When it comes to fence installation in Delaware, the most common question homeowners ask is: "Should I go with wood or vinyl?" Both are excellent options, but the right choice depends on your priorities, budget, and property. Here's an honest comparison.
Cost Comparison
Wood Fencing Costs in Delaware:
- Materials: $12-30 per linear foot (depending on wood type)
- Installation: $15-25 per linear foot
- Total installed: $27-55 per linear foot
- Annual maintenance: $200-500 (staining/sealing)
- 10-year total cost: $2,700-10,000 for a 100-foot fence
Vinyl Fencing Costs in Delaware:
- Materials: $20-40 per linear foot
- Installation: $15-25 per linear foot
- Total installed: $35-65 per linear foot
- Annual maintenance: $0-50 (occasional cleaning)
- 10-year total cost: $3,500-7,000 for a 100-foot fence
The verdict: Wood is cheaper upfront, but vinyl often costs less over 10+ years when you factor in maintenance.
Durability in Delaware's Climate
Wood:
- Susceptible to rot, especially in humid coastal areas
- Can warp and crack from freeze-thaw cycles
- Vulnerable to termites and carpenter ants (common in Delaware)
- Lifespan: 15-20 years with proper maintenance, 5-10 without
Vinyl:
- Impervious to moisture, rot, and insects
- Won't warp, crack, or splinter
- Handles freeze-thaw cycles without damage
- Lifespan: 20-30+ years with minimal care
- Can become brittle in extreme cold (rare in Delaware)
The verdict: Vinyl wins for durability in Delaware's climate.
Appearance and Style
Wood:
- Natural, classic appearance
- Can be stained or painted any color
- Ages to a silver-gray patina if left natural
- Each board is unique
- Available in many styles: privacy, picket, split rail, shadow box
Vinyl:
- Clean, uniform appearance
- Available in white, tan, gray, and wood-grain textures
- Maintains its color without fading (quality brands)
- More limited style options than wood
- Can look "plastic" to some homeowners
The verdict: Wood wins for customization and natural beauty. Vinyl wins for long-term appearance consistency.
Maintenance Requirements
Wood:
- Annually: Stain or seal to prevent rot and UV damage
- Every 2-3 years: Sand and re-stain for best appearance
- As needed: Replace damaged or rotted boards
- Total time: 1-2 full days per year
Vinyl:
- Annually: Rinse with garden hose or pressure wash
- As needed: Clean mold/mildew with soap and water
- Total time: 2-3 hours per year
The verdict: Vinyl wins overwhelmingly for low maintenance.
Property Value Impact
Both wood and vinyl fences add value to your home, but the impact varies:
- Privacy fencing adds the most value regardless of material
- Vinyl appeals to buyers who want zero maintenance
- High-quality wood appeals to buyers who value natural aesthetics
- In Hockessin and Greenville, premium wood fences are often preferred
The verdict: Tie — depends on your neighborhood and buyer expectations.
Environmental Considerations
Wood:
- Renewable resource (when sustainably sourced)
- Pressure-treating chemicals are a concern
- Biodegradable at end of life
- Can be locally sourced
Vinyl:
- Made from PVC — a petroleum-based product
- Not biodegradable
- Recyclable in some programs
- Manufacturing has environmental impact
The verdict: Wood is more environmentally friendly, especially untreated cedar or locally sourced lumber.
Our Recommendation
For most Delaware homeowners, we recommend:
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Choose vinyl if you want zero maintenance, maximum durability, and don't mind the slightly higher upfront cost. Ideal for Bear, Middletown, and newer developments.
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Choose wood if you love natural aesthetics, want unlimited customization options, and are willing to maintain it. Ideal for historic areas and properties where natural materials complement the architecture.
Ready to get started? Contact ProDecks Delaware for a free fence estimate, or call (302) 358-8493.
