Building a fence in a backyard is all about making a commitment to securing and adding beauty to the landscape. With a great selection of materials as well as project support, you can build an incredible fence on your own. In the early planning stages, you might be stuck on the question of whether a wood fence or vinyl fence would be the best material choice for a Union County, NJ, backyard. Here’s what you need to know.
The Advantages of a Wood Fence
Wood has long been used as a fencing material. A well-built and well-maintained fence will make a property secure and beautiful for generations. Wood is extremely versatile when used as a fencing material. It can be adapted to any design, whether modern or traditional. Wood is also relatively easy to work with. It’s filled with character, and well-cared for, it will last a very long time.
The Disadvantages of a Wood Fence
As a completely natural material, wood may deteriorate over time because of the forces of weather. After a few years, a brand-new looking piece of wood can develop a gray patina. It can also become brittle and start to cause splinters. That’s why a wood fence typically needs to be stained or painted at least once every three years to keep the surface of the wood intact. While fairly straightforward, this can become an expensive and time-consuming project that continues for as long as you are responsible for the fence.
Depending on its shape, a wood fence can also be vulnerable to weather conditions. A privacy fence with its large and flat profile can be blown over by strong gusts of wind or fall to the pressure of tall drifts of snow. Wood has a tendency to warp and splinter over time, even when it’s sealed.
The Advantages of a Vinyl Fence
Vinyl has been taking the fencing world by storm, largely even replacing wood as one of the most popular materials. Vinyl is molded and cut in a manufacturing facility to ensure a precision fit and faster assembly. Vinyl can either look exactly like a painted wood fence, effectively mimicking the wood grain, or it can take on its own sleek modern shape and design. This makes vinyl more versatile in situations where a wood fence is too rustic.
Vinyl does not need to be stained or painted at any point in its lifespan. The color is inherent to the fence and won’t flake off. Vinyl is tough and can stand up to wild fluctuations in humidity and temperature without warping, unlike wood.
The Disadvantages of a Vinyl Fence
There are actually very few disadvantages to a vinyl fence. In high moisture areas, mold growth can occur, but this can be simply scrubbed off with soap and water and it will typically only happen after sustained periods of rain in the summer. One potential disadvantage is the lack of color choices. However, vinyl fencing is available in the most popular fence colors that complement a variety of home styles.
Both wood and vinyl fences from ActiveYards come in pre-assembled panels that simply snap securely onto the posts. This simplified installation makes ActiveYards fencing attractive to both DIY customers and contractors.
Comments