Which is better: vinyl or wood fence? Many people get confused when they need to choose between these two popular options. The answer depends on your needs, budget, site and style.
Both vinyl and wood fences have their own strengths and limitations so you have to select carefully. To make your decision easy, we have written this guide to clearly show you the comparison of vinyl fence vs wood fence.
What is Vinyl Fence?
Vinyl fence is a type of safety fence which is made from strong plastic such as polyvinyl chloride. It is the most popular fencing among homeowners due to its strength and versatility. Most people use vinyl fences as an alternative to chain link fences. They do not rot, rust, attract insects and require less maintenance.
Vinyl Fence Components
| Vinyl Fence Parts | غاية |
| Vinyl أعمدة السياج | Vertical supports which used to hold the whole fence |
| Vinyl post caps | Post caps cover the place on top of posts for protection & decoration |
| Vinyl fence panels | Panels are main sections of the fence that actually fill the gap between posts |
| Vinyl fence rails | These are horizontal bars used to connect the posts and grip fence panels |
| Vinyl fence pickets | They are vertical slats and mostly used in picket-style vinyl fences |
| Vinyl fence brackets | Act as connectors and secure rails or panels to the posts |
| Vinyl fence gate | Gates are sections that you can open or close to people or vehicles to pass through |
Types of Vinyl Fences
Post and Rail Vinyl Fence: You use this fence to mark your property lines or large areas. Well, it has simple horizontal rails between posts, which gives an open and clean look.
Ranch Rail Fence: It uses two or three long rails. You can use this fence for farms or big yard security. This vinyl fence keeps areas separate and adds an aesthetic look.
Picket Vinyl Fence: Picket fence has small vertical boards with space between them. You should use it if you want a classic and neat fencing style.
Lattice Vinyl Fence: For both privacy and style, this fence is your go-to choice. The bottom part of the lattice fence is solid and the top has actually a lattice design.
What is Wood Fencing?
A wood fence is made from natural timber. Hence, it gives a warm and natural look to yards. Ideally, you can install it to mark your property and improve the look of your yard. Further, wood gives your space a natural feel and easily matches most home styles. It is affordable and available in many designs.
Parts of a Wood Fence
| Wood Fence Components | الوظائف |
| Wood fence boards | These boards create the main boundary of the fence and provide privacy |
| أعمدة سياج خشبية | Install to keep the fence stable and standing upright |
| Wood fence rails | You can use wood rails to connect the posts and hold the boards |
| Fence kickboards | Shield the bottom of the fence from moisture and damage |
| Wood fence gate | Provides an entry and exit point |
| Wood fence fasteners | These are basically nails or screws which you can use to hold all parts together |
Types of Wood Fences
Wood Privacy Fence: Generally, this fence has tall and closely placed boards. This design provides maximum privacy, so it is perfect for backyards.
Wood Picket Fences: Wood picket fence has short vertical boards that have enough gap between them. You can choose it for front yards and garden security.
Wood Split Rail Fence: You use this fence for large yards or farms. Because it is designed with horizontal rails and wide gaps, which gives an open feel.
Wood Shadowbox Fence: This fence is perfect for privacy and airflow. Its boards are placed on both sides of the posts. Plus, they alternate to block the view from all angles.
Wood Fence vs Vinyl Fence Differences
صيانة
Wood fence Maintenance: For a wood fence, you need to maintain it on a regular basis. You have to power wash it once or twice a year so you can remove dirt and stains. When you install a painted wood fence then you should repaint it to keep fence fresh. The maintenance of wood fence costs you around $2-5 per linear foot annually.
Vinyl Fence Maintenance: This fence is a maintenance free option for you. You only need periodic cleaning for vinyl fencing with the use of soap and water. When you want to remove tough stains, you should use mild soap. Also, you don’t need to paint or stain vinyl fences to keep them in good condition. This way, the annual maintenance cost for a vinyl fence is approx. $0.50-1 per linear foot.
Cost: Is Wood or Vinyl Fence Cheaper?
Wood fence cost: Wood is a more budget friendly option and you have to invest $8 to $25 per linear foot installation. This price changes based on fence types. For example: pressure treated pine priced nearly $8 to12 per foot. But, if you want to place a higher end cedar or redwood fence, their price ranges between $15-25 per foot. Remember these are overall price estimates including posts, hardware materials and installation.
Vinyl fence cost: If we talk about vinyl fence initial investment, it costs you between $15 to $35 per linear foot. However, you may pay $25-35 per foot for premium style vinyl fences. These high rates are due to the durable material of this fence plus its complex manufacturing.
Lifespan or Durability
Wood fence lifespan: Wood fences generally last for 15 to 20 years. But it’s also important to note, this time depends on the type of wood you use plus how well you maintain it. Hence, when regularly painted and repaired, you can prevent rot and insect damage.
