How Much Does a Vinyl Fence Cost?
With gorgeous customizable posts, a reasonable price, and popularity, why wouldn’t you want to learn about the vinyl fence cost?
Spring is here, and summer is quickly approaching. That means more sun, more fun, and more to do outside.
If you have pets or small children, one of the best things you can do to improve your outdoor space is to add a fence to your backyard. With its variety of fencing options, easy availability, and popularity, a vinyl fence might be the perfect solution.
But how much does a vinyl fence cost?
Calculate The Cost to Install a Vinyl Fence
Most contractors price a full vinyl fence installation between $2400 and $8000. This is quite a range, but you have to remember that any fence installation depends on a variety of factors. These factors include:
- The size of your fence (i.e., height and perimeter length).
- The type of material.
- Area preparation.
- Colors and material treatments.
- Other design specifics.
- The cost of labor.
- Cleanup.
All of this amounts to a national average of about $19 per linear foot of fencing materials.
What are the Different Types of Vinyl Fences?
Vinyl fences are far from a one-size-fits-all operation. There is a wide array of options from which customers can choose.
If you’re interested in a vinyl fence, the first choice you must make is whether to build your fence from vinyl panels or individual planks. Planks are easier and faster to install, but they aren’t great for yards with lots of height variations.
You’ll also have to decide what kind of design you want. The most basic type of vinyl fence is a picket-style fence, which, of course, requires planks instead of panels. This is the first choice for homeowners who want a cheap option for keeping children and animals in or other animals out.
If you’re more interested in privacy, panels are the way to go. In that case, your options will vary by the design at the top of the fence. Some of the most common options are dog-eared and latticed.
Is a Vinyl Fence Cheaper than a Wood Fence?
Vinyl fences are among the most popular fencing options nationwide because they are so affordable. There is, however, a cheaper option: wood.
On average, the cost of installing a wood fence is about $12 per linear foot of fencing material. This is about $7 per linear foot cheaper than vinyl fencing.
Like vinyl fencing, the cost estimate for wood fencing can vary greatly depending on the fence’s design and how much the contractor charges for preparation, installation, and cleanup.
If you want to cut corners, you can purchase the fencing materials yourself. This will save you the cost of having your contractors buy the materials for you. However, if you don’t know what you’re shopping for, you could end up buying the wrong wood altogether, meaning you’ll have to go back for extra purchases.
Another potential issue with buying your own materials is the cost of delivery. Unless you have a truck, trailer, or large van, odds are that you won’t be able to take the materials to your own home. The cost of having the hardware store or other supplier deliver to you can range anywhere from $200 to $500.
Delivery fees apply to vinyl fence panels and posts, too. Because vinyl is so much lighter in terms of weight, though, your cost of delivery is more likely to fall in the $100 to $200 range.
There are additional fees for wood fences that don’t apply to vinyl fencing. For example, vinyl is already weather-resistant, while wood is not. This means you’ll have to pay extra for stain, paint, and/or sealer if you opt for a wood fence.
In summary, while a wooden fence may seem like the cheaper option at face value, the extra costs associated with it make vinyl fencing the clear winner.
Will a Vinyl Fence Last Longer than a Wood Fence?
The cost of installing a vinyl fence is, in general, a bit more expensive than the cost of installing a wood fence. If the price is the only factor you care about, this makes wood fencing the clear winner.
There is, however, another factor you should consider: durability.
Whether or not you think that wood fences are more attractive, the fact of the matter is that they require a lot more maintenance than vinyl fences. Even weather-treated wood will eventually rot, especially in areas with high-humidity and volatile weather patterns. On average, you’ll find yourself having to replace your wooden fence every 20 years.
You probably won’t have to replace the whole fence at once, though. Because wooden fences are made from individual planks, it’s likely that you’ll have to replace your fence one plank at a time. This may seem more cost-effective, but you must remember the cost of additional maintenance.
Instead of replacing the whole fence at one time, which can take as little as one day, you may have to replace individual planks over the course of an entire year. Likewise, if you want your fence to have a uniform look, you’ll have to make sure that each plank is treated, stained, and/or painted the exact same way as the other planks.
Vinyl fences, meanwhile, can easily last for up to 100 years with little to no maintenance. Whether your fence is made from vinyl posts or vinyl fence panels, repainting and individual replacements won’t be much of a necessity. The only thing you’ll have to commit to is an occasional pressure-washing.
Get a Vinyl Fence Cost Estimate from 5Estimates.com
5Estimates.com is a Virginia-based contracting company that provides home services throughout the continental United States. We offer everything from HVAC repairs to shingle installation and landscaping.
Click here to get a free vinyl fence cost estimate from one of our experts today.
I really like how you stated that vinyl fences can usually last a long time with minimal maintenance. With how often I hear about fences being replaced by my neighbors, I feel like investing in one that won’t need as much care or replacing could help me save some money in the long run. With that in mind, I’ll look for any fencing contractor in the area that can offer me a vinyl fence right away.