Vinyl Versus Wood: Consider These Factors When Deciding Which Fencing Type Is Better For You

If your fence is blowing over, missing boards, or otherwise damaged, it is time to replace the fence. Before you can hire a fence builder to install a new fence, you first need to decide what you want your new fence to be composed of. There are many different materials a fence can be constructed from, including metal, wood and vinyl. Wood and vinyl are two popular options that you may find yourself torn between. If you are torn between wood and vinyl for your new fence, here are a few of the factors you should consider. Paying attention to these factors will help you hone in on the fencing type that is best for you.

How Much Maintenance You Want to Do

Wood requires more care and maintenance than vinyl. A wood fence needs to be properly cleaned and sealed or it begins to lose its color, can develop mildew, or can rot or warp. Vinyl is more durable and requires less maintenance. It simply needs to be hosed down with water and cleaned with dish soap as needed to remove dirt and residue. If you are unwilling to invest time and energy into maintaining a wood fence, a vinyl fence may be the better option for you.

What Is in Your Budget

Another important factor to consider when deciding between wood and vinyl fencing is your budget. There are many factors that affect the price of both wood and vinyl fencing including the manufacturer, the height of the fence and any decorative details. However, on average, wood costs $10 to $30 per linear foot installed whereas vinyl averages $25 to $40 per linear foot installed. If you are on a tight budget, wood may be the better option for your space based on price alone.

If You Want Vines Growing on Your Fence

The last factor to consider when selecting a fence type is whether you intend to plant vines that grow up the fence or not. Vines covering fencing is becoming trendy, as it helps create a natural look to your outdoor space. However, not every type of vine can grow on every type of fence. If you are installing a wood fence, most types of vines can be damaging to the structure of your fence. You may be limited to only herbaceous vines. With a vinyl fence, you can use any type of vine on the fence that you would like, as vinyl is more structurally sound than wood. As such, vinyl is the preferred fence type for those who want vine covered fences.

When you are in need of a new fence, you need to select the right type of fence before you can hire a fence contractor to install it. If you are torn between wood and vinyl, carefully consider how much time you want to spend maintaining the fence, what your budget is, and if you intend on planting vines to cover the fence with. All of these factors will help you decide between a wood and vinyl fence.

For more information, contact local professionals like those found at Absolute Fencing LLC.