Having been a general contractor for several years and recently installing a new vinyl fence for my own home, I realized that distinguishing the differences between vinyl fence manufacturers can be quite overwhelming. Many companies purport to have the best vinyl fencing product in the market. Learning how to differentiate between the competition will help you find the best company to meet your needs.
The best vinyl fence companies offer exceptional products that meet or exceed the industry’s manufacturing standards set by ASTM F964-13(2019). Some companies prove to be superior by guaranteeing exceptional installation, offering matchless customer service and backing their products with a lifetime guarantee.
I have constructed this post because of the practically non-existent resources available on the web for an apples-to-apples comparison of vinyl fence manufacturers. Not only will I provide a side by side comparison, I will also explain the manufacturing process and describe the competitive environment within the industry. Putting all of this information together into one place will not only help you learn how to choose the vinyl fence manufacturer that is best for you, it will also save you hours and hours of research.
Side-by-Side Comparison of Vinyl Fence Manufacturers
| Company |
Claims |
Made in USA |
Lifetime Warranty |
Transferable Warranty |
ASTM / AFA / VMA Certified |
Meets Florida Wind Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Certainteed (Bufftech) |
•Best Protection you can get •Darker colors have ColorLast fade protection •5 year labor warranty |
✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Illusions |
•Not sold directly to the consumer •Manufacturing incorporates a blended mix of stabilizers impact modifiers processing aids and pigments •Over 60 choices between colors ans styles—no other company comes close •Best Gate in Industry with Uni-welded Corners •Railings Meet Code ICC- ES AC174 |
✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Ply Gem |
•Uses the best resins and solar stabilizers used to prevent fading and UV degradation •Use the highest quality raw materials and the most advanced engineering techniques •Nothing else finishes a property like Ply Gem fencing •Engineered for affordability with no compromises •Largest manufacturer of outdoor building products in North America •A division of Cornerstone Building Brands •Railings Meet Code ICC- ES AC174 |
✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
Duramax Building Products |
•Engineered for maximum durability •Duramax is the most durable vinyl fence money can buy •Perfected use of uv inhibitors and impact modifiers •Manufactured and Engineered for the southwest region •Specifically engineered for high UV exposure •Duramax will stay young looking forever •Proprietary Duraresin material, Devision of US Polymers Inc. •Leading manufacturer of vinyl fences on the west coast |
✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Weatherables |
•Committed to a superior customer experience •The only thing stronger then their fence is the service that goes with them •Fences are up to 50% stronger than competitors •Manufactured by USA Vinyl LLC •No other company makes higher quality products |
✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Homeland Building Products |
•Committed to the highest standards of quality •There is no better protection under the sun than ACCU-Shield •Provides the highest quality fence money can buy •Unparalleled longevity |
✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
Husker Vinyl
|
•Uses the best resins and solar stabilizers used to prevent fading and UV degradation •Use the highest quality raw materials and the most advanced engineering techniques •Nothing else finishes a property like Ply Gem fencing •Engineered for affordability with no compromises •Largest manufacturer of outdoor building products in North America •A division of Cornerstone Building Brands •Railings Meet Code ICC- ES AC174 |
✓ | ✓ | |||
Blackline |
•CPVC is one of the most energy-efficient materials to produce •Releases very little CO2 into atmosphere •Guaranteed to stand the test of time •One of the most advanced building products on the market •Mono extrusion |
✓ | ✓ | |||
Freedom Fencing
|
•Meets Florida’s wind rating: 75 mph with 115 mph gusts •Manufactured by the same parent brand as Home Depot: Barrette Outdoor Living |
✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
Veranda
|
•Meets Florida’s wind rating: 75 mph with 115 mph gusts •Manufactured by the same parent brand as Lowes: Barrette Outdoor Living |
✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
Best Vinyl
*example of local |
•Utah based and serviced only •Offer superior customer service •Uses the most scientifically advanced materials available •Uses the finest materials at a fair price, Lifetime wind warranty •Voted best fence company in Utah Valley 15 years in a row |
✓ | ✓ | |||
Mountain West Vinyl Products
*example of local |
•30 years plastic extrusion experience with 20 years manufacturing vinyl |
✓ | ✓ |
Which Style of Fence is Best for You?
Having a general idea of the type or style of fence that you would like to install is the first step with your vinyl fence research. It will help you filter between available solutions in your region.
