Wood or Vinyl? Which Privacy Fence To Choose for Your Home

Privacy fences are a great way to keep your property safe from nosy neighbors and pesky kids while still enjoying your backyard’s outdoors. It’s no surprise that they’re popular among homeowners. However, before choosing one type of fence over another, it’s essential to know the pros and cons of each material.

Vinyl Privacy Fences

Vinyl privacy fences are more affordable than wood ones to install and maintain because their materials are lighter. They also come in an endless variety of colors and styles so that you can customize them to your personal taste! The downside is that they easily bow out when children lean on them or when snow piles up on them during wintertime.

Vinyl fences are pretty maintenance free, but once they incur any damage you’ll obviously have to repair any cracks, dips, or broken fence posts once they happen.

Wood Privacy Fences

Wooden privacy fences, on the other hand, may be said to be more attractive with natural wood grains and interesting wood staining finishes. They’re sturdier and more durable than vinyl fences. The material requires more effort to maintain, however. The wood will eventually crack or warp if not well taken care of over time, and it could rot if left outside all year round without any protection like sealant. You’ll need to stain it once in a while to prevent this from happening.

If you want a privacy fence that is sturdy and lasts the test of time, go with the wood one. It will cost more than the vinyl option up front, but it looks nicer and is far from easily breakable. You’re also safe to leave pets and young kids out in the fenced area for most of the year. If you prefer a fence that’s easier to install, easy to maintain and less upfront cost, choose a vinyl fence. It’s sturdy enough to withstand some snow and maintain its smooth appearance over time. You could also paint or stain it any color that you like.

Benefits of Vinyl Fences

Lower price. Vinyl fencing is an excellent value for your money. It’s light, easy to install, and won’t rot, warp or splinter like wood might over time.

Easy to maintain. Vinyl fences don’t need to be painted or stained. If you want it to match your house or personal style, vinyl privacy fence panels can easily be painted in any color! They can also be stained in several different colors to match the color of your porch or decking, maximizing visual appeal while keeping out prying eyes and nosy neighbors!

Flexibility. Unlike wood privacy fences, vinyl fencing can be customized to fit your home. You can choose from many different widths and lengths, depending on the specific needs of your yard or property.

Cons of Vinyl Privacy Fences

May bow out when children lean on them. It’s not uncommon for children to lean against or try to climb wooden privacy fences, causing them to bow out or ultimately come off the posts! This is especially problematic if you have little ones playing outside in the area where you want the fence. If the fence bows out in that area, it will become a dangerous place for them to play.

Not durable enough for extreme weather conditions — strong wind, heavy snow, or ice. It’s a good idea to hedge your bets against any of these harsh weather conditions your area before investing in a vinyl privacy fence since it just has to happen one time to wreck a fence. If you live in a place with extreme weather conditions, such as heavy snowfall or strong winds, your vinyl privacy fence may not hold up very well!

Benefits of Wood Privacy Fence For Your Home

It’s subject, but people say authentic wood looks better than vinyl. If you’re concerned about your privacy fence’s aesthetic appeal, wood is the way to go. Wood barriers look more natural and beautiful than vinyl fencing.

Long lasting. Unlike vinyl fences, wood fencing is very durable, so you can expect it to last for many long years without needing major repairs or replacements! It won’t break down or lose its strength if the weather gets cold and windy or if a child leans on it during playtime.

Many different styles. Wood privacy fences can be customized to match your home’s style! They come in different materials, sizes, shapes, styles, and colors.

Cons of a Wood Fence over a Vinyl Fence

May rot if left outside all year round. Wood privacy fences are susceptible to weathering and rotting over time, similar to how wood furniture ages. While they’re durable enough to survive the elements, they can become ugly and unsightly if left outside without proper treatment.

More expensive than a vinyl fence. Wood privacy fences are more costly than the vinyl option, so be sure that you’re getting a product worth the investment before installing it.

Requires more maintenance. You’ll need to apply sealant or paint your fence posts and replace nails periodically. However, you’ll have to get rid of weeds and keep your deck area free of debris, or it could prevent water from draining properly through the bottom of the posts.

Tips To Help You Choose Between Wood or Vinyl Privacy Fence For Your Home

Make sure that you review if rot is a concern and if so pick a rot-resistant wood material, or go with vinyl. Do not forget to factor in the cost of maintenance in your budget for the new privacy fence installation. If you do not have the time or skill, consider hiring professionals to do it for you.

You should also measure how much length of fence your property needs. Do so before deciding to go with one type over another.

While it is true that wooden fences are sturdier than vinyl and can withstand the stress of children and pets, you need to think about the cost involved. It would be best if you also estimated how much maintenance will be required to keep the fence going for the long haul.

The Right Material For Your Privacy Fence

The suitable material for a privacy fence depends on your preference, budget, and taste. Privacy fences are usually taller than your standard fence, and have less gaps between the planks to provide more privacy. Wood always looks great for these kinds of densely packed fences, but due to there being more wood per square foot of ground it can be more cost effective to go with vinyl instead.

Though it’s all up to what your needs are in a fence. Make sure that you choose a fence material that you think everyone in the house will enjoy.

Hopefully we’ve helped you figure out the pros and cons of wood over vinyl or vinyl over wood, and you can make a good informed decision when picking the fence of your dreams. If you need professional installers to help give you a more detailed vision of the fences you can get, Chamblee Fence is always here to give you a hand. You can call us at (770) 396-4200