Tag Archive for: Trex Fencing

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Composite Fencing – the growth of a new generation of fencing product

Each year, new products are introduced at FENCETECH. Timing, cost, demand, and practicality are some of the factors that impact the potential success of new offerings. Some will fail to take hold. However, some products establish a foothold because they are viable solutions that fulfill a market need. The best new products typically have some historical precedence or key attribute that fill the niche that they serve. PVC fencing, manufactured ornamental steel and aluminum systems, and simulated rock walls are all game-changing products that at some point were “new-to-market.” They addressed a growing demand for low-maintenance products. In privacy fencing, plastic-based products that simulated traditional wood designs have established themselves as the best alternatives overall given their anticipated longevity and low maintenance requirements. Vinyl fencing in particular has grown aggressively to claim significant market share for privacy fencing.

It’s natural that newer products build on the successes of their predecessors, and then add refinements to address previous limitations. In our industry, wood fencing traditionally addressed the needs for privacy, and containment or exclusion, but as consumers increasingly find their time consumed with priorities other than maintaining a fence, the demand has amplified a low-maintenance requirement. Synthetic products such as PVC were developed as the next generation of privacy fencing. Over the years, vinyl and similar fencing performed well as a solution for the market needs. However, many products have inherent limitations that do not make them a complete solution. This is true for vinyl fencing. Although vinyl offers low maintenance and expense, the product has challenges in terms of durability and aesthetics. As a relatively lightweight product, production and transportation costs are lower but less material also increases the risk of degradation or damage in comparison to other more durable products. There is also something to be said about the impact of subjectivity. Buyers don’t just purchase based on price or performance. Decisions are heavily affected by the consumer’s individual sensibilities. What appeals to some may not appeal to all.

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.

Fence & Deck Supply and FDS Distributors Leads the Way

Here is an article that I stumbled upon that reminds me how far trex has come. It’s hard to imagine that in such a short time Trex composite materials have become a preferred building material among contractors. Fence & Deck Supply in Utah has been a driving force in the success of Trex building products across the state. Today we service markets across the United States. As the largest supplier of Trex Seclusions fencing, FDS has adapted to the changing demands from contractors and homeowners.

Our national partner, FDS Fence Distributors, now offers Trex Fencing by the job. This allows for the homeowner or contractor to buy only what they need when they want it. Reducing the amount of overhead that a fence contractor needs to have allows them to be more flexible in their business operations. As a leading pioneer in the capabilities and demands of Trex Fencing , FDS Fence Distributors can provide you not only with the product but the expertise needed to successfully complete your project.

Fence & Deck Supply is centrally located in the state of Utah and is quickly expanding to meet the demand of our customers. Fence & Deck Supply is a Trex authorized supplier. We are proud to say that we don’t follow the competition, we lead the way. If you are in Utah, call our Fence & Deck Supply locations. If you are outside of Utah and are interested in Trex fencing products, feel free to contact us at 877-700-8739.

Trex Easy Care Decking Voted Number One By American Homestyle & Gardening Magazine Readers
WINCHESTER, VA–(BUSINESS WIRE)–December 1, 1999–What is the most popular home product of 1999? Trex(R) Easy Care Decking(R), according to American Homestyle & Gardening Magazine’s Reader’s Choice Awards. In the July/August 1999 issue, the magazine invited readers to vote for their favorite home products in a two-page color spread that featured 53 products nominated in a variety of categories. Trex decking was voted as the number one favorite with more than 4,000 votes. Trex decking and the runners-up are featured in the December/January 2000 issue of American Homestyle & Gardening.Manufactured by Trex Company of Winchester, VA, Trex decking answers the needs of busy homeowners seeking an attractive outdoor living space without the continuous care required by wood-surfaced decks. Trex decking never needs stains or sealants to keep its long-lasting good looks and will not rot, crack or split due to moisture, sunlight or insects. And, because Trex decking is completely splinter-free, families can go barefoot without a care! Homeowners will also be pleased to know that Trex decking is the only decking lumber of its kind to be code-listed by the nation’s three major building code agencies.