Vinyl fence lifespan: Are vinyl fences durable? Vinyl fences are very durable and have a lifespan of 25 to 30 years. In fact, you can easily increase vinyl fence durability with care & maintenance. They resist rot, moisture, insects and weather/sun damage, so they stay strong and look good for decades.
أبعاد
Below table will show you the standard wood fence size.
| الميزات الرئيسية | Wood Fence Dimensions |
| Panel width | 6 to 8 feet |
| Wood panel height |
|
| Space between posts | 6 to 8 ft (6 feet recommended) |
| Post size & depth | 4 by 4 or 6 by 6 and post depth in ground is 2 feet |
See this table to know the recommended vinyl fence sizes that you can use.
| وجوه | Vinyl Fence Dimensions |
| Vinyl panel width | 6 ft or 8 ft |
| Panel height | Range between 3 ft and 6 ft. but some heavy duty fences can be 8, 10 or 12 ft |
| Vinyl fence post sizes | 5 inch by 5 inch or 4-inch by 4-inch |
| Rail dimensions | Mostly 8 to 16 feet long |
Surface Texture
Wood fence texture: Wood fences have natural grain patterns and are porous. It gives them a warm and authentic look. Due to its texture, you can add charm to your yard. However wood is porous, so it can absorb water & dirt.
Vinyl fence texture: Vinyl fences are mostly smooth and non-porous. That means they are very easy to clean. Also, its surface blocks dirt and rain better. Plus, its non porous design also means vinyl resistant to rot or warp.
Material Quality
Wood fence material: Wood fences are made from natural timber such as cedar, pine or redwood. The quality of these fences is based on the type of wood and how it is treated. Generally, high quality wood is strong and lasts longer. But fence design with lower quality wood may crack or rot faster.
Vinyl fence material: Vinyl fences are manufactured with durable PVC (plastic). This material is designed to resist weather, UV rays, water and insects. You will always find high quality vinyl thick & strong/flexible. Due to its material strength, vinyl fence panels and posts stay stable for many years.
Design & Curb Appeal
Wood fence designs: Wood fence offers a natural and classic look. Hence, you can blend this fencing system with any home style. Wood fence is your perfect choice when you want customization according to your property. For instance: you can add decorative tops, change vertical boards space, pointed pickets or unique patterns.
Vinyl fence design: On the other hand, you can install vinyl fences for a clean and modern look. Although, they are engineered in many styles but offer slightly less design flexibility than wood. In recent times, vinyl fences also feature decorative touches such as lattice accents and scalloped tops.
Privacy and Security
Wood fence privacy: Wood fences give you complete privacy and security. It is more excellent in terms of safety when made with solid boards. Moreover, the quality of installation and wood boards thickness highly impact the level of privacy. But still, wood fences are strong enough if you want to block forced entry and add heighted fencing to your property.
Vinyl fence privacy: If we talk about the level of wood fence security & privacy, it also provides excellent protection. However, this fencing system can also handle weather damage that can make vinyl fences weak over time. They are difficult to break or climb. Plus, the uniformity in vinyl fence structure gives you durable security for a long time.
التأثير البيئي
Wood fence is considered a safe option for the environment because it is 100% biodegradable. But we cannot deny the fact that wood production involves chemical treatments and its maintenance (painting/staining) have harmful effects.
From the perspective of a vinyl fence, it uses PVC plastic which we all know is not biodegradable. As a result, it can pollute the earth if you don’t recycle it properly. On the positive side, its low-maintenance nature means fewer chemicals.
Well, it is the most debatable topic and different homeowners have multiple experiences and perspectives. So, you can see this quora post where people share their opinions on wood vs vinyl fence environmental impact.
خيارات الألوان
Wood fence colors: You can paint or stain wood fences in many colors to match your home and yard. Natural wood tones such as cedar or redwood give a warm and classic look. However, paint lets you choose bold or custom colors.
Vinyl fence colors: Vinyl fences basically available in pre-colored panels. Hence, you do not need to paint it. Generally, you can buy vinyl fences with color options like white (most common), tan, gray, brown and wood grain textures. All of them last for many years without fading which gives your valuable property a clean.
Structural Flexibility
Wood fence structure: The fences made from wood are very flexible during installation. Therefore, you can cut, shape, style, modify or adjust boards and rails to fit uneven ground or custom designs. This quality makes wood a good choice when you want unique layouts or on site changes.
Vinyl fence structure: As we told you vinyl fences have pre-made panels and parts, so you have limited modifications. Also, you must measure carefully when you are going to purchase them because they are harder to cut or adjust on site.
Vinyl Fence Installation
How to install vinyl fence? You must follow the below stepwise method to properly install a vinyl fence.
الخطوة 1: Firstly, you need to decide the fencing location and then measure the length of that area. This method will be useful for you to know exactly how many panels and posts you need.
