Did you know that certain wood fences can last as long as 30 years? Of course, the lifespan of your fence will depend a lot on what kind of fence you get and how well you take care of your fence over the years. While a wood fence is a very traditional option, a vinyl fence is a much more modern solution, and it may be just as good as wood, if not better.
But how can you really tell whether or not one type of fence is better than another? More than that, how should you go about choosing the right kind of fence for your yard? Once you learn more about the pros and cons of different fence materials, you’ll find that it will be much easier to choose.
Keep reading and learn more about the difference between wood and vinyl fences below.
The Pros and Cons of Wood Fences
The primary benefit of using wooden fence panels is how stylish they are. They perhaps are the most attractive fence out of any other type of fence material. The look of your fence will depend on what species of wood the fence is made of.
Some fences, such as cedar, have rich, red tones. On the other hand, teak wood is much more beige and golden in appearance. Other types of wood may have pinkish or brown tones.
Of course, the wood’s finish will also affect the wood’s color. Usually, the finish will make the wood look somewhat darker than it really is. The finish is more than aesthetic, however, and it also protects the wood from damage.
While you can find vinyl fencing that mimics the appearance of wood, you’ll find that real wood will always look better. The main problem with wood fencing is that the color will eventually fade and change. You can prevent this from happening by keeping the wood sealed and protected, but even so, the sun’s UV rays will eventually cause the wood to change color.
This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, however.
The Details
Some wood changes into another attractive color, such as a silvery gray. Besides the color, another great thing about wood fences is that they are very durable.
This is especially true if you get some kind of hardwood fence. This type of wood has a very tight grain. For that reason, the wood will be resistant to moisture, and it will be very difficult for mold or rot to take hold.
The main downside is that wood fences can be quite expensive. For that reason, many people don’t usually choose wood fencing if they have to fence a large area of their yard. On the other hand, if your yard is on the smaller side, you shouldn’t have any problem getting a wood fence for it.
Keep in mind that you will need to maintain the fence and apply a sealant every so often to keep it in good shape. Otherwise, the wood might start to splinter or warp over the years.
The Pros and Cons of Vinyl Fencing
While vinyl fencing has only been around for about 40 years, it has recently exploded in popularity. Today, vinyl fencing is one of the most popular types of fences around, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a fence company that doesn’t provide vinyl fence installation (click here for more).
But what is so great about vinyl fencing anyway? To start, you should know that vinyl fences require very little maintenance. This is unlike wood fences which you need to stain, seal, and keep clean throughout the year; otherwise, the wood could start to fall apart.
With a vinyl fence, all you need to do is spray it down with your garden hose once or twice a year. This will keep any pollen and mildew from sticking to the fence, and it will keep it looking as new as the day you bought it. This is not to mention that vinyl fencing has a huge variety of colors and textures that you can choose from.
What You Need to Know
White fences are very popular because of how sleek they look, although they can be tricky to keep clean. You can get virtually any color fence you want when you choose vinyl. As mentioned before, you can even get vinyl fences that are designed to look like different materials such as wood or stone.
Of course, vinyl is very durable as well. Vinyl is a type of plastic, and for that reason, it will be very difficult for it to sustain damage unless something hits it. You won’t have to worry about this kind of fence rotting or splintering over the years.
Vinyl is also much more flexible than wood. Suppose that some strong winds blow by a wood fence. If the winds are strong enough, they might actually break your fence in half, especially if the fence is old and brittle.
On the other hand, vinyl is much more flexible, and it will bend with the wind without sustaining any damage. Finally, vinyl is a very affordable option. It is particularly great for fencing large yards because you won’t have to break the bank to accomplish it.
Everything You Need to Know about Wood and Vinyl Fence Options
Both wood and vinyl fence options have their pros and cons, so you will have to think about what you want out of a fence before you buy. Wood fences are very attractive but require a lot of maintenance. Vinyl fences might not look as nice, but they are very affordable and durable.
Don’t forget to check out our other blogs for more interesting topics.
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