Vinyl Fencing vs. Aluminum Fencing: Know This Before Buying

Surrounding your property with fencing is a great way to gain privacy and security without sacrificing style or space. 

With so many different types of fencing on the market, however, it’s challenging to know what to look for in a great fence. Wood isn’t the only option anymore, and many people are turning to more modern fencing material or security fence options for their properties. 

It’s possible you’ve even driven by houses with non-wood fencing options, like a wrought iron fence. However, two of those more modern fence material alternatives are vinyl and aluminum.

When it comes to buying vinyl or aluminum fencing, it’s important to make sure the fence type you choose will work best for you and your property. 

Well, vinyl fencing is one of the most durable fences on the market. Made of synthetic plastic, vinyl fences come in a variety of finishes, to suit a wide variety of different needs. It’s becoming more common for homeowners to use vinyl fencing as heavy-duty and decorative gates, ornamental fences, or perimeter fences and dumpster area fences.

On the other hand, aluminum fencing is lightweight and flexible, easy to install, and makes quite a statement. One of the most popular metal fencing options on the market, aluminum fencing works in both residential and commercial settings.

If you’re trying to decide between vinyl vs aluminum fencing, we’ll help you make that decision in this blog post. 

Aluminum fencing: a cost-effective fence option

When it comes to fencing, aluminum is one of the most affordable options on the market. 

Aluminum is much cheaper to produce than wrought iron or steel. And while the upfront costs might end up being higher than wood fencing, aluminum doesn’t require maintenance, making aluminum fencing a much more cost-effective option!

Pros and cons of aluminum fencing

While it’s true that aluminum fencing is one of the most cost-effective options, it’s crucial to thoroughly evaluate the pros and cons before buying. 

Once you’ve got a solid understanding of the pros and cons, you can compare your options to make a final decision:

Aluminum fencing: the pros

Aluminum fencing requires minimal maintenance, and is highly cost-effective.

Additional pros of aluminum fencing include:

Flexibility

Compared to other types of fencing, aluminum is very flexible. It’s an adjustable product that can accommodate tricky landscape gradients. This means if your property slopes or dips, installing aluminum fencing is a quick and easy option. 

Longevity

Since aluminum fencing requires little to no maintenance, it’s an option that will last years, if not decades. 

You don’t need to invest in chemicals, sprays, or stains to keep aluminum fencing looking brand new – in fact, aluminum won’t rust like other metals. 

All you need to do to keep your aluminum fencing looking as good as new is hose it down once a month (to clear away debris, dust, and dirt).

Aluminum fencing: the cons

While the pros of aluminum fencing are appealing, you should also explore the cons before making a final decision. 

To help, here are some of the cons you should consider before buying an aluminum gate or aluminum fencing:

Lightweight material

While aluminum will last for years with minimal maintenance, it isn’t the strongest fencing option. 

Aluminum is an extremely lightweight material. This makes your fence susceptible to dents and bends. If you want a durable fence that can withstand impacts, you should consider other fencing options, such as vinyl. 

Security and safety

Aluminum fencing is easy to install, however, the panels are screwed — instead of welded — together. If someone wants to gain access to your property, all they would need to do is unscrew the panels.

If the purpose of your fence is to create safety and security around your property, aluminum fencing isn’t the right choice.  

Lack of privacy

One of the most common reasons people invest in fencing is to create a privacy barrier. 

While aluminum fences offer various color options, the structural design doesn’t offer too much privacy. So if privacy is something you’re actively seeking, aluminum fencing isn’t the best choice. 

Vinyl fencing: a stylish, long-term fence

A great alternative to aluminum is vinyl fencing. Vinyl fencing is an extremely durable, eco-friendly investment that requires little to no maintenance. 

Vinyl fencing is a smart investment that will increase the value of your property while providing that perfect, private oasis you’ve always wanted.

When deciding between vinyl vs aluminum fencing, it’s easy to see the similarities between the two.

However, investigating the pros and cons of vinyl fencing is also an important step. The differences can impact which type of fencing you ultimately buy. 

Vinyl fencing: the pros

The major pros of vinyl fencing include: 

Durability

One of the biggest benefits of vinyl fencing over aluminum is that vinyl is an extremely durable product. While aluminum is lightweight and easy to dent, vinyl is five times stronger than wood.

Vinyl fencing won’t rust, rot or erode either, so it’s safe to use around pools and other water sources.

A smart investment

In terms of cost, vinyl carries a larger upfront cost than other fencing types.

However, in the long-term, a vinyl fence doesn’t require additional maintenance. It’s a smart investment: pay a little more upfront to keep more money in your pockets for decades to come. 

Eco-friendly

No harsh chemicals are used in the production of vinyl. This makes it an extremely safe option if you have kids or pets. 

Vinyl fencing is also completely recyclable, so if you need to replace any panels, you can rest assured that you’ve invested in a fencing option that doesn’t increase your carbon footprint. 

Lifetime warranty

At Blackline HPP, we offer a lifetime warranty on all of our vinyl fencing options.

So if your vinyl fence should stain, fade or suffer damage, you’re completely covered.

Vinyl fencing: the cons

When looking at vinyl fencing vs aluminum, you’ll find a few disadvantages as well.

Stains and color fading

While some vinyl products stain or their color fades over time, at Blackline HPP, we work hard to ensure that the vinyl fencing you buy doesn’t stain or fade.

Even if stains do happen, you’re protected because you’ll benefit from a lifetime warranty on all vinyl fencing products – this means you can easily replace worn or faded vinyl fencing if it does occur!

Steep initial cost

The initial cost of vinyl fencing is generally higher than other options.

In the long-term, however, the cost of a vinyl fence becomes extremely affordable. Unlike other materials (such as wood), vinyl fencing will last decades, meaning you won’t need to invest more money in special chemicals or treatments! 

Extreme weather damage

In extreme weather, it’s possible for vinyl fencing to get damaged. However, the same is true for aluminum fencing. 

While weather damage might mean you need to replace most (if not all) of your vinyl fence, buying a fence that comes with a lifetime warranty ensures your investment is well protected — especially when the weather gets rough.

Fencing: vinyl vs aluminum

Taking a closer look at the pros and cons of aluminum vs vinyl fencing will help you choose the right fit for your property. 

While aluminum fencing is flexible and long-lasting, it doesn’t provide the privacy, safety, and incredible durability of a vinyl fence.

If you have any questions about viny fencing, BlacklineHPP has answers! Check out our vinyl fencing gallery, or contact one of our vinyl fencing experts for more information. We’ll be more than happy to discuss how vinyl fencing can meet your property needs.