White vinyl fences can sometimes look brittle or chalky, turning homeowners off to this low maintenance product that is generally a great investment.
What people don’t realize is that not all vinyl fencing is created equal, so it’s important to do homework when choosing to ensure that your fence will look great and handle the elements well.
Why Vinyl Fences Are A Good Choice
Vinyl is a great choice due to its longevity and potential lifetime warranties and best of all, it's virtually maintenance free!
Yet if you get cheap white vinyl fence at your big box store, you may be disappointed in the long run as this fencing generally has no warranty, is flimsy, and will not weather well.
At the end of the day, this defeats the whole purpose of a vinyl fence.
How to Differentiate Quality
Vinyl is final, so if you are making the investment, it’s important to ensure that you choose a manufacturer who isn’t making cheap fence and there are a few easy ways to determine this.
A good vinyl fence is strong and thick with a decent wall thickness; you should not be able to squish your vinyl as this can mean it is weak and thin.
Another thing to look for is the warranty as any good vinyl fencing will come with a limited lifetime warranty.
If your fence doesn’t have this, it’s not worth it.
Cheap vinyl fencing doesn’t have UV inhibitors and can get brittle in the winter and chalky in the sun and as a result, a manufacturer won’t warranty it because they know it won’t last a lifetime.
You Get What You Pay For
The old adage you get what you pay for is most certainly true, especially where a fence is considered.
Don’t be tricked by low prices at the box store as you will wind up spending money on a white vinyl fence that won’t last.
You need to purchase brackets, screws, cement, and in some cases tools.
A professional fence store can sell you quality vinyl fencing and let you know your final cost up front with no hidden fees.
Some companies provide a no-dig fence system which means you don’t even need to rent power augers or purchase concrete.
In short, it’s important to price out your vinyl fencing project in entirety before making any decisions.
In Summary
Vinyl fences are a great choice so long as you pay attention to the details and make sure you understand what is being provided with the vinyl fence you choose.
Don't be misled – vinyl fencing can be a great option!