Advantages of Trex Fencing for Commercial and Government Applications

Trex Fencing for Commercial and Government Applications

It’s no secret that Trex fencing is popular as a residential product. Privacy is important to homeowners and Trex fulfills that need perfectly with its completely site-obscuring design. Aesthetics are also important. Discerning owners of private residences choose Trex because there is no other fence like it in design and composition.

 

Many of the reasons that Trex fencing appeals to homeowners also apply to commercial and government property owners. However, there are additional attributes that are particularly relevant to these types of buyers. Trex is a versatile fence that is as diversely functional as it is beautiful.

 

  • Eco-friendly product (96% reclaimed materials)
    • 5 LEED Points: High Recycled Content, Regional Materials, Innovation In Design
  • Easily configured for heights up to 12′ tall
  • More attractive and less invasive installation alternative to masonry walls
  • Strength and durability make Trex the better overall product for heavy duty projects
  • Rigorous product engineering and testing
  • Resists damage from insects and won’t warp, rot or splinter
  • Board-on-board style is aesthetically distinct
  • Rich natural colors compliment a variety of themes
  • Over time, Trex requires less maintenance and product replacement than wood, vinyl, other composites
  • Non-reflective surface: No painting or staining required
  • Wind rating of 130 mph sustained / 147 mph gusts ​(6′ tall)
  • Customizable for height, style, and slope
  • Matching gate options

 

Using Trex Components to build Custom Fence Designs

While the Trex Seclusions system is based on specifically configured designs, the fact that the material is not assembled in pre-built panels means a person building a fence has quite a bit of latitude for creativity. Trex is similar to wood in that it can be cut to any length from its original dimensions. That’s why it’s easy to build a fence shorter or taller than the standard 6′ or 8′ tall height. The components can also be used in combination with other materials as we’ve written about in previous posts (such as bamboo fill in between Trex posts and rails).

 

Here are two designs contributed by contractors that have adjusted the configuration of the Trex fence. The first example is a semi-private fence with a baluster top to provide a more open appearance. There are a couple of different ways of building this style. In both cases, a frame is built with balusters spaced apart like railing to create an attractive window without compromising security. The method used to create the look for the baluster top is simple. Since the Trex aluminum rail is shaped like an “H”, channels exist on the top and bottom where material can be inserted. In this design, a second bottom rail serves as a mid-rail which allows the pickets beneath to be enclosed by the bottom cavity of the aluminum rail and a semi-privacy panel is dropped into the top channel of the aluminum rail. Then, once the panel is in place the Trex top rail is placed over the top of the panel to secure it. Keep in mind room needs to exist for the top rail brackets, so the baluster panel would need to be a little narrower than the actual space between the posts.  Here’s a graphic that shows the basic principles of this design.

Trex Fence with open-top design using metal balusters for semi-privacy

The second example is a clever use of Trex fence pickets to create a closed-off space under a deck. In this instance, the homeowner had the need for outdoor storage that he wanted to keep out of site. Using the interlocking Trex picket system, the contractor framed a structure under the deck and built a sturdy wall and door. The finished look complimented the Trex decking material above and gave the whole deck a beautiful finished look. Because the pickets interlock, the space underneath is completely hidden.

Fence Pickets Used to Create a Closed Off Space Under a Trex Deck

Post-Installation Pictures of Trex Fences

Some customers sent in high quality pictures of their projects recently so we thought we’d highlight them. Trex is used for residential, commercial, and government applications throughout the country and is selected for its various benefits. But, besides all the benefits of low-maintenance, “green” building, durability, and warranty, Trex is simply a strikingly unique-looking fence.

 

Stone Pillars with Trex Fencing. We’ve written about this before. Trex simply looks fantastic when it’s combined with other materials.  Whether it’s ornamental iron panels with Trex posts, Trex “toppers” set on masonry walls, or Trex pickets and rails between stone or brick columns, there’s no question the striking appearance sets a fence apart.

 

Stone columns or pillars with Trex privacy fencing panels

 

A Beautiful Backdrop. This customer’s patio almost had it all. Attractive brick pavers, outdoor furniture, hot tub, and a shade structure … now, all it needed was some privacy and a complimentary color to finish off an outdoor living area that would make a person want to rush home, kick off their shoes, and enjoy a relaxing evening.

 

Backyard patio with furniture, shade structure, pavers, and a Trex fence

 

Perimeter Privacy and Protection. Who said commercial properties need to detract from a community? Municipalities, developers, and builders are sensitive about spaces where commercial properties join residential areas. Good landscaping and a Trex fence can transform a parking lot from an eyesore to a space that blends in with a community.

 

Trex privacy fencing adds beauty to commercial projects like this parking lot

 

Trex Fencing is Versatile and Compatible with Various Materials

 

We love project photos and it’s always interesting to see how customers use their creativity to come up with unique designs using the Trex fencing product. Here are some recent examples of these types of projects.

