Menu
Menu
Find out how different fencing materials compare when placed head-to-head.
You’re prepared to choose the suitable fence for your home, whether you want a little extra privacy or you enjoy the cozy feeling that fences can provide. However, with so many fencing materials to choose from, deciding which is ideal for you and your family can be challenging. Let’s take a look at the benefits and drawbacks of the most popular fencing materials to help you make a more informed decision.
Hardwood fences are popular among homeowners because they are classic. They’re as stylish as they are unique. But it doesn’t mean they don’t have flaws of their own. Let’s take a look at what makes them so attractive, as well as what you should be aware of. Alternatively, you can also read our guide to learn more the cost to install a wood fence in Everett.
When not coated with pest and rot-resistant chemicals, wood is an all-natural material that degrades naturally. Unless you choose decay-resistant wood like cedar, redwood, or recycled wood, it’s a good eco-friendly alternative.
In comparison to more premium fencing materials, such as vinyl fencing, which costs an average of $3,720, wood fences are a more economical choice. A wooden fence normally costs $2,700 to install.
While prices vary depending on the type of wood, length, and whether you want a split rail, picket, or privacy fence, you can still purchase a fence for a reasonable price.
Want a fence that doesn’t let your neighbor peep over it but still lets you enjoy a beautiful view of the backyard or garden? Now you’re talking! The custom wood fence gives you the best of both worlds.
When purchasing a fence, you can customize it to your desire and choose from a variety of colors and styles. When you’re ready for a change, you can paint it after it’s been installed. If you decide you prefer a shorter fence or want to reduce (or increase) the gap between each picket during setup, wood fences provide you the flexibility to do so.
Even the best-kept wood fences with solid foundations are susceptible to the elements. Strong winds may be able to topple them. Even if the wood is pressure-treated, it can still become twisted and lean due to its porous nature.
To remain a gorgeous major focus of your yard, wooden fences take a lot of care. Some woods, such as cedars with natural oils that repel insects, require less attention than others. Others, like pine, require more frequent maintenance, such as staining, washing, and painting.
A wood fence generally endures 15 years on average with annual maintenance. Depending on the type, some can survive up to 20 years. Without regular maintenance, the wood will begin to fade and will only survive for around five years before needing to be replaced.
Vinyl fences are made of a versatile plastic called polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which can be customized to fulfill the demand of most homeowners. However, while it has its advantages, it also has certain disadvantages.
Vinyl fences are relatively simple to maintain. They don’t need to be painted or stained on a regular basis to keep their appeal. Scratch and warp resistance are also features of this material. Because vinyl is nonporous, removing dirt, debris, and grime won’t take much effort. Using a hose to spray a vinyl fence should suffice.
Vinyl fences come in a variety of shapes and colors. You may also choose a vinyl fence that resembles the texture of wood or iron. Vinyl fencing can provide you with the privacy you desire without losing aesthetics.
You can build your vinyl fence yourself if you’re skilled with tools and have some basic knowledge. Most vinyl fences may be slid and locked into the post slots. The most difficult step will be ensuring that your posts have a solid foundation.
Vinyl is made of plastic, namely polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and is not sustainable like wood, although it is a recyclable material. To figure out what to do with your plastic, you can also contact your local recycling facility. Recycling is far more rewarding than putting trash in the garbage can.
Vinyl fences are extremely durable because they don’t rot, split, rust, or chip. Unlike other fence materials, it is unaffected by time and the constant force of the elements.
A vinyl fence will cost you $3,720 on average. This is more expensive than other fencing materials, such as wood. Colors, height, thickness, hardware, style, textures, and any cosmetic add-ons all affect the prices. It might cost over $17,000 if you want a high-end design.
It’s worth mentioning, though, that while the initial cost is higher, it can turn out to be a good investment when you consider how much money you’ll save in the long run because it won’t need painting or staining as often.
Vinyl fences are resistant to light to moderate weather, although they are susceptible to excessive heat and cold, as well as heavy winds.
Sawdust, wood chips, and recycled plastic are used to make composite fencing. Composite fences have a classic yet stylish look. While this material has some advantages, it also has some disadvantages that homeowners should be aware of.
Composite fences require extremely minimal maintenance because they are constructed of a combination of wood and recyclable plastic. You won’t need to stain or paint a composite fence on a routine basis, soap and a hose should suffice. They’re also rot and mold-resistant, so you won’t have to worry about changing panels on a regular basis to keep your curb appeal.
