Should You Go for a Vinyl Fence

Are you considering a new fence for your property?

A privacy fence is attractive and practical, an excellent way to beautify your property while creating a safe area for family and friends to enjoy for years to come.

Fence installations of all kinds are a substantial investment in both time and cost. You'll get immediate benefits no matter what material you choose, but time will tell which one gives you the best value. It's crucial to understand the pros and cons of different materials, so you aren't left disappointed with your decision.

A vinyl fence is one option that is well worth your consideration. Thanks to ongoing improvements in design and technology, plastic fencing is enjoying a steady rise in popularity. Learn all about the performance, benefits, and drawbacks of a vinyl fence installation for your home.

Why Choose a Vinyl Fence?

Vinyl fence is made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) mixed with additives to create exceptionally weatherproof material. You'll find PVC in various applications across packaging, healthcare, and home improvement, showing up in windows, flooring, siding, and piping. It's durable, lightweight, and cost-effective, making it a perfect alternative to metal or wood for outdoor use.

A vinyl fence installation is strong and low-maintenance. It won't rot like wood, and it won't rust like metal. It may develop algae or mold, but growth won't cause lasting damage to the vinyl, and you can remove it easily by washing it with soap and water.

Modern vinyl fencing overcomes many of the downsides normally associated with PVC. One of the main concerns about vinyl is the aesthetics, but thanks to additives and different design options, you can be confident that your vinyl fence will look amazing for years.

Many people also avoid vinyl because it's prone to fading from UV light. Anyone with a vinyl kitchen floor has likely seen the years take their toll in lightened, cloudy patches around the surface from sunlight peeking through windows. But with titanium dioxide treatments, vinyl fencing gets a powerful boost to resist color degradation, keeping it looking fresh without any need to ever paint or reseal it.

Vinyl is a practical option all around, able to withstand the wear of weather and everyday family life.

It's the best outdoor fence option if you have kids or pets. It won't splinter like wood, and it's more forgiving than any metal fence, so you will have less to worry about when your family is playing in the backyard. And although plastic isn't as eco-friendly as some other options, you can make sure you're not leaving a mark by recycling it at the end of its life.

How Long Does Vinyl Fencing Last?

Vinyl fences can last as long as 30 years if you maintain them. Manufacturers will at least offer 20-year warranties on most vinyl fences, but you can find some that will extend up to a lifetime.

Although it doesn't wear down due to time and the elements like wood, vinyl can crack and break from impacts. In general, the thicker and sturdier the vinyl fence panel, the longer it will last.

How Much Does a Vinyl Fence Cost?

Vinyl fence is a more expensive option compared to wood fencing. The average cost of a vinyl fence is around $4,000 but can range anywhere from $2,000 to over $6,000 depending on the perimeter, height, and material quality. A wood fence, on the other hand, will run about $3,000 for the same area, about 3/4 the price of vinyl.

If you base your decision on price alone, wood wins out by far. But when you consider longevity and maintenance, vinyl will give you better value over time. Wood will generally last about 15 years before needing replacement, so you'll save much more money if you're in it for the long haul.

Vinyl Fence Colors and Textures

Of course, one of the primary complaints of vinyl compared to wood is that it doesn't have the same curb appeal. It's a valid argument. Vinyl can't hold paint like wood, so you'll have limited options for color and finish.

Manufacturers are expanding vinyl fence colors and textures to give wood-like appearances, so homeowners can often find a suitable look. Most color options will be neutral, with many whites, creams, browns, and grays to fit any style.

The Drawbacks of a Vinyl Fence Installation

Vinyl is moderately more expensive than wood, and you won't have many options to create a unique aesthetic. But even if you have the budget and find the perfect look, there are still a few downsides to vinyl that demand attention.

Vinyl is generally strong against precipitation. Humidity, moisture, and contaminants won't make it wear down like wood or metal. Typical elements like these aren't a massive concern, but if you experience extreme weather, a vinyl fence installation may not be the best option.

There are three things that vinyl can't handle as well as wood or metal — high wind, impact, and cold temperatures.

Winter weather can be especially harmful to vinyl. In frigid, windy conditions, vinyl can become brittle, making it susceptible to cracking without much force. High winds can shift and warp vinyl, and a heavy blow from a tree branch or bit of debris can cause irreparable damage.

When it comes time to replace damaged fencing, you'll realize another drawback to vinyl.

Unlike wood, which you can replace one picket at a time, vinyl comes in sections. Even if you have one damaged rail or picket, you'll have to buy vinyl fence panels rather than one piece. As you can imagine, that can be a much more expensive replacement, starting at around $100 per panel.