 

Bamboo used as pickets for a fenceTrex Fencing with Bamboo. For this particular installation in Miami, Florida, the homeowner wanted a completely distinct look and chose to combine Trex fencing with bamboo in between the posts and rails. This gave the fence some transparency with a combination of finished and rustic elements.

 

 

 

 

 

Trex Fence Posts with Ornamental Panels Around PoolTrex Posts for a Pool Fence. Previously, we’ve highlighted how good Trex posts look with ornamental metal panels. Here’s an example of an installation near Clovis, California around a pool where the Trex posts provide a substantial and colorful appearance to compliment the iron panels. The contractor easily attached the panels to the Trex posts using mounting brackets.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Security and privacy fencing for charging stationTrex for Utility Enclosures. The industrial look of utilities such as HVAC units or electrical chargers can feel out of place or distracting to the eye in areas where aesthetics are important. Fencing or screening helps to cover the view of these machines and Trex is particularly appealing as a solution because it provides full opacity and an attractive finish. Here is an example of a utility enclosure in Nevada using 8′ tall Trex fencing. The other side has gates to allow access to the equipment.

 

 

 

 

Panera Bread Dumpster Enclosure Using Trex GatesTrex for Dumpster Gates. Like utility enclosures, Trex is often specified by architects for dumpster gates specifically for the reasons of aesthetics and durability. Here is a project for a Panera Bread location in Boardman, Ohio. In this case, the opening was approximately 16 ft., so the contractor built a welded back frame and used Trex fencing on the front. The interlocking pickets were attached to the frame using self-tapping screws and then the fasteners were covered up by the rails.

 

 

 

Trex Fencing Offers Advantages Over Wood

In thinking about a property in high visibility area, particularly where a home or building is in an urban space or where the buildings on the property are close to the fence line, Trex provides several unique benefits:

 

  • The interlocking picket system completely blocks the view through the fence. Wood fencing is susceptible to shrinkage and can create unpleasant gaps which reduce privacy. Even a board-on-board design in wood isn’t fully private as wood pickets tend to warp creating gaps as well.
  • The fence looks the same on both sides. Most wood fences have framing on one side, but with Trex you will see the same elegant design as the passers-by on the other side.
  • Unlike wood fences where pickets are usually attached with nails or a significant number of screws, Trex is easy to disassemble if you need to replace some of the components. The interlocking system makes the fence secure, but if you need to take it apart, there’s no need to extract a large number of screws.
  • Trex provides better sound suppression than other fences. While it won’t entirely eliminate street sounds it can muffle them more effectively .
  • Trex is much thicker than vinyl. Kids kicking balls or throwing small rocks against the fence aren’t likely to break it in normal situations, whereas thinner-wall products break more easily with similar force.
  • Trex can be painted. For example, if graffiti has adhered and can’t be removed, the tagged area can be painted over. You can do that with wood as well, of course, but not with vinyl or similar manufactured products. And, unlike wood, Trex won’t rot, splinter, crack, or warp.
  • Block wall is susceptible to cracking as it settles. It also has a harsher “look” than a fence. If aesthetics are a big part of an owner’s decision, Trex soars past mere functionality.

 

Gaps between pickets in wood fence

trex-fencing-santa-fe-new-mexicoThe Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) of the State of New Mexico recently selected Trex fencing for La Comunidad de los Ninos, an early education center in Santa Fe, New Mexico. La Comunidad de los Ninos provides Head Start and Early Head Start preschool services.

 

The project was facilitated by the Lowe’s installation program and included approximately 360 ft. of 3-6 ft. tall fencing and gates around a playground area. Trex Seclusions composite fencing was selected because it met the requirements of the CYFD, including complete privacy. The school selected Saddle, a color which will blend with the earth-tones of the school buildings and surrounding environment.

 

Because Trex completely restricts visibility between pickets, it is a popular privacy barrier for schools, enclosures, and commercial projects in general. It is also exceptionally durable: it will not rot, crack, or warp, and it is much more resistant to breakage than other manufactured materials such as vinyl fencing.

 

Fence by Kent Fence Company of Topeka KansasNEWS RELEASE (DP) – Topeka, KS. Nine months after the installation of over 800’ of 8’ high Trex Seclusions at the Walgreens in southwest Topeka, reviews are pouring in. “You wouldn’t believe the compliments,” said Tom Kent, owner of Kent Fence Co. “It’s the first time we worked with the product. It’s also the first major job in the Topeka that includes Trex. But we suspect this will really lead to a lot more, especially with all of the homeowners who see it driving by. Any fence that can hold up in the 80-90 mph Kansas winds like this (Trex) is really a good product.”

 

Kent Fence Co. is a family owned and operated business that has been in business since 1977. Kent prides itself that there is no job too small or too large. Tom credits the combination of residential fencing and commercial projects which have allowed our company to grow to about 380 jobs a year.

