Tag Archive for: Composite Fencing

Market Adoption

Costs for composites are higher than wood or vinyl. The manufacturing process adds a labor and material acquisition element that does not exist with wood and, though pound-for-pound a composite product is more in line with the cost of vinyl, the significantly higher volume of material in a composite means higher cost. However, the cost benefit over time is clear once the lifetime of a fence is considered.

In a recent study by SBI Reports, forecasted demand for alternative fencing will continue to grow with composites growing the fastest. A case study for Highlands Ranch Metro District in the Denver, Colorado metropolitan area was developed to evaluate various materials and design for appearance, life span, structural integrity, costs, and construction logistics. Several conclusions led to the selection of composite fencing as the best overall solution:

  • The posts are as durable as needed and more attractive than masonry.
  • The fence wall has a smaller footprint which was important to reduce utility conflicts.
  • Requirements for long-term maintenance – staining, post replacement, reduced impact from damage such as snow plowing and low-impact situations – are lower overall than other products compared.
  • The analysis indicates that while costs for installation of Trex (the selected brand of composite) are higher at the outset, virtually all of the costs are front-loaded. Comparatively, over the lifespan of fence, the outlay of a wood fence matches Trex at around 10 years and continues to rise while the costs of a Trex product remains constant over its 25-year warranted period. The overall longevity of the fence is anticipated to be 40+ years.

This type of analysis, although perhaps more thorough than an average consumer is likely to perform, creates a growing awareness of the benefits of composite fencing. Consumers expectations of better solutions for low-maintenance fencing will cause the market to continue growing.

The introduction of products creates challenges for fence contractors and their suppliers both in creating a successful sales strategy and becoming acclimated to building with the new product. The economic downturn over the last several years has been disruptive to the traditional business model of standing pat on a core competency. As their consumer base shrinks, the contractors that selectively expand their portfolio of products will have a competitive advantage over those that do not adapt. For the short term, the contractors that make an early entry into composite fencing will be able to differentiate themselves until composites become a more widely accepted commodity as vinyl fencing has become.

 

SimTek

The SimTek factory in Orem, Utah is only 15 miles north of Provo where Fence & Deck Supply calls home. With the close location to the factory, Fence & Deck Supply and SimTek have become great partners in the marketing and distribution of SimTek. Our national distribution division, FDS Distributors, ships product all over the US and Canada. Known as a “faux rock wall” and “simulated rock wall”, the fact remains the same that no matter what you call it, consumers are looking for the same thing; an alternative to the costs that come with building a true rock wall.

Fence & Deck Supply has seen SimTek used in all aspects of the fencing application. Installed at an attorney’s home in New York, a doggy day care in North Carolina, the Dearborn, Michigan Proving Grounds of Ford Motors and the iconic Salt Lake City Temple in Utah, SimTek’s applications have no limitations. Receiving calls from business like hotels, apartments, and condominiums, SimTek give the privacy and sound barrier that people expect with a rock wall. With seven colors and variable styles from height to semi-privacy, SimTek is the right product for you. 

SimTek EcoStone Beige Granite

SimTek EcoStone Beige Granite

Design Attributes

As mentioned, while a fence is primarily a functional element, aesthetics matter. In privacy fencing, this is particularly true because of the high visibility of the object. A consumer that is willing to invest in the landscaping of their property is likely to see a fence as an extension of their living space environment. Manufacturers of composites generally have taken one of two approaches with their products: 1) create a design that simulates a wood fence (examples are Timbertech FenceScapes and Fiberon Fencing), or 2) create a distinct design with a premium appearance. In the former, the advantage of a composite is that part of the material is composed of natural material, typically wood or another form of reclaimed organic waste. This gives the product a more wood-like appearance and texture, and is much less reflective than vinyl. In the latter, a well-designed composite fence takes advantage of the natural attributes of its wood-based elements but because it is a manufactured product, the dimensions and aesthetics of the fence can carry a look of exceptional quality and greater value.

The benefit of a simulated look is that if a proximity to a wood appearance is preferred, composites are the best low-maintenance alternative. Composites tend to hold a richer color value than vinyl, have excellent durability, and perform better in the elements over time. However, cost becomes an issue with this design. The traditional stockade (dog-ear) style fence is more expensive than a similar wood fence, so the low-maintenance benefit may not be enough to overcome the price difference. Adding fascia rails or a top “cap” rail to create a more attractive design increases the cost, further challenging the justification for a higher-cost composite.

