Composite fence takes aim at vinyl market

PROVO — Manufacturers of new products often use focus groups to get feedback during development.

But corporate executives only take their advice sometimes.

So when Trex Co. Inc. went after feedback in Utah, which lays claim to the largest vinyl fence market in the country, company executives paid attention.

Trex Seclusions makes interlocking fencing.

Cedar Fence Co. became an influential member of the focus group, company executive Tim Farrell said.

The photo shoot for the company's marketing brochures also took place in Provo. Additionally, Cedar Fence Co. makes specialty gates from the composite material that the fence builder ships around the country with Trex fencing, Farrell said.

The fencing looks like wood but is made from recycled hardwood, plastic wrap and shopping bags. Unlike competitive white vinyl fence companies, Trex fencing interlocks one thick board at a time. Each board has a wood graining embossed in it.

Trex fencing is available only from Cedar Fence Co. and another fencing company in Kaysville, Boise and at least one outlet in Colorado. Marketing salespeople are now targeting California, Ashcraft said.

Trex is more commonly known for its composite decking.

The material is rated to withstand winds up to 110 mph and wind gusts up to 130 mph and is guaranteed for 25 years, more than twice as long as some vinyl. Vinyl warranties vary. However, that longer life and durability of Trex put the price at about twice the price as vinyl, Cedar Fence owner Rick Ashcraft said.

Trex fencing doesn't come in white but in three shades of brown and a shade of gray with a variety of gate styles and fence post caps. More colors are in development.

Ashcraft expects to see a ready market in communities where vinyl is banned, such as in The Ranches area in Eagle Mountain.

White vinyl hasn't been allowed in the west Utah County community since its inception several years ago, said Chad Atkinson of the homeowners' association. Only wood fences are allowed. However, Trex fencing matches the requirement exactly, Atkinson said.

Installing a Trex fence is easy for the do-it-yourselfer, Ashcraft said, but professional installation is recommended.

In the fencing business since 1989, Ashcraft started installing fences while a student at Brigham Young University to pay his tuition..

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E-mail: rodger@desnews.com