Trex Fencing for Tall Fence Enclosures and Perimeters

Tall Fence Capabilities with Trex Fencing

A Solution for Tall Commercial Privacy Fencing

In the past, commercial projects typically utilized masonry or chain link with privacy slats for trash enclosures or perimeter fencing over 8 ft. tall. Wood fencing at that height isn’t practical because it is 4×4 wood posts are not sturdy enough and maintenance to replace broken posts is even more challenging than it is for the more common 6 ft. height. While vinyl addresses the problem of regular painting or staining, PVC vinyl fencing is lightweight and more appropriate for 6 ft. tall residential applications.

Trex fencing was introduced as a product designed for both residential and commercial markets. Its unique attributes are an effective option for commercial properties that require sight obstruction, security, and a softer, more natural look than CMU walls. This is particularly true for commercial properties that back up to residential or public spaces, requiring a non-industrial appearance. Schools, hospitals, and design-focused retail stores also turn to Trex fencing for a functional yet aesthetically-pleasing solution.

Comparing Trex Fencing to Other Products Where a Tall Fence is Required

In its standard configuration, Trex fencing immediately meets the need of a 6 ft. or 8 ft. tall fence. However, many properties have HVAC or electrical equipment to protect or obscure from visibility that exceed 8 ft. tall.  This certainly could be accomplished with a CMU wall if there is room for the required footer and budget isn’t a concern. However, from an installation standpoint, a tall masonry wall requires a substantial footer which not only increases material costs, it can have a significant impact on landscaping and underground utility placement. Therefore, if there is no space for the large footer required for a heavy CMU wall or budgetary constraints require a look at another product, Trex Fencing is a logical alternative.

In many cases, security is only one driver in deciding on the appropriate materials needed for the enclosure. Aesthetics become an important element. A tall fence made from Trex Fencing materials offers an attractive face to hide equipment located in visible areas. Unlike Trex, masonry gives off a heavy, imposing look to a space. Masonry walls might be more appropriately associated strictly with functionality but not with beauty. Even textured or brick walls give the impression that whatever may be on the other side is big, expensive, or dangerous. While that may be true, a tall Trex fence still meets the typical requirements of blocking intruders and obscuring equipment that is behind it, but does so without acting as a formidable structure.

On the other end of budgetary considerations is chain link fencing. Chain link is less obtrusive but it is not a design-oriented solution. Chain link is primarily associated with perimeter fencing where cost is the principal factor for choosing it. Just as importantly, even with privacy slats, chain link does not offer full sight obstruction. Aesthetically, chain link is not a contributor to the appeal of a property.

The Development of a Solution that Meets All Needs

In 2010, FDS Fence Distributors worked with an architectural firm to design a solution for tall fencing as an alternative to masonry or privacy chain link. The baseline in guiding the initiation was the need for a fence that merged and functionality. With its durability, design-focused structure and the virtual elimination of maintenance, Trex was selected as the best option.

To meet the rigors of a tall fence for enclosures and perimeters, Trex is reinforced by using heavy duty steel post stiffeners and mid-rails. With this configuration, Trex fencing can be built to 12 ft. heights (and even more with alternatives to the Trex fencing post). That’s typically sufficient to enclose most commercial buildings’ dumpsters, HVAC and electrical equipment.

The fence was developed to provide architects and designers with the ability to provide an attractive yet durable alternative to masonry and achieve a low-maintenance objective. Trex is a manufactured fence system with enough history to demonstrate its performance. The composite material has been in consistent use for over 25 years and the material’s density and thickness has been proven for years, giving the fence the strength that lighter products do not have.

For locations that do not retain property management services or do not have personnel on hand to maintain the fence, upkeep can be an ongoing challenge for enclosures and perimeters. A Trex fence does not need to be painted or stained and it will not rot so property owners have the ability to eliminate ongoing costs for maintenance.

Trex fencing installation does not require specialty skills or equipment that other products require. That means the overall cost for a tall fence from Trex is typically lower than a masonry wall with an engineered footer. Additionally, in a commercial setting damage is sometimes inevitable, particularly if there are moving vehicles in the vicinity. Should damage occur, repairing a Trex fence may only take a few hours and will not incur the heavy costs associated with dismantling an entire masonry wall and rebuilding it. Trex fencing is built in sections so an isolated impact could be limited to replacing a few pickets. Even a damaged post may only require removing the Trex composite, cutting and welding a new steel post stiffener and sleeving a Trex composite post over it.

Aesthetics Matter

Commercial projects increasingly rely on Trex products to provide a compatible look. Some of our most common clients are schools, universities, and hospitals since many of them maintain large HVAC or electrical equipment. With high traffic around the area of an enclosure or a highly visible perimeter, a Trex tall fence gives off the appearance of an attractive, natural-looking product, while also providing full privacy.

The following gallery and presentation document linked in the box provide a visual sampling of Trex Fencing installations in tall configurations.