Pros and Cons of Building a Vinyl Picket Fence

A vinyl picket fence is an option for homeowners who wish to gain a bit of privacy and landscaped beauty. Made from PVC (the same stuff as plastic pipes), there are both advantages and disadvantages to this plastic fencing option. By analyzing the pros and cons of vinyl picket fences, you can decide if this alternative to wooden fencing is right for you and your home.

Pros
A vinyl picket fence comes in pre-made sections that are convenient for do-it-yourselfers who are short on time. As opposed to a hand-built wooden picket fence which might take days to build, this project will take much less time.

Once the fencing is installed, you're set. The beauty of vinyl picket fencing is that it looks like wood without the upkeep of painting and varnishing. In fact, the only real maintenance you have to do is cleaning.

Not only will a vinyl picket fence save you time, but it also is also good for families. This product is more flexible than wood and difficult to tear apart. Because it is made of plastic, coloring is consistent and it won't splinter, making it very kid-friendly. Many times, it's made of recycled plastics, making it earth-friendly as well.

Cons
The most obvious drawback to vinyl picket fences is the cost. Although there are no maintenance fees, you may not have the initial budget to install vinyl picket fencing, which can be twice the price of putting up a wooden picket fence.

They also will not withstand the extreme weather for a lifetime. It is a plastic product, so it melts in very high temperatures. It also is less tolerant of cold temperatures, which cause the plastic to become brittle-wooden fences will last much longer.

A certain amount to risk comes with buying any sort of recycled product. Although measures have been taken in the past few years to improve quality control, you still need to ask questions before buying vinyl picket fencing, especially from a discount company.

Simply put, a vinyl picket fence isn't for everyone. This is an ideal product for homeowners who have little time to devote to building a fence, but still want a beautiful finished project. However, for folks who can put work into maintenance, this is not the best option. Consumers should carefully weigh the pros and cons before installing a vinyl picket fence.