What are the Advantages of a Plastic Fence?

Fencing is a landscaping element that has the potential to be functional and attractive. At the same time, adding fences to the front or back yards also creates one more element that must be maintained. One of the ways to minimize the frequency of keeping the fence in good condition is to go with a plastic fence.

Whether used for backyard fencing, as a design element in the front yard, or as deck fencing around a pool, a plastic fence offers one major benefit that many other types of fencing do not: you never have to paint the fence. The color goes all the way through the material, so there is never any worries about peeling paint. Instead, all that is necessary with many designs is to wash off the fencing now and then. That task can often be accomplished in less than a half hour using the garden hose.

Plastic fencing also comes in a variety of different styles. You can go with simple lattice fencing, or a fence option that resembles a picket fence, or even a fence made from logs. Many of these designs appear to be anything but plastic; no one will know until they step up to the fencing and actually touch the surface.

The ease of installation is another key advantage to going with a plastic fence. Since the sections are relatively lightweight, it is easy to move them into position, attach the new segment to the previous one, and drive the stakes on the bottom of the segments into the ground for a secure fit. Even people who can’t lift heavy weights can handle the fence installation with relative ease.

Anyone who has ever had to replace a damaged segment of a wood or chain link fence knows that is a labor-intensive and sometimes expensive task. With a plastic fence, simply detach the damaged segment, slide another one into place, sink the spikes and lock the segment to the sections on each side. Repairing the damage is not likely to take more then fifteen minutes, instead of an hour or more with other types of fences.

Keep in mind that the lightweight nature of the fence does not mean it is flimsy. A well-constructed plastic fence is quite sturdy. Many of them are strong enough to hold up well to a household pet jumping up to look over the top of the fence, and will also allow children or adults to lean on the fencing without a problem. However, they are generally not strong enough to allow even a small child to climb onto the railings and sit.

There is often some concern about how well a plastic fence will hold up in hot weather. Many of the brands on the market today are manufactured to resist heat, humidity, and constant sunlight with no melting or breakdown in the integrity of the fencing. It is not unusual for manufacturers to provide information on what temperatures the brand of fencing can withstand, so it is easy to choose a fence that will work well in your climate.

One aspect that may appear to be a liability at first is the cost of most brands of plastic fences. Often, the fencing is as high as twice the cost of wood or chain link fencing. However, when the time and cost of maintenance is considered, that higher price tag begins to appear more reasonable. When coupled with the ease of installation and the wide range of styles, colors, and textures available with a plastic fence, the value is very apparent.