How to Choose the Perfect Vinyl Fence Design for Your Yard

Todd

Todd Bingham

8 January, 2025

How to Choose the Perfect Vinyl Fence Design for Your Yard

Choosing the right fence comes down to how much privacy and security you need, as well as aesthetics and budget. You might also have considerations such as your neighborhood HOA.  

There’s a type of vinyl fence that can meet every requirement. Today, we’ll look specifically at how to choose the perfect vinyl fence design for your yard. Which of our most popular styles will you choose? 

Why choose a vinyl fence? 

Vinyl is one of the best fence materials because it looks great for decades with little maintenance. It isn’t susceptible to rot from moisture, doesn’t attract pests, and won’t rust.  

Most importantly, the quality of the material and the variety of styles have improved greatly over the last few decades. Today’s vinyl fences aren’t as prone to fading and, therefore, won’t need painting.  

white vinyl picket trees

Vinyl picket fences 

There is a lot more variety available in the picket fence category than some homeowners recognize. Straight picket, scalloped picket, closed picket, and spade picket, for instance, all have similar construction with distinct designs.  

You can also play with the gap width. The amount of space between pickets helps determine how much visibility and wind blockage you get. Spacing is also a key aspect when choosing a picket fence for small pets.  

What type of property are picket fences best for? 

Picket fences are ideal for small-to-medium yards with relatively even terrain. They also look great around single-story houses because they are typically shorter in height than privacy fences.  

Style-wise, they have classic charm. This type of fence creates a border that complements landscaping and doesn’t visually overwhelm or obscure the property. 

The benefits of choosing a vinyl picket fence 

  • Adds pleasant, homey curb appeal to a wide range of properties 
  • Good for small dogs, kids, and flower gardens 
  • Creates a clear boundary without isolating the property or obscuring views 
  • Vinyl will not require repainting and is easy to clean 

 vinyl privacy fence brown

Vinyl privacy fences 

Fewer fences are more functional than a privacy fence. Whether it’s an undesirable view, a nosy neighbor, loud traffic, or a hyperactive dog, it has you covered. 

Privacy fences also play well with other fence styles. For instance, many properties benefit from a welcoming picket fence framing the front yard with a taller privacy fence in the back for some seclusion.  

What type of property are privacy fences best for? 

A privacy fence is a popular choice for most sizes of lots with sloped or hilly terrain. Homes surrounded by busy roads or dense woods alike benefit from the security. They do more than other fence styles in dampening noise and making a yard more peaceful, no matter its surroundings. 

These fences look especially great with contemporary homes but can suit most styles. They’re higher than most picket fences and can feature custom details that personalize or help it blend into the area.  

The benefits of choosing a vinyl privacy fence 

  • More privacy around pools, hot tubs, and outdoor entertainment areas 
  • Blocks out neighbors and deters trespassers 
  • Reduces noise  
  • Enhanced security for pets and kids 

Vinyl lattice top fences 

The height of a privacy fence may block too much sun for certain plants, which is where a lattice top comes in. Light can enter the top few feet without removing any height for a sunnier yet still-private yard. 

A lattice top might also be beneficial during sustained strong winds. It lets some wind blow through instead of beating against a solid fence in full force.  

What type of property are lattice top fences best for? 

Any property that wants a mix of benefits with a touch of decorative flair should consider lattice. They’re a prize pick for Victorian, Mediterranean, historic, and cottage-style homes with beautiful landscaping. 

The benefits of choosing a vinyl lattice top fence 

  • Has more visual character than other designs 
  • Offers both privacy and sun  
  • May reduce wind impact  
  • Low maintenance 

 lawn white vinyl picket fencing

Find premium vinyl fencing in your area 

Top Rail Fences knows there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to installation. Irregularly shaped properties, tough terrain, and existing fencing don’t need to keep you from the vinyl fence design of your dreams.  

If you can’t choose between picket, privacy, and lattice-top, there may be room for all three. Get in touch today and find a custom solution for your yard. 

 

Vinyl fencing FAQ 

 

Is vinyl fencing cheaper than wood? 

No, vinyl fencing is more expensive than wood. However, wood fencing requires more maintenance, which can make up for the price difference over the years.  

Does vinyl fence break easily? 

How easily a vinyl fence breaks depends on the quality of the material. All vinyl can be damaged by impact or thrown objects. Premium fencing materials may sustain a ding or dent where budget options are more susceptible to holes or cracks.  

Are vinyl fences strong enough for dogs? 

Yes, vinyl fences are durable and secure enough to contain dogs. Other considerations like fence height and anti-dig mesh depend on the size and temperament of a dog.

Todd Bingham

Todd Bingham, President of Top Rail Fence, is a seasoned entrepreneur and franchise development expert. With over a decade in the home services industry, he has held key leadership roles, including Vice President at Stellar Service Brands and Restoration 1 Franchise Holdings. Todd's contributions to the franchise development industry and his leadership at Pinnacle Franchise Development and FranNet have helped create the fastest-growing fence franchise in the nation.