When it comes to enhancing the aesthetics, privacy, and security of your outdoor space, a quality fence can make all the difference. Trex, a leading name in composite decking and fencing, offers an innovative solution that combines the natural beauty of wood with the durability of composite materials. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the things you need to know and decide upon before your Trex fence is installed so you can enjoy a beautiful and long-lasting fence that requires minimal maintenance.
Why Choose Trex Composite Fencing?
Trex fencing is a popular choice for homeowners for several compelling reasons:
- Durability: Trex fencing is made from a blend of recycled wood and plastic, offering the look of wood without the susceptibility to rot, pests, or fading.
- Low Maintenance: Unlike traditional wood fences, Trex fences don’t require staining, painting, or sealing, making them virtually maintenance-free.
- Aesthetics: Trex fences come in a range of colors, and the styles are fully customizable, allowing you to find the perfect match for your outdoor space.
- Environmentally Friendly: Trex is committed to sustainability, using eco-friendly materials and a process that reduces waste and saves trees.
Now, let’s dive into little known tips about Trex, ideas for customization, and site preparation.
1. Choose Your Trex Fence Color
Part of the fun of planning for your Trex fence installation is choosing the color. You may want your fence to match or complement your house and/or deck, or you might examine your yard and the area beyond your fence and consider if you want your fence to stand out, or blend into the surroundings.
Trex fencing comes in three standard colors: Saddle, Winchester Grey, and Woodland Brown. Something important to know about Trex is that there is an expected fading period of the composite material. The manufacturer says it takes about 12-16 weeks for this natural fading to occur, depending on the type of weather at your location. But what’s great about Trex is after this fading occurs initially, then it’s done. Unlike wood, the fence will not continue to fade over the years.
You can get creative and combine the standard Trex colors in one fence as well. Some homeowners have even used all three colors in one fence—to a nice effect.
What if you don’t like the three standard Trex fence colors? While most homeowners choose Trex fencing for its low maintenance factor as the thought of never having to paint or stain it is appealing, others may want to make their fence a custom color. Painting or staining a Trex fence can be done, you’ll just need to wait until after that initial fading period is over.
See our related post for specific paint recommendations for Trex fencing: Can You Paint or Stain a Trex Fence?
2. Choose Your Trex Fence Installation Style
The fun continues as you think about the style of the Trex fence that will surround your house. While a traditional look never goes out of style, you can also get creative and have your fence be just as individualistic as your house.
First off, you can choose between two post cap styles for Trex: flat and pyramid.
Next, you can stray from the traditional vertical picket and have your Trex fencing contractor install the pickets horizontally.
Lastly, while the main part of your fence will be solid and provide privacy, you may desire a more open and unique look at the top. Stone posts can also be used instead of Trex posts. This elevates the quality look of your fence even further.
Find more detail on customizing your Trex fence in this related post: Top Trex Tip: The Styles are Fully Customizable
3. Consider Gate Type and Security
Gates provide a dual function for homeowners: access inside the fenced area, and security against those you don’t want to access said fenced area. Depending on your property and your lifestyle needs, different gate types and sizes should be considered. Do you need extra wide access for vehicles to come through the fence? Or will you just be using the gate to move people and items like lawn mowers in and out? Trex gates can be made to be swing gates, rolling gates, or cantilevered gates.
Another customization that can be added to a gate is a keypad. This adds a good level of security as a person must enter a code to gain access. Taking it a step further, if you need to drive cars through your gate and want an automated solution, key card readers are available for gates. Integrity Fencing installs automated gates for both commercial and residential sites.
4. Utility Locates and Site Preparation Prior to Trex Fence Installation
Before you undergo your Trex fence installation, you’ll want to ensure the following items are completed and checked off your list:
- Confirm underground utilities are located and marked. Make sure your fencing contractor contacts the appropriate utility companies prior to construction to have them come out to your property to mark the locations. You’ll know this has been done when little flags and paint marks show up on your sidewalk and lawn.
- Identify property lines. Locate your property pins or call in an Improvement Location Certificate (ILC) survey. A good rule of thumb for fence placement is: if both neighbors share in the cost of the fence, the fence can be built on the property line, splitting the two properties. But if one neighbor is paying for the fence, it should be built six inches inside the property line.
- Mark sprinkler heads. Mark your sprinkler heads with flags anywhere near where the fence is being constructed.
- Remove debris and obstructions from around fence line. Clear at least two feet on each side of where the fence will stand. This includes trash, trees, branches, decorative items, and generally anything in the way of the fence building.
For more detail on the above site preparation tasks, read 5 Things to Know Before You Add, Repair, or Replace a Fence.
A Little Planning for the Fence of a Lifetime
Trex is a high performance, environmentally friendly fence option for homeowners. Once it’s installed, a Trex fence will provide an attractive, durable, and quality fence for up to 60 years. Before you begin a Trex installation project with your trusted contractor, be sure to review this checklist to not only make the project go as smoothly as possible, but to ensure you know all your options for making your Trex fence uniquely yours.
