Types of Plastic Post and Rail Fencing in Australia.  

When it comes to selecting the perfect fencing solution for your property, you’ll find that the world of fencing materials offers a plethora of choices. 

Among the array of options available, plastic post and rail fencing have increasingly gained popularity due to their cost effectiveness and an obvious alternative to anyone disenchanted with timber post and rail.

If you’ve already looked at different types of post and rail fencing solutions available in Australia, and chosen Plastic as your favourite, then this article will help you head in the right direction. 

At Stock & Noble, we provide the finest fencing solutions to high-end property owners across Australia and New Zealand. Horserail and Legacy rail are our two premium plastic fencing products which are globally successful and proven for their quality and safety.  

While we believe that our products are the best, we understand that these might not be perfect for your needs, vision and budget. Based on our experience and expertise in helping our clients create beautiful properties with post and rail fencing, we will discuss the details of the leading plastic post and rail fencing options available for you today. 

In this blog, we will dive into the world of plastic post and rail fencing, focusing on three prominent types: PVC, Composite, and Flexible fencing. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of their pros and cons, helping you make an informed decision for your fencing needs. 

Types of Plastic Post and Rail Fencing  

PVC Post and Rail Fencing (Vinyl Fencing): This option features hollow posts and rails, and it’s commonly referred to as vinyl fencing in some countries. 

Composite Post and Rail Fencing: Made from recycled plastics, this choice typically includes solid posts and rails. 

Flexible Fencing: Primarily designed for equine applications, this fencing type features rails supplied on a roll and can be used in conjunction with various fence posts. Some suppliers even offer electrifiable options for added safety when fencing in horses or animals.  

It’s essential to note that PVC and Composite fencing options do not offer electrifiability, which makes flexible fencing a standout choice for those who require this feature, especially in equine settings. 

PVC Post and Rail Fencing 

Pros of PVC Post and Rail Fencing: A Familiar Look 

Traditional Aesthetics

PVC post and rail fencing offer a classic look with morticed posts in the centre, making it an excellent choice if you desire a traditional appearance for your property. 

Readily Available

PVC fencing is widely accessible, making it a convenient choice for those looking to start their fencing project quickly. 

Customisation Options

With the ability to configure it with different numbers of rails and colours (although mostly supplied in white), PVC provides flexibility in design. 

Cons of PVC Post and Rail Fencing

Strength Concerns

PVC may not be suitable for containing large animals as it is not particularly strong and tends to deteriorate over time, potentially leaning over or growing mould. 

Aesthetics Over Time

Despite its initial appeal, PVC fencing may not maintain its visual appeal as well as other options, making it more suitable for short-term projects. 

Cost

Among the three plastic post and rail fencing options, PVC tends to be the most expensive, depending on the supplier. 

While it certainly has its place in the market, it hasn’t garnered overwhelmingly positive reviews. We rarely hear customers singing its praises long after the installation, indicating that it doesn’t rank high in terms of customer satisfaction or aspiration. 

Composite Post and Rail Fencing: An Eco-Friendly Choice 

Pros of Composite Post and Rail Fencing

Environmental Friendliness

Composite fencing is made from recycled plastics, providing a sustainable and eco-friendly option for fencing projects. 

Non-Corrosive

Composite fencing is non-corrosive, making it an ideal choice for areas near saltwater or harsh environmental conditions. 

Strength

Composite fencing is stronger than PVC, offering better security and peace of mind if it contains horses.  

Versatility

It offers versatility in installation, allowing you to choose between morticed or screwed rails for custom designs. 

Animal Safety

Unlike PVC, composite fencing is less likely to become brittle over time, ensuring the safety of animals. 

Cons of Composite Post and Rail Fencing

Limited Options

Composite fencing typically comes in dull grey, limiting your choices in terms of aesthetics. 

Not Ideal for Equine Properties

If you’re looking to create an equine or lifestyle property with a specific aesthetic, composite fencing may not align with your vision. 

Quality Discrepancies

Since composite materials are recycled, there may be minor discrepancies in the product’s appearance or strength. 

Lack of Matching Gates

It’s rare to find matching gates for composite fencing, as the material isn’t suitable for gate construction. 

Composite or recycled fencing is increasingly finding its niche in specific environments, particularly beachfront and public spaces such as parks. Its subdued grey appearance, while not as visually striking as PVC, has become more accepted in these settings. So if you choose to go ahead with composite fencing, you can find solace in the fact that its usage is on the rise. 

This growing acknowledgment of composite fencing is particularly noteworthy in areas where traditional materials like timber or steel may not thrive as effectively. 

Flexible Plastic Post and Rail Fencing: Safe and Cost-Effective 

Pros of Flexible Plastic Post and Rail Fencing

Compact and Cost-Effective

Flexible plastic fencing is compact, making it cost-effective for shipping across Australia. It also allows for up to 4-meter post spacing, reducing the cost of the overall project if required. 

Safety for Animals

This type of fencing is exceptionally safe for animals, especially in equine properties. 

Electrifiable Options

Premium brands offer electrifiable options, allowing you to teach animals to respect the fence. 

Versatile

You can use flexible plastic fencing with various fence posts, offering flexibility in design. 

Cons of Flexible Plastic Post and Rail Fencing

Limited Visual Impact

Unlike PVC and composite fencing, flexible plastic fencing is not designed for morticed installation, impacting its post and rail aesthetics. 

Electrifiable Option Lifespan

Electrifiable options in flexible fencing may have a shorter lifespan compared to other choices. 

Requires Tension

Due to the nature of this rail system, it demands substantial tension. This entails dedicating time and effort to create sturdy corner and end assemblies to ensure the system functions effectively. In certain cases, this can result in increased installation costs and time investment.

Not Practical for Undulating Terrain

Properties with steep or significant variations in topography may find this option impractical.

Not Suitable for Smaller Areas

It may not be suitable for smaller yards or shorter runs. 

Limited Colour Options

In Australia, it’s typically available in black and white, with rare opportunities for custom orders in brown. 

Ready to Choose the Right Plastic Post and Rail Fencing for Your Property? 

You like the durability and versatility of plastic post and rail fencing and wanted to understand the different variants available today. Now you know there are three prominent plastic post and rail fencing options in the market – PVC, Composite and Flexible Plastic. 

The choice of plastic post and rail fencing ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences.  

• If you seek a traditional look, PVC fencing might be your preferred choice. 
• If you’re environmentally conscious, composite fencing offers an eco-friendly option. 
• If you have an equine property, flexible plastic fencing is the ideal choice due to its horse-safety features. 

Overall, out of the three options, flexible plastic fencing stands out as the most versatile and cost-effective choice. It not only provides immediate visual appeal but also maintains its aesthetics over the long term. If you’re interested in flexible plastic rail, it’ll be worth comparing different types of Horserail based on cost, installation, quality and performance. 

In summary, when embarking on your fencing project, it’s good to weigh the pros and cons of each type of plastic post and rail fencing carefully. By considering your specific requirements and priorities, you can select the option that best aligns with your vision, ensuring a successful and beautiful property for decades. If you have any questions or need guidance on choosing the best fencing for your property, speak to our fencing expert. Get professional advice without the obligation of any purchase.