Examples: What region do you live in and what type of weather exposure do you incur? Are you looking for privacy with wind high-wind ratings ? Or, do you have an expansive property looking for a durable triple-rail ranch-style perimeter? Or, are you in a weather protected location looking for high-end ornamental?
By using the information in this post, you will be able to tie together important characteristics to look for in a company which will better enable you to find the best one that fits your needs.
To give you a prime example of putting together all of the information in this post to find the best vinyl fence company, consider the following situation for someone who lives in the southwest desert.
If durable privacy is the main focus, there is one company that stands out: Duramax. They are a company that services the Southwest and constructs their product to sustain the excessive sun exposure in the region. Not only does Duramax offer the most TiO2 (12 parts per 100)—a UV inhibitor, they exceed ASTM manufacturing standards.
Duramax claims to manufacture “the most durable vinyl fence money can buy”. Their post material is thicker than most competitors—which will help mitigate southwest winds. They use a co-extrusion method of manufacturing that offers strength and resilience to the harsh desert environment. Their fastening system is routed & interlocking. They also have a lifetime warranty that is transferable. Source: https://www.duramaxbp.com/resources/frequently-asked-questions/
Vinyl Fence Composition: the Determining Factor in Durability and Longevity
A vinyl fence is made from PVC (PolyVinyl Chloride). The same PVC piping used to run a sprinkler system or interior drainage systems is also used to manufacture a vinyl fence.
However, a vinyl fence has additional specific needs. It needs to be able to resist UV rays from the sun to prevent it from discoloring and deteriorating. It needs to be flexible as it expands and contracts with temperature change and wind exposure. It needs to be resistant to the impact from the inevitable collision of assailing objects such as, getting pegged by soccer balls, small rocks from mowing, etc. It also needs to be sturdy enough to carry the specific load of the fence.
With all of this in mind, additional additives are included into the fabrication process of the vinyl fencing materials to make them more durable and resilient. The overall PVC ingredients are either mono extruded (injected into a single solid layer of combined materials), or co-extruded—creating an inner and an outer layer to concentrate the ingredients where they are needed most.
What is Vinyl Fence Co-Extrusion? Why is it important?
The co-extrusion process of manufacturing vinyl fence materials involves melding, under extreme high temperatures, two layers of PVC compounds together. The materials comprised in the inner layer (substrate) are typically composed of filler and strength compounds. The outer layer (cap-stock)—is composed of a concentration of inhibitors to resist UV damage and modifiers to resist impact. Source: vinyl-concepts.com
The amount and variation of ingredients, such as: strength modifiers, impact modifiers, UV inhibitors, and pigment used in the manufacturing process can be juxtaposed to the overall quality and longevity of the vinyl fencing material.
Vinyl Fence Industry Leveled by Industry Adopted Standards: ASTM International
ASTM International, the American Society for Testing Materials, has for over 100 years provided testing results and data to establish international resources for consensus manufacturing, building and assembly procedures.
Ever since the critical need in the late 1800’s to provide consistent steel bridge manufacturing and construction practices—to ensure the safety of all workers, travelers, and pedestrians, ASTM International has expanded their testing and data collection to virtually thousands of manufacturer-to-consumer products and industries.
“Committed to serving global societal needs, ASTM International positively impacts public health and safety, consumer confidence and overall quality of life. We integrate consensus standards, developed with our international membership of volunteer technical experts, and innovative services to improve lives—helping our world work better.” Source: ASTM International Mission Statement.
In a nutshell, ASTM International improves the lives of millions everyday to help everyone have confidence in the things they buy and use. Source: https://www.astm.org/ABOUT/overview.html.
Standards for Manufacturing Vinyl Fencing: ASTM F964-13(2019)
Since 1996, ASTM International has established and enhanced standards for the manufacturing of outdoor PVC products. ASTM F964-13. Their objective is to provide international access to a single resource for the ingredients, manufacturing procedures, and installation methods required to manufacture, provide and install the longest lasting quality vinyl fencing products for the end consumer.
Standards for the Installation of Vinyl Fencing: ASTM F199-14(2019)
In addition to providing standards for manufacturing, ASTM International also has standards for vinyl fence installation in: ASTM F1999-14(2019): a guide detailing minimum installation methods and standards for those responsible for the installation of vinyl fencing.
Other standards and vinyl fence related tests are: Burning: ASTM D635, Thermal Expansion: ASTM D696, Impact Resistance: ASTM D4226, UV exposure: ASTM G154, Vinyl (PVC & CPVC) compounds: ASTM D4216, and Guards or Handrails: ASTM D7032-10a
ASTM Standards Backed by Intensive Data
All of ASTM’s research and standards are backed by their world-renowned testing methods, results and data. Their standards are continually updated as new industry manufacturing and installation improvements are implemented to enhance testing results.
