What Type of Fence Should I Get? Wood or Vinyl?

While these are not the only choices of fencing in this area (Raleigh, NC), I get asked this question (as I am sure most of the other Raleigh fence companies do to) by many of my customers.

The answer is not as easy as you might think. And there are many factors that will determine the best fence materials for your yard. Some fence companies may just try to sell you the more expensive vinyl fencing, citing it’s superior warranty and virtually no maintenance. Others may steer you to a wood fence, saying it has a better cost. While both of these answers are true, the real answer comes from you, the customer.

As a consumer, making a decision on which fence to purchase, make sure you have looked at why you are purchasing a fence. Do you need a fence to keep animals in, are you trying to create privacy, maybe you just want the decorative function a fence provides. Whatever the reason, these questions should be answered first, because if you are looking for privacy, chain link and aluminum will not provide it for you.

Also, what type of yard do you have? This question will be an important deciding factor in making a fence purchase. Here in the Raleigh/Durham NC area, some yards are better suited for PVC (vinyl) fencing than others. How you determine if your yard is well suited for building a vinyl fence is to look at the terrain of the fence.

Vinyl or PVC fencing is not well suited for steep sloping yards. Wood fencing, built onsite, can be built on almost any terrain.

While the PVC may be a better product, wood fencing is still the predominant type of fence for most yards. It is more cost effective despite the rising cost of building products, and when professionally installed, can be the decorative add on you have been looking for.

The PVC or vinyl fence costs roughly twice as much as the wood to have installed. But carries a lifetime warranty, has very little maintenance, and can actually increase the value of your home. Just keep in mind what the terrain of your yard is when deciding which type of fence to purchase.