Wood Fence Vs. Plastic

Wood and plastic fencing can both provide a traditional look to your horse property. Both are considered safe, visible fencing for horses. You can also combine the strengths of both fences by buying PVC-coated wood.
    • Wood fence on a snowy day.

    Wood Maintenance

    • Wood fencing can splinter, be chewed by horses and must be repainted or stained every few years. Horses can break boards and posts or pop the boards off of the posts, so these need periodic replacing.

    Plastic Maintenance

    • Plastic fencing can shatter or split, especially in cold weather, and the boards can be popped out of their holes. Plus, caps must be replaced as horses pop them off. Plastic boards and posts need to be washed every year to remove mildew stains.

    Costs

    • Elizabeth Elkins reports in "Fence for Security and Value" that wood and vinyl fencing costs between $7 and $15 per foot. (Vinyl is another term for plastic fencing.)

    Installation

    • Plastic fencing is best installed by a professional in order to get the strongest fence. A do-it-yourselfer can handle the installation of wood fencing, especially if aided by a post-driver or auger.

    Durability

    • When properly maintained, both wood and vinyl fencing can be very durable. Jerry Moyer of Tempel Lippizaners states in the "Dressage Today" article "Fence 'Em In" that some of his farm's wood fencing has been usable for 25 years.