Rough Start For Vinyl Fencing
Like with any new industry, vinyl fence manufacturing and installation went through a rough time. The concept and potential was evident. PVC in general is an incredibly long-lasting material. Afterall, PVC plumbing is virtually impervious to deterioration and can reliably run the water lines through a commercial or residential structure and outdoor underground watering systems for a very very long time.
However, PVC underground is not subject to impact, UV exposure, wind, or dramatic temperature change. In the 1970’s, the first vinyl fences were fabricated by underground PVC manufacturers. Source: History of Vinyl in Outdoor Construction. These original products yellowed, became brittle and deteriorated rapidly being subjected to the harsh outdoor environment.
The Vinyl Fencing Concept Quickly Gains Traction
However, the vinyl fence concept was born. The aesthetic and useful qualities of vinyl fencing quickly caught-on.
To compensate for the outdoor exposure issues, companies began implementing variations of additives to the PVC manufacturing process with efforts to enhance outdoor exposure resistance.
Over the years, through constant research and revision to the chemical and ingredient composition, outdoor vinyl fencing materials have been greatly enhanced and modified.
Vinyl Fencing to Last a Lifetime
A well made vinyl product’s durability, imperishably, and tenacity can now last for decades, and perhaps—as claimed by some manufacturers—a lifetime.
With ASTM International’s readily available access to vinyl fence manufacturing standards and ingredient specifications, why would companies NOT manufacture within basic compliance? One reason that seems evident is: cost—the cost to update manufacturing equipment and the cost for purchasing expensive additives, chemicals, and other ingredients.
For example, one of the modifiers identified in the ASTM International standards is Titanium Dioxide: TiO2—an expensive building material.
The cost of TiO2 has risen dramatically over the last few years—perhaps due to the increasing anti-pollution restrictions on Chinese production. Source: Kaolin: the Answer to TiO2 Price Hikes?.
TiO2 is a standard additive used to increase the UV resistance to the outer cap-stock layer of vinyl fencing. The amount used is potentially where some manufacturers either penny-pinch—to create a more affordable product, or set themselves apart from the rest by increasing the amount of TiO2 above the standard—surpassing the amount used by other competitors and becoming an emphasized selling point.
Manufacturers Should Disclose ASTM Adherence
I personally feel that manufactures should make it clear whether they adhere to, or surpass, the ASTM International building standards. And, although a more affordable vinyl fencing product may be the best solution for a specific consumer, all end-users should be able to make their decision with full disclosure.
Because I believe this information is so important, and because many manufacturers don’t make the information readily available anywhere, I personally made multiple phone calls and sent multiple emails to different companies requesting the information.
Again, it’s just my personal opinion—all end-users should be entitled to full disclosure.
Consumers should be able to identify a company’s product that does not comply with ASTM F964-13 to be able to juxtapose the price differentiation versus a company who does.
Consumers should be able to make an investment decision based off of whether the cost savings is worth it. Otherwise, consumers are simply left to wonder whether the cheaper product is only cheaper because it doesn’t carry a renown brand label.
The AFA Sets High Standards for Vinyl Fence Manufacturing and Installation
The American Fence Association (AFA), was established in 1956. In 2004, a division known as “Vinyl Fence Manufacturers Association” (VMA) was created. In 2012 a certified installation program was launched. In 2015, the VMA launched a manufacturing certification program. Source: American Fence Association: Historical Timeline
The AFA considers their trained, licensed, and certified contractors to be the best of the best and the “gold standard” in the industry. They claim, “The AFA logo by a contractor’s name signifies the adherence to the strictest, industry-leading business and ethical practices, standards of honesty and responsibility – as well as having access to over 160 hours of industry-specific educational and training opportunities every year.
Contractors with AFA registration and certification promise a quality job with high standards, ethics, and professionalism so they can better serve you.” Source: http://www.americanfenceassociation.com/why-afa-contractors/
Vinyl Manufacturers Association (VMA): The Vinyl Manufacturers Association is the consumer’s assurance of quality. The association was established in 2004 as part of the AFA’s organisation of the Vinyl Fence Deck and Railing Manufacturers Association (VFDRMA).
The VMA certification ensures consumers that the product they are installing meets the VMA manufacturing standards which also happened to be in accordance with ASTM International standards.