“We are very pleased and honored that the readers of American Homestyle & Gardening recognize the numerous benefits of Trex decking,” said Andy Ferrari, Executive Vice President, Sales & Marketing. From a style standpoint, Ferrari said the company encourages homeowners and their contractors to “think outside the rectangle” when planning to build a deck. “With Trex decking, the design possibilities are endless,” he said. “Trex finishes off beautifully with regular woodworking tools and curved shapes can be created easily. And, the homeowner is not limited to a rectangular deck. We’ve seen some incredible Trex decks that are completely round, octagonal or that incorporate curves and angles not possible with other decking lumber.”

Trex decking is made primarily from recycled plastic grocery bags, reclaimed pallet wrap and waste wood. The company reminds consumers to bring their plastic grocery sacks back to the supermarket recycling bin, because they are truly making an impact. In fact, Trex Company used more than 90 million pounds of reclaimed plastic last year along with equal amounts of waste wood fiber to manufacture Trex decking. Due to the product’s growing popularity, Trex Company unveiled a brand new, state-of-the-art production facility in Fernley, Nevada this past summer to complement its original plant in Winchester, Virginia.

Trex decking has a proven track record in the harshest environments in North America. It has been used for miles of boardwalk along the seashores in New Jersey, Massachusetts and Rhode Island and along Lake Ontario in Toronto, Canada; for the Presidential Trail at Mt. Rushmore and for walkways throughout the Florida Everglades.

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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.

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Form and Function – Trex

There are two purposes for a fence: form and function. If you only want a fence to do its job (keep people, animals, and other stuff out of your yard) then you may as well go with a chain link fence around your front yard. While this may be the most economical way to go, it doesn’t accomplish the second purpose of a fence: the form.

Most people want their fence to not only provide security for their yard and home, but also to make it look good. Your fence is the first thing that people notice about your home, even before your home itself. Why not make it look really good instead of focusing on the industrial chain link look? Consider some of my favorite options for having a fence that not only provides excellent security and strength, but also packages your home in an attractive fence.

Trex Posts with Ornamental Panels

This is my favorite look. By adding the Trex Posts (particularly in Saddle or Woodland Brown) it will make your iron fence more robust and add a new layer of depth to your yard. Plus, after all your landscaping and yard work do you really want to distract from your yard with a privacy fence?

Trex Composite Fencing

So maybe you want to cover up your yard or are not comfortable with having everyone see your house. Trex Composite Fencing alone provides the best look for a yard. I recommend using a two toned look with Saddle Posts, Top and Bottom Rail and Woodland Brown Pickets (seen below). This adds a new dimension to your fence line while not increasing the cost for materials at all.

Not set on either of these designs? Also look into Bufftech Faux Rock Fencing for an attractive option.

Trex Seclusions continues to grow for commercial and government solutions

We are coming off a strong year of sales growth with the Trex Seclusions™ fencing product. Residential sales continue to grow but added to that have been several successful projects with developers, commercial entities, and government agencies. Specifiers are increasingly turning to Trex as the product of choice for many of the same reasons that the industry-leading decking and railing products are selected. Strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal are primary drivers. Additionally, as “green” building continues to gain traction, the recycled content of the Trex product and the fact that it qualifies for LEED points is exceptionally important to architects and engineers.

Last year, our installation sales alone comprised over 60,000 linear feet of fencing, plus several hundred gates and custom complimentary items. We are proud to be a provider of this product. With over eight years of experience with the fencing, we can confidently state that our crews are some of the most experienced installers in the country.

Composite Fence Overview

Composite fencing looks and feels like a real wood fence, but it is not. It is generally made from recycled materials such as plastic and wood fibers.

What is Composite Fencing?

The “composite” in composite fencing refers to the process of binding two or more dissimilar materials together to create something new and generally stronger. In this case wood fibers and plastic. Years before there was composite fencing, composite lumber was used mostly in decks. Composite lumber can be a lot more expensive than wood, and it was a long time before the companies that made composite decks had a lot of requests for composite fences. It was easier for people to justify to themselves that the expense was worth it when it came to something that they used almost everyday for activities ranging from relaxing in the sun to hosting a family barbecue. Eventually the increasing demand for low-maintenance “green” materials had people looking to composite lumber for their fencing needs too.

