Trex Fencing — Frequently Asked Questions
Top Five Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Trex fencing cost?
Installed cost varies with height, style, gates, access, and region. Materials + labor often price above wood/vinyl up front but trend lower over time due to minimal maintenance. See pricing and take-off tools under Resources.
What styles of fences does Trex offer?
Trex offers vertical privacy, horizontal privacy, and ranch-rail systems, plus matching gates. For system overviews and downloadable guides, visit Resources and What is Trex?.
What colors are available?
Common colors include Woodland Brown, Saddle, Winchester Grey, and Black/Charcoal Black (availability varies). Request samples and see color guidance in Resources.
How tall can a Trex fence be?
Panels can be configured from ~2′ to 12′. Always follow local codes and the specifications in the install guides found in Resources.
Why choose Trex over wood or vinyl?
Low maintenance, no rot or splinters, insect resistance, finished look both sides, strong warranty, and high recycled content. Learn more under Virtues & Benefits and Trex vs. Other Products.
Styles
What is the vertical privacy system (Seclusions™)?
A vertical privacy layout using interlocking pickets captured by top/bottom rails for full opacity and a finished look on both sides. Download the overview and install guides from Resources.
What are the horizontal privacy systems (Solitudes™ / Horizons™)?
Contemporary horizontal lines with interlocking pickets and engineered frames for stability. See system guides and best-practice advice in Resources.
What is the ranch-rail system (Shenandoah™)?
Open post-and-rail in 2-, 3-, or 4-rail configurations. Specs and layout guidance are available under Resources.
Is the steel-frame horizontal system recommended for coastal areas?
It’s generally not recommended within ~5 miles of salt water. See environmental guidance and alternatives in Resources.
What gate options are available?
Pre-built single/double gates and custom sizes with welded internal frames, adjustable hinges, and latch options. Gate specs and hardware kits are listed in Resources.
What are panel and picket dimensions for vertical privacy?
Sections are typically on 8′ centers, configurable from ~2′ to 12′ heights. Individual pickets are ~91″ long. Confirm in the vertical system install guide under Resources.
What are the benefits of horizontal design?
Sleek aesthetic, full privacy via interlocking pickets, and a uniform finished look on both sides. See design notes in Virtues & Benefits.
How are horizontal spans supported?
Aluminum-reinforced bottom rails and inserts in top rails increase stiffness; maximum spans depend on the specific system and local conditions—see the horizontal system install guides in Resources.
What materials are used in the horizontal steel/aluminum frame?
Patented steel/aluminum components with powder-coated finishes for durability. Refer to technical sheets in Resources.
What’s the assembly flow for horizontal systems?
Set posts, mount brackets, slide rails, and hang interlocking pickets. Follow the step-by-step install guide under Resources.
How far apart are ranch-rail posts set?
Commonly 92.25″ on center across configurations; verify in the ranch-rail install guide in Resources.
When should I add the optional steel rail tube?
For long runs, high-traffic areas, or added strength (e.g., livestock). See reinforcement recommendations in Resources.
Design & Aesthetics
Color
Do Trex colors change over time?
Composite colors weather lighter to a stable shade. Review maintenance and color guidance, and request samples via Resources.
Can I mix colors or styles?
Yes—privacy sections can be combined with ranch-rail transitions or mixed picket colors. See compatibility notes under Resources.
Horizontal Fences
Will horizontal boards sag?
Engineered frames and interlocking pickets help maintain alignment when installed per specs. Refer to the horizontal system install guides in Resources.
Customization & Limits
Are there limits on a single section length?
Standard layout uses 8′ centers; unusual conditions may require bracing or span adjustments. See engineering notes in Resources.
Can horizontal systems follow unique property shapes?
Yes—slope adaptation and optional angle brackets support non-90° corners. Find details in Resources.
Any limitations besides coastal areas?
In hot/humid climates, back-bracing can help for long runs or taller heights. See climate guidance in Resources.
Installation & Maintenance
Installation
Can I install Trex fencing on a slope?
Yes—panels can rack or step to follow grade. Use appropriate post lengths/footings and follow the install guides found in Resources.
Do I need special tools?
Standard carpentry tools typically work. Post spacing, hole size, and bracing specs are outlined in the install guides under Resources.
Maintenance
How do I clean the fence?
Rinse, scrub with mild soap and a soft brush, and rinse again. See Care & Cleaning guidance in Resources.
Will I ever need to paint or stain?
No routine painting or staining is required; color is integrated. Learn more under Care & Maintenance in Resources.
Components & Gates
How do I choose between vertical and horizontal components?
Use vertical interlocking pickets for classic privacy; choose horizontal systems for contemporary lines and engineered frames. Component lists and guides are under Resources.
Can I use steel posts?
Black galvanized steel posts are an option in certain horizontal configurations. Confirm compatibility in the system guides within Resources.
Can I build a custom gate?
Yes—custom widths/heights are possible beyond typical openings. Gate fabrication and hardware notes are in Resources.
Do gates include self-closing?
Self-closing isn’t standard. Gate kits include adjustable hinges/latches and an anti-sag cable. Hardware specifications are listed in Resources.
Performance & Durability
What is Trex fencing made of?
Composite with high recycled content (recycled wood fibers + recycled plastic film). Materials and sustainability info: What is Trex? and Virtues & Benefits.
How does it hold up in wind?
Trex fencing has documented testing to ~130 mph gusts when installed per specification. Check wind advisories and engineering notes in Resources.
How does horizontal fencing handle wind loads?
Aluminum-reinforced rails and stainless components provide structural integrity; ratings depend on installation details. See technical data in Resources.
How does Trex compare to other composites and PVC/vinyl?
Trex avoids wood inserts, resists insects/rot, and publishes wind testing. Many PVC/vinyl systems don’t publish equivalent ratings. See Trex vs. Other Products and technical sheets in Resources.
Buying & Value
Where can I start the ordering process?
Use the take-off tools and request support through Resources, and learn about the FDS partnership under Trex & FDS.
What are the long-term cost savings vs. wood?
Higher up-front cost but reduced maintenance (no staining/painting, fewer repairs). See lifecycle considerations in Virtues & Benefits.
How do installation costs compare to masonry?
Lighter components and slope adaptability can reduce labor vs. masonry walls. See planning tools and comparisons in Trex vs. Other Products and Resources.
Comparisons
Trex vs. wood
No rot/splinters, consistent look both sides, no painting or staining, and strong warranties. See comparative guidance in Trex vs. Other Products.
Trex vs. vinyl (PVC)
Low-maintenance, wood-like aesthetics, and robust wind guidance. Review comparisons in Trex vs. Other Products.
Common uses beyond privacy
Backyards, pools, perimeters, ranch-style boundaries, commercial sites, and HOAs. Browse planning examples in Resources.
Technical Docs
Where can I find install guides and drawings?
Install guides, shop drawings, technical data, warranty, LEED, and care/cleaning are in the Resources hub.
Sustainability & certifications
Trex contributes to LEED points and uses high recycled content. See sustainability and LEED info in Virtues & Benefits and the LEED docs in Resources.
Where do Trex recycled materials come from?
Reclaimed wood (e.g., sawdust) and recycled plastic film (e.g., grocery bags, stretch wrap). See What is Trex?.
How do I interpret technical data?
Material safety, weight, acoustics, ICC compliance, fire behavior, and wind guidance are summarized in the technical sheets under Resources.
Warranty & claims
Review warranty documents and the claims process in Resources.
Architectural drawings & planning tools
Download drawings and use the planning/calculator tools from Resources.
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