Fence Company In Westchester NY: PVC Plastic Fencing Vs. Wood Fencing
Fence Company In Westchester NY
Learn the pros and cons of PVC plastic or vinyl fencing versus wood fencing before deciding which material is best for your landscape fence with this comparison guide. Hire only the best fence company in Westchester NY to build your landscaping fence.
Fences are a significant and integral part of many properties. They offer security, privacy and safety for pets and kids. They can also help enhance frontage appeal and landscaping at the same time. There are many different types of fence materials used today, and wood and vinyl are two of the more well-known and popular choices.
With its long history, its many virtues, and its popularity, natural wood has long been seen as a prevalent material in the fencing market. Moreover, its natural look has made most homeowners prefer wood for fencing for a long time. However, over the years the fencing industry has seen a recently manufactured alternative material enter the market. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic is a petrol-based product that has various uses in the construction industry, and one of its several adaptations is for landscape fencing. Its popularity has exponentially risen over the years.
Thus, when it comes to replacing your old fence or planning to have one for the first time, you may ponder whether to go with a wood fence or a vinyl one. The two products have their own benefits and drawbacks, so here are some points you can consider before making your decision.
Durability And Maintenance
Professionals install wood fences with small gaps between pickets to allow wind to pass through, making them more averse to falling during high gusts. However, wood fences require sealing or staining on a regular basis to improve longevity and help protect them from natural elements—which, unfortunately, can be expensive and time-consuming. They are also subject to warping, rotting, or blistering. And although wood can last around 10 to 20 years, it will fall apart after some time, and you will have to restore and replace the fence’s damaged lumber.
Vinyl fencing, on the other hand, doesn’t require periodic maintenance and treatment, unlike wood fencing. Surface dirt and remains can be easily washed away by simply spraying from a garden hose. Vinyl fence usually fares well against inclement weather, extreme temperatures, and pests. Also, many vinyl fencing systems nowadays include reinforcements like aluminum for added strength and durability.
However, vinyl fences are more difficult to fix when glitches do arise—repair is typically a matter of replacing entire panels, not fixing individual elements.
Aesthetics
No one can deny the organic warmth and traditional feelings that exude from a wood fence. Its style and versatility will give you a wider selection of color choices since you can paint or stain wood in any shade that aligns with your preference. You can also pick from a variety of width, thickness and picket-top style that complement your house, deck or other outdoor features. Cedar and pressure-treated pine are two popular materials used for wood fencing. This implies that it’s an organic, all-natural choice of fencing material and will most likely appeal to people who are environment lovers. They also blend in well with trees, flowers and other natural backyard features. Moreover, it is easy to personalize the look of wood fences by adding planters and other ornaments such as pattern stencils on the boards.
Although the appearance of vinyl has improved over the last couple of years, and now you will find options with faux-wood grain and even find faux-stone looks, no one is going to mistake vinyl for wood. You can buy panels, decorative toppers, and rails off the shelf in a variety of colors and styles, but the overall look is less appealing. Its synthetic appearance stands out against natural background features. Vinyl fencing also offers fewer styles and color options, but there are enough choices available on the market today to let you find one that matches your property.
Installation
Both vinyl and wood fences are preferably installed by a professional fence company in Westchester NY. Both involve difficult tasks such as digging holes for each post, and in most situations include pouring a setting material (typically concrete) to support the posts in place while the fencing is threaded between them, making the installation a two-section process. Imagine doing it for 20 fence posts, and you can see why so many homeowners let a fencing company do the job.
But if you enjoy doing your own home renovation projects, wood fencing often requires on-site cutting, fitting, and nailing. On the other hand, installation of a vinyl fence is more simple since it comprises tongue and groove panels and pickets that can be connected easily with one another, thus, making fewer tools necessary and easier to install for an inexperienced homeowner.
Cost
Vinyl has a higher upfront cost than wood, typically. After your initial investment, however, you will not need to pay anything. Except for instances of extreme climate, your vinyl fencing should remain secure and in good condition for quite a long time without intensive maintenance and major fixes. Wood, while less expensive initially, does require periodic treatment and maintenance. And since wood does not last as long like vinyl, you will most likely need to replace the fence at some point in 10-20 years, which offsets higher costs in the long run.
When choosing between wood and vinyl fencing, also take the size of your project into consideration. If your budget is on the lower side yet your yard is huge, you might want to go with wood. However, if the area that you will be fencing is small and you can afford the initial cost, you can choose vinyl.
Choose The Material That Is Best For Your Landscape Fence
PVC plastic or vinyl fencing has made progress over the last couple of years, with additional colors and style options available in the market. Further, the price gap among PVC plastic and natural wood has now been diminished, with costs comparably identical when looking at the overall cost and expenses of the life of each fence. But while PVC plastic is actually durable and non-susceptible to rot, insects, and other debilitating factors, it needs regular cleaning. And even though the best vinyl fencing products will not be as refined in appearance as natural wood fencing, it is a still a great choice when your main objective is an enduring fence that will not decay or need painting or recoloring.
When you are ready to replace or put up a new wood or vinyl fence, it is best to contact a professional fence company in Westchester NY.
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