subject: Comparing Wood And Vinyl Fencing [print this page] Wood and vinyl are both very common fencing materials, and they are even used in similar applications. Some fences even combined both wood and vinyl, because the materials go together naturally.
However, both wood and vinyl fences have unique advantages and disadvantages, and being able to determine which is more appropriate for a given job is important. Here, we'll go over some of the characteristics that make wood and vinyl fencing more effective at performing certain tasks, and less effective at others, so that you can decide which is a better choice for your next fencing project.
Wood fencing can be constructed in several ways. Around residences, wood fencing is often made from upright planks supported by a horizontal cross beam. In agriculture and boundary marking, wooden fencing is generally made with upright supports connected by horizontal planks.
This is done because it is cheaper, uses less material, and the privacy created by a solid barrier is not necessary. It is also ideal for penning in animals and marking off boundaries of land. That said, wood is more expensive than vinyl, and less resistant to weathering effects like rain and sun. A coat of paint or lacquer can extend a wooden fence's lifetime significantly.
Vinyl fencing is also frequently used in agricultural applications, as well as areas in which a temporary, low cost solution is required. Vinyl fencing is generally made from upright wooden posts with strips of vinyl running between them. The vinyl itself can be reinforced with steel cables in order to provide it with extra strength.
Vinyl fencing has the color digitally integrated, so it will not fade or chip away, and is highly resistant to weathering effects. Vinyl is perfect for boundary marking and keeping livestock penned in, although smaller livestock may be able to get through most vinyl fencing.
The bottom line is that if you are looking for a temporary fence, or if you simply want to mark off a large area of land, then vinyl is an excellent choice because of its low cost and low maintenance. Wood is a more durable fence, especially if you are trying to keep larger animals penned, and is more visually appealing than vinyl.
Essentially, if you want your fence to look nice and are willing to pay more for materials, as well as invest some time into the maintenance of the fence, then wood is a good choice.
