Over the past decade or so, vinyl PVC fencing has become one of the most popular, if not the most popular, fencing materials in the U.S., taking over nearly half of all fencing industry projects!
One of the main reasons for its growing popularity is the fact that it's a nearly maintenance-free material. That's a huge draw for busy, hard-working Americans who would rather not give up any of their precious free time to repaint or repair a fading, peeling, or deteriorating fence.
There are basically two different types of vinyl PVC fencing:
- Virgin
- Recycled
Virgin vinyl PVC is the most common product sold by fencing companies and contractors. It's made primarily of PVC, plus polypropylene, nylon, and polyethylene.
Recycled vinyl PVC is commonly sold at the so-called “big box” stores like Lowe’s or Home Depot. Although it sounds like a great idea to buy fencing made up of recycled plastic materials, the truth is that the product ends up being inferior to virgin vinyl in that it tends to be hospitable to mold and mildew. That's partly because when companies extrude their “recaptured” materials, they may contain impurities that affect the finished product's resilience, impact resistance, and UV-resistant qualities.
How to Identify Vinyl PVC Fencing Types
It can be hard to tell the difference between virgin and recycled vinyl PVC simply by looking at the material, which when new, look the same.
Virgin vinyl PVC is somewhat thicker than the recycled version. Also, most recycled vinyl PVC fencing comes in pre-assembled panels. Of course, the easiest way to tell the difference is simply to ask the supplier whether the material is virgin or recycled.
The Benefits of Vinyl PVC Fencing
Many people refer to vinyl PVC fencing as the "hassle-free" choice. That's because there are so many benefits to choosing vinyl PVC fences over wood or metal fences.
It won't rot or deteriorate like wood will, making it a good choice for areas that experience weather extremes like strong winds or rain. Vinyl PVC fencing won’t succumb to termites, a claim that certainly doesn't apply to wood fences. There's also no danger of rust or corrosion as with a metal or wrought iron fence. Basically, it's a "degradation-proof" material!
Vinyl PVC fencing is UV-resistant and won't fade or "wilt" in strong sunlight.
It’s family-friendly (no toxic chemicals) and planet-friendly since it’s fully recyclable!
There's no danger of splintering, which makes vinyl PVC fencing a child-friendly alternative to a wood fence.
It doesn’t require staining or painting and is easy to clean with just soap and water. (You can even clean off graffiti with ease!)
A vinyl PVC fence is almost 5 times stronger than its wooden counterpart.
Vinyl PVC fencing is a superior material for fencing in animals since the animals can neither hurt themselves if they try to chew through it, nor hurt themselves if they attempt to run through it.
Vinyl PVC fencing is often available in a variety of colors. Matching it to your house is a breeze.
It's an economical choice. The cost of buying a vinyl PVC fence is initially higher than buying a wood or metal fence, but since it doesn't require painting, staining or waterproofing, you'll save money over time. (And time in this instance means virtually for your lifetime! Amortize the up-front costs over a lifetime, and it becomes clear that vinyl PVC fencing is truly a money saver.)
Installing a vinyl PVC fence is an easy project for a typical homeowner. It simply entails sliding the rails into the posts and securing the posts into the ground. That means if you're not afraid of a little manual labor, there's no need to hire a professional.
Deciding What Vinyl PVC Fencing You Want
Vinyl PVC fences come in a variety of styles and can ultimately go with any home or suit any taste. Whether you are looking to keep animals out, or your parties safely within, a vinyl PVC fence is going to give you exactly what you are looking for.
If you are looking for a fence that still allows you to see beyond your property, then a picket fence is a great option. A vinyl picket fence will give you some degree of privacy and separation, but without impeding your view.
Of course, once you decide that you want a picket fence, you must consider the various styles available. One option is to go with a more modern look, such as the Baltimore Contemporary Closed Picket In White. This simple yet elegant design will check all the boxes on your wish list.
But of course, if you want something with a bit more detail, the Hopewell Traditional Closed Picket is a great option. It works especially well around pool areas.
At the same time, you may be looking for a picket fence that doesn't have those clean lines. In that case, you will enjoy more scalloped fences. The Richmond Picket Contemporary Scallop White is a great example of this style, which is unique will still offering the same functionality as other picket fences.
However, if your goal is to create real separation and provide you and your family with privacy, then there are more private options for you to consider. The most basic in style is the Norfolk Privacy fence. Thanks to its simple style, it will look great regardless of the style and look of your home.
Of course, if you are looking for a privacy fence with a design that provides you with a bit more intrigue, Chestertown Privacy Fence Closed Spindle could be your choice. It has more detail than the Norfolk fence, while still helping to keep your yard very private.
Lastly, the Harrington Privacy Fence W/ Lattice is a great choice if you are looking for something unique. You get the beauty of lattice work at the top of your privacy fence.
Of course, that is only true if you find the right fence for your needs. But if you do, you will get both a great-looking fence and an addition to your yard that requires very little maintenance after a relatively easy DIY installation. From picket fence to privacy fence, you will be able to get the separation of space and the privacy that you've been looking for. To learn more about our fencing options and other resources, please contact us.
Buying Vinyl PVC Fencing
As mentioned earlier, if you're looking for a quality vinyl PVC fence, it's probably a good idea to avoid the “big-box” store offerings, which tend to be inferior in terms of quality. If you're planning to install your fence yourself, consider buying from a company that ships direct from the manufacturer, so that the cost of the “middleman” or retail mark-up is virtually eliminated.
You'll also want to choose a company that has a good selection from a wide variety of manufacturers, plus an ace customer service staff. That's important in case you have questions about the product or its installation. In fact, a really good company will offer installation tips, or even videos to help guide you if you've never installed a vinyl PVC fence before. Those are the little “extras” that can mean the difference between struggling with unanswered questions or unanticipated “snags” in your installation project and getting the job done with relative ease.
If you're looking for quality vinyl PVC (or any other) fencing materials, many of which are made right here in the USA and all of which are shipped direct to you from the manufacturer, contact us!
