Aluminum Vs. Vinyl Fences: Pros, Cons, and Costs

Confused between aluminum vs. vinyl fences for your property? It’s best to analyze the pros and cons of each, along with the upfront installation and maintenance costs.

Both materials have become increasingly popular for fencing around residential and commercial properties. Both serve as an alternative to the more traditional wood fences, which are pretty expensive and high maintenance.

Fences are crucial to any property. They not only offer security and define the parameter, but they can also enhance the aesthetic appeal.

This article compares aluminum and vinyl fences, detailing their pros, cons, and costs to help you make an informed decision.

Aluminum Fences Pros & Cons

Aluminum fences are made from an aluminum alloy. These fences come in various sizes and finishes. Let’s look at their advantages and drawbacks.

Pros

• Durability: Aluminum fences are resistant to rust and corrosion. They’re a good choice for areas with high humidity or coastal conditions. But they can also withstand rain, snow, and extreme heat. Unlike iron, which can rust over time, aluminum remains intact and functional for decades.
• Low Maintenance: Unlike wood, aluminum does not require staining, painting, or sealing. Occasional cleaning with soap and water is enough to maintain it. Additionally, aluminum fences are pre-treated with a powder coating that provides protection against wear and tear.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Aluminum fences are available in various styles and colors. Some styles look like wrought iron without the high maintenance. They offer an elegant and timeless appeal that complements different architectural styles. The variety of design options makes aluminum fences suitable for traditional and modern properties.
• Lightweight and Easy Installation: Aluminum is lightweight, so fences made from this material are easy to install. This feature also allows for more flexibility in design and placement. Many aluminum fence panels are designed for easy interlocking, which makes DIY installation more manageable for homeowners.
• Environmentally Friendly: Many aluminum fences are made from recycled materials, making them a sustainable choice for eco-conscious homeowners. At the end of their lifespan, aluminum fences can be recycled, reducing environmental waste.

Cons

• Limited Privacy: Aluminum fences typically have open designs, making them less suitable for homeowners seeking complete privacy. However, more privacy can be achieved with landscaping elements like shrubs or hedges.
• Low Impact Resistance: While aluminum is durable, it can bend upon strong impact, making it less ideal for high-traffic areas where strong forces may be applied.

Vinyl Fences Pros & Cons

Vinyl fences are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a commonly used synthetic plastic. Some vinyl fences are a composite of different plastics for increased strength and weather protection. Here are the pros and cons of this type of fencing:

Pros

• Resilient: Vinyl fences are highly resistant to rot, rust, and insect damage. They do not warp, crack, or splinter. Vinyl is particularly effective in areas with high moisture levels, as it does not absorb water like wood.
• Complete Privacy: Vinyl fences also come in solid panel designs, which can provide full privacy for homeowners who want to block views from neighbors or passersby. This makes vinyl fences suitable for properties on main roads with more vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
• Low Maintenance: Vinyl fencing requires minimal upkeep. It does not need staining or painting and can be easily cleaned with a hose or mild detergent. Some manufacturers also offer UV-resistant coatings that prevent fading, so they don’t need to be painted frequently.
• Variety of Styles and Colors: Since PVC fences are produced synthetically, manufacturers can make them in various colors and textures. Also, vinyl fences can mimic the look of wood or other materials.
• Long Lifespan: With proper care, vinyl fences can last 20–30 years, making them a great long-term investment.

Cons

• Higher Upfront Cost: Vinyl fences tend to be more expensive than other materials, especially aluminum, due to the cost of manufacturing and installation.
• Potential for Cracking or Fading: Extreme temperatures and prolonged sun exposure can cause vinyl fences to become brittle. Also, the color can fade over time if proper UV-resistant coating isn’t used. They may not last long under severe weather conditions.
• Limited Customization: Unlike aluminum, vinyl fences offer less flexibility in design and customization options. Although they’re available in different colors, the designs tend to be simpler.
• Not as Eco-Friendly: Vinyl is made from PVC, a material that is not biodegradable and has a negative environmental impact with its production and disposal.

Aluminum vs. Vinyl Fence: Key Comparisons

While aluminum and vinyl fences have pros and cons, they may outshine each other in specific areas. Here’s a head-to-head comparison of each in key categories.

