Unveiling the Truth Behind PVC Post and Rail Fencing: Insights from Australians

One of our clients recently commented, “Let’s be honest, no one loves PVC”. The statement is true for pretty much everything made of plastic – looks good and does its job but you know it’s neither the stuff of your dreams nor a long-term investment. 

If you have already chosen PVC Post and Rail Fencing and installed it on your property, we understand why you would’ve opted for this durable fence. It has its advantages. However, if you’re yet to choose and are considering PVC fencing for your equine or lifestyle property, we encourage you to read this article and make an informed decision. 

At Stock & Noble, we provide the finest fencing solutions to high-end properties across Australia and New Zealand. Our portfolio has superior quality fencing options like Premium Steel Post and Rail, Hardwood Post and Rail and Flexible fencing (Legacy Rail). 

Based on our experience in the fencing industry and insights learned from helping clients build their signature properties, we would shed light on the limitations and the sentiments of Australian property owners towards PVC Post and Rail Fencing. 

In this blog, you will learn what you can expect from PVC, the perception it holds and whether this post and rail fencing is the right solution for you. 

Understanding PVC Post and Rail Fencing 

PVC post and rail fencing is primarily made of polyvinyl chloride, commonly known as PVC. This material is a type of plastic that is widely used for various applications due to its durability, versatility, and low cost.  

Locally Made PVC: Better quality, higher price 

There are different qualities and varieties of PVC fencing, the better the quality the higher the price. The good quality PVC post and rail fencing is typically made in Australia. It is tailored to withstand Australian environmental conditions, while cheaper imports often compromise on quality. 

White PVC: Better known than black 

This post and rail fencing typically come in white, with some manufacturers experimenting with black variants. However, the latter poses challenges due to sunlight absorption, leading to potential distortion. Although advancements have reduced some issues, black PVC remains relatively uncommon, so be cautious even if you choose to go ahead with the option. 

Available in configurations of 2, 3, and 4 rails, PVC post and rail fencing is used across various property types, including equine facilities, front fencing, and driveways.  

The Realities of PVC Post and Rail Fencing: What Australians Think 

A Temporary Solution:  

Australian property owners view PVC fencing as a temporary fix, bridging the gap between affordability and functionality. While it meets immediate needs, it falls short in long-term durability and aesthetics compared to hardwood or steel alternatives.  

Not for Forever Properties:  

If you are creating a forever property and want high aesthetics and minimal maintenance steer clear of PVC. It tends to degrade over time. The bright white turns to yellow and sun exposure makes the rails hard and brittle. Also, PVC Post and Rail Fencing is known to harbour mould. These factors take away from the desired beauty and longevity, making this fencing not the right fit for your forever property.  

Short-Term Appeal:  

As a short-term solution, PVC serves its purpose, especially for property owners looking to enhance curb appeal, a quick makeover before selling or compromising because of budget restraints.t. 

Disappointment Among High-End Consumers:  

In our experience, high-end property owners express dissatisfaction with PVC fencing, as it fails to elevate the property’s full potential. These time poor property owners also experience ongoing maintenance which continues to increase as the fence ages. With time comes brittleness which brings safety concerns and the fear of injury to one of the family.  

The Downside of PVC: Real-Life Experiences  

Many people we’ve talked to recognize that PVC isn’t the best fit for their needs or projects. However, due to budget constraints preventing them from opting for traditional timber or steel post and rail fencing, they often settle for PVC as a compromise.  

Recently, we received an order from a property owner in NSW (Gundergai) who was deliberating whether PVC would withstand the presence of kangaroos. When we understood the customer’s needs and considerations, the owner acknowledged that it wasn’t the right choice. They understood that they wouldn’t achieve the same long-lasting aesthetics and practical benefits as they would with steel fencing. 

PVC: A Compromise, Not the Ideal Choice 

When it comes to fencing solutions, Australians are careful about choosing the right fit for their properties. PVC post and rail fencing often emerge as a compromise for those seeking affordability without compromising functionality.  

For many, PVC post and rail fencing is not the first choice but rather a fallback option due to budget constraints. While timber or steel post and rail fencing offer durability and aesthetic appeal, PVC stands out as a more economical alternative. Despite its widespread usage across regions like Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and Western Australia, concerns linger regarding its suitability, especially under the harsh Australian sun. 

Is PVC Post and Rail Fencing the Right Fencing for Your Property? 

In summary, PVC Post and rail fencing offer a cost-effective solution for immediate fencing needs. So, if you have strict budget constraints and want to do a quick makeover of your property, PVC could be a good option. However, its drawbacks, including brittleness and safety risk, colour fading, and overall degradation, make it a substandard choice for those seeking superior quality and aesthetics.  

While the price gap between PVC and premium alternatives like timber or steel is significant, the long-term benefits of the latter outweigh the initial cost considerations. It’ll be worth digging deeper and comparing Premium Steel and PVC Post and Rail Fencing solutions in detail. It’ll help you understand what’s the difference in the quality, longevity, maintenance, looks and ROI of the two fencing types. 

In the world of rural fencing, PVC Post and Rail may serve a purpose, but it falls short of fulfilling the aspirations of lifestyle property owners seeking durable, aesthetically pleasing, and long-lasting investments. While functional, it remains a compromise rather than a dream solution for Australian properties. 

If you have more questions or need step-by-step guidance on how to plan and create a safe and beautiful property, connect with our fencing experts. They will help you find the right solution that fits your vision, the needs of your animals and your budget.