Vinyl Fence vs Wood Fence: Complete Comparison Guide
If you are considering installing either a wood or vinyl fence, but are not sure which one to choose, here is a thorough comparison of the two. Click on each section to learn more.
If you are looking for professional fence installers in the KW area, contact us.
Vinyl Fence vs Wood Fence
| Vinyl Fence | Wood Fence | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | More expensive | Less expensive |
| Maintenance | Almost no maintenance required | Regular maintenance required |
| Installation | Easy to install for professionals | Easy to install for handyman |
| Aesthetic & Customization | Higher quality can resemble wood | Beautiful and natural look |
| Life Expectancy | 20 year and up | 15 - 20 years |
Discover the difference between a wood and vinyl fence
1. Cost Comparison
Vinyl:
Vinyl fences are usually more expensive than wood. It will cost you somewhere between $20-$38 CAD per linear foot to install vinyl fencing. There are different qualities of vinyl. If you want a higher quality vinyl that looks better, then you should expect to pay more.
Wood:
A wood fence will cost less to install than a high-quality vinyl fence. On average, you will spend between $22-$28 CAD per linear foot on a wood fence. Wood, however, will have more ongoing costs because you will need to stain or paint it roughly every second year. When comparing the cost of your fence you need to take into consideration the purchase of buying the supplies to keep your fence looking good and the labour involved as well.
High-quality vinyl fencing will cost you more than a wood fencing
2. Maintenance Comparison
Vinyl:
Vinyl fences require almost no maintenance. They do not need to be painted, sanded, stained, or sealed.
You can clean your vinyl fence from time to time though. You can do this by spraying it with a garden hose or if it is really dirty, with a power washer. Regular spraying will stop dirt from building up on your vinyl.
If dirt, mould, or mildew has built up on your fence, you can do a deeper cleaning using some detergent or a mild bleach cleaner. Make sure you use a soft brush or cloth when you are wiping your fence so that you do not scratch it.
Wood:
A wood fence requires more maintenance to keep it looking its best and to make it last longer than a vinyl one does. If, however, you build your fence with a higher quality wood such as cedar or if you use pressure-treated wood, you will have less maintenance.
You need to regularly stain or paint your fence to protect it. Staining costs a bit more, but the paint will crack and peel over time, meaning that you will need to do regular touch-ups. You will need to stain or paint every 2 to 3 years or when it shows signs of wear. If your fence faces south, you will likely have to do it more often as it will be more exposed to UV light.
Wood is also susceptible to rot or mildew. You should inspect your fence on a regular basis to check for signs of rot or mildew especially if you live in an area with high humidity. You should also check it after a prolonged period of rain. If you see signs of mildew, you can treat it with a mildew cleaner or a solution of dishwashing liquid and warm water. You should also clear any old leaves or dirt from around the base of your fence to keep it from developing mould there.
A wood fence requires regular maintenance
3. Installation Comparison
Vinyl:
A vinyl fencing is easy to install for professional installers. For example, an eternity vinyl fence installs in 1/3 of the time that it takes to install a traditional wood fence. This means that you will save on installation costs.
Vinyl is, however, limited in its ability to bend and you cannot rip it lengthwise or route its edges. Because it can be tricky to work with, especially if you are new to putting up fences or other handyman projects, it is best to have a professional install your vinyl fence for you.
Wood:
Wood is very easy to work with. It is easy to measure, cut and screw together. You can cut wood from any angle and you can route its edges. These characteristics make a wood fence quite easy to install. If you are thinking of installing your fence yourself, then wood is likely your best option.
It is very time-consuming and if you are new to DIY projects it may be better to get a professional to do the installation for you. At the very least, it would be a good idea to have a professional company install your fence posts for you as this is the most difficult part of the installation process.
Vinyl fences are quick to install for professionals
4. Aesthetic & Customization Comparison
Vinyl:
Less expensive vinyl fences often resemble plastic making them appear "cheap" and unattractive. However, you can now purchase higher-quality vinyl fencing that will more closely resemble wood than the cheaper, lower-quality versions. Investing in a more high-quality vinyl fence can be an attractive selling feature that can also help increase your home’s value when you sell it.
Even though vinyl fences do not come with the option to choose any colour or stain imaginable, you can get a much wider range now than when they first came out. As vinyl has become more popular, its design options have increased from simply having white. You can even choose to add a decorative topper and a contrasting border to the vinyl panels.
Wood:
Nothing looks more like real wood than real wood. Even though vinyl has come a long way in mimicking the look of wood, it still falls short. A wood fence is a perfect choice for almost any setting as it will beautifully blend into any outdoor surroundings.
Wood fences are incredibly versatile and can be customized to your exact specifications. You can:
Choose the exact height you want
Stain or paint it the perfect shade of any colour
Add matching wood flower boxes to the rails
Choose the width, style and number of gates you want
Add any additional embellishments you like such as a lattice border on top
You can add embellishments to both a wood and vinyl fence
5. Life Expectancy Comparison
Vinyl:
If you purchase a high-quality, thick vinyl fence, then it will be highly durable and should last for many years. In addition, it will not splinter which makes it a good option if you have pets or children who are prone to getting splinters. It also won’t rot over time like wood can.
High-quality vinyl fences are made with premium UV- resistant closed cell vinyl that will give you the highest resistance against fading and wear. However, in very hot temperatures, vinyl can contract and expand, which could loosen its fasteners, making the structure unstable and susceptible to damage.
Wood:
Wood is a very durable building material for fences and it makes a good choice if you want a sturdy and relatively inexpensive fence. If you properly take care of your wood fence, it can last for many years. Even though wood is a very strong material for fencing, it won't last as long as vinyl.
Wood is very durable but vinyl should last longer
For a Professional Wood or Vinyl Fence, Contact Citywide
With Citywide Fences & Decks, you will enjoy personal service like no other. If you are looking for the best gates and fencing at an affordable price, contact Citywide.
Our expertise and unmatched customer service have earned us a reputation for the finest craftsmanship, professionalism and friendliness in the industry. Not only will you appreciate your new fence, but you will also enjoy working with us.
Citywide Fences and Decks is a locally owned and operated business based in the Kitchener, Waterloo region. We have been proudly serving our community with the best quality services for more than 13 years.
The services we offer include:
What our customers are saying…
“Highly recommend! Professional, conscientious and trust worthy company. We are extremely happy with both our new fence and lawn drainage system. Employees were hard working and obviously dedicated. Dave explained the process for each project and went above and beyond to personally ensure we were satisfied with the completed projects. Both our fence and drainage system were completed in the agreed time frame as discussed and meet our high standards.”
— Glen and Jackie Soehner