System-oriented fencing, on the other hand, can differ considerably in appearance but can keep the costs closer to a stockade style composite fence. Trex in particular has been successful with this design. The picture frame, shadow box (board-on-board) design creates an identical look for both sides of the fence. This is significant, particularly in residential installations where neighbors often share the cost of a fence. The fencing also centers within the post profile making it easy to center the fence on property lines. Despite its durability and strength, no composite is load bearing so the propensity for sagging is quite high. Rather than using treated wood support rails, however, the Trex fence design uses a metal (galvanized steel or aluminum) bottom rail which supports the entire fence. Because the fence is also constructed in components, the number of fasteners required is fewer than traditional wood or other composite fences.

Another unique element of a composite product is that they typically made from at least some recycled content. As sustainable building gains ground in public interest and in building requirements, composites are increasingly included in plan specifications. Timbertech, Fiberon, Terra Fence, and Trex use 51%, 84%, 94% and 95% recycled content respectively. All have green manufacturing processes as well and qualify for U.S. Green Building Council LEED certification points. Partially due to”green” criteria, Trex was selected recently in a Utah for public transportation initiative to run approximately 17,000 along a light rail line. The U.S. Forestry service also selected the product for the Black Hills National Park in South Dakota for similar reasons.

Composite fencing as a next-generation product

Composite products have risen in recent years as a newer generation alternative to wood and fully-plastic materials. Composites combine natural and man-made elements for a stronger and aesthetically different product than traditional PVC-based materials. They have been substantially successful in decking, siding, and flooring applications gaining traction year-over-year. Companies like Fiberon, Nature’s Composites, Timbertech, and Trex that have been successful previously with composite decking or other products began introducing composite fencing profiles in the mid-2000’s.

Until recently, adoption of composites in fencing has lagged. Key limiting factors were poor product design and quality, high production costs, and difficulties in using traditional distribution channels. Introducing new products also mean significant investment in marketing to build product and brand awareness. In principle, the key attributes of composites dictate that they are the most likely alternative to vinyl fencing. Composites are stronger and more durable than other synthetic products. They use a dense, thick-wall profile that makes them resistant to the types of breakage common in vinyl or other PVC products. For example, in tests where Trex Seculsions posts and pickets were subjected to strikes from objects such as gravel, golf balls, and baseballs, the material did not break. In a Miami-Dade County wind test, Trex also performed well sustaining 110 mph constant and 130 mph burst speeds with no failure.

Why Trex fence over wood or vinyl?

Why Trex fence over wood or vinyl?

Wood and vinyl fence products have dominated the fence market for a long time. Traditional wood fences have been used since the early 19th century and have been the most cost efficient fence on the market. Vinyl fences became very popular in the mid 90’s when a poly vinyl chloride product was innovated for a low-maintenance, semi-durable, inexpensive, and neighbor friendly design. The fence industry is now noticing another change in the fence market with the next generation of fencing towards wood composite fences. Wood composite fences cost more than wood or vinyl because of the virtues composite fencing has to offer. See the comparison chart below that can be found on http://www.trexfencing.com/comparison.

Take the strength and the look of a wood fence with the low-maintenance of a vinyl fence and what do you create? A wood composite fence. These two reasons are why composite fencing is the next generation in the fence market. Consumers are tired of the synthetic fence look that does not provide a wood appeal. Consumers are also tired of destroying our national forests to build wood products.

Some composite fence manufactures such as Fiberon, Timbertech, Moisture Shield, or Nature Composites have tried to mimic a traditional style wood fence by providing wood composite fence pickets. These composite fence pickets are relatively expensive and still do not provide the best solution for a fully composite fence because of the composite quality, warping, bending, and unnatural feel of a wood fence. Usually these composite fence products like the pickets are composite but usually the rail’s core and interior framed wall of the posts are wood with a composite wrap or the rail’s and posts are metal. For a comparison chart and additional product information on composite fences go tohttp://www.compositefencing.net/composite-fencing-comparison/. Keep in mind that composite fences are combined with wood and plastic for two purposes: plastic shields wood from moisture and insect damage and wood protects plastic ultra violet damage. With having all composite fence materials will not cause the fence to corrode, warp, rot, and splinter unlike the other composite fence products that could happen because of the pure wood and metal pieces within the fence products.

Trex Fencing provides a solution for a fully upscale composite fence without any wood not combined with plastic. The only two pieces on a Trex fence that are not wood composites are the aluminum bottom rail that provides weight support for a section of fence and the nylon glass fence brackets (refer to websitehttp://www.trexfencing.com/technical-resources for exploded view of the fence in color or see picture below). Also unlike other most composite fences on the market, Trex fencing has been engineered, proven, and tested. Trex fencing has thousands of lineal footage installed throughout the United States and Canada. Trex fencing is also considered a “Green” product because of the 96% recycled content that qualifies for LEED® Certification (http://www.trex.com/trex/groups/content/@mktg/documents/document/trexmd_001644.pdf).

