If you live in rural Ontario, you have certainly seen – and gushed over – those beautiful ranch rail fences that line farms, residential properties and country businesses. These types of fences are some of In-Line Fence’s most popular, giving properties the charm, style and practicality owners desire.
Deciding between wood and vinyl can be like deciding which of your children is greater – each has its good and bad. (But maybe one is just a tad greater than the other.)
Ranch Rail Fence Style
If you favour a white fence, the two styles of fence are practically indiscernible from a distance. Even close up, it can be hard to distinguish between painted wood and white vinyl. If you’re the type to enjoy feeling your fence, then you may opt for the beautiful textures of wood, but watch out for slivers!
Wood is beautiful, and easy to change if needed – give it a fresh coat of stain or paint. Vinyl can’t be painted or stained, so you’re stuck with the colour as long as you own your property. Vinyl also has fewer style options.
Ranch Rail Fence Durability
If you have ever owned property with a wooden fence, you will know that they aren’t perfect. Insects dig into them, water rots them, paint peels and posts eventually give up.
Your other option, vinyl, can last a decade and beyond. Insects and water don’t stand a chance with material that is practically impervious to their damaging ways.
Ranch Rail Fence Cost
If you’re reading this in 2020, you may be aware that the price of lumber skyrocketed to levels never seen before. Unfortunately, even In-Line Fence’s suppliers are not immune to this drastic increase, which means we’re currently seeing an increase in cost to install wood fences – whether they’re ranch rail, pickets or panels.
Usually wood would be a lower-cost option, but as we type this article even the wholesale lumber prices are still abnormally high, resulting in vinyl being an affordable option with all of its other benefits. Be sure to contact In-Line Fence to determine how the prices compare.
Ranch Rail Fence Installation
Wood installation can be an artform, and so may take longer than vinyl since each fence piece is cut and installed in place with care.
In-Line Fence’s vinyl fences will arrive at your property pre-cut and ready to assemble. Installation of vinyl is rarely an issue.
Ranch Rail Fence Maintenance
When exposed to the elements, wood will need to be maintained. External elements like water, insects and small mammals can wreak havoc on wood, no matter how it is protected. You will need to replace posts, regularly repaint or restain, and clean if needed. That being said, when you keep on top of maintenance, it is usually easy and fast, and can be inexpensive.
Vinyl has been heralded as a game changer in the fence industry for its ability to last much longer than wood, while requiring very little maintenance. You should hose it down once every year – powerwashing provides even better/faster results – and keep an eye on posts that may need replacing. Getting replacement rails or posts may take some time, but you will have a fairly maintenance-free product.
Ask the Professionals for Wood and Vinyl Fence Assistance
Which is best for your farm or homestead? Vinyl is easier to maintain, but nothing beats the feel of real wood. Ultimately, it depends on your needs and style, which is why there is no firm answer. In-Line Fence owner John Kardux and his teams of hard-working fence professionals take the worry out of designing and installing a new fence on your property. Schedule a no-obligation appointment with John by requesting a callback, or get a quote in seconds using In-Line’s new fence configurator.