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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 materials for your project. Some 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 towards wood fencing, because of the cost. While both of these answers are true, the decision comes from you, the customer.

As a consumer making a decision on which type to purchase, make sure you have looked the purpose it is serving. Do you need a fence to keep animals in, are you trying to create privacy, maybe you just want it to define a space or provide decoration. 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 your 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 suited for vinyl is to look at the slope of the terrain and land.

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

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

PVC or vinyl costs roughly twice as much as wood to have installed, while both have a lifetime warranty and very little maintenance, and both will 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.