When it comes to natural good looks, there’s little that can compete with a wooden fence. Those good looks come with a significant downside, however. You’ll need to strip each board and reapply varnish every couple of years.
Eventually, all wood will start to rot. It’s also susceptible to insect damage. With that in mind, wood might not be the best option for your Orlando fence. But what do you choose instead?
Vinyl Has Made a Comeback
And that’s not just on your record player. Vinyl has been gaining a lot of popularity as a fencing material over the last few years. It’s popular because:
- It’s virtually indestructible compared to wood. It doesn’t rot. It will eventually show signs of weathering, but not for decades.
- It’s inedible. There are plenty of insects and fungi that love nothing better than a nice bit of wood.
- It’s resistant to fire. Vinyl can burn, but it requires higher temperatures to ignite.
- It comes in a range of different colors and textures. Vinyl products have come a long way since they were first developed. You’re not going to mistake them for wood up close.But from a little way away, they look just like wood.
- It’s practically maintenance-free. At most, you might want to squirt it down with the hose from time to time. There is no real other maintenance to speak of.
- It’s strong.
What’s the Catch?
If vinyl is so great, why do so many people opt for wooden fences instead? The main issue is cost. You’re going to pay a fair amount more upfront for your fence. Wood is cheaper.
That said, vinyl doesn’t cost you anything to maintain and is much more durable. Over the long term, it will end up being the most cost-effective option.
Also, to be fair, there is a depth of color and richness to real wood that vinyl simply can’t duplicate.
What About Installation?
You’re pretty much looking at the same amount of work for both types of materials. Both materials need to be appropriately secured. You can get vinyl in panels that interlock together, so that’s easier.
Other than that, you may want to reinforce larger panels with an aluminum backing to make them that much more secure. Wood is more substantial, so it doesn’t require this step.
Or, why not make it even easier on yourself and let us worry about installing it for you?
Types of Fences
You get a wide range of choice. Here are some options:
- An ordinary but pretty picket fence
- Large privacy panels
- Interlocking beams
- A post and rail fence
There are tons of options to choose from here. If it can be made into a fence, you’ll find it.
Final Notes
There’s no denying that wood is a timeless classic. That said, for our money, we’d rather keep it on the inside of our homes. It’s much easier to maintain if it’s not exposed to the elements.
Vinyl may be pricier upfront, but there’s practically no upkeep down the line. In our books, that, and its durability, make it the clear winner.