Are Vinyl Fences Better Than Cedar?

If you’re wondering, “Are vinyl fences better than cedar?” There’s one important rule to keep in mind: “Better” depends on your wants.

Here are the three factors I tell my clients to consider when they’re deciding what material to choose for a new privacy fence:

Budget
Utility
Style

No contractor can answer those questions for you. However, we can give you the facts. So, in this article, I’ll compare the two materials — vinyl and cedar — in terms of two major qualities that aren’t subjective: cost and life expectancy.

Cedar fencing is a classic choice.

Cedar is durable and naturally resistant to insects and rot. Its natural oils also mean it can last for years without being stained or painted.

And, put simply, it looks attractive. These are all reasons why cedar has long been a popular choice for fencing.

Vinyl fencing has come a long way.

Forget what you thought you knew about vinyl fencing. The material has come a long way over the last several decades. With technological advances, vinyl has changed. Now, it looks more like wood and has fewer of wood’s drawbacks.

Maybe it’s not the fanciest option, but it looks good, it lasts, and it’s affordable.

Vinyl has a superior life expectancy.

There’s no question that cedar is one of the more durable options for wood fencing. If your contractor does a good job, it can withstand elements like high winds, snow, heavy rain, and sun damage.

I’m not trying to say that vinyl cannot be damaged. Extreme temperatures (hot or cold) can cause vinyl to expand or become brittle, but there’s no risk of rot or corrosion.

A vinyl fence should last 20 to 30 years. A cedar fence, on the other hand, should last 15 to 20 years before it needs to be replaced.

Vinyl fencing wins on cost.

Let’s start with cedar. When it comes to cost, it’s a mid-range wood: Not the most expensive, like redwood, but not as cheap as pine. Depending on your contractor, it should cost between $15 and $35 per foot to install. That means a typical 150-foot cedar fence will set you back around $3,000.

Vinyl fences have a higher upfront cost but less maintenance.

Expect to pay between $20 and $40 per foot for a good quality vinyl fence or around $4,000 for a complete 150-foot fence.

So, upfront, vinyl is more expensive.

But here’s the thing: A vinyl fence will be cheaper in the long run. As I mentioned earlier, even though cedar is more durable than most other kinds of wood, it still can’t match vinyl fencing in terms of sturdiness.

Vinyl requires little maintenance, so the higher upfront cost will be offset over the years. Overall, it’s a cheaper option than cedar.