I’m getting ready to replace an old split rail fence with a new privacy fence in NC. I’ve seen plenty of wood privacy fences before, and they always look great when installed, but a few years later they seem to take a lot of abuse from the sun. Anyone have any experience with vinyl? Vinyl cost more up front, but I think it lasts much longer with minimum maintenance. Any thoughts and feedback is appreciated.
UPDATE Privacy fence- wood vs vinyl
- Thread starter republion
- Start date
From my understanding, vinyl may require a light pressure wash every couple of years, but aside from that, not much else.
This, if even that. No painting, sealing, etc.
We had a screen porch redone with vinyl and composites, and my experience has been that an annual hose-down pretty much does it.
You're reading my mind. I'm in the same predicament and have been going back and forth. If I end up with vinyl or Trex, I will go with a "wood-look" that has the color and embossing of wood. My only concern is the same as yours....the sun. If I'm dumping 30-40k I don't want this thing faded in 5 years. My backyard gets pounded. House is 2 years old and the solar-defense vinyl siding is holding up really well so far. During my research it's tough to find many that have UV protection.
I'm not afraid of maintenance and would prefer that over vinyl if it's going to hold up better in the long run. I have seen some really shabby looking vinyl fences over the years and it's usually due to the sun. Especially, darker colored ones Like I prefer.
I'm not afraid of maintenance and would prefer that over vinyl if it's going to hold up better in the long run. I have seen some really shabby looking vinyl fences over the years and it's usually due to the sun. Especially, darker colored ones Like I prefer.
Regardless of what you select, get ready for sticker shock $$$ when you start soliciting bids. The price of both wood and vinyl fence materials have skyrocketed as supplies have dwindled.
I would try everything to extend the life of your current fence, if possible.
Last edited:
I think wood looks better with the razor wire.
I live in south florida. No need to say we get pounded by the sun. We have vinyl. Don't even bother with wood. Maybe a pressure was every couple of years at most. We have been in our place for 3 years and the fence is so white you need sunglasses when looking at it. I have had wood before and this is a no brainer get vinyl. No one down here has wood. That should tell you all you need to know. Everyone has vinyl.
Lots of great replies y’all. Thanks for your input. I’m getting quotes from $10K to $13K on wood. Waiting on vinyl quotes.
That's interesting because here in central Texas vinyl is practically nonexistent, everyone uses wood.
I've had a vinyl fence (not a privacy fence, but that's irrelevant to the comment I'm about to make) for about 15 years. Looks as good as it did the day it was installed, although I do give it a pressure wash every couple of years.
The only complaint I have, and it's minor, is that it shows marks from my mower wheels when I accidentally bump up against it. I supposed "stop mowing so close to the fence" would be the best solution for that. The marks are almost impossible to remove, although I found a cleaner last summer that does a decent job of it, especially in combination with a Mr. Clean magic eraser. It still takes some effort but with enough elbow grease the marks do eventually come off.
The only complaint I have, and it's minor, is that it shows marks from my mower wheels when I accidentally bump up against it. I supposed "stop mowing so close to the fence" would be the best solution for that. The marks are almost impossible to remove, although I found a cleaner last summer that does a decent job of it, especially in combination with a Mr. Clean magic eraser. It still takes some effort but with enough elbow grease the marks do eventually come off.
Might I ask how many linear feet, number of gates etc? I'm curious to learn $/foot
I put up a 6 foot white vinyl fence 15 yrs ago that I bought from lowes. It still looks as good as the day I bought it. Only requires a power wash every few yrs
UPDATE- thanks all for the information and feedback. Based on the brain trust here, I have decided to go with vinyl fence.
The product is called Homeland Vinyl Products. From my limited research, Freedom seems to be a big player in the vinyl fence game, but the fence guy I’m going with swears by Homeland, hence my choice to go with Homeland. If anyone knows of any reason to steer clear of the Homeland brand, please let me know. Otherwise, I’m getting ready to drop a crap ton of money on a fricking fence
The product is called Homeland Vinyl Products. From my limited research, Freedom seems to be a big player in the vinyl fence game, but the fence guy I’m going with swears by Homeland, hence my choice to go with Homeland. If anyone knows of any reason to steer clear of the Homeland brand, please let me know. Otherwise, I’m getting ready to drop a crap ton of money on a fricking fence
I’ve heard of throwing a flag for talking about women without including pics, but fences?!?
I swear, no pics I melt it with fire. And also, what’s gonna be kept inside this fence?I’ve heard of throwing a flag for talking about women without including pics, but fences?!?
Wood. All 3 inches.
Most in our neighborhood are white and they seem to get a green tint to them, most likely from grass mowing and need a pressure washing every now once in a while, just like siding.
Could be mold too. That’s what gets on the fencing in my neighborhood. It’s a simple wash with some type of mold killing solution (mold armor or similar). Often don’t even need a pressure washer unless you let it go for a long time.
Get unlimited access today.