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Trex Fencing vs PVC Vinyl

Trex Fencing vs PVC Vinyl

Trex and PVC Vinyl Commonalities

One of the most common questions regarding Trex Fencing is: how does Trex Fencing differ from PVC vinyl fencing? The simple answer is that Trex is specifically designed to provide benefits beyond those of PVC vinyl. Though both materials are manufactured products meant to provide a low-maintenance alternative to wood fencing, Trex Fencing offers more.

A Little History

Up until about 30 years ago, there was no major alternative to wood for privacy fencing. During the 1980s and 90s, manufacturers experimented with plastics and eventually developed a viable material for fencing. As manufacturing techniques, materials, and designs improved, PVC vinyl fencing became a popular low-maintenance alternative to wood.

Composite fencing came a few years after PVC vinyl. Like vinyl, composites were touted as low-maintenance alternatives to wood fencing. Trex was one of the earliest fences made from composite material and the first fully integrated system. It is manufactured from a combination of wood and plastic, and therefore has the benefits of both. From wood, Trex inherits the ability to absorb pigmentation and express a more natural look. From plastic, Trex eliminates rot and insect damage, and does not require painting or staining.

Key Differences

  • Trex Fencing is a denser and thicker material, making it stronger
  • Trex Fencing has a matte finish, making it look more natural
  • Trex Fencing won’t become brittle and break in extreme temperatures
  • Trex Fencing is a system that allows for tall heights and full widths without additional reinforcement
  • Trex Fencing has a high wind load rating – over 110 mph

A Few More Features

While PVC vinyl has been a good solution as an alternative fencing product, there are some limitations, particularly in natural colors/surface finishing and durability. In terms of strength, Trex has the additional benefit of the interlocking picket design that creates added sturdiness.  Among composites, Trex leads the industry with aesthetic appeal. Rather than taking the approach of emulating a traditional style wood fence, Trex Fencing was designed based on the results of a national a survey in which consumers indicated a preference for a “cap-and-trim” and “board-on-board” look.

Read our 7 Reasons Trex Fencing is Better than PVC Vinyl blog post for more comparison information.

Get Ready for Your Next Fence

Overall, Trex Fencing is designed to look beautiful for longer than wood or PVC vinyl with fewer needs for maintenance and repair. Feel free to browse our site for more information or contact us with questions.

Composite Fencing Materials are made of sawdust and plastic bags combining to form a Trex composite fence panel.
A gif of a Trex Fence with FDS Fence Distributors' phone number

Do you have more questions about the benefits of Trex composite fencing? Our Trex Fencing experts can help.

Trex Fencing vs PVC Vinyl
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