Good fences make good neighbors and great first impressions. And if you are in the market for a new fence, there are many options. But for some Melbourne homeowners, PVC gates and fences have been popular for many years. This type of fence has become popular in recent years due to its curb appeal, affordability, and versatility. It offers a modern and stylish alternative without sacrificing durability to traditional wood or metal fencing.
Are PVC Fence and Vinyl Fence the Same Thing?
One common question about our vinyl fence products is whether vinyl and PVC fences are the same.
If you’ve ever done home improvement projects, you’re probably familiar with polyvinyl chloride or PVC. PVC is a common formulation of vinyl used in many ways, including plumbing, construction, electrical insulation, and more. PVC has many benefits, including a high strength-to-weight ratio, low production costs, and a long lifespan.
Vinyl fences use PVC as the main ingredient. However, some also combine it with other vinyl formulations, including polyvinyl acetate (the main component of wood glue) and polyacrylonitrile (a common acrylic fiber). This has led many in the fencing industry to interchange the terms “vinyl” and “PVC” interchangeably.
Vinyl refers to synthetic man-made plastic materials made from ethylene (found in crude oil) and chloride (found in salt).
There are a few different types of vinyl, including polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinyl acetate, and polyvinyl alcohol. What do people call polyvinyl chloride for short? PVC!
That’s right – there is no difference between PVC and vinyl fences! So if you hear one fence company say “PVC” and the other say “vinyl,” just know they are talking about (roughly) the same thing.
Why Choose PVC Vinyl Fences?
PVC is the main ingredient in vinyl fencing. That’s why many people in the industry use the terms interchangeably. It helps to think of vinyl as a general term and PVC as just one product.
Although confusing to understand at first, PVC vinyl fences are one of the most popular fences, and with good reason. Here are the three main benefits of a PVC vinyl fence and why they’re one of the most popular fence types we install.
1. Durability
The most significant benefit of PVC vinyl fences is their durability. PVC fences are resistant to both biological and chemical breakdowns. Given proper treatment (and they don’t need a lot!) PVC vinyl fences can last anywhere from 20 to 30 years.
2. Low Maintenance
While wood fences can split, splinter, and warp throughout the years, vinyl fences do not. You also don’t need to treat them as they are naturally water-resistant.
Another great thing about PVC is that it’s easy to clean. Premium PVC vinyl fences don’t need to be cleaned often, but if you do need to give your fence a touch-up, you can normally take care of it with a hose or simple house cleaner. Very rarely will PVC fence owners need to perform any other maintenance on their fencing.
3. Design
Just because you want a PVC vinyl fence doesn’t mean it has to look the same as everyone else’s! Sure, there are plenty of vinyl fences out there, but you can choose from plenty of customizations to make your fence your own.
Like all fences, you can choose a height or height that best fits your area. Another way to add a little customization to your vinyl fence is with a splash of color. You can do all white or all tan or combine them to create a unique look.
One last way our customers have gotten pretty creative with their PVC fencing is with lattice. We’ve regularly installed fences with diagonal or square lattices.
Read more: The Benefits and Drawbacks of Vinyl Fencing
Types of PVC Fences
PVC fences are the perfect solution for Melbourne homeowners looking to create a modern yet classic aesthetic for their homes. Aside from its ease of maintenance, this versatile fence comes in a wide range of styles and heights, offering more flexibility and a range of options that would complement your home or property.
The appeal of PVC fences has been overgrown in Melbourne. This fencing option offers the best of both worlds, catering to modern tastes and for those who prefer classic picket-style fences, and is far more cost-effective when compared to wood, steel, or aluminum.
PVC picket fence designs are more traditional, while modern PVC privacy fences offer contemporary styling to complement any home or commercial property.
Let’s discuss the most popular fence styles and options.
PVC Picket Fences: Timeless and Classic
PVC picket fences are an elegant and timeless way to add beauty to your home. They make a great addition if you want the classic white pickets that will always remind us of those dream homes we see in magazines!
It’s no wonder PVC picket fences have seen such rapid growth in Melbourne. They offer an elegant and tidy appearance, often used as a decorative element to highlight other aspects of your property, such as landscaping or patios. PVC picket fencing will work well with any house design, from rustic country homes to modern abodes.
It is a great choice to add curb appeal to your property and is perfect for those who love the look of traditional wood picket fences but don’t want the hassle or upkeep that comes with it.
PVC picket fences combine privacy with sufficient airflow and visibility. These types of PVC fences offer the perfect balance between elegance, privacy, and functionality for any homeowner looking to improve the exterior of their home or property.
There are 3 different styles available in PVC picket fences: Gothic Scalloped, New English Flat, and Modern PVC fence.
Gothic Scalloped PVC Fence
Gothic Scalloped PVC Fence adds a colonial arched design to your home with its distinctive scalloped shaped accent. Scalloped style picket fences are a classic design with successive descending pickets to the center. It rises towards the ends from the middle, creating a scallop shape.
New English Flat PVC Fence
New English Flat PVC Fence adds a classic look to your property. It is the classic picket fence with slats straight across and at the same height, adding simplicity and clean-cut lines. These picket fence designs are preferred for homeowners who want to keep things classy and elegant.
Modern PVC Fences
Modern PVC Fences are perfect for those looking for a more modern, sleek design that still imbues the traditional charm. Modern picket fences are more contemporary while retaining the clean-cut lines that make them look elegant and beautiful.
Choosing the PVC picket fence that best suits your yard is a matter of preference. All these fence design options complement just about any suburb landscape or a cherished garden on your home or property.
PVC Privacy Fencing: Absolute Privacy
Privacy fences are a great way to safeguard your property while still being attractive in design without compromising on modern beauty or the classic elegance of an ornate fence.
Aside from providing an attractive, clean look that will make any house stand out, a full-privacy PVC fence is a great way to create a sense of separation and protection within your property. It is an excellent choice for homeowners looking for a more organic, muted look in their front yard.
PVC Fence Installation Costs
Modern PVC privacy fences and picket fences are typically priced per lineal meter (between $110 to $160), varying depending on design, length, height, soil conditions, and access.
The cost of a PVC fence is one thing to consider, but the long-term benefits make it a worthwhile investment in both time and money!
Get a Quality Fence For Your Home!
Live in the Melbourne area and want to learn more about our services and how they can improve your home. Call Latitude Fencing today at 0490 525 788. As the number one provider of vinyl fences in the Melbourne metro, we can offer you the best deals and the most experience for your installation.
Latitude Fencing Contractors can help you determine what type of PVC fence will work best for your needs. We can supply, design and install a PVC fence based on your specifications and requirements.
You can also visit us on Google Business Profile to see pictures and read reviews from past customers. Talk to us today or request a free quote.