The Vinyl Fence Colors That Hide Dirt Best (And The Ones That Don't)

Once you decide if a vinyl fence is right for you, it's time to assess what color fencing you want for your property. Not every color is equal when it comes to hiding dirt, which can quickly make your fence look dingy. Many darker neutrals can mask dirt, yet there are some lighter neutral shades that will make it stand out like a spotlight. Choosing the right shade for your fence can help you cut down on maintenance needs and maintain your curb appeal, reducing the risk of having a large eyesore drawing away attention from the other, more aesthetically pleasing parts of your property. 

Homeowners often opt for vinyl fencing for its durability, easy care, and resistance to weathering. While a fence made of vinyl won't rot or decay, but is still susceptible to dirt, debris, and dust, which makes your final color selection critical. As you look through various manufacturer brochures of the options available, think of how much time you truly have for upkeep on a fence. Doing this will help you choose an option that fits your aesthetic needs with practicality.  You wouldn't want your beautiful new fence to look unsightly with just a bit of dirt, would you? Before you add that new vinyl fence to your property, here are the colors you should consider and those that may be worth passing on.

The pristine appearance of a fence might exist in classic movies, but we know that real life is a different story. You should look at some darker neutral shades if you're concerned about hiding dirt and have less time for upkeep. Not only do black, brown, tan, and grey imbue your property with a modern style, but they also camouflage dirt so your fence maintains an orderly appearance. Unless thoroughly caked with grime and gunk, the buildup will be far less noticeable on these shades than it would if you were to go for a lighter color.

If you frequently have a lot of traffic, yard work, and other activities that may spread dirt on your fence, consider installing fences with these colors. Every vinyl fence manufacturer is different, so the precise color names can vary, but staying on this side of the color wheel can help your fence look cleaner for longer. Don't skip on the cleaning altogether, however, because it's still necessary to give your fence a rinse with a garden hose every now and then if you want it to look its best. Then, once you have time, you can easily clean your vinyl fence with vinegar or other solutions to attack any stubborn stains.

Now that you know which vinyl fence colors are ideal when it comes to hiding dirt, there are also a few you might steer clear of if cleaning your fence doesn't sound like a good time. First up, white. Although iconic and gleaming, white vinyl fencing is harder to keep looking fresh. Dirt, along with pollen, grass clippings and just about anything else stirred up in your yard, can easily mar the surface. The busy activity of dogs and kids can quickly take their toll on your fencing, making you need to clean it more often.

In addition to white, similar lighter shades will show dirt more easily than darker colors. The same warning goes for anything that's off-white, ecru, light beige, or even some pastels, simply because of the contrast between a darker substance like dirt when it's on a lighter background. Not to mention, while mold doesn't grow more easily on light-colored fences, it's more prominent when it appears, sometimes resulting in ugly black or green streaks that diminish your curb appeal.