Is Composite Fencing Pricier Than Vinyl?
Not With NewGen Depot Wholesale prices
When choosing a fence for your yard, cost is often a big deal. Two popular options are composite and vinyl fencing. Let's look at whether composite fencing costs more than vinyl. We'll explore what these fences are made of, how long they last, how much care they need, and their overall value to help you pick the right fence for your home.
Key Points: Composite vs Vinyl Fencing
- Composite fencing is made from recycled plastic and wood, while vinyl fencing is made from PVC plastic
- Composite fences typically cost $20-$85 per linear foot, vinyl fences cost $15-$40 per linear foot
- Both types last 20-30+ years with minimal maintenance
- Composite fencing offers more color and style options that look like real wood
- Vinyl fencing is more budget-friendly but can look more artificial
- Composite fencing is more eco-friendly, using recycled materials
- Vinyl fencing may warp in extreme heat or crack in very cold temperatures
- Both resist rot, pests, and moisture better than wood fencing
- Installation costs for both types range from $5-$15 per linear foot
Understanding Composite and Vinyl Fencing
Composite fencing is made from a mix of recycled plastic and wood fibers, while vinyl fencing is made purely from PVC plastic. This difference affects how they look and perform over time. Composite fencing often looks more like natural wood, while vinyl fencing has a more uniform, plastic-like appearance. Composite fencing comes in more textures and finishes, which can make your yard look nicer.
Initial Costs: Composite vs. Vinyl
Composite fencing usually costs more upfront than vinyl. Here's what you might expect to pay:
- Composite fencing: $20 - $85 per linear foot - Vinyl fencing: $15 - $40 per linear foot - Installation costs for both: $5 - $15 per linear footComposite fencing can cost up to twice as much as vinyl for the materials alone. It's more expensive because it's harder to make and uses better materials. The wood in composite fencing is treated to stop it from rotting or getting eaten by bugs, which helps it last longer. The recycled plastic in composite fencing is also high-quality, making it stronger and better over time.
Long-Term Value: Durability and Maintenance
Even though composite fencing costs more at first, it often gives you better value over time. Here's why:
- Durability: Composite fences can last 20-30 years or more, just like vinyl fences. The wood fibers in composite fencing make it stronger and better at handling hits and weather.
- Weather Resistance: Composite fencing handles extreme temperatures better than vinyl, which can warp in heat or crack in cold. Composite fencing expands and contracts less in changing temperatures, so it's less likely to get damaged.
- Maintenance: Both need little care, but composite fencing often looks better over time without needing to be replaced. If composite fencing gets scratched, it's less noticeable because the color goes all the way through the material.
For example, the Composite Fence Co-extrusion in Walnut from NewGen Depot is made to handle tough weather and not fade. It has a special outer layer that protects it from sun damage and keeps its color, so it looks good for a long time.
Environmental Considerations
If you care about the environment, composite fencing might be worth the extra cost:
- Recycled Materials: Composite fencing is often made from recycled plastics and wood fibers, which means less waste. This helps keep materials out of landfills and reduces the need for new plastic and wood.
- Longevity: Because it lasts longer, less composite fencing ends up in landfills over time. You don't need to replace it as often, which is better for the environment.
- No Chemical Treatments: Unlike some wood fences, composite doesn't need chemicals to keep bugs and rot away. This means no harmful stuff leaking into the soil over time.
Vinyl vs Composite Fencing Comparison
Aesthetic Value
Many homeowners prefer how composite fencing looks:
- Natural Appearance: Composite can look more like real wood. It can have realistic wood grain patterns that are hard to tell apart from real wood from far away.
- Color Options: Both composite and vinyl come in different colors, but composite often has more natural-looking choices. The colors in composite fencing can be mixed to look more like real wood.
- Fade Resistance: Good quality composite fencing, like the Light Gray Composite Fence Co-extrusion, is made to not fade over time. It has special ingredients that protect it from sun damage, so it keeps its color for years.
Making Your Decision
When choosing between composite and vinyl fencing, think about:
- Budget: How much can you spend now and in the future? Composite costs more at first but might save money over time.
- How long you want it to last: If you plan to stay in your home for a long time, composite might be better because it lasts longer.
- How much work you want to do: Both need little care, but composite might need even less over time.
- How you want it to look: Which style fits your house better? Think about how the fence will look with your home and garden.
- Environmental impact: If you care about being eco-friendly, composite uses recycled materials which might be important to you.
To see what composite fencing looks like, check out this video on composite fencing. It can help you picture how it might look in your yard.
Conclusion: Is the Extra Cost Worth It?
Composite fencing usually costs more than vinyl at first, but many people think it's worth it because it lasts longer, needs less care, and looks better. The long-term value and environmental benefits can make up for the higher price. Composite fencing keeps looking good for a long time, handles weather better, and is good for the environment, which makes it a great choice for many homes.
In the end, choosing between composite and vinyl fencing depends on what you need, how much you can spend, and what you like. If you want a fence that lasts a long time, is good for the environment, and looks great for years, composite fencing might be perfect for you. Think about your local weather, how your house looks, and your long-term plans for your property when you decide.
Remember to look at all your options and get prices from good suppliers like NewGen Depot to make a smart choice that fits your budget and makes your property look better. Also, check your local building rules and homeowners' association rules, if you have them, to make sure your fence is allowed. By thinking about all these things carefully, you can pick a fence that works for you now and makes you happy for a long time.