Uses

Composite fencing has a wide variety of uses. It doesn’t rot or decay, so it is ideal for constructing a compost bin. You can also use it to build a privacy fence for your pool or hot tub. Before you purchase the materials, though, make sure it won’t stain if splashed with chlorinated water. If you are looking to fence in your yard to keep kids and pets in or unwanted visitors out, the strength and durability of composite fencing as opposed to vinyl fencing makes it the better choice.

Recommendations for Trex Graffiti Removal

As a graffiti remover you may use mineral spirits or a prepared graffiti remover. I found that the graffiti remover was quicker and performed a little better. I used a product called Klean-Strip Graffiti Remover. It is a spray can product available at Home Depot, Lowes or Walmart for around $8 per can. There are other products available at various paint stores that should perform as well.

When using the Klean strip, I found that spraying it on the graffiti and then waiting about 5 minutes works best. The product says to leave on about 30 minutes, but prolonged contact removes the pigment in the trex as well. So after 5 minutes, use a plastic scraper or a piece of heavy cardboard to scrape off the loosened paint. Follow up with a wet sponge to clean the rest. Depending on the paint, some trace color will remain in the porous surface.

To help eliminate the problem of the trace colors remaining, I recommend using a sealer to provide a sacrificial layer. This fills the pores and helps to prevent color getting down into the pores. The graffiti remover will remove the sealer also so just reapply the sealer after cleaning.

The product we have tested is Sealcrete Waterproofing Sealer which can be  found at Jones Paint for around $14-$15 per gallon, depending on volume purchased. Coverage is approx 175sq ft per gallon. A 2nd coat would get around 260 sq ft per gallon.

 

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The Introduction of Composite Fencing

The Introduction of Composite Fencing

In 1989, we started out as Cedar Fence Co. and as the name implies, we installed wood fencing almost exclusively. Other than chain link, at the time there were no other significant alternatives to wood in residential fencing in our market.

As we evolved, we began to provide the installation of decks and other outdoor structures. Gravitating towards deck building was an important move for our company because it later introduced us to composites.

Over the ensuing years, we found that composites have become the preferred decking material in Utah. Last year, our company was acknowledged as the largest purchaser of Trex decking materials in our region and today less than 5% of our decks are built in wood.

Additionally, since the introduction of Trex fencing in 2005, we have seen a shift to composite fencing. We have promoted the product heavily in our area and now build over half of all fences with Trex. The demand is still growing in favor of composite properties, particularly in the new housing market. We’ve found that the composite fence is especially attractive to consumers with larger homes – an interesting trend that relates well to the history of vinyl fencing as you will see in a moment.

Composites have proven to be versatile, attractive, combine well with our wood projects, and our marketplace has readily embraced them as the product of choice for many applications.

This excerpt is taken from a presentation in 2007 to the Composite Association in Baltimore Maryland. As presented by Rick Ashcraft, President of Fence & Deck Supply.

 

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Composite Fence Benefits

Fences made from composite materials are strong, durable, and they are mostly unaffected by moisture. Composite fencing is also low maintenance. Most of the time all you have to do is hose your fence down and let it dry. Stubborn areas can be taken care of with a pressure washer or cleaning fluids and a scrub brush.

The ease at which composite fencing can be put up is also appealing. The steps to install composite fencing is much the same as with wood fencing; there is usually no call for special tools, which are expensive and a lot of people view as a waste of money because they are only used for one project. Some manufactures make it so that traditional woodworking tools, such as routers and table saws, can be used for construction and customization. The ability to customize your fence and make it unique is much better than with vinyl fencing (another popular alternative to wood fencing).

There are environmental benefits to using composite fencing as well. The people who make composite decking and fencing were “green” before it became popular. Most composite fencing is made from 50 to 100 percent recycled materials. It keeps plastics like shrink wrap and grocery bags out of the landfills, and it creates a use for leftover wood pulp from paper mills that would normally go to waste. Another point in composite fencing’s favor is that it isn’t laced with chemicals like pressure treated wood is. These chemicals can sometimes leech into the surrounding area-especially if the structure or fence is several years old and decaying- and the sawdust from pressure treated wood can be hazardous to your health if ingested or inhaled.