The white picket fence look is a classic and most people love to have that. However, wood fences are something that is not reliable enough for most people. They are easily damaged and can be a hassle for upkeep. With a vinyl picket fence, you will be getting a wonderful fence that looks just as good if not better than wood with a durable material that doesn’t need anywhere near the maintenance of a wooden picket fence.
These are great for providing a barrier for your children and pets as well as unwanted visitors while adding a more friendly appeal to the home without looking like a security wall. You could also get a much taller privacy fence with vinyl with the same look as a wooden privacy fence. Installation is equal to wood, which is to say it isn’t an easy task for the average joe whichever way you go, but it is possible if you know what you are doing.
Differences Vinyl and Wood
Durability
When it comes down to strength and durability, Vinyl will come out on top. It is able to take more of a beating before it becomes damaged than a wooden fence would, however it won’t fair well against a large object like a vehicle backing into it.
Style
Vinyl fences are generally made to mimic those of the wooden picket fence. In look they can be close to identical, each come in various designs and colors. The only difference is vinyl is limited to lighter colors such as white, cream and light grey.
Maintenance
Probably the biggest difference between the two is the amount of upkeep. Wooden fences will need to be painted every couple of years and or stained. Nails sometimes come lose and need to be replaced. They also tend to have a problem with mildew and need to be cleaned off.
Vinyl should not take much if any upkeep. It needs no paint and its construction won’t come lose like wood. However, it will develop mold/mildew like a wooden fence but it is much easier to clean off with a simple scrub brush and soap. Sometimes a wooden fence is stained by the mildew and will need to be repainted.
Price
Overall the construction will be about 50%-100% more than a wooden fence. In the long run you should save with vinyl as it shouldn’t cost for any upkeep. After years or repainting and repairing a wooden fence, eventually it will cost more.
Conclusion
In the end it is really up to your taste and style and what you want to spend. Maybe you are just a fan of keeping the purity to the white picket fence and want a wooden fence. If you don’t mind the upkeep of it then you will not be missing out on vinyl. However, if you are not a fan of upkeep and want your fence looking fresh and new for a much longer period of time without having to do anything other than an occasional wash, then vinyl is more your speed.