A company carrying the VMA logo of certification can can be recognized to have a quality product. This, in no doubt, benefits certified company’s as it strengthens their brand recognition through their sales and marketing pursuits.
The ASTM, AFA and VMA push the Vinyl Fence Industry Forward
The ASTM International standards F964-13 for manufacturing and F-1999-14 for installation have been progressively adopted and expanded into US market manufacturing and installation techniques—largely due to the assertive integration of AFA installation certification and the VMA manufacturing certification. The marketplace has been leveled. During the last decade, in the industry’s common ground, healthy competition has risen exponentially.
When pairing VMA and AFA certifications, a consumer can indeed expect a top quality product with a top quality install.
The Vinyl Fence Industry has been Leveled
The combined quality with brand recognition through the ASTM, AFA, VMA one-two-three combo has enabled some companies to expand their product line with a plethora of colors, textures and styles to maximize their ability to meet the needs of a full spectrum of consumers: those looking for affordable quality versus those looking for high-end luxury or ornamental.
There are now more vinyl fence products being offered today than ever before. Product lines are being offered with unprecedented aesthetic qualities. Indeed, the industry is skipping forward in huge leaps and bounds.
Congruently, there has been a significant leveling and consensus amongst companies with regard to manufacturing and prescribed installation techniques.
I wrote an article that discusses the vinyl fence post installation method that is unanimously adopted by manufacturers that illustrates this point through the perspective of installation. You can read it here.
Some companies that earned a poor reputation for manufacturing and distributing subpar products in the past are now major competitors—though old (now false) rumors still rampantly circulate the web. Lowes’ and Home Depot’s vinyl fence product offerings are tainted because of this scenario.
What is the Difference Between Vinyl Fence Companies?
Because of rising competition, by reading the sales literature alone it is difficult to identify which company has an edge over the others.
Many vinyl fence companies advertise the usage of specific materials that enable them to “lead” the industry or to “produce the best vinyl fencing product”. Their bold statements refer to their manufacturing methods and often use descriptive jargon that is difficult to understand. Additionally the same claims are often made by other manufacturers.
I’ll explain a few of the commonly used terms below. However, it is important to understand that the development of new variations of these material components is at the very forefront of what is driving the technology enhancements in the vinyl fence industry.
Vinyl Fence Companies Heavily Advertise Their PVC Composition, But What Does it Mean?
As enhanced additives, polymers and modifiers are designed and tested, the standards set in the vinyl fence industry will be adjusted to ensure that manufacturer compliance will offer consumers the very best product.
TiO2
TiO2: Titanium Dioxide is an ingredient used in the outer cap-stock of vinyl fence posts, rails, pickets and panels. It absorbs UV rays from the sun and reflects non UV light. Its UV absorption qualities protect the vinyl fence material from discoloring or yellowing. It also enables the fence to maintain a bright appearance.
Although the application of TiO2 can cause a PVC material to become chalky, other additives and modifiers are used to diminish this effect. Source: Weathering of PVC Pipes and Fittings.
Impact Modifiers
Impact modifiers: Rubber particles added into a polymer (continuous multi-unit strand) matrix. When added to PVC material, it reduces PVC’s natural brittle tendency to chip and crack and allows more flex and the ability to absorb impact without damaging the material.
Impact modifiers have a similar function as rebar installed into concrete to prevent cement driveways and sidewalks from cracking. Examples: Methacrylate butadiene styrene (MBS) terpolymer, Chlorinated polyethylene (CPE), Ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), and Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene terpolymer (ABS)
Source: Practical Guide to Polyvinyl Chloride.
UV Inhibitors
UV inhibitors: If photons in the PVC are allowed to absorb UV radiation, they become “excited” and create free radicals that may cause splitting and cracking throughout the material.
Source: What does UV radiation actually do to degrade plastics?
Additives are used for UV damage prevention through the application of:
- Absorbers: absorbs UV light and disperse it as heat or harmless ultraviolet radiation
- Hindered Amine Light Stabilizers (HALS): hinder photodegradation by trapping free radicals caused by photo-oxidation
- Quenchers: prevents the creation of free radicals by returning UV induced excited particles to their ground level state. Source: Top 3 Plastic Additives for UV Stabalization
Acrylic Modifiers
Acrylic modifiers: Acrylic additives used to prevent outdoor weathering, increase strength, and improve resistance to damage from the heat in hot climate regions and the cold in cold weather regions. Examples: Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene terpolymer (ABS), Acrylate polymethacrylate copolymer (acrylic).
