When you hear the phrase “plastic fencing,” the words “cheap” or “flimsy” may pop in your head. But the truth is, plastic fencing is one of the most durable and reliable fence options you can install. This is no mere weakling, but a formidable powerhouse that protects your home and yard for decades to come.
But what is plastic fencing? What is it made of? What kinds of benefits is it offering residents of St. Louis and the surrounding area? And most importantly, is plastic fencing right for you?
This guide is going to answer those questions and more. And by the end, you’ll have the information you need to make an informed decision about if plastic fencing is a fit for your home.
Table of Contents
- What Is Plastic Fencing?
- What Are Plastic Fences Made of?
- What Is Plastic Fencing Called?
- How Long Do Plastic Fences Last?
- Why You Should Choose It Over Chain Link or Wood
- Find the Right Plastic Fencing with Maintenance-Free Outdoor Solutions
What Is Plastic Fencing?
Plastic fencing is essentially a type of fencing made from synthetic materials (no surprise there).
These materials tend to be a bit more durable, easier to maintain, and have a much longer life than typical wood fences.
[ Compare Plastic Vs Wood Fencing ]Plus, plastic fencing is becoming available in more colors and designs with each passing year. Some can have added textures to mimic real wood, while others can include decorative beams and post toppers.
As a result of these perks, more and more homeowners are choosing plastic fencing for their homes. In fact, the plastic fencing market size is set to reach $6.4 billion by 2027.
What Are Plastic Fences Made of?
Plastic fences are, of course, made of plastic.
But this isn’t just any old brittle plastic that cracks and shatters with normal everyday use. Instead, plastic fences are made from a tough, durable material called vinyl.
Technically, vinyl is an entire group of compounds of ethylene molecules with one fewer hydrogen atom. But when it comes to industrial applications—including fencing—the term vinyl is used to describe the PVC fencing.
Polyvinyl chloride (a.k.a PVC) is the third most used plastic around the world. It’s used in piping, electrical cable insulation, construction, flooring, and many other fields. It’s more flexible than other materials yet far more durable than other types of plastic.
Some vinyl fences also use other synthetic material blends to help make them more durable and last even longer.
For example, Bufftech fencing, one of the highest-quality plastic fencing manufacturers, covers its plastic fencing with a titanium oxide coating. This helps eliminate color fading and prevents your white vinyl fence or white plastic fence from yellowing over time.
Added to that, plastic fences like those from Bufftech are built to last and include concealed fasteners, heavyweight pickets, routed fence posts, and steel-reinforced rails.
What Is Plastic Fencing Called?
In the fencing industry, plastic fencing goes by quite a few names. These include:
- Plastic fencing
- Vinyl fencing
- PVC fencing
- Synthetic fencing
How Long Do Plastic Fences Last?
One of the best things about plastic fences is how long they last.
While most wooden fences tend to last about 15 years max, a plastic fence’s lifetime can actually be as long as 30 years—2X as long as wooden fencing.
This is partly due to the fact that they require little to no maintenance throughout their lifetime.
For instance, a wood fence needs to be cleaned and painted or re-stained every three years or so. When these maintenance protocols are followed, a wooden fence can last quite a long time. But when they aren’t followed, they’re more likely to chip, crack, and rot.
Plastic fencing, on the other hand, does not require any of that time-intensive maintenance. If it does end up getting dirty, it can be cleaned right off with a bit of water and some mild soap—it’s as easy as that.
One problem some people worry about with plastic fencing is fading. For a white vinyl fence or white plastic fence, some owners might also be worried about yellowing. However, the most high-quality materials will include compounds like titanium oxide to prevent these color changes.
Why You Should Choose It Over Chain Link or Wood
Whether you’re considering modern privacy fencing for your home or simply looking for an option that will keep your pets in the backyard, be sure to take the time to compare a vinyl fence against wood or chain link options.
You’ll quickly discover plastic fencing is the smarter choice – here’s why:
- It offers incredible strength. Maintenance-Free Outdoor Solutions is proud to carry PVC fencing from Bufftech. This industry-leading fence is five times stronger and four times more flexible than wood fencing. That means it can handle roughhousing from the kids or a hit from the lawn trimmer. In addition, its steel-reinforced bottoms rails eliminate the chance of sagging or bowing, which are common side effects of other types of fencing.
- It’s a safer option. Surprising to many, most wood fencing is treated with chemicals that protect it against the weather but can be dangerous to pets who decide it looks good enough to chew. In addition, wood fencing can splinter, and the nails that hold panels in place can become loose once the wood rots. Plastic fencing, on the other hand, is environmentally friendly and safe for kids and pets since all fasteners are concealed.
- It can stand up to the weather. St. Louis’s rainy weather can quickly cause chain links to rust and wood fences to warp. Furthermore, our blistering sun leads to fence fading and discoloration. PVC fencing looks good year after year and requires zero maintenance other than a quick cleaning with the garden house or powerwasher. Plus, Bufftech vinyl fencing is backed by a ColorLast® fade protection guarantee.
- It offers a greater resale value. Many homeowners install a chain-link or wood fencing because they think it boosts their home’s resale value. When you choose a privacy plastic fence, you can expect to see a profit of up to 50 percent of material and installation costs when you sell your home.
PVC fencing is a simple – and smart – investment you can make in your home today.
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Find the Right Plastic Fencing with Maintenance-Free Outdoor Solutions
With Maintenance-Free Outdoor Solutions and Bufftech, you can find a plastic fence that matches your home and personality. We offer a full line of options, from contemporary to post and rail, in a variety of finishes and colors. Each one includes a manufacturer’s warranty and is installed by St. Louis’s experts in PVC fencing.
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See if you get all that with a chain link or wood fence.
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