Are you considering a plastic fence vs. a wood fence? First, let us admit—there is something rustic and beautiful about a (well-maintained) wood fence. But that beauty quickly fades when the fence becomes weather-worn, damaged, or rotten.
Good news! Advances in new engineering materials have made the modern plastic fence (or vinyl fence) a worthy alternative.
But is a plastic fence right for you? How does it compare to a traditional wooden fence regarding things like beauty, construction, and home value?
It’s time we made a head-to-head comparison of plastic vs. wood fences for your home.
Table of Contents
- Wood Fencing: Pros and Cons
- Plastic Fencing: Pros and Cons
- Is a Vinyl Fence the Same Thing?
- Comparing Vinyl vs. Wood Privacy Fences?
- Download Product Brochures
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Considering Aluminum vs Wood Fencing?
- Want to Learn More About Plastic Fence Installation?
Wood Fencing: Pros and Cons
Wood fencing is a traditional way, and many older houses sport this kind of fencing. It offers a variety of styles, but if you want something outside of a few industry-standard types, you will need to hire a carpenter to do a custom job.
Pros: Advantages of a Wood Fence
For all the nostalgia tied up in wood, there are only a few benefits for a homeowner or property owner:
- “Rustic” look that some people appreciate and enjoy
- Close-picket styles of wood fences offer a little more privacy (though there are both wood and plastic privacy fences available)
- Ability to customize
Cons: What Makes a Wood Fence Difficult
Many of the cons of a wood fence have to do with the material and its maintenance:
- It needs painting or staining to get the color you want
- Quickly rots/degrades if you don’t paint or stain immediately
- Paint or stain will need to be reapplied every few years
- Is prone to warp, shrink, and crack with the weather
- Easily damaged with severe weather or collision
- Prone to pests (such as carpenter bees)
- Prone to splintering and exposed nails
- Repairs are frequently needed because of the above
- It can be rather costly, especially if you are getting a custom-style
(shown) CertainTeed Danbury Select Cedar Texture
Plastic Fencing: Pros and Cons
Today’s plastic fencing is not like the plastic fences of your father’s generation. Most have lost that “cheap vinyl” look and can now mimic the shape and feel of wooden fencing. This makes plastic fencing an excellent overall compromise between budget and beauty. Plus, they’re significantly more straightforward to maintain than wood fences.
Pros: Advantages of a Plastic Fence
There are different brands and types of plastic fences, but they all share a few qualities in common:
- Do not need painting or staining (they come pre-colored, with a variety of colors available)
- They come in a variety of popular styles; some even mimic the look of wood
- Resist the elements (including intense sun, rain, snow, etc.)
- Do not warp, bend, or shrink (significantly) with temperature
- Do not rot with moisture
- Resistant to pests
- Easy to wash/clean
- It does not splinter; fasteners are not exposed
- Costs less than most other fencing options
- Available in privacy fence styles, too
Cons: Why Some People Still Resist the Plastic Fence
Much of the reason you don’t see more plastic fences is psychology. People associate “plastic” with “cheap” or “fake.”
But here’s an industry secret—many fences you see nowadays are plastic or vinyl. People overlook that, and the fences look so good! So, there are more plastic fences out there than you might think.
Here are some reasons people give for still resisting plastic fences:
- Less sturdy/robust than decorative steel or aluminum
- Harder to get unusual custom styles
- The homeowner still knows that it is not a “traditional” wood fence
Another issue some people have is that they’re worried their white vinyl fence will stain or fade over time. And for low-quality models, that might occur.
But when you work with a trustworthy company, the vinyl fence panels will typically be treated with a protective coating, preventing that fading and staining altogether.
Is a Vinyl Fence the Same Thing?
In a word, “Yes.”
These days, most “plastic” fences are made of PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, resin, the same material they use to create modern plumbing pipes, sign material, and several other products that need solid and maintenance-free.