Acrylic modifiers are commonly used in paint to reduce brittleness and cracking—even with thin coat applications. Source: Paraloid Performance Additives for CASE.
Post Wall Thickness
Post wall thickness: a vinyl post’s thickness will slightly vary between manufacturers. However, thicker isn’t always better—though it certainly can be. For example, a thicker post made with lesser amounts of impact and acrylic modifiers, TiO2, and UV inhibitors may be far more brittle than thinner post materials offered by other companies.
Railings Code ICC-ES AC174
Railings Code ICC-ES AC174: The ICC Evaluation Service is another company that certifies compliance of ASTM International standards. Companies that claim their railing systems meet this code are simply touting that the product meets ASTM D7032-10a.
The Door is Wide Open for Local
As widespread adherence to standard manufacturing practices has become streamlined, the cost of expensive machinery has been driven down. Subsequently, it has opened the doors to local manufacturers to affordably obtain the equipment and acquire the necessary materials to manufacture quality products.
Local companies may not have the need to affiliate with AFA or VMA certifications. They may not have the need to propagate beyond their local area nor to maximize an extensive product offering. Instead, local manufacturers may only seek to offer a simple product and rely on local contractors to open and create a sustainable market.
Is Choosing a Local Vinyl Fence Company a Good Decision?
Local contractors benefit from being able to acquire a quality affordable product from a local readily available source. This alleviates them from having to spend large amounts of time arranging shipping and placing advance orders. It also gives them quick access to resolve the inevitable installation surplus or shortcomings that involve small adhoc orders and adjustments.
Local, affordable, and quality may be the best solution for a consumer who has found a reliable contractor. Also, local access to vinyl materials and affordable pricing may be particularly ideal for consumers who are determined to DIY the vinyl fence install.
I’ve written several articles about installing a vinyl fence—most of them directed to the DIY audience: all at: favoritefence.com
- Is it Hard to Install a Vinyl Fence?
- Can You Install a Vinyl Fence Without Concrete? Exploring Alternatives
- Do Vinyl Fence Post Need Wood Inserts? Alternatives will Save Time and Money
- Do you have to add concrete to vinyl fence posts?
These sources may assist with some of the challenges associated with installing a vinyl fence.
Product Warranty: Essential when Choosing a Vinyl Fence Company
All manufacturers offer some sort of warranty on their product. There may be subtle differences between the warranties, such as: limited warranty, limited lifetime warranty and limited lifetime transferable warranty.
The limited lifetime transferable warranty demonstrates that the manufacturer has the highest level of confidence in their product.
However, in order to ensure that the product can be warrantied through a warranty claim, it is critical that the fence is installed per the exact manufacturing installation specifications. Also, in order for many products to be covered by the company’s warranty, the installation must be registered upon project completion.
A fence installed by an experienced AFA certified contractor will allow you to rest assured that the fence has been installed properly. That being said, it would still be very prudent for you as the consumer to do your due diligence and make sure that the fence installation is done with 100% adherence to the manufacturer installation specifications—especially if your contractor is not AFA certified (even if they have years of installation experience).
What’s more, if a warranty claim is ever needed, and, if a vinyl fence is installed by a VMA and AFA certified contractor the process for a warranty claim and repair will likely be more streamlined because of the affiliations the contractor has or had with the manufacturer and the retail company.
Contractors Come and Go, a Warranty Stays
Independent contractors will not be around forever. They may be long gone by the time a warranty claim is needed.
It is most likely that a warranty claim will only cover the damaged materials. If a warranty claim is, in part, due to improper installation, filing a claim against a contractor who is no longer in business can have futile results. Warranty claims are definitely something to consider when going local.
Typically, the actual repair isn’t necessarily something that the manufacturer will get involved with. Again, if you’ve installed a vinyl fence through a refutable AFA certified contractor or VMA certified company, there is a possibility that the repairs, depending on the circumstances, may also be covered by the contractor or the company who installed your product.
SUMMARY
Choosing the BEST vinyl fence company will depend largely upon the needs of the consumer. Durability can be found through most major companies with a few of them that stand out as trend setters in the industry.
Local solutions may be available when ASTM compliant. DIY enthusiasts may find the best solution locally. High-end, luxury or ornamental products are mostly going to be offered through major companies.
The materials and additives used in manufacturing are relatively streamlined between ASTM compliant manufacturers. Service and warranty claims may be more comprehensively resolved through AFA and VMA certified companies.