One advantage of a composite fence is that it is environmentally friendly. It is not susceptible to bug infestations like wood fencing because it is comprised of wood and recycled plastic. As a result, there is less of a requirement for preservatives and repellents, allowing composite fencing to be recycled at the end of its service life.
Composite fences are less prone to decay, develop mold or mildew, fade, or be seriously harmed by the elements. It also doesn’t splinter or crack. As a result, a well-maintained composite fence can last at least 20 years, with some higher-quality fences lasting much longer.
The plastic component makes it simple for homeowners to choose the composite fencing style that best suits their needs. It’s available in a variety of colors, styles, and finishes.
Composite fencing, while an excellent choice for homeowners, is not without its downsides. The material used in the manufacture of composite fences can make all the difference in the world in terms of how long a particular fence lasts.
And it’ll impact the strength of the frame, too, so it can withstand the wind and weather better.
If you’re concerned about the quality of a composite fence, make sure that you get a manufacturer that uses quality materials and has a good manufacturing process. Or if you want to learn more about this growing fencing trend, you can call a local fence installer and ask them for advice.
One of the biggest problems with composite fencing is that it is very expensive! The cost for 200 linear feet of fencing runs $5,000 on average.
Metal fencing is a classic and timeless fencing choice made primarily of recycled aluminum. Its beauty can appear unrivaled at times, but there are certain drawbacks to consider.
Aluminum is low-density and flexible, making it simple to shape into a variety of shapes. You can also pick from a variety of colors; while black is the most common, aluminum fences are also available in bronze, gray, and white.
Aluminum fences are connected together where the picket and rail meet, allowing them to easily follow the grade of your yard. If your yard is sloping, your fence will follow the slope without gaps between the bottom of the fence and the ground.
Aluminum fences, similar vinyl fences, don’t need to be painted or stained to look good. It is rust-resistant and weather-resistant than wood fences. Cleaning your metal fence is as simple as washing it with a hose. In the spring, deep clean it with warm, soapy water.
It’s easy to bend and detach the panels since aluminum is so flexible and light. Aluminum isn’t as durable as other metals, therefore if something hits it hard enough, it will most certainly damage. So, if security is a top priority for you, this may not be the finest fence material for you.
An aluminum fence costs around $3,780 on average. The cost is determined by the customer’s height, style, metal strength, and location. It is more expensive than wood, but less expensive than other metals like steel and wrought iron.
Aluminum fences are attractive to the eye, but they don’t provide much privacy. Their usual design leaves noticeable holes between each fence slat, allowing passers to see your yard.
We know what each fencing material looks like, feels like and performs, but which one should we use? How does each measure up to the rest of the pack?
Consider a wood fence if you’re on a budget and need to install a new fence or replace an old one quickly. The following are typical prices for common fence materials paid by homeowners:
Pricing, of course, is determined by a variety of criteria, including the fence’s design, size, material, and aesthetic. Keep in mind that, while wood is a less expensive alternative upfront, it has a shorter lifespan than vinyl or aluminum.
Most cost-effective: Wood
Wood fences are high-maintenance and need to be treated, painted, and stained on a regular basis to keep them protected from the elements. Vinyl and composite fences, on the other hand, require fairly little attention. However, because there isn’t much material to maintain, aluminum takes the least amount of care. It’s also fade and moisture resistant, so you won’t have to paint it to keep its original beauty.
Least maintenance: Aluminum
While aluminum and composite fences have a variety of style alternatives, wood fences have a greater range of design options based on the type of wood and customizable size. Vinyl fences are available in a variety of colors and can be made to look like stone or wood.
Most design options: Wood and Vinyl.
A well-kept vinyl, composite, or aluminum fence can easily endure 20 years if properly cared. Though the initial prices are more than for wood fences, they are a wise investment because of their low maintenance requirements and extended lifespan.
Longest life: Vinyl, Composite, and Aluminum.
Vinyl fences are resistant to rust, decay, and splintering, so they can withstand the elements. Aluminum is also resistant to the flow of time and moderate weather. The amount of force they can withstand, however, is determined by the material’s strength.
Most durable: Vinyl and Aluminum
The majority of today’s popular fencing materials are eco-friendly in some way. When wood is not coated with wood preservatives such as alkaline copper quaternary, it is environmentally friendly (ACQ). Vinyl fences can be recycled when they’ve served their function, while composite fences are made of wood and recycled plastic.
Overall, though, aluminum is the most environmentally friendly fencing material. It’s made primarily of recycled aluminum, can be recycled at the end of its service life, and doesn’t require the use of chemical products to keep its appeal.
Most eco-friendly: Aluminum