The PVC resin is combined with other key ingredients that improve its sturdiness and weather resistance, making it an ideal fence material.
So, if a company offers you a vinyl fence, they use the industry name for what most people call a plastic fence. (So beware of the company that tries to “upsell” you a vinyl fence over their plastic one! Either the plastic fence is low quality, or they are trying to charge you more for the same product.)
Comparing Vinyl vs Wood Privacy Fences?
Are you in the market for a privacy fence? The good news is that we have a great article that compares vinyl vs. a wood privacy fence. This guide will compare durability, maintenance, cost, design, material, and more.
[READ THE GUIDE HERE] Download Product Brochures
- CertainTeed / Bufftech Fencing (vinyl / simulated)
- Elite Fencing Products (aluminum)
- Ameristar Fending (steel)
[ More Downloads ]
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions when comparing wood and plastic fences.
Are Plastic Fences Any Good?
In short, they are. They’re probably better than you’d expect, too.
Plastic fences have come a long way over the years.
What was once considered a cheap, brittle fencing option is now one of the market’s most durable and stylish fencing types.
Plastic fences are made from weather-resistant and especially tough PVC; vinyl fencing is engineered to withstand the elements and general wear and tear for decades.
A plastic fence will typically last 30 years or more—twice as long as a maintained wood fence. The industry’s best plastic fences can last as long as 100 years!
Beyond that, plenty of style options are available today, from privacy or contemporary to traditional or classic.
Is a Vinyl Fence Better Than a Wood Fence?
CertainTeed Rothbury Style Fence In A Concave Design
The short answer here is yes.
Vinyl fences are:
- More durable
- Have a longer lifetime
- Are easier to maintain
- Come in a wide variety of styles and colors
- Are easy to install
However, some people may still be drawn to the “rustic” look of wood fencing.
On top of that, vinyl fences usually come in pre-made slats, while wood fencing has unlimited customization options.
That said, vinyl fencing styles have made massive advancements over the years.
Today, plastic fencing can be made to resemble natural wood or even stone in look and feel.
Is PVC or Wood Fence Cheaper?
Wood fencing, without a doubt, has the cheaper upfront pricing.
According to HomeAdvisor, a wood fence costs $12 per linear foot on average. On the other hand, a vinyl fence costs about $17 per linear foot.
The cost of materials for your unique project may vary based on style, terrain, and other factors.
But PVC fence costs are generally higher than wood fence materials.
Are Vinyl Fences Worth It?
While the initial costs of a vinyl fence may be higher than other materials, those costs are worth it in the long run.
Here are a few other factors that make vinyl fencing the most cost-effective option.
- Labor – Since vinyl fences are typically easier to install, labor costs may be lower. The same guide from HomeAdvisor mentioned above lists vinyl labor costs as $7 per foot and wood as $12 per foot. That makes the total price (materials + labor) the same for both options.
- Maintenance – A wood fence requires more labor than a plastic fence. For instance, you must clean, prep, and paint/stain a wood fence at least every three years to protect the wood. Vinyl, on the other hand, does not require any regular maintenance. Plus, cleaning takes a quick rinse. All of this translates to less time spent on upkeep and more time spent enjoying your backyard.
- Lifetime – Last but not least, a vinyl fence is made from highly durable materials that don’t corrode as quickly as wood. As a result, a plastic fence will typically have twice the lifespan of a properly maintained wood fence (maybe even six times for the highest quality fences).
Considering Aluminum vs a Wood Fence?
Dig into this popular post that compares aluminum vs wood fencing here.
Want to Learn More About Plastic Fence Installation?
If you feel ready to try plastic or vinyl fencing, you can start by picking out a style that works for you.
We hope you’ll consider us to handle your fence installation if you live in the St. Louis area.
We are also proud to have earned– and kept– our A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Our team will work with you to choose the right products and help plan your fence before construction begins.
For more about installation with us, see our FAQ. Or better yet, contact us for a free onsite estimate!
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