You want to install a fence around your backyard to create a sense of privacy or keep your kids and pets safe when they're playing outside. If you have a swimming pool, you may need to install a fence to follow local codes and regulations. You have several options to choose from for backyard fences, such as wood, aluminum, or vinyl.
Take a close look at some vinyl fence pros and cons to see if it's the right material for your backyard or swimming pool fence.
Pro: Low Maintenance
If you want a fence that is pretty much "install it and forget it," vinyl might be the best option for you. Vinyl fences are known for being low maintenance. Compared to wood fences, vinyl fences won't rot, nor is there a chance that termites will eat them. You also don't have to stain or paint vinyl fences or reseal them to protect them from the weather. Vinyl is a naturally weather-resistant material that humidity, rain, or snow won't damage.
Vinyl fences are also easy to clean. Since vinyl is a non-porous material, you don't have to worry about dirt or stains seeping into the fencing material. If you notice a streak of dirt or some algae growing on the fence, all you need to do is wipe it away with a damp rag. You can also hose down the fence to remove any dirt, leaves, or other debris from time to time.
Pro: Multiple Styles Are Available
You have plenty of styles to choose from if you decide to install a vinyl fence. Vinyl fences come in a range of heights, including four-foot and six-foot, both of which are ideal for privacy fences. If you have a pet who's a jumper and your HOA allows it, you might consider installing an eight-foot vinyl fence to keep the pet from leaping out of your yard.
You can also choose the style of pickets that most appeal to you for your vinyl fence. The pickets can have some spacing between them, giving you some privacy while allowing some airflow and light into your yard. If total privacy is your goal, look for a fence with solid panels or pickets closely spaced together.
You can add a decorative touch to your vinyl fence by choosing a design with a lattice trim along the top or by choosing decorative fence posts or pointy pickets.
Finally, you also have some choice when it comes to fence color. While white is a popular pick for vinyl fences, colors such as brown, tan, and gray are also available.
Pro: Durability
Vinyl fencing tends to have a long life, thanks to the strength and durability of the material. Depending on the fence you choose and the conditions in your area, your vinyl fence could look great and protect your yard for up to 30 years. Many vinyl fences also come with warranties that offer protection if the fence becomes damaged.
Vinyl's durability comes down to a few factors. First, it's water-resistant. Vinyl won't rust like an iron fence, nor will it rot like wood. Termites and other pests won't eat it.
Vinyl is somewhat flexible, which means it can withstand wind storms better than more structured or rigid fencing materials.
Con: Higher Upfront Cost
Vinyl can be the ideal fencing material in many situations, but it does have some potential drawbacks. One of those drawbacks is its upfront cost. Vinyl fences tend to cost more than wood or aluminum fences.
For homeowners who choose a vinyl fence, the higher upfront cost can be worth it in the long run. If you pay more for a vinyl fence, and it lasts you more than twice as long as a wood fence, you end up saving money over time. Plus, you don't have to spend a lot on regular maintenance or upkeep with a vinyl fence. On the other hand, a wood fence might have a lower upfront price tag but requires you to invest in sealers or paint every year or so. Over time, those costs add up.
Con: Limited Recycling Options
Another potential drawback of a vinyl fence for your backyard is what happens at the end of the fence's life. It can be more challenging to recycle vinyl or find a way to reuse the material than aluminum or wood fencing.
If the fence's end-of-life is a concern for you, rest assured that its end-of-life won't be for decades. In some cases, it's better to choose the option with the longest life than something that won't last as long.
HOA Affordable Fence Builders can help you choose the vinyl fence that's just right for your backyard or pool. Check out our cost guide for information about budgeting for a new fence.
