Homeowners and business owners who have a Trex fence know the truth: Trex is the nicest looking, highest quality, and best engineered fence on the market. But what helps make the decision for this high-end type of fencing? The higher cost of Trex fencing can initially turn some buyers away. In fact, choosing Trex used to be purely a budgetary issue. But lately, we have been recommending it to customers who inquire about luxe vinyl fencing (elaborate vinyl fences that look like wood), because that type of vinyl fencing is turning out to be more expensive than Trex. It’s the same situation with pre-cast concrete fencing—it can be higher in cost than Trex.
Trex fencing is no longer the most expensive fencing option, and in this post we’ll share the reasons why it’s most often the best option for a fence.
Trex Fencing: Engineered for Sustainability
A common misconception is that paint and stain will maintain wood longer. But this is not true. The wood beneath the ground, the fence posts, will rot from the years of exposure to moisture and soil. Trex is made from a combination of reclaimed wood with recycled plastic. This creates a sustainable and extremely durable product.
In addition to durability, did you know that Trex is engineered fencing? It has the most studied engineering behind its design in the industry. This engineered system includes an aluminum rail on the bottom which is not used in any other type of fence.
When to Choose Trex Fencing for Your Yard
The following are situations when homeowners greatly benefit from Trex fencing.
When You Don’t Want to Deal with Fence Maintenance and Repairs. Wood fences have a lifespan around 18 years and the color will fade, the wood will shift, gap, split, and possibly lean, well before that time. Even worse, it may blow over in high winds. Repairs to wooden fences can be costly. It’s often not as simple as replacing a single panel; posts are often rotten in the ground. Due to its unique material, Trex is zero maintenance: a busy homeowners dream.
When You Live in a Windy Area. If you live in Colorado, you know that we can get pretty intense winds throughout the year. The interlocking-picket design of Trex fencing evenly distributes the stress from wind across the fence line, making each section incredibly strong. A Trex fence can withstand 130mph wind gusts, and 110mph constant wind, something no other privacy fence can stand up to. In addition, Trex fences utilize a 5.5” square post; making the fence strong and stable. This is why many homeowners along the Colorado Front Range choose Trex for their fence; the winds coming off the foothills can be strong and many wood fences just can’t hold up in high winds.
When Privacy Matters. Homeowners who live along a busy roadway, on a corner, near neighbors, or near a commercial district often seek a privacy fence around their house. The overlapping style of Trex fences provides a fence without gaps.
When You Plan to Live at Your Home Longer than 12 Years. If you are planning to stay in your location longer than 12 years, the cost of Trex reaches a breakeven point. The lifespan of Trex is 50-60 years. The idea of most likely never having to repair or replace a fence or spend more money on it is a critical factor in many homeowner’s decision for fencing.
When You Want High Quality. A Trex fence is a high-quality fence, and quite simply, it shows. The ‘picture frame’ design gives it a framed in and finished look. Plus, a fence that doesn’t fade, warp, rust, rot, splinter, or lean, just looks much better.
When There is Concern About Wildfires. Another benefit of Trex is that it carries a Class B fire rating. This comes from the ASTM E84 Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials which places testing materials into three different classes. Flame spread classifications used for building materials are:
- Class A – Fire exits, interior finishes
- Class B – Walls and ceilings of small rooms
- Class C – Finish materials in large capacity rooms (over 300 people) and exterior use for wood decking
Trex’s Class B rating means the risk of a fire spreading on it is reduced compared to wood fencing.
Related Read: Top 10 Questions About Trex Fencing
Why Commercial Properties Choose Trex Fencing
Many businesses choose Trex to surround the perimeter of their property due to the zero maintenance factor, the quality look, and the unique sizing available. Trex comes in an eight-foot height for commercial use and the company makes a pre-built cantilever gate up to 20 feet long. It is also often used for dumpster enclosures because it’s strong, nice-looking, and long lasting.
Trex Fencing for Homeowners Associations
Many HOAs prefer Trex because it will serve as a perimeter fence and provides a consistent look throughout the property and helps increase property values. The zero-maintenance factor also plays into the fencing choice of many HOAs. They have reserves of funds that come from their monthly or yearly fees. Fence repairs and replacement are expensive, and HOAs don’t want to burn through their reserves just on fencing. They would much rather have that money for snow removal, common area maintenance, and other projects.
A “No Regrets” Type of Fencing
While Trex fences are more expensive than traditional wooden fences, they are no longer the priciest option out there. More importantly, Trex continues to prove its worth through its longevity and durability.
