Vinyl vs. Wood Fence: 4 Reasons Why Longevity Matters
There’s nothing like the curb appeal that fences can add to the exterior of a home (not to mention the privacy and security they can bring to your property), but knowing which fence type to choose can be a tricky process! When it comes to fence shopping, there are several factors to be considered besides just aesthetics.
Perhaps the biggest factor to consider when selecting a fence is longevity. Finding a fence that can maintain a sharp appearance for a long time while keeping maintenance costs down seems like a daunting task. Many people think of wood as the go-to fencing option — and that’s easy to understand! Wood fences are classic, and they’re often the cheapest option available. However, in terms of longevity, the benefits of vinyl fences beat wood every time. Why does longevity matter when it comes to fences? Read on to find out!
1. Vinyl Fences Save You More Money
Yes, wood fences might be cheaper to purchase and install, but don’t let that initial price fool you. Wood fences require intensive and frequent maintenance that will add up down the road. At the very minimum, wood fences will need to be washed and stained every two years to keep them looking nice, but they often will incur greater repair costs due to inevitable rot or insect infestation (more on this later!). When pitting vinyl vs. wood fence cost differences, you’ll spend more initially on a vinyl fence, but the lack of maintenance will have your bank account thanking you later on.
2. Vinyl Fences Outlast Wood Fences
A high-quality species of wood like cedar has a typical lifespan of 15 years. Spruce and pine fences will fare worse at an average of 7 years. On the other hand, a vinyl fence has a life expectancy of 20-30 years and often can be purchased with a lifetime warranty (like ours!).
Unfortunately, wood fences are an open invitation to rot and termite infestation. These problems are often very expensive to treat and prevent in the future. When you opt for a vinyl fence, you opt out of all the expenses and headaches that inevitably come with wood fences.
3. Vinyl Fences Look Nice Longer
We won’t lie — we love the look of a new wood fence. However, the fresh paint or bright colors will only look nice for so long. The warm color of a wood fence fades away over time and can diminish the look of your entire property. Vinyl fences look good for their entire existence, come in a wide variety of colors and styles, and will save you the trouble of re-staining every couple of years. Additionally, vinyl will not begin to splinter over time, making your yard safer for kids and pets.
4. Vinyl Fences Don’t Require Maintenance
As we mentioned before, wood fence maintenance can seriously rack up bills over time. Rain, snow, and soil moisture takes a toll on wood, meaning rot is all but guaranteed in most parts of the United States. Vinyl fences will never need to be repainted, re-stained, or repaired as a wood fence would. In fact, the most maintenance a vinyl fence requires is a good rinsing off every once in a while! The longevity of the material means saving lots of money (and time) on making sure your fence looks presentable.
Make the Smart Decision: Choose a Vinyl Fence
When it comes to finding the best possible value in a fence, vinyl is a no-brainer. If you’re thinking about installing a new fence, contact us today with any questions about our selection of quality vinyl options!