Your fence is an investment. So what type of fence will serve you best in the long run?
Let’s say you just moved into your dream house and are planning on starting a family. But what kind of fence should you invest in?
Wood usually has the lowest initial price. However, wood will need repeat sealing, staining, or painting to hold up against the elements. And all of these tasks are recurring costs.
Vinyl often has a higher upfront cost compared to wood. While vinyl does not need staining it does need routine cleaning and occasional repairs.
Aluminum often has the highest upfront cost out of the three, but it requires the lowest care. It is not as brittle as vinyl and only really needs occasional washing.
How does wood, vinyl, and aluminum fences hold up 5-10 years down the line?
By year 5 your kid is seemingly never out of energy. They’re sprinting through your backyard, letting their imagination run wild alongside your beloved dog. By this age, kids are quite the handful.
So, can you keep up with the consistent maintenance of a wooden fence? It’s okay, chores like fence maintenance often get lost under the hustle and bustle of parenting.
Vinyl does not warp or rot like wooden fences. But dirt, grime, and mildew can build up on them. Luckily, you can just scrub them clean with soap and water. You can even apply car wax or a protective sealant to restore the shine.
Our aluminum fences hold up against that kind of grime and just need to be rinsed down with a hose.
10-20 years?
In this decade, kids are turning into moody teenagers. They are inviting friends over, joining sports teams, and occasionally causing trouble.
At the same time, wooden fences often show serious wear. Boards can warp, crack, or rot, and posts may shift or fail. At this point, you’re facing larger repairs or full replacements.
Vinyl often lasts longer, but may become brittle with age and sun exposure. So when your kid crashes into a section, they might crack or break. And when they do, the entire panel will need to be replaced.
Aluminum fences are designed to last 20-30 years with minimal intervention. They do not rot, warp or become brittle over time. And they can certainly take their fair share of horse play.
20-30 years? Which fence is still looking good?
Your kid is no longer a kid. They’re going to college, moving out, and embarking on their career. You’re ready to retire and enjoy life.
But by this age, most wooden fences have been completely replaced. That’s a whole new fence, you have to pay for and install!
When Vinyl reaches this age, they often become discolored or chalky. At this point, they most likely need a new coat of paint. Which is certainly less expensive than a whole new wooden fence.
But aluminum is still going strong. The powder‑coated finish is engineered to keep its color and smooth surface for decades. Most installations are still looking sharp after 30 years with only basic cleaning. And to think, when you installed it, your college grad was just a baby.