Purchasing Costs

• Initially, a wood fence is less expensive to purchase than a vinyl fence. Depending on the style, size and type of fence, vinyl can cost as much as 40 percent more than wood. Depending on the project, the higher initial price of vinyl can push costs outside your budget.
  
  

Installation

• Vinyl fencing often comes in preassembled sections, which saves a significant amount of time during installation. It also comes in precut sizes, and does not need to be altered to fit a project, unlike some wood fence supplies. Most wood fences must also be painted or stained after installation, while vinyl fences do not. This saves on installation costs, since a vinyl fence can usually be installed quickly, and no additional work is needed once the fence is up.
  
  

Maintenance

• Vinyl fencing is designed to be low-maintenance. Over time, the cost of keeping wood fences in good repair, especially the cost of painting, can be significant. The time needed for scraping, sanding and cleaning prior to painting also adds to the expense. Vinyl fencing does not need painting or sanding, and can be cleaned with a water sprayer.
  
  

Repair

• Wood fences require more frequent repair. Boards can warp, split, rot and bend, requiring complete replacement. Vinyl fences generally do not require regular repair. On the other hand, damage to a vinyl fence, such as dents, holes or cracks, usually requires that an entire piece or section be replaced, and at a high cost. Scuffs and chips in wood fences can usually be covered with paint at a low cost. A wood fence costs about 50 percent more than a vinyl fence over a 15-year period due to maintenance costs.
  
  

Durability

• Vinyl fencing lasts much longer than wood, saving money in replacement costs over time. While many wood fences will last 10 to 15 years, most vinyl fences are designed to last at least 25 years, and many up to 50 or 75 years. The cost of replacing a wood fence in 10 years, when a vinyl fence will easily last twice as long, makes a wood fence much more expensive in the long run.