Problem Vinyl Fencing
Occasionally, we are asked if we install vinyl fencing. We do not – we specialize in wood, Trex, and iron.
During the 1990’s when demand for vinyl fencing exploded in Utah, our company joined the rest of the local fence community that was experimenting with the product. However, after just two years of working with vinyl, we decided to drop this product from our offerings. Here are the primary reasons why:
Cost: Basic white vinyl fencing is roughly the same price as a basic wood fence. Other styles and colors of vinyl fencing rise in price just as more ornate styles of wood fencing (such as our Canyon Winds or Estates styles). In general, therefore, vinyl and wood fall into the same pricing ranges.
Appeal: The advantage to a buyer of vinyl fencing is that it doesn’t require staining. The disadvantage is that it isn’t natural looking, so if a buyer prefers a fence that ties in better with their landscaping, vinyl wouldn’t be the logical choice. The majority of our clientele looking for privacy fencing chooses cedar or Trex specifically because they are not interested in a vinyl fence. One significant criticism we hear is that vinyl has a “shiny” reflective surface and lacks the look of an upscale product. Aesthetics are a personal choice and should carefully be considered when selecting a style and type of material for a fence.
Strength: This is perhaps the most important problem with vinyl fencing. The thickness of the material is substantially thinner than that of a product like Trex. Correspondingly, vinyl cannot withstand high winds and is much more prone to damage from force against it or even from small objects that strike it (such as rocks or hard balls). Because it is a fully plastic product, vinyl also tends to become brittle over time, even with UV inhibitors.
It is important to note that there are no fences with perfect properties. Wood will require maintenance. Trex can be costly compared to vinyl. All fences are products that are exposed to the severity of the elements and will naturally degrade over time. Given that a fence is typically a significant investment for any buyer, it is worth thorougly researching strengths and limitations of the various options. We encourage our prospective customers to use the resources available on this website to assist with that evaluation.
Please contact us with any questions: 801-374-6428 (Utah County) / 801-990-6888 (Salt Lake County). Or fill out the Contact Us information request form.
