There are so many fencing options today that many people can’t easily choose between vinyl or wood fence installation in Cowlitz County, WA. To choose the right fence material for your home or business, you first need to consider things like your desired level of maintenance, budget, durability and aesthetics. Once you have a general idea of what you want from your fence, you can work with your fencing contractor to narrow down your options and make the ultimate decision.
When choosing between a vinyl or wooden fence, here’s what you need to keep in mind:
- Budget: Budget, of course, is a major factor in your fence choice. Not only do you need to think about the cost of the fencing and installation itself, but you also should think about how the maintenance requirements will impact your budget in the future. While vinyl is usually more expensive than wood, it requires very little maintenance or repair when compared to wood. Wood fences tend to be less expensive, but you will spend more time and money over the long term to keep them in good condition. Since the labor and installation costs are about the same, you might choose to spring for vinyl and enjoy the less-intensive maintenance plan.
- Maintenance and upkeep: All fences require some sort of maintenance and upkeep over the years, but the material makes a big difference. Wood is beautiful and natural—unfortunately, it’s also prone to rotting and collapsing, and is harder to clean. You might need to re-stain your fence every few years to maintain the desired color as it naturally ages. Vinyl fencing typically requires a good scrub with soap and water once or twice a year, and you’ll never have to worry about rot and warping. Since Washington is a very rainy state, vinyl fencing is a very attractive option for many property owners.
- Design and aesthetics: If everything seems equal so far, you might be able to narrow your choice down by considering the aesthetic aspect of your fence. Wood is incredibly versatile and can be made into hundreds of different designs, but vinyl fences are more limited. You can still get gates, posts, pickets and panels in a number of configurations, but you’ll be more limited in design and colors. If you have a very specific vision, wood fencing might be the best choice.
- Durability: Finally, both vinyl and wood fencing are quite durable when they’re kept up properly—again, the maintenance factor might be the determining point for many customers. Vinyl is virtually indestructible, whereas a sturdy wood fence can last indefinitely as long as you stay on top of repairs and panel replacements.
For many people, vinyl fencing is a low-maintenance, durable choice with enough attractive options that they’re happy to pay more at the outset. Others might decide that wood fencing is better for their vision. Whatever you choose, Hargrove Fence Co., Inc. is happy to help you with your wood or vinyl fence installation in Cowlitz County, WA. Call us today to get started.