Just like the great poet Robert Frost said, “Good fences makes good neighbors.” Truly this statement correct because having a “Good” fence along a shared property line provides privacy, low-maintenance for property line owners, and reduces trespassing.

For more details and how to order Trex fencing from CFC Distributors go to www.FenceSellers.com.

SimTek Updates

Bufftech™ Fencing 2013 Updates

As a dealer of Bufftech™ fencing products we have partnered with the manufacturer to help them meet the fast paced growing demand for an alternative to precast concrete fencing, high cost rock walls, and masonry walls. Bufftech™ fence has essentially reinvented the idea of simulated rock walls with the most cost effective alternative that is easy to install with a minimum impact on your existing landscape.

The faux rock wall appearance of Bufftech™ comes from their patented design of rotational-molded recycled polyethylene found in the Ecostone panels, and virgin polyethylene materials found in EcoStone Plus panels, posts, post caps, and other accessories.

Recent 2013 Updates to Bufftech™

Available Colors

All of the fade resistant 7 colors: White Granite, Grey Granite, Desert Granite, Beige Granite, Black Granite, Brown Granite, and Dark Brown Granite beginning in 2013 are available in both EcoStone(2013) or EcoStone Plus(2013) [formerly known as Proline].

 

While color formulas have changed the original formula colors of EcoStone (2011-2012) will still be available on a special order basis as an EcoStone Classic color. This is also the case with the original Bufftech™ Proline (2007-2012) fencingwhich can be special orderd as Proline Classic for existing fence line extensions.

 

Reality about Bufftech™ colors:

While the manufacturer indicates that there is a slight difference in the color formulation of Ecostone Classic (2011-2012) colors compared to the Proline fence (2007-2012) and the New EcoStone (2013) or EcoStone Plus (2013 )ALLof these fence product lines very closely approximate the original Proline fence (2007-2012) colors in appearance with the exception of the Ecostone Classic (2011-2012) brown color.

 

Added Strength

Bufftech™ also reports that the new formula blends also result in an even more robust product structurally for EcoStone Plus (2013 ).

 

New Gate Option:

Now a new Variable –Sized gate with an internal steel frame and Bufftech™ shells and uprights, can be built onsite to the width of the opening. This eliminates the need to wait for a special order sized gate from the factory.

Staying the Same:

  • Gates:

Standard width gates 3’, 4’, 5’, 6’ and special order gates for oversized openings are still available.

  • Warranty:
    • EcoStone: 25 year Manufacturer Warranty
    • EcoStone Plus: Lifetime Manufacturer Warranty
  • Superior Wind Rating: certified to constant hurricane force winds up to 110 mph and 130 mph gusts
  • Stability: both durable and stable in temperature extremes( -40° to 140° F)
  • Sound Cancelation: Blocks 98% of direct sound with a sound transmission class (STC) rating of 26
  • Green Solution: while all Bufftech™ fencing is made from recyclable plastic, EcoStone panels are made from 25% recycled plastic earning a LEED Certification rating of 3-4 points
  • Graffiti Resistant: the closed molecular structure and chemically inert properties of the polyethylene plastic (same type of plastic used for gasoline containers) allow for a simple pressure washer removal process for most graffiti , and removal with carburetor cleaner for stubborn paints.
  • Made in the USA
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Extend Outdoor Living

Building a fence or deck is a great way to extend your living space beyond the walls of your home. With recently improved color and railing options for composite decking, you have virtually endless design capabilities.

Composite materials are an innovative building solution that combines plastic and wood by integrating the best qualities of both – composites will no rot and do not need to be stained.

A great imagination and a great contractor can help you create an extension of your living space that is both unique and complementary to your home and personality.

Another key part to your outdoor living experience is a fence. Fences provide safety, security and privacy. If the correct product is chosen, a fence will also provide an attractive and durable backdrop for your yard and landscape.

Cedar fencing has typically been the fence of choice for beauty and strength. However, because of maintenance connected with wood, vinyl has become increasingly popular despite its lower strength and limited aesthetic appeal.

Now, new composite fencing products such as Trex (the leader in composite decking) have come to the market to offer the same qualities and benefits as their popular composite decking. Providing the beauty and strength of wood and the ease and care of vinyl fencing products, this product is also available in several colors: Saddle, Madeira, Woodland Brown and Winchester Grey. This palette of eye-catching colors can be matched to your deck, trim or siding to help complement your beautiful home and landscape.

