You’ve heard that wood fencing is great for looks and vinyl fencing is great for upkeep. Both are similar on your wallet, with vinyl coming in a bit lower than budget wood. So how do you choose?

Wooden fences, no matter how well treated, will tend to deteriorate. If left in its natural state it will need cleaning and if painted it will need touch ups every few years. If you don’t have a gang of Tom Sawyer to launder, you’ll need to factor this into your total cost of ownership. Vinyl fences have a longer life with no maintenance required. This is especially great if you are installing a vinyl picket fence. Pickets make a fence difficult to paint or clean! You have multiple colors to choose from in vinyl. Vinyl fencing can usually be pressure washed and won’t succumb to the elements or bugs. There are no termites that have developed a taste for vinyl!

Vinyl fence installation is also a bit easier than wood fence installation. Both wood and vinyl fencing can be DIY or installed by a contractor. Vinyl fencing is lighter and also softer. It is straight in design so getting a level installation is easier than when dealing with the natural variations found in wood.

Before installing any fence, be sure to check your local building code. Do you need a permit? Are there any special requirements for fencing? Are there any underground services that you should avoid? Do you want the posts to be concrete? With those questions answered, you can proceed to the installation checklist. Do you have the right tool to dig the holes? Do you have a plumb bob to ensure a straight fence and a level to ensure the height is consistent?

Once you get started on your vinyl fence, have a timeline for completing it. Good fences make good neighbors, and no one likes to live with or next to a zone of constant construction. Unless you live in the south, you’ll be installing during the spring to fall period (the ground isn’t frozen), so you’ll have more daylight hours for your work. Try to pick a few days when the weather is nice. Digging holes in the pouring rain is difficult and getting a straight/level fence is next to impossible. First mark the outline of the fence and the holes for the posts. Then, dig the post holes and test a few sections to see if they line up. You will want to do this especially if you plan to set the posts with concrete!

Take pictures along the way. They’re a great way to document that you’ve complied with local ordinances, and also an easy way to share your home improvements with out-of-town friends and family. Your new vinyl fence is an investment, but it will pay off in appearance and functionality. You’ll enjoy a fenced in yard for you, the kids and pets and it will make a lovely addition to the neighborhood.