Composite vs. Vinyl Fences: Pros, Cons, and Costs

Want to make your yard more secure and private? You can choose from several types of fencing, including composite fencing and vinyl fencing. Both types of fences are stronger and last longer than wood fences. Learn more about vinyl vs. composite fencing to pick the perfect fence for your home.

Composite fences and vinyl fences look very similar, which can make it easy to tell them apart. These two decorative products are very different in many ways, especially in the materials they are made from. Wood and recycled plastic are mixed together to make composite fencing. Vinyl fences, on the other hand, are made from vinyl alone. That said, the difference in materials is the biggest difference between them.

What Is a Composite Fence?

Composite fences are made from a mixture of wood and plastic. This makes them very strong and durable. These fences come in a variety of colors and types, such as the classic white picket fence or privacy panel fence.

Some of the people that composite fences are best suited for are:

• People who want to go green
• People who want a privacy fence that is easy to maintain
• People who want the look of wood without maintenance

Advantages of Composite Fencing

One of the advantages of composite fences is that they are more environmentally friendly than other types of fences. They are not made from new materials, but from old materials that have already been used. They do not need to be treated with chemicals like some types of wood fences.

Composite materials also have a long lifespan. After years of exposure to the elements and other weather conditions, it will still look good. With proper care, most composite fences will last at least 25 years.

Composite fences are also easy to maintain. Even if you don’t paint or stain them, they will still look great. In addition, the boards will not bend or break over time.

Disadvantages of Composite Fences

The biggest disadvantage of composite fences is that they are expensive. Composite fences cost much more than vinyl or wood fences. Even though composite fences have a higher upfront cost than vinyl or wood fences, they are often the cheaper option in the long run. This is because composite fences last longer and don’t require as much maintenance.

Another drawback to composite fences is that they can fade in the sun. Darker-colored fence panels may be more prone to fading. If your yard gets a lot of sun, it’s best to choose a light-colored wood fence.

It’s also not a good idea to paint a composite fence because the chemicals in the paint may harm the composite material. That said, if you want to change the color of your fence, a composite fence is not a good choice.

What Is a Vinyl Fence?

PVC is a tough, strong plastic used to make vinyl fences. Vinyl fences come in a variety of styles, just like composite fences. They can be simple fences or privacy panels.

There are usually groups of people for whom vinyl fences are suitable:

• Families on a tight budget
• People who want a low-maintenance fence option
• Families who want a fence that will last for a long time

Advantages of Vinyl Fencing

Vinyl fences cost less than composite fences. Vinyl fences, like composite fences, last at least 20 years, so you’re getting a good deal.

There are not many styles of vinyl fencing, but there are several. Examples include closely spaced fences and semi-privacy fences with openings between the fences. You can also get fences with lattice tops. A vinyl fence supplier in your area can help you pick the style that best suits your home.

To maintain a vinyl fence, you don’t need to paint, stain, or seal it. Your fence may only need to be cleaned every so often to keep it looking good.

Disadvantages of Vinyl Fencing

Vinyl is not an environmentally friendly material. Old vinyl fences cannot be recycled and dangerous chemicals are released during the manufacturing process.

Another problem with vinyl fencing is that it doesn’t always hold its shape. In very hot weather, the panels or posts may bend. And in very cold weather, vinyl fencing may crack. If the weather is very harsh where you live, you may need to choose another type of fence.

Which Type of Fence is Best for You

When it comes to low-maintenance fencing materials, should you choose a composite fence or a vinyl fence? Choose the right material for your situation.

Appearance

In terms of appearance, composite fences are more aesthetically pleasing. Vinyl fences are usually shiny white plastic-like and may not look as nice as composite fences. Composite fences look and feel like wood and can give you a wood-like aesthetic. In addition, composite fences come in many different colors or styles.

Options and Customization

Vinyl fences don’t have as many styles to choose from. Composite fences, on the other hand, are available in a wide range of colors and can be changed to match the style and look of your house.

On the other hand, if you can’t find the style of fence design you want, you can also seek the help of a composite fence manufacturer. Some composite fence manufacturers can also offer specialized customization services, such as COOWIN.

Durability

Both composite and plastic fences can last for many years, so it’s a tie. Both types of fencing can last 20 years or more.

Construction Costs

For the most part, vinyl fences are cheaper than composite fences. This is because vinyl is a much more common material that is easy to find. Both vinyl and composite fences are easy to take care of, so they are not very expensive to maintain.

Ease of Installation

With either vinyl or composite fencing, you may need to hire a local fence installer. However, installing a composite fence is easy. They slide into place and weigh less than vinyl fences.

Maintenance and Repair

Again, both composite and vinyl fences are easy to maintain, so there is no clear winner. Neither fencing material requires painting or sealing work, and they just won’t rot or rust like wood fences.

If you notice that dirt or spots are starting to build up on either type of fence, just give it a quick clean every once in a while. Vinyl or composite fences can be cleaned with regular soap and water. You may need to use a soft bristle brush to remove spots that cannot be removed.

Environmentally Friendly

When it comes to being eco-friendly, composite is a worthy winner, being made from recyclable materials. People have made a lot of composite fencing from things that would otherwise be thrown away. Examples of plastic materials are plastic sandwich bags, shopping bags, and dry cleaning bags. If you make a composite fence from recycled wood or used sawdust, you don’t need to cut down more trees.

To Summarize

Whether it’s a composite fence or a vinyl fence, you can get more out of life. Take your own situation into consideration and ask your family for their opinion. Then you can build your own privacy fence.