Aluminum vs. Vinyl Fence cost 2023
Read time: 5 minutes
We thought we’d take this opportunity to write a blog post comparing aluminum fencing to vinyl fencing. Both are excellent options, and both have advantages and disadvantages. We will take you through 2 categories for both types of fence products. Those categories will be cost and maintenance as well as installation requirements.
At the end of the article, you can discern which product you would prefer based on our provided data. Please don’t hesitate to comment or reach out if you have any questions or feedback regarding this post. We may also use constructive feedback as inspiration for future posts.
Cost and Maintenance:
There are a couple of variables we need to consider here no matter what material you are considering: labor cost to install a fence and the overall length. This comparison will be done on privacy fence panels. You’ll also need to account for things like latches and gates.
For example, we will compare the cost of 100 linear ft of vinyl fence to 100 linear ft of SLEEKFENCE™ aluminum fence. We will discuss both the initial and long-term costs of both.
Vinyl:
A vinyl fence will be cheaper than an aluminum fence. We consulted with our leading SLEEKFENCE™ Trained Contractor, and 100 ft of 6 ft adobe privacy fence would cost $7000 – $8000, supplied and installed. Both aluminum and vinyl fences require next to no maintenance. So, you won’t need to worry about staining and to reseal with either product. Both products also last a lifetime.
As with aluminum, the only maintenance your vinyl fence will require is a cleaning a couple of times a year. If we are talking about strength, then aluminum is undeniably stronger, aluminum can dent, but it cannot crack.
Vinyl can be known to crack if the impact is sufficient. Of course, vinyl does not come in dark colors as the pigments required would ultimately fail under UV exposure. This limits colors to light or neutral color options. Aluminum can be powder coated, a durable baked-on finish that withstands the elements and the test of time. For this reason, most luxury contemporary fences are made from aluminum for a lifetime of enjoyment. A vinyl fence requires little to no maintenance; you are only required to clean it at your discretion. We recommend you use a simple bleach and water solution to clean your vinyl fence. The formula is 25% bleach to 75% water. You’ll need to apply this with a high-pressure washer or a brush. You can also use any household cleaning product that doesn’t exclude use on vinyl. If you are using bleach, 1 bottle should take you through the year. That will cost about $25-$30. You’ll most likely only need to clean your vinyl fence 2-4 times a year.
The bleach would cost you a maximum of $625 – $1200 over 25 years. This leaves us with a straightforward breakdown if we consider both initial and long-term costs.
Initial Cost: $7000 – $8000
Long Term Cost: $625 – $1200
Total Cost: $7625 – $9200
SLEEKFENCE™:
An aluminum fence would cost more upfront. We consulted with our leading SLEEKFENCE™ Trained Contractor again, and 100 ft of 6 ft privacy fence would cost $18,000 – $21,000, which is supplied and installed by our SLEEKFENCE™ Trained Contractor. An aluminum fence requires little to no maintenance; you are only required to clean it at your discretion. We recommend you use car wash soap to clean your SLEEKFENCE™, and that will run you about $50-$100 a year. You’ll most likely only need to clean your SLEEKFENCE™ twice a year. The only other materials you’ll need to clean your SLEEKFENCE™ is a microfiber rag and a hose.
The soap would cost you a maximum of $1250 – $2500 over the course of 25 years. This leaves us with a straightforward breakdown if we are considering both initial and long-term costs.
Initial Cost: $18,000 – $21,000
Long Term Cost: $1250 – $2500
Total Cost: $19,250 – $23,500
We would also like to add that you wouldn’t need to replace your aluminum fence after 25 years. An aluminum fence will last you a lifetime.
Installation requirements for Vinyl Fencing:
The installation process for vinyl needs to be carried out carefully as installation will affect its durability. Vinyl can be ‘fabricated’ onsite or purchased ‘pre-fabricated’ – this means the holes and positions are already set for you. With vinyl fences, the emphasis is on the pre-planning so the assembly of the product goes smoothly and a sharp look is achieved. If a mistake is made in fabrication when routering – that piece is usually not redeemable and is garbage. Vinyl remains a fairly versatile option for different terrains and is best done by a qualified contractor.
Installation requirements for Aluminum Fencing:
SLEEKFENCE™ aluminum fence panels come pre-assembled; this will make installation much faster on average. Yes, there are still cases where boards need to be manipulated and/or resized to meet the requirements of a project, but most of the time, the process is seamless. Each piece is designed to work as part of the whole system. This makes an installer’s job much easier and faster. The tools for aluminum fence installation are standard hand and power tools every tradesperson carries. Consider a modular fence design similar to LEGO.
Don’t hesitate to reach out:
We hope you found this post comparing the cost and maintenance as well as installation requirements for vinyl fencing and aluminum fencing to be helpful. Call or email us if you have any questions about our aluminum fence products. A member of our support staff will be glad to help you. If you are looking to install a SLEEKFENCE™, we would be glad to assist you in finding a contractor near you.
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