You are here because you have some choices to make regarding your home. Yes, most homeowners install a fence because they need privacy and protection. But who says there isn't more to consider? One tough decision you might have to make is choosing between a wood fence and a vinyl fence. Every kind of fence has pros and cons; fence builders in Mission Viejo will surely tell you that. So today, we will compare wood fences and vinyl fences.

Ease of Installation

A wood fence installation is not the easiest DIY project. If you want to build one yourself, you will need specific tools and know-how to succeed. Otherwise, you will have to hire a Mission Viejo Fence company. 

Alternatively, you can install prefabricated wood panels and use brackets and nails to connect them to posts.

On the other hand, vinyl fences are easy to put up because most of them come in already linked panels. If the posts don't have notches to hold and lock the panels in place, you can use brackets to hold the panels in place. So, a vinyl fence is easier to put up, and homeowners can do it themselves with ease if they have the proper instructions and tools.

Cost of Installation

The initial cost of vinyl is higher than that of wood. This service is completely free of charge after your initial investment. Unless damaged by extreme weather, Vinyl fencing should last many years without needing costly repairs or upkeep. Wood is cheaper to install, but in the long run, it is more expensive because of its maintenance. 

As a result, if you plan to reside in your home for more than a decade, you will likely need to repair the fence at some point. Consider your project's size while deciding between wood and vinyl fencing. You may want to choose wood if your budget is tight, but your property is enormous. Vinyl fencing may better serve a smaller area if you can afford the cost of installing it upfront.

Aesthetic Design

Both vinyl and wood fences are excellent in terms of their visual appeal. 

Wood offers a rustic traditional look that many homeowners admire. Wooden fences, with their distinct grain patterns, warm tones, and natural texture, are a classic design choice. It comes in limitless options and styles, from a scalloped privacy fence to a French Gothic picket fence. And when it comes to finishes, you can leave the wood in its natural state with just a sealant to protect it, stain it, or paint it in almost any color you want. 

Cedar is one of the most popular types of wood for fencing, which has a rich reddish color, tight grain, and few knots. Others like redwood and teak, which are a bit more expensive, have a highly desirable shine.

Vinyl fences are likewise a strong competitor to wood in this area. A simple white monotonous fence is not what you'll get when you install vinyl fencing on your property. Vinyl fences are now available in various patterns, including wood and stone, to mimic the look of natural materials. You can also experiment with the aesthetics by selecting eye-catching posts and picket caps.

Durability

There's no competition here regarding durability and lasting power: vinyl fencing is much better than wood fencing. You already know that vinyl won't rot, split, or get termites or other bugs that want to eat it. It's also rigid and flexible, 5 times stronger and more flexible than wood, so it won't break easily.

Also, the weather, even bad weather, won't hurt vinyl fencing much or at all. But vinyl fences can have trouble with strong winds. Mold can grow on any surface, including vinyl fencing. But mold can't grow deep roots in vinyl, so you can wipe it away if this happens.

On the other hand, if you test each of these points with wood fencing, you'll find that the exact opposite is true. That is, wood fencing will splinter, rot, get old, crack, or have mold or termites burrow deep into it. Cheap wood that is soft and not treated well will wear out faster and need to get replaced more often.

Repair and Maintenance

Both the vinyl and the wood fences need repairs now and then. If you put a lot of pressure on a vinyl fence, it might come apart. Wood fences will also need repairs or new boards if they get damaged.

But fixing a vinyl fence isn't hard, and most people can do it themselves. Also, you don't have to worry about sagging or rotting pickets because these fences are resistant to pests and water. On the other hand, vinyl fences often come in pre-made panels. So, if one or two pickets get broken, you might have to replace the whole panel, which can be expensive.

If you need to fix or replace a wood fence, you can easily replace the broken part. This will save you a lot of money. 

Vinyl fencing does not require any upkeep at all. However, if you want to get rid of any built-up filth, you can simply water it down, and the rain will usually take care of it! 

To make wood last takes a lot of time and effort. You will need to clean, treat, and stain it every year for the first three years. After that, you will still need to stain it every other year (and unfortunately, staining can be expensive and time-consuming). In addition, wood rots with time. You'll need to replenish the lumber as it warps and breaks down.

Final Words

There are more yardsticks to use in comparing these two. For instance, vinyl is the obvious choice if you consider sustainability. Now, this is only true if you use recycled vinyl or if the production process was clean. 

Wood is eco-friendly if it is carefully harvested and treated. 

While we can not choose one over the other, you can. Why? The type of fence you choose will depend on your budget, aesthetic preference, willingness to maintain any, and how long you plan to use them. But we hope we have provided some helpful information. To learn more about wood fences, check out our article on the pros and cons of wood fencing.