Vinyl vs Composite vs Aluminum Fence: How to Choose
TL;DR
- Vinyl fencing is made of PVC. PrimeAlux supplies Canadian-made vinyl in six styles and in white, brown and grey woodgrain.
- Composite is a material that combines wood with a plastic polymer. PrimeAlux supplies composite privacy fencing in woodgrain.
- Aluminum is the PrimeAlux core product: three panel lines in four standard colours, with gates, screens and pergolas.
- All three are priced by quote. Pick by the style you need first, then the look, then the upkeep you want.
Choose between a vinyl, composite and aluminum fence by answering three questions in order: which style do you need, which look do you want, and how do you want to care for it. This guide sets out what each material is and what PrimeAlux supplies in each, using only what public sources and PrimeAlux product information say.
What each material is
Vinyl fencing is made of PVC, which is why the same product is sold as PVC fencing. A University of Georgia extension bulletin on fencing notes that PVC rails do not require painting, because they are the same colour throughout the material, and that they need periodic washing.
Composite is a general term. The USDA Forest Products Laboratory describes wood-plastic composites as materials that contain wood, in any form, and a plastic polymer.
Aluminum fencing from PrimeAlux is built from aluminum slats, posts and rails. Aluminum does not rust or rot, and the panels carry a UV-resistant 3-layer and powder coating, so there is nothing to paint or stain.
Vinyl vs composite vs aluminum at a glance
The table lists what PrimeAlux supplies in each material.
| Point | Vinyl | Composite | Aluminum |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | PVC | Wood combined with a plastic polymer | Aluminum slats, posts and rails |
| Styles supplied | Privacy, semi-privacy, picket, ranch rail, pool fence and gates | Privacy | Privacy, Semi-Privacy and Privacy Plus panels, with gates |
| Colours | White, brown and grey woodgrain | Woodgrain | Walnut, Grey Walnut, Natural Walnut and Grey Brown |
| Care | Not painted, washed from time to time (general point about PVC) | Ask our sales team for the care instructions | Slats need only an occasional rinse to stay clean |
| Pricing | By quote | By quote | By quote |
Start with the style you need
Style narrows the choice fastest. If you want a picket fence, a ranch rail fence or a pool fence, vinyl is the material PrimeAlux supplies in those styles. If you want a closed privacy fence, all three materials can do the job.
For partial screening, compare semi-privacy vinyl with the aluminum Semi-Privacy line, which has 4 inch slats with a half inch gap. For the widest sections, look at aluminum Privacy Plus, which is offered in 8 ft wide sections.
Then choose the look
A white fence means vinyl. A wood look can come from any of the three: grey woodgrain vinyl, woodgrain composite, or the four aluminum colours, which are all wood tones.
Look at the colours in person if you can. The PrimeAlux showroom is at 2222 South Sheridan Way, Unit 116, Mississauga, open Monday to Friday, 10 AM to 5 PM, and Saturday by appointment.
Then think about care
Each material is cared for differently, so ask about care before you order. PVC is not painted and is washed periodically. Aluminum slats need only an occasional rinse to stay clean, and the PrimeAlux limited warranty for aluminum asks for documented cleaning twice a year. For composite, ask our sales team for the care instructions that come with the product.
Check your local fence rules
Height limits apply to every material. Municipal bylaws set the maximum fence height, usually with a lower limit in a front yard than in a back yard, and pool enclosures have their own rules. Our service areas pages summarise the rules for the cities we cover.
Where to read more
- Vinyl fence panels and gates, with the six styles and three colours
- Woodgrain composite privacy fence
- Privacy aluminum fence panels, the closed aluminum line
Frequently Asked Questions
Which fence materials does PrimeAlux supply?
PrimeAlux supplies aluminum fencing, Canadian-made vinyl fencing and woodgrain composite privacy fencing. Aluminum is the core product.
Is vinyl fencing the same as PVC fencing?
Yes. Vinyl fencing is made of PVC, so the two names describe the same product.
Which material comes in a picket or ranch rail style?
Vinyl. PrimeAlux supplies vinyl in privacy, semi-privacy, picket, ranch rail and pool fence styles, with gates.
Which material gives a wood look?
All three can. Vinyl comes in grey woodgrain, composite comes in woodgrain, and the four aluminum colours are Walnut, Grey Walnut, Natural Walnut and Grey Brown.
How are the three materials priced?
All three are priced by quote. Send your measurements through the contact form and choose the material, and our sales team prepares the pricing. Contractors receive tiered pricing.
This article is general planning information. Product specifications come from the PrimeAlux product pages and may change. Confirm dimensions, mounting and installation details with PrimeAlux before ordering, and check your local bylaws and permit requirements. This is not engineering or legal advice.
