I want to replace some 1X6 pine fence rails with Azek (or similar), but I’m not sure that PVC trim has enough rigidity to span the 8′ between posts.
The rails just fit into a mortise in the posts. I’m sure that I’ll be able to flex them enough to install them, but I’m sort of imagining them bowing over time.
What do you think?
Replies
1x6 azek over an 8' span? Azek will tell you that you cannot do that, it will sag way too much.
I too don't feel you could use Azek as a rail component, but I've had wonderful success in the use of it for the pickets (read NEVER have to paint).
Thanks. Pretty much what I suspected.
Any ideas on what I might be able to use that would be maintenance-free?
You mean truly maintence free? I don't know if that exists for that type of fence..I see a lot more vinyl fencing going up here, but it's a hollow extrusion (like a box section) into a hollow post.
Seems to me that a 1x6 or similar would be woogedly in the in/out plane..and sagging somewhat. Maybe 5/4 Trex?
Then it boils down to what are ya fencing in or out? Goats? Horses? Beefalo?...we got a farm down the road with Buffalo, and the fence is Hiway Guardrail..and they still bash that into ribbons when it storms big.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
You gonna play that thing?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32Ln-SpJsy0
As I was out and about today, I was looking at fences in the style of the one that my customer has. They were all either the PVC extrusions that you mentioned or 1X6 painted pine.
I've given up on the idea of Azek and I think the PVC fences look rather cheap. So I'll be sticking with wood. Painting and scraping the stuff that's worth keeping and replacing any boards that are too far gone.
The irony is that the cost to the customer will be greater to repair and re-paint the existing than it would have been to replace it all with Azek.
Thanks for the help.
As Pelipeth replied, stain is the thing to use for fencing. No scraping, easy to apply and reapply. Moderate priced white pigmented is better looking after a winter than hi $$ paint.
Thanks, I'm aware of that, but this fence already has a coat of paint that's mostly not peeling. I think I need to stick with what's there.
Not really. Did a repair on a picket fence, some rails were shot so I replaced them with 2x3 PT, 2x4 ripped to width. Have had good luck with Cabots #1812 white stain, covers really well.
Trex has some new fencing products. Go to their website and take a look. Last I checked it wasn't available yet, but it might be now.
It's just a decorative fence like this one:
View Image
I found this on another forum. The poster said it was PVC and that it was holding up fine. I can't tell if that's an 8' span, but it's close.
Trex does have some fencing, but I guess I'm not really looking for fencing. I'm looking for white, maintenance-free 1X6.
Thats what I was referring to right there. I have seen some sagging on really hot days here, and from what I can tell, most of it is decorative, and not holding in horses.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
You gonna play that thