Some homeowners love the look of fresh wood but hate the idea of staining a fence every few years. Vinyl solves that. You hose it off now and then, and that's about it.
Is vinyl the right fence for you?
Vinyl, also called PVC fencing, is a good fit if:
- You want a privacy fence without the upkeep of wood
- You live in a subdivision where the HOA prefers a uniform, clean look
- You want white, tan or a wood-grain color that stays consistent
- You plan to stay in the house a long time and want to pay once
It's a weaker fit if your budget is tight. Vinyl costs more up front than wood or chain link for the same footage.
Vinyl fence styles
Privacy vinyl
Solid panels, usually 6 ft tall, with no gaps. This is the most popular choice for backyards, pools and close neighbors on tight lots.
Semi-privacy vinyl
Panels with a lattice or spaced top section. You still get screening at eye level, with a lighter look and a little airflow.
Picket vinyl
A shorter, open picket fence for front yards or garden areas. It marks the yard without closing it in. Check your HOA rules on front-yard fences before choosing this one.
How vinyl fences should be built in clay
Vinyl panels are light, but the posts still have to stay put. A leaning vinyl post shows immediately because the panels are so straight.
- Posts set in concrete. Kannapolis red clay swells and shrinks with the weather. Concrete keeps posts plumb.
- Reinforced gate posts. Gate posts carry the most load. Reinforcing them helps keep gates from sagging over time.
- Room for expansion. Vinyl grows and shrinks a bit with temperature. Panels need to be set so they can move without buckling in July heat.
- Careful layout on slopes. Vinyl panels don't rack as easily as wood, so on sloped yards they're usually stepped. A good installer shows you what that looks like before building.
- Drainage checked. After heavy rain, water runs across clay. The installer should check low spots so panels don't sit in standing water.
What sets the price of a vinyl fence
Vinyl usually costs more up front than wood, and you make some of that back by never staining it. Footage and gates drive most of the total. Privacy panels, taller heights, colors and decorative tops cost more. Picket styles cost less.
The real price comes from a free on-site estimate and a written quote. Our fence cost guide compares vinyl with the other materials.
Before installation
- HOA approval. Many HOAs have rules on vinyl color and style. Get approval in writing before material is ordered.
- NC811 called. Utilities are marked before any digging.
- Property line known. Use your survey or corner pins. The crew builds to the line you confirm.
- Gate plan. Decide on width and swing. A wide double gate is much easier to plan now than to add later.
What to ask about any vinyl fence quote
Not all vinyl is the same. Ask:
- How thick is the vinyl, and are the rails reinforced?
- Are gate posts reinforced, and how are gates hung?
- What color options are there, and does the color hold up in sun?
- How are posts set, and how deep?
- What's the manufacturer's warranty on the material, and what does it cover?
Ask the installer what workmanship coverage they offer, in writing, and read the manufacturer's terms on any product you're considering.
Caring for a vinyl fence
Vinyl is low maintenance, not no maintenance:
- Rinse it with a hose or a soft brush and mild soap once or twice a year
- Green growth on the shady side comes off with a gentle wash
- Keep string trimmers from chewing at the bottom of posts
- Check gate hardware once a year and tighten if needed
Compare other options
If you like the open look and need a pool enclosure, look at an aluminum fence. If you want privacy at a lower price, a wood privacy fence is the usual alternative. Have a fence that just needs fixing? See fence repair.
Call (980) 324-2157 to set up a free vinyl fence estimate.
Questions people ask
Does vinyl fencing hold up in the Kannapolis heat?
Good-quality vinyl handles heat well, as long as it's installed with room to expand. Problems usually come from panels jammed in too tight or posts that move in the clay. Proper post setting and spacing take care of most of that.
Is vinyl worth the extra cost over wood?
It depends on how long you'll stay and how you feel about upkeep. Vinyl costs more up front, but you skip staining and painting. If you plan to be in the house for many years, it can even out. If you might sell soon, wood often makes more sense.
Can a vinyl fence be repaired if a panel breaks?
Usually, yes. A cracked panel or picket can often be swapped out, as long as matching material is available. That's one reason to keep track of the brand and color you install.
Will my HOA allow a vinyl fence?
Many do, and some prefer it. Rules often cover color, height and style. Check your HOA guidelines and get written approval before the fence is ordered.