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Eco Friendly Product

What do you get when you combine school children, plastic bags, and math? You get a Trex Product! Matoaca Middle School in Chesterfield, Virginia and Trex building products have teamed up for the second year. Students collect and count plastic shopping bags, newspaper bags, dry cleaning bags and food bags. After counting the bags, students graph the data for use in math and science class activities. Trex processes the plastic bags into alternative decking and patio materials.

Trex Seclusions fencing and decking products are serious about the commitment to the environment. Back that with Trex’s unmatched 25-year limited fade and stain warranty and all your left to worry about is if your house will last as long as your deck. This is why Fence & Deck Supply is proud to be Utah’s Trex Fencing supplier.

Utahs Acceptance of Wood Fencing Alternatives

Utah’s fencing market is prime for alternatives to wood. There are several cultural reasons that seem to have driven this demand. Utah’s predominant religious community emphasizes church and family pursuits on Sunday and specifically discourages yard work related activities on this day. That means shorter weekends to take care of things like fence maintenance. For anyone who has spent time in Utah, you have likely experienced what I’m referring to.

Additionally, with over 225 sunny days per year and a moderate climate, Utahan’s spend a lot of time outdoors and away from home during their free time. Although we sell materials in addition to installations, we have found that a significant number of our customers, even those with the skills to do so, prefer to pay others to install and maintain their fences and yards because they simply do not want to allocate time away from other priorities.

Another factor that seems to contribute to decisions on fence building and maintenance is a higher than national average family size, which likely leads to higher demands for family time and a significant need for privacy and enclosed yards.

With an aggressive construction growth market over the last several years, we note that residents pay close attention to what their neighbors are doing. A quality Installation with an attractive fence in one home always leads to calls from neighbors. In some areas, such as the Traverse Mountain community in Lehi, we joke that we should set up a satellite office right in the neighborhood since we have done literally dozens of fences surrounding our initial installation.

Obviously, this is an unscientific set of observations, but based on 18 years of building in Utah I think that a combination of these and other similar factors is what led to the a need for change from traditional wood fences and therefore the rapid and widespread adoption of vinyl fencing in the past and now the growing demand for composites.

That change came in the early 1990’s. At the time, we noticed a sharp increase in demand for vinyl. We were receiving so many requests that we decided to add vinyl installations to our service line. The appeal of vinyl was clearly coming from its low-maintenance attribute and distinct look. This gave it an attribute of being perceived as a premium product and it initially sold at a much higher price point than wood.

When we first entered the market, there was relatively low competition and therefore margins were high. The market grew rapidly and consumers drove demand so high that at one point that there was more vinyl being installed in Utah than in any other state.

However, by the late 1990’s to early 2000’s, a significant influx of manufacturers and installers not only depressed pricing but the sheer number of installations (particularly because the product was becoming increasing available to lower-valued homes) diluted the sense that vinyl was a premium product. As a matter of fact, in the last few years, we have actually seen a backlash in our area. Several recently developed and very large master-planned communities in Utah and Salt Lake County explicitly prohibit the installation of vinyl fences because they feel it cheapens the look of their communities.

Trex Advantages – MoneyPit.com

I came across an article on themoneypit.com referencing Trex Seclusions wood composite fencing. The article talked about the Trex Company and its advancement in the composite world. Trex Seclusions wood composite fencing is more than a fence; more durable than vinyl and even most other dog-ear composites. It read, The perfect fence should do more than just define a border. It should promise privacy and be welcoming at the same time. It should raise property value while being low-maintenance… But most of all, the perfect fence should be an extension of your home.”

How true is this? Most homeowners will take the cheap way out and install a chain link, wood, or vinyl fence, and not take into consideration the loss of value, the amount of maintenance, or money needed later on to maintain the wood fence or cheap vinyl fence they just paid for. Wood has to be stained every other year and vinyl is so brittle, errant rocks leave holes, kids punch or kick out panels, and lawn mowers and weed whackers break posts.

There is a great quote I love to reference when making a big dollar purchase. It says:The bitter taste of poor quality lingers far longer than the initial sweetness of a cheap price. Before ever hearing this quote, I would tend to lean to the “value” item I was purchasing, rather than taking into consideration how soon I was going to have to replace it compared to the name brand item that initially cost more. When replacing a fence or building a new one, you need to understand that a wood fence usually lasts 10-12 years with perfect maintenance. Vinyl again is so brittle that constant maintenance is needed to fix holes, panels, and posts that get damaged. Trex Seclusions wood composite fencing is durable like wood, and has the benefit of vinyl with its low-maintenance. With Trex Seclusions’ 25 year warranty and world renowned company backing that warranty; it’s hard to imagine ever having to do anything more than the occasional washing.

http://www.moneypit.com/product-reviews/trex-seclusions-privacy-fencing-information-and-benefits