الخطوة 2: After that, you can mark the spots for fence posts. Mostly, posts are commonly placed 6 to 8 feet apart. Now, you can dig holes deep enough for the posts. The depth around 2 feet is recommended by professionals.
الخطوة 3: Now, you can place the fence posts in the holes. Always make sure to use concrete or gravel to keep them stable and straight.
الخطوة 4: This is the most important step in vinyl fence placement. So, you should carefully slide or attach the vinyl panels between the posts. There is no need for nails or screws to set main panels. Also confirm that they are at the same level & fit tightly.
الخطوة 5: Finally, it’s time to place post caps and any decorative pieces you want on the fence. But, never forget to check that all panels are secure and straight.
Wood Fence Installation
How to install wood fence? Below you can read the professional and simple process to build a strong and straight wood fence.
الخطوة 1: At your property or site, you have to mark the خطوط المرافق with spray paint or طلاء العلامات.
الخطوة 2: Then, you need to use a hammer to drive two wood stakes into the ground. They must be 10 feet apart. After that, you can tie a string tightly between the stakes to show fence lines.
الخطوة 3: Thereafter, dig the first hole deep as you required. You need to measure around 8 feet along the string and then dig the second hole for wood fence posts.
الخطوة 4: You can install the posts in the holes you prepared. You have to confirm that they are straight. Now, you can fill the holes with concrete and also add water.
الخطوة 5: Now it’s time to fix horizontal rails between the posts to hold the fence boards. Finally, you can attach vertical boards to the rails. To fix the wood panel securely, you should use four nails/screws per side of the fence panel.
Pros and Cons of Vinyl Fencing
Advantages of Vinyl Fencing
- Durable and last for many years
- No painting or staining required
- Resistant to weather damage, rust root & insects
- Only water and soap are required for cleaning
- Keep its color and shape in harsh conditions
- Require less maintenance
- Various colors & styles available
Drawbacks of Vinyl Fencing
- Costs more at the start (per linear foot)
- Can crack under very hard impact
- Less durable under high temperatures
- Feel less aesthetic andhave limited color options than natural wood
- Less environmentally friendly (synthetic nature)
Pros and Cons of Wood Fencing
Benefits of Wood Fence
- Give a natural and warm look
- Less initial cost than a vinyl fence
- Easy to paint/stain and custom color choices
- Flexible installation (easy cut & adjust)
- Fit many home styles
- Environmentally friendly choice
Wood Fence Limitations
- Regular maintenance required
- Can rot, warp or crack over time
- Insects may damage the wood
- Has short lifespan than vinyl fencing
- Not resistant to moisture or water damage
Wood Fence Supplier & Vinyl Fence Manufacturer
We are a professional manufacturer and supplier of fencing products such as wood/vinyl fences and fence posts. We provide a complete range of fences in various colors, sizes, materials and styles. JACKWIN has over 18 years of experience in the fencing products industry. Further, we offer custom fencing designs to match your exact requirements.
We export all fencing products in more than 60 countries, including Australia, the UK, Canada, New Zealand and the United States. Along with fences, you can also order wood and vinyl fence posts from us. So, speak with our experts, share your requirements and get your order ready within 7 to 15 days.
الأسئلة الشائعة
Is Vinyl Fence Stronger Than Wood?
Yes, vinyl fences are mostly strong and last longer than wood. For example: they can be more than five times stronger and four times more flexible as compared to wood fencing.
Can You Mix Vinyl and Wood Fences?
Absolutely Yes. You can combine vinyl and wood in a fence for maximum safety. For instance: you can make one part of the fence wood (privacy section) and another part vinyl (picket section). Plus, you can install wood posts to hold vinyl panels.
What is the Best Way To Clean a Vinyl Fence?
If you want to know the easiest way to clean a vinyl fence, our advice is to spray the fence with a garden hose to wash away dirt. Then, you can scrub it with warm water and mild soap with the use of soft cloth/brush. For tough stains or algae, you must use water with white vinegar.
Do Vinyl Fence Warp in Sunlight?
Good vinyl fences generally never bend/twist nor change shape in sunlight or heat. The reason is, they are made with materials which can resist heat and UV rays. Therefore, they are able to keep their shape in very hot weather (117°F).
النصيحة النهائية
After the above detailed discussion, we can say vinyl and wood fences are suitable for different conditions and projects. If you value natural beauty and customization, wood fences suit you best. But if you want low maintenance and durable fencing, vinyl fences are your perfect choice.
JACKWIN experts recommend you to always assess your budget, style, priorities and property needs carefully. To make the best choice, it’s also a good idea to talk to your local fencing experts who know your area’s climate and conditions.
Further Relevant Topics:
What is a Snow Fence: How Snow Fence Works & Installation
