In Florida, wood and vinyl fences are some of the most popular options for home and commercial fencing. These two fencing materials are strong, pliable, and work well for privacy fencing as opposed to aluminum or chain link. Plus, at FLoriFence you can completely customize your vinyl or wooden fence with different colors, toppers, gates, and embellishments to match the style of your home.
You may think that because they are cut similarly, the only differences between wood and vinyl are cosmetic. However, there are unique advantages and disadvantages to each that make it important for homeowners to research before they buy.
The unique color and grain of wood fencing are beautifully unique.
The primary benefit to wood fencing is its unique and natural appearance. There is just something special about the wood grain and rich brown hues that you get with wood fencing. Though vinyl can mimic this look, it is never quite the same.
Vinyl fencing’s color and shape won’t change over time.
This can be a positive aspect because it doesn’t require as much maintenance over time. However, it cannot be painted or stained like wood can. If your aesthetic preferences change in five or ten years, you’ll have to start over instead of simply adding a fresh coat of paint.
Wood fencing is more affordable at the time of installation, but it can become costly long term.
One of the objections we hear the most about vinyl fencing is its hefty price tag. Vinyl can cost as much as $5 more per foot than wood, which makes it seem out of reach for some homes and businesses. However, wood can become more expensive over time because of the maintenance required and its shorter life span. Once installed, vinyl will need little more than a yearly cleaning to stay fresh. However, wood fencing will deteriorate over time and typically only lasts 10-15 years. You could wind up spending more over the years if you choose wood, depending on how well you care for it.
Wood can either attract or deter pests.
Cedarwood planks are typically able to deter pests not only from damaging the fence itself but from them entering your gardens and chewing on your plants. However, cheaper wood options are more susceptible to pest damage over time. Vinyl provides no pest-deterrent benefits, but it is impenetrable to termites and other wood-eating creatures.
Wood is less durable but easier to repair.
Because of its susceptibility to water damage, wood is generally considered less durable than vinyl. It can warp, splinter, and crack from environmental damage, while vinyl will remain relatively unchanged through the years. However, when vinyl is damaged, it can be much more difficult and costly to repair. If someone crashes into your vinyl with their car, or if your vinyl fencing suffers from damage due to a fallen tree, you could be looking at hundreds of dollars of repairs as opposed to the simple repair process of replacing wood.
Choosing your fencing material is a very personal decision, and we at FloriFence are here to help you make the right one. To learn more about our installation services and fencing options, contact our offices today!
FloriFence LLC. 