Cost
Vinyl fencing will be a bit more expensive than wood. First of all, it is made from oil, just like other plastic products. And when oil goes up, so does everything made from it. Secondly, vinyl fencing warrants a higher price because of the fact that it is maintenance free and lasts practically forever, so it while it will be expensive to start out with, you will save money overtime. Wrought iron fencing can be very expensive, depending on what decorative features you choose. If you are on a tight budget, wood may be the choice for you.
Appearance
The only way to tell a vinyl fence from a wood fence is to touch it. The only style if have not seen yet in vinyl is bamboo, but since bamboo is fast becoming one of the top woods, it will not be long before there is a vinyl version. There are styles of vinyl fencing that mimic wrought iron designs, but it is easy to see the difference. The vinyl version is white and it does look like vinyl.
Maintenance
A vinyl fence will never need to be painted. Just take out the hose and wash it off. Wood fencing will need to be painted at least every other year, depending on the weather where you live. Wrought iron fencing also needs a lot of maintenance. Not only will the paint peel off, but it will rust as well. It is quite a job to remove the old paint, then the rust. And then repaint with a special paint that help rust proof the metal.
Durability
Vinyl fences will never split, crack, or splinter. But vinyl fencing may not be the fence of choice if you live in an area where the temperatures can fluctuate greatly. This can make vinyl fences expand and contract, leaving them vulnerable to damage. Wood, on the other hand, can do all three and this can be a safety concern for young children and pets. Vinyl is lighter in weight than wood, but its chemical properties make it denser and therefor more durable.
Styles
Vinyl fencing comes in all the same styles as wood does: panel, picket and split rail. And the panel fences come in dozens of styles and patterns. Some manufacturers have style that look like wrought iron, but it is not a varied as the wood styles. The one main style of fence that does not have a vinyl counterpart is chain link.
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