Over the past few years, vinyl fences have become a popular alternative to traditional fences such as wood and chain link fences. Vinyl fences appear to cost more than a wood fence. At the onset of installation, vinyl fences certainly cost more. However, over the years a vinyl fence can actually end up costing less. This is simply because a wood fence will need to be stained multiple times throughout its life to maintain its beauty and structural integrity; doing so is an expense. The future for a unstained wooden fence can become a future of repairs, even replacement; also an expense. Vinyl will not rot like wood and will never need to be stained. It also has a warranty that no wood product will compete with. Overall, vinyl fences are attractive and provide a long-lasting, virtually maintenance-free alternative to other fences.