 to $30 per linear foot. Vinyl fences may have a higher upfront cost, but this material offers a longer life span.

Ease of Installation: Tie

Both options can be installed by homeowners with some DIY experience, although it’s best to hire a fence installation pro to ensure your fence is installed securely in the ground and the panels are even.

You can purchase vinyl fences in kits for easy installation, but they require more care to ensure each piece is aligned. Misaligned panels are easier to spot with a vinyl fence compared to a natural material, like wood.

Ease of Repair: Vinyl

Both vinyl and wood fences will need repairs over time, but neither material should be too difficult to fix. It’s simple to replace a single board in a wood fence, and a loose piece of vinyl fencing may snap right back into place. But you can expect to make more repairs with wood fences since this material is susceptible to weather damage.

Maintenance: Vinyl

Vinyl is a popular fence option because it is easy to maintain. With wood, you may want to add a sealant every few years to slow weather damage. Wood fences with stain or paint will also need fresh coats of paint every few years to look their best. Vinyl is extremely easy to take care of—you can spray it down with the garden hose when it looks dirty.

Lifespan: Vinyl

Even a high-quality, well-maintained wood fence will likely not outlive a vinyl fence. With proper care, vinyl fences can last decades. Without maintenance, a wood fence may last only five years. With excellent upkeep, wood fences will last about 15 to 20 years.

Sustainability: Wood

When it comes to sustainability, wood is the clear choice. As long as it isn’t treated with a pest—or rot-resistant coating, wood is naturally biodegradable. Although vinyl fences may last longer, the manufacturing process produces dioxins, an environmental pollutant, and this material can leach chemicals into the environment.