Vinyl vs. Cedar Fence

Appearance

Vinyl, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), fencing is composed of extruded vinyl posts, rails pickets, caps and accessories, and it gives landscape a sleek and modern appearance. If you prefer a less contemporary appearance, then cedar might be the ticket. Cedar, which is milled from cedar trees, repels deterioration and offers a warm, natural look to a yard. Both fencing types are attractive in the right settings.

Vinyl fencing is smooth, glossy and can last for decades without showing wear. When the weather cools, however, vinyl can become brittle and crack or shatter on impact. Look for brands that include polymers that strengthen the vinyl to reduce cracking.

Cedar is naturally reddish-brown and has a high oil/resin content that helps it resist moisture and insect damage. Over time, cedar fades to a soft, silvery gray, which is desirable in country and rustic settings.

The installation process is different for each fence type. Both kinds of fencing require support posts that must be sunk into the ground and secured with concrete, but that's where the similarities end.

Cedar fence installation requires basic carpenter's tools: a circular saw, a screw gun with galvanized wood screws and a level. You can cut cedar posts for a custom fit and shape and trim off the bottom of long posts.

Vinyl fences come in kits with pre-cut pickets, rails, caps and fastening systems. A level still helps you get the fence line straight, but you may use clips or self-tapping screws to fasten the pieces together. You must follow the manufacturer's installation directions explicitly to keep the warranty intact.

A cedar fence benefits from an occasional application of exterior wood sealer, sprayed or brushed on to help the cedar shed water. You may apply a wood stain-sealer combination to your cedar fence to give it color while protecting the wood. If a cedar picket warps, you can replace it.

A vinyl fence is virtually maintenance-free, but some inexpensive brands of vinyl may fade after a few years of harsh sunlight. Before buying a vinyl fence, ensure the warranty covers the fence if fading occurs. Paint does not adhere well to vinyl, and painting a vinyl fence may void its warranty.