 

“Walgreens was not an easy installation. It starts on top of a retaining wall, with downhill slope,” said Kent. “We figured out how to work with it and it came out really good. Everyone involved is really happy with it.”

 

Tom is one of five Kents who have contributed to the company’s history. Presently, Mark Kent is the Sales and Operations Manager and David Kent is the Senior Working Foreman.

 

The success of this project bodes well for both Trex Fencing and Kent Fence going forward in Tom’s estimation. For more information on this project and on Trex fencing from Kent Fence Co., contact  the company at: (785) 233-2291.

 

 

TRAX Light Rail Train passing in front of Trex Fencing

We have published details regarding a large fencing project for a light rail train system in Utah: UTA TRAX LRT Fence Project. This case study provides insight into the application of Trex Seclusions fencing as an alternative to masonry.

 

Cost, privacy, durability, and aesthetics were some of the most important factors in the decision-making process. Trex fencing was selected in 2011 by the Utah Transit Authority in conjunction with a design-build project submitted by Kiewit-Herzog-Parsons, a Joint Venture.  The installation was completed in 2013. Approximately 18,000 linear feet of fence was installed in heights from 6 ft. to 12 ft. tall.

 

Trex is uniquely positioned in the fencing category. Its distinct design ensures full opacity because the interlocking picket system does not create gaps as is common with wood or other composite fences. The density and thickness of the material also provide a level of durability that other manufactured products such as vinyl cannot offer.

 

The case study demonstrates the overall process of selection. For more specific details, please contact a Trex Fencing representative.

Austin recently enjoyed the installation of two Trex Fencing projects.

 

Trex fencing along sidewalk, Austin's Colony development, Austin TexasThis fence is part of an ongoing construction project for a new housing development in Austin’s Colony area of Austin, TX.  The client selected Trex fence in the Saddle color for the perimeter of the neighborhood because of it’s long-lasting and low-maintenance appeal.

 

One issue confronting construction in East Austin is how soft the ground is. The extra length of Trex’s twelve-foot posts was used to allow the contractor to dig deep to make sure the fence won’t lean as the years pass.

 

Trex was installed as perimeter fencing for the community along Hunter’s Bend Road. It offers the residents full privacy and an attractive border around the homes in the area. In this particular phase, the contractor installed more than 200 ft. of fence with more to come as new homes are added.

 

Fence around utility pole         Trex fencing installed in Austin's Colony, Austin Texas

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Boxing out a tree with fencingThis fence was installed in the East Austin area. The client selected Woodland Brown because the rich color matched the house’s trim almost exactly.

 

The project entailed approximately 200 feet with a double gate on which the fence company added automation, and a walk-through gate. As shown in the picture, the contractor had a small challenge of boxing out around a tree that the client wished to protect inside of their yard. The end result was a clean jog in the line that actually added to the distinct beauty of the fence without disturbing the tree.

 

Trex easily adapts to grade changes like the slope next to the walk-through gate. Because it is a “stick-built” fence, rather than a fixed width & height panel, each fence can be tailored to follow the contours of the property and adjust for dimensions of each section. The end result is a fully private fence that doesn’t leave an unseemly gap under the bottom rail as the ground changes slope.

 

Installation by Austin Brothers Fence Company          Dark brown color with gate

 

Trex Seclusions Commercial Fencing Nelson Laboratories, located in Salt Lake City, acquired Trex fencing to place around the perimeter of its property and along the South Jordan Canal Trail. The project was completed in two phases and included approximately 800 ft. of fence. The color chosen was Winchester Grey and the fence height was 6 ft. tall.

 

The fence provides a barrier between a canal and parking lots. Additionally, there are residences that back onto part of the property, so Trex was selected to provide full privacy and an attractive backdrop for the neighbors. Trex has the same appearance on both sides and no exposed framing or fasteners.

 

 

The pictures in this post are a good example of how the product ages since the fence was installed more than five years ago. One of the most frequently asked questions is what to expect when the product changes from its manufactured color to its intended weathered color.  To achieve the slate grey of the Winchester Grey color, the product is over-pigmented during its production. It appears with a brownish hue when new. After exposure to the sun for several weeks, the fence will settle into its natural color. For more information on color, see Details and Color Swatches on our product information pages.

 

Commercial projects like this one are a perfect case study for the usage of Trex fencing. The low-maintenance aspect of the fence (it doesn’t require painting or staining, and it won’t rot or warp) makes is particularly popular since commercial property owners typically don’t have maintenance crews who handle the type of annual upkeep required from wood fences. Outsourcing that type of work can be costly, time consuming, and disruptive since it typically means cordoning off parking lot space while the work is being done.

 

Trex is also incredibly durable. Whether it is high winds, incidental contact with the fence by passers-by, or just the general impact of the elements, Trex is a long-lasting fence that will maintain its beautiful appearance and serve its purpose for years to come.

 

 

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