As you search for new fences for your home, you may have noticed how popular vinyl fencing is. Since wood fencing has traditionally been the preferred choice, you might wonder, “Are vinyl fences capable of replacing wood?”. Following is a comparison of wood and vinyl fencing so you can make the best choice for your property. In this article, we’ll discuss some history, maintenance, durability, and the cost that everyone’s worried about.
Here is a brief history
Vinyl has a high level of durability. It is also called PVC – polyvinyl chloride. A plastic-like and cheap-looking early version of fencing was introduced in the 1980s. PVC fences have become more natural looking and last longer since then due to improvements in manufacturing. In response to this change, vinyl fencing is becoming increasingly popular.
The popularity of wood fences has long been well known. Despite their affordability, wood fences are available in a wide range of styles and sizes. Cedar and redwood are the most commonly used woods for fencing.
Is vinyl a good replacement for wooden fences?
You might be considering replacing your wood fence with a vinyl one. This can still be accomplished in a few ways.
Putting up vinyl fence posts
You may have noticed the issue of replacing pickets, slats, or posts on a wooden fence as they decay. If you have an existing wooden fence, you might consider adding vinyl to it as a hybrid solution. You can cover wooden fence posts with vinyl fence post sleeves. Usually, deck posts and pillars, as well as small fences, are covered with them.
The majority of problems associated with mold, decay, and rot occur when wooden posts are poorly prepped and encapsulated in vinyl. So rather than asking can vinyl fencing replace wood as a whole, we should ask should vinyl fencing replace wood in bits and pieces. If you want a long-term solution, you should probably look into a new, well-constructed vinyl fence.
The installation of vinyl over wood presents some challenges
The biggest issue with a wood fence is the fact that it is susceptible to moisture and rots over time. Water will be absorbed by a wood post through its top and bottom end grains. It is important to remember, however, that because of its porous nature, even when the wood is completely saturated, the wood can eventually air itself out if ample ventilation is allowed.
The post’s end is also usually installed in direct contact with another material during construction, reducing ventilation. Therefore, if exposed to constant moisture, the portion of a wood post that cannot dry out will succumb to mold and decay. Thus, covering an existing post with a vinyl sleeve will exacerbate this problem. In other words, if you want to replace wood fencing on your property with vinyl fencing, start with a brand-new vinyl fence.
How does vinyl fencing compare with wood fencing?
There is no doubt that vinyl fencing will eventually unseat wood from its throne as vinyl production improves and prices continue to drop. You can read more about their comparison here. It is important to note that wood requires more maintenance and has a shorter lifespan. In terms of durability, vinyl lasts for about 30 years and is essentially indestructible.
Beauty
A new fence presents a number of issues for homeowners, including aesthetics, maintenance, and cost. Let’s start from the top. There is a myth that vinyl fences look tacky or cheap. Even though 20 years ago that may have been true, it does not hold true today. The new vinyl fence on your home can make it the talk of the neighborhood if you hire a trustworthy fencing company. The aesthetic results of DIY vinyl fencing, however, may not be as appealing as they might be.
Vinyl can’t quite replicate the warmth and beauty of wood, despite the fact that its aesthetics vary significantly from type to type. Due to its sensitivity to wear and damage, wood can quickly lose its beauty. The beauty of a new wood fence may be breathtaking. The wooden fence you once loved, as beautiful as it once was, will no longer look the way it once did after a few years due to weathering and discoloration caused by the sun and rain, as well as a broken fence panel. It is likely that you will end up with an eyesore instead of an eye-catching masterpiece unless you are willing and able to invest time and money in maintenance.
Maintenance
You probably think about how you will maintain items in your home whenever you purchase them. Fences require some maintenance, just like appliances or other home features. If your home has a wood fence, you are probably familiar with sanding, staining, and painting it. Such maintenance is not required for vinyl fences. It’s easy to keep a vinyl fence looking new by simply hosing it down or washing it with soapy water. Vinyl fences will easily outlast wood fences by 10-20 years in terms of durability.
Pricing
For many homeowners, fence costs are the deciding factor. Keep in mind that a fence is an investment you’ll want to make for a long time! The value of vinyl fencing is greater since it is a longer-term investment. There is usually some upfront cost associated with installing vinyl fencing as opposed to wood fencing. Fortunately, the cost of vinyl fencing has decreased in recent years, making it more popular than ever.
Is vinyl fencing a viable alternative to wood fencing?
It is likely that wood will remain a popular choice for fencing for many years to come. There is a possibility that popularity will decline faster in humid climates. Especially in the Southeast, vinyl fences are much smarter and safer alternatives.
Although vinyl fences are growing in popularity, they still cannot match the warmth and beauty of wood. But it’s getting closer! It will also remain to look the same for many more years since vinyl does not require ongoing maintenance. Can vinyl fences replace wood? Perhaps not entirely, but it is certainly closing the gap.
Start your new vinyl fence installation today
Knowing more about wood and vinyl fencing may give you the confidence to proceed with your project. The first step to buying a new fence is finding a reputable fencing company! Working with professionals ensures you get accurate information and a reasonable price. With Buckhead Fence Company, we are committed to providing the highest quality of service, materials, and expert advice to our customers. We offer all of this at an affordable price.
The first step towards achieving this goal is choosing the best fence solution for your needs. All of our fence installations are backed by a 5-year warranty against workmanship defects. Replacing your old wooden fence should not be put off any longer! Don’t hesitate to reach out to the professionals at Buckhead Fence Company.