Vinyl, wood or metal sheet: which fence wins over 20 years
You don't pay for a fence only on the day you buy it. We compare what it costs over 20 years, including painting, repairs and replacement.
The price that isn't on the receipt
When choosing a fence, everyone compares the price per meter. But a fence stands for decades, and over that time some need constant care while others need almost none.
Wood
- The cheapest to buy, with a natural look.
- Rots from moisture, especially where it touches the ground.
- Needs sealing or paint every 2–3 years.
- Fades and greys in the sun; cracks and splinters appear.
Metal sheet
- Quick and inexpensive to install.
- Rust starts at any scratch or cut edge.
- Gets very hot in summer and rattles in the wind.
- Gives a yard an industrial look.
Block or concrete
- Solid, but expensive: foundation, masonry, plaster, paint.
- Takes weeks to build, and repairing cracks never ends.
Vinyl (PVC)
- Never rots, never rusts, never needs paint.
- Our material was tested by SGS: after 1,000 hours of UV exposure the color change is invisible to the eye (ΔE 0.7), and it was impact-tested after 24 hours at −30°C.
- Care: rinse with water now and then.
- Installation takes a few days.
How to count it properly
A simple formula: total cost = purchase + installation + yearly upkeep × years + replacement.
Wood costs less up front, but over 20 years it will need painting several times and probably partial or full replacement. With vinyl, the second and third terms are close to zero. That's why vinyl became the standard for American homes.
The bottom line
If you need a fence for a year or two, wood will do. If you want it to look new for years without thinking about it, vinyl is the sensible choice.
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