In our last post we took a look at chain link and wood picket fencing. This time we discuss wood privacy and PVC fences, also known as vinyl fencing.
Both fence types are popular, but for different reasons.
First, Wood Privacy Fencing. This classic American fence type is popular and effective because it offers security and privacy in a wide range of design styles that fit many tastes.
While fulfilling those needs out of a fence, wood privacy fencing does require ongoing maintenance to keep its original look and may require some repair as it ages. That wear due to the elements does mean some wood fences may end up being less durable than other fence types.
That can be offset by using specially treated wood such as Duracedar by Midwest Fence, which is pressure-treated to resist rotting.
Compared to chain link fencing, wood fencing is typically more expensive per square foot while the cost of materials for a wood fence remains generally lower than other types of non-chain link fencing.
Some factor in ongoing costs of maintenance, repairs and a possibly shorter lifespan to add to the cost of a wood privacy fence.
The actual install cost depends on how much wood is required for the fence, a product of fence height and style.
For instance, there are wood privacy fences with alternating board to provide a breeze, tongue-and-groove, with connected board and basket or louvered wood privacy fences that use longer boards than a typical fence.
Other fences have decorative capped posts or a curve-cut tops.
That variety of style options is why wood fences are so popular. The variety of styles, accoutrements and stain and paint possibilities has wooden privacy fences meeting nearly any taste.
Next, PVC Vinyl Fencing. Vinyl fencing hit the market in the early 1980s, mainly as a competitor to wood fencing. Vinyl fences come with a lifetime guarantee and require basically no maintenance. They can be cleaned with a simple washing.
Vinyl also means the fence resists the elements and won’t rot or warp.
The type of fences available in vinyl have broadened beyond basic privacy panels to include various picket and rail fences. There is also simulated wood grain available.
While the styles have increased, the prefabricated nature of the fence does mean there are fewer style choices than wood, which can be constructed on site. Also, the fence comes in several predetermined colors.
Painting vinyl fencing isn’t recommended and may void a warranty or possibly damage the vinyl. Check with the manufacturer or your fence installer for warranty details. Painting a PVC fence also means more maintenance will be required.
The lifetime warranty offered by most vinyl fence, and the lack of maintenance, means once the fence is installed there is little or no cost to maintaining it. Most quality PVC fences will also outlast a wood fence. Those factors can offset the higher upfront cost of a PVC fence than wood.
If you have questions about these, or any fence type, don’t hesitate to contact a professional at Midwest Fence for a free consultation. Call 651-451-2222.
In our next post we will take a look at Trex composite and ornamental iron fencing.