Vinyl Vs. Wood

How does the cost of vinyl fencing compare with traditional wood fences?

INITIAL COST -  when compared to wood vinyl (PVC) is slightly higher for the material costs in all regions of the world and the difference varies from area to area.

LONG TERM COST – Good quality wood is becoming more scarce, and prices increase substantially on an ongoing basis.  When all the varied cost factors are taken into account over the life of your fence, vinyl becomes the true money saver, and your best option.

MAINTENANCE FACTOR – Paint or Stain or Replace?  Many owners opt to replace the wood fence in 5-15 years rather than treat it.  Yearly maintenance costs (labor, paint, replacement boards, etc) are daunting, and increasing as well.  What is your time worth?

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES – Arsenic and other chemical poisons in paints and treatments for wood or iron leach into the soil and affect ground waters, and can harm pets and children with contact (this is especially an issue in decks, gates and railings where contact is more frequent) (EPA handbook on CCA)  Vinyl is safe for humans and animals and does not leach anything into the soil.

FIRE! – Vinyl has one of the best flame spread ratings, and the highest flashpoints of all plastics, higher even than most hardwoods, therefore much harder to ignite than a wood fence.  It does not support combustion, and actually inherently “snuffs out” flames as they approach.  Fumes produced are safer than burning some foods on your kitchen stove!  (The Vinyl Institute)

FAMILY FRIENDLY – Vinyl does not crack, chip or sliver, a real bonus for your children, or for you if you are handling it on installation. The whole family will enjoy a safe and happy time on or around your deck, fence or railing, no wasted time scraping, painting, staining or replacing!  It is much safer too:  it is said that a child playing on a CCA treated wood deck for two weeks, will absorb more arsenic than he should in all of his lifetime!

A LIFETIME INVESTMENT – Considering all these important factors, it is obvious that vinyl is a cost saver, but more importantly, vinyl is a sound, financially viable and eco-friendly investment in the future of your home. Not a long-term investment, but a Lifetime Investment in the future of your family.