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Wood Alternative Fencing

October 20, 2014Edmund Rose

Wood Alternative Fencing

Trex Fencing vs. Wood Fencing

Wood fencing degrades over time even with painting or staining. Trex requires much less maintenance throughout its life.

Traditionally, wood has been the product of choice for privacy fence building. It is readily available, generally affordable, and has natural appeal. Wood fencing is also versatile, offering various design options and comes in a variety of species such as cedar, redwood, and pine (treated). Other localized varieties include spruce, fir, and even the occasional hardwood.

 

While it has its advantages, wood also has its limitations. The most problematic issue is maintenance.  The elements (temperature, moisture, sunlight, wind, etc.) affect all products, but wood is quite susceptible to damage. Wood fencing is also prone to termites and other insect damage. Relatively speaking, wood takes a while to degrade, but it inevitably succumbs to the environment around it.

 

Seven Year Comparison Trex Fencing vs. Wood Fencing Because of the limitations of wood, consumers are turning more and more to alternatives. Nothing lasts forever, but wood fencing, particularly that cut from newer growth materials, tends to degrade more quickly than alternatives such as PVC vinyl and composite fencing. Even treated pine or fir can fail more quickly than manufactured materials.

 

The longevity of a wood fence can be extended by maintenance. Usually, that means regular stripping and staining every two to three years, and periodic replacement of insect or rot damaged materials. However, even though it may be inexpensive to install initially, over the course of its lifetime wood fencing can become quite pricey.

 

Manufactured items are developed as an alternative to wood in a variety of applications such as siding, decking, and fencing. In particular, composite materials are a natural selection because they look the closest to wood and have other material advantages such as strength and durability. As I mentioned, nothing is immune to the effects of weathering. However, composite materials, particularly high caliber products like Trex, are manufactured for long-lasting performance with exceptionally low maintenance. Typically, Trex is a more expensive material than wood, but after several stainings and some repair, wood will surpass the cost of Trex and continue to require the budgeting of maintenance dollars.

 

For consumers looking for the best alternative to wood privacy fencing, we offer Trex composite fencing. Please visit the rest of our site for more details on this uniquely superior alternative to wood fencing.

 

Filed Under: Composite Fence, Materials, Selling Points Tagged With: Composites, Product Longevity, Wood Alternative, Wood Fencing

How is Trex Different from Vinyl Fencing?

August 14, 2014Kelley Neel

How is Trex Different from Vinyl Fencing?

Recycling Image

One of the most common questions regarding Trex fencing is how it differs from PVC vinyl fencing. The simple answer is that Trex is actually quite different.

 

Up until about 25 years ago, there was no major alternative to wood for privacy fencing. During the 1980s and 90s, however, manufacturers experimented with plastics and eventually developed a viable material for fencing. As manufacturing techniques, materials, and designs improved, vinyl fencing became a popular low-maintenance alternative to wood.

 

More recently, composite fencing has also become an alternative to both wood … and even vinyl. Composites, usually made from a combination of wood and plastic, have beneficial attributes from both products. From wood, composite materials inherit the ability to absorb pigmentation and express a more natural look. From plastic, composites eliminate rot and insect damage, and do not require painting or staining.

 

While vinyl has been a good solution as an alternative fencing product, there are some limitations, particularly in natural colors/surface finishing, and durability. Composites are typically much stronger, primarily due to their density and thickness. They also hold up better in heat and cold. In terms of strength, Trex has the additional benefit of the interlocking picket design which creates added strength (more on that in a future post).  Among composites, Trex leads the industry with asthetic appeal. Rather than take the approach of emulating a traditional stockade style fence, Trex fencing was designed based on the results of a national a survey in which consumers indicated a preference for a “cap-and-trim” and “board-on-board” look.

 

Midwest Fence in Minnesota has written more extensively on this topic. You might find it interested to get a contractor’s perspective because they work directly with consumers like you:  “PVC Vinyl Vs. Trex Composite Fencing.”

 

Filed Under: Composite Fence, Materials, Selling Points Tagged With: Composites, PVC Vinyl, Vinyl Fencing

Why Choose Trex Fencing

August 4, 2014Kelley Neel

Why Choose Trex Fencing

 

Trex Fencing Design PlansOver the years, increasingly sophisticated property improvement plans have added fencing aesthetics and other attributes into the overall decision-making equation. Aesthetic appeal is typically one of the most important factors in a customer’s process when choosing a fence. However, once a customer has decided that the design of a fence and the look of the material fits their needs, the selection process shifts into evaluating details such as longevity, maintenance, benefits of a particular material, and other attributes. A fence is not usually the largest purchase a customer will make for property improvement, but it is still a sizable investment. Therefore selecting the right fence is important to insure the purchase is worthwhile. So, how does Trex specifically factor into landscaping and design plans?

 

Fence Product ComparisonAs you can imagine, the first impression many people have about Trex fencing is how unique and attractive it is. Beyond that, there are several significant reasons to choose Trex fencing. To help you to differentiate Trex from other products, this chart highlights major attributes of the fencing in comparison to common privacy fencing options.

 

 

Attributes

Trex® Seclusions

Other Composites

Wood

Vinyl

Low-Maintenance

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Requires Wood Supports

No

Yes Yes

No

Post Spacing

8’

6’ (typical) 8’

6’-8’

Requires Screws or Staples for Pickets

No

Yes Yes

No

Same Look Both Sides

Yes

No (typical design) No (typical design)

Yes

True Privacy Design

Yes

No (typical design) No (typical design)

Yes

Heights Above 8’ Tall

Yes

No Yes

No

Wind Rating 130 + MPH sustained (6′ tall)

Yes

No Typically Untested

Some

Proven Brand

Yes

Some N/A

Some

Product Warranty

25-Year

10 – 20 (typical) No

Varies

Filed Under: Composite Fence, Selling Points, Technical Details Tagged With: Attributes, Comparison, Composites, Fencing Options, Vinyl, Wood

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