Wood vs. Vinyl vs. Composite Fences and Decks
Your Ultimate Guide
Are composite and vinyl decks better than wood?
Wood is by far the most popular choice when it comes to fencing This is not only because of its natural beauty but also its versatility and affordability. However, composite and vinyl fences and decks are beginning to increase in popularity due to their durability and easy maintenance. If you aren’t sure which type to choose, here’s an in-depth comparison broken down into the following categories. Click on each category to learn more.
Wood vs. vinyl vs. composite fences and decks - discover which one is right for you
What is the difference between a vinyl and a composite fence or deck?
Composites:
Composite decks and fences are made by combining plastics and wood fibers together and then extruding this blended material together to form boards. They contain about 50% wood dust from sawmills that is combined with recycled and virgin high density polyethylene (HDPE).
This technique was first developed to make window and door frames that were moisture-resistant. You can use both recycled or non-recycled plastics and wood when producing a composite material making this process quite environmentally friendly.
Composite wood is also often referred to as:
engineered wood
mass timber
man-made wood
manufactured board
Composites are formed by combining wood fibers with plastic
Vinyl:
Vinyl fences and decks are made from one of the most common plastics available, polyvinylchloride or PVC for short. You can find PVC in a wide variety of applications including:
packaging
plumbing supplies
window frames
window treatments
building materials
It is becoming a popular choice for fences and decking as well. The following video will further explain what PVC plastic is.
PVC is the material used to make vinyl fences and decks
Wood vs. Vinyl vs Composite Fences and Decks - A Comparison
1. Cost
The price that you pay for your fence will depend on a number of factors including:
The type of material it is made from
The size of your fence: length and height
Location challenges of your fence: on a hill, on rocky ground etc.
Whether you install it yourself or hire a professional
Wood is your least expensive option compared to composites and vinyl
Wood:
Wood is usually your least expensive option for constructing a fence compared to vinyl or composite. On average, you will spend between $22-$28 CAD per linear foot.
Composite:
Composite materials are usually more expensive than wood and vinyl. Composite could cost between 15 and 20% more than pressure treated pine. On average you can expect to pay $30-$47 CAD per linear foot.
Vinyl:
Vinyl is usually more expensive than wood. It will cost you somewhere between $20-$38 CAD per linear foot.
Composite fences and decks are usually more expensive than vinyl
2. Durability
Wood:
Wood is a very durable building material for decks and fences and it makes a good choice if you want a sturdy deck or fence. Even though wood is a very strong material, a composite fence or deck is stronger and will last longer. However, if you properly take care of your wood fence or deck, it can last for many years.
Composite:
Composite materials are extremely durable. This is because the wood fibers found in composite boards help to improve the plastic's stiffness. This makes them less likely to move as temperatures go up and down. The rougher texture of composite boards also means that you will get better traction on a composite deck than if you walk on a vinyl one.
However, if the wood fibers haven't been completely encapsulated into the plastic, the resulting composite material could be prone to cracking, warping, or even rotting.
Some composite manufacturers also bond a hard plastic shell to the exterior of their boards making them more durable. This coating makes the boards less likely to stain, fade, get scratched, or mold, so it is a good idea to check to see that the composite material you are getting has this type of protective coating.
Vinyl:
If you purchase a higher-quality, thicker vinyl fence, then it will be highly durable and should last for many years. In addition it won't 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.
However, in hot temperatures, vinyl can contract and expand, which could loosen its fasteners, making the structure unstable and susceptible to damage. In addition, vinyl can get very hot to touch or walk on in when it is exposed to the sun and will take longer to cool down than wood or composites.
When properly taken care of, wood decks can last for years
3. Installation
Wood:
Wood is very easy to work with making a wood fence quite easy to install.
Composite:
Most composite boards have a tongue and grove shape and can be screwed down which is similar to wood. This makes them easier to install than vinyl boards. Composite boards can be bent (if you heat them), routed, and ripped which also makes them easier to work with than PVC boards. However, wood is much easier to cut than either composite or vinyl.
Vinyl:
Vinyl is more limited in its ability to be bent than composites. You also cannot rip it lengthwise or route its edges.
Source: Creative Commons Author Petko Yotov 2005
Composite boards usually have a tongue and groove shape
4. Maintenance
Wood:
Of the 3 options, a wood fence involves the most maintenance. In order to keep your wood fence looking its best and lasting for years you need to:
Stain or Paint:
You will need to stain or paint your fence to protect it. Staining costs a bit more, but paint will crack and peel over time meaning that you will need to do regular touch ups. You will probably need to stain or paint every 2 to 3 years or when it shows signs of wear. If your fence faces south, you will probably have to do it more often as it will be more exposed to UV light.
Rot or Mildew:
You will also need to inspect your fence on a regular basis to check for signs of rot or mildew especially if you live in an area that has high humidity. You should also check it after a prolonged period of rain. If you see signs of mildew, you should treat it with a mildew cleaner or with 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 mold there.
If you have your fence built from a higher quality wood such as cedar or if you use pressure treated wood, you will have less maintenance.
Composite:
Composite decks and fences never need to be painted, sanded, stained, or sealed. They do, however, need to be swept clean of leaves and other debris and they need to be washed down periodically. Some composite materials can still fade or stain, so check to see if the company that you are considering offers a stain and fade warranty.
Vinyl:
Vinyl decks and fences never need to be painted, sanded, stained, or sealed.
Light Cleaning:
You should 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 a power washer. Regular spraying will stop dirt from building up on your vinyl fence.
Deeper Cleaning:
If dirt, mold, 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 don't scratch it.
Composite and Vinyl fences require less maintenance than wood
5. Appearance
Wood:
Even though composites and vinyl have come a long way in mimicking the look of real wood, they still fall short. The only way that you can get the full beauty of a natural wood deck is to make it out of natural wood. A wood fence is the perfect choice for almost any setting as it will beautifully blend into any outdoor surroundings.
Composite:
Composite decks and fences look more like wood than vinyl ones. This is because they are made with actual wood chips. If you want a fence or deck that looks close to wood without all of the maintenance, then composite is a good choice.
Vinyl:
Vinyl decks and fences look less like wood and often resemble plastic making them appear "cheap" and unattractive. However, you can now purchase higher quality vinyl fencing and decking that will more closely resemble wood than the cheaper, lower-quality versions. Investing in a higher quality vinyl fence can be an attractive selling feature that can also help increase your home’s value when you sell it.
It’s hard to beat the natural beauty of a wood fence or deck
6. Design
Wood:
Wood fences are incredibly versatile and can be customized to your exact specifications. You can:
Choose the exact height you want
Stain it the perfect shade or paint it 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
Composite and Vinyl:
Even though composite and vinyl fences and decks don’t come with the option to choose any colour or stain imagineable, you can get a much wider range now than when they first came out. As these building options are becoming more popular, so are their design options.
Wood fencing and decking can be painted or stained any shade or colour you like
7. Environmental Considerations
Wood:
You can't get more natural than a wood fence. Wood is your best "green" choice for fencing as it is easily disposable and won't hurt the environment.
Composite:
Composite fences and decks can be a good environmentally-friendly option if you choose a composite that is made from recycled wood and plastic. In fact some composites are made from 96-99% recycled materials and since they have a very long lifespan and they can be recycled, they are a very good "green" option.
Vinyl:
Vinyl fencing and decking does not break down and release harmful chemicals into the ground. It also doesn't require stains or paints that are toxic chemicals. In addition, the PVC plastic used to make vinyl fences and decks is fully recyclable.