Durability

Both aluminum and vinyl fences are highly durable, but not similarly.

Aluminum is resistant to rust and corrosion. Since fences are installed outdoors, they’re susceptible to moisture and water. However, aluminum, unlike other metals, doesn’t corrode so easily.

That’s why aluminum is a better choice for places with humid and wet climates.

Vinyl is also a sturdy material despite being lightweight. It doesn’t rust or rot. While it’s typically resistant to harsh weather, it can become brittle in too cold.

Both materials are not highly impact-resistant. A heavy impact, like a car crashing in, may damage the fence.

Overall, aluminum fences are more durable, made of metal and are weather-resistant even in extreme conditions.

Maintenance

Aluminum requires minimal maintenance. You’ll need to clean them to remove dirt and debris occasionally.

Likewise, vinyl is also low-maintenance. It only needs periodic cleaning. Unlike wood, it doesn’t need painting or staining.

However, it may fade over time if exposed to constant sunlight (UV protection coating may help reduce the damage from direct sun exposure).

As maintenance is low for both fence materials, maintenance costs are also low.

Styles and Finishes

Aluminum fencing offers a traditional, ornamental look, often resembling wrought iron.

Vinyl, however, provides a modern aesthetic and is available in solid panels.

So, vinyl fences can cover the boundary of the entire property to a decent height, offering more privacy for homeowners and businesses.

While aluminum fences have different finish options, the designs are rather minimalistic. With vinyl, you have comparatively more color choices and designs.

It comes down to the aesthetic you’re going for with your property.

Environmental Impact

Aluminum is often made from recycled materials. It’s also recyclable at the end of its lifespan, so it’s eco-friendly

Vinyl fences can also be made from recycled plastic. Unfortunately, that’s not usually the case. PVC is not biodegradable and poses environmental concerns.

Aluminum vs. Vinyl Fence: Cost Comparison

Before we compare the costs of vinyl vs. aluminum fences, it’s important to remember that multiple factors are at play.

Here are the factors that will impact the price you pay for fences:

• Height: The height of the fence impacts the upfront cost of installing it, no matter what material it’s made of. The taller the fence, the more material it uses; hence, the higher the price tag.
• Design: The actual design of the fence also impacts cost. For instance, wider posts cost more. The cost may go up if you also plan to install a door with the fence.
• Labor: Besides the fence cost, you must also pay the installation costs. That can vary by location as labor costs are higher in some places. The material weight and installation complexity also determine the labor costs.

Aluminum fences are slightly cheaper to install than vinyl fences. However, vinyl fences have a wide range of prices depending on size, height, and finish. Some may be cheaper than aluminum.

Aluminum fence installation can cost $20 to $50 per foot, whereas vinyl fence can cost anywhere from $15 to $60 per foot.

But there’s another cost to consider as well: maintenance.

Both materials require minimal maintenance, a significant advantage over wood fences that need regular upkeep.

Vinyl can be more susceptible to damage from impact or extreme weather, potentially requiring repairs. On the other hand, aluminum is known for its durability and resistance to damage.

Also, aluminum might have slightly lower labor costs due to easier installation. That helps reduce its upfront installation costs.

Best Aluminum Fences

Vinyl fences have their merits, but aluminum is the best option for long-term savings.

If you’re looking for reliable, cost-effective, and aesthetically appealing aluminum fences, look no further than Aluminum Fence Depot.

Our aluminum fences are lightweight yet sturdy. You get great value for money with a fence that looks great, does its job, and requires minimal maintenance.

Explore our wide range of aluminum fence and gate options!

FAQs

Is vinyl fence cheaper than aluminum?

Vinyl fences can be slightly cheaper than aluminum. However, the low cost often means low quality.

High-quality vinyl fences, especially those for privacy, may cost more than aluminum fences.

Do vinyl fences break easily?

Vinyl fences can break on heavy impact, for example, a car ramming into them. However, they’re generally very durable.

Plastic fences don’t warp or rust. They also don’t get infected by pests or insects.

What is an alternative to aluminum and vinyl fences?

While aluminum and vinyl are great options for fences, there are other options like wood and stainless.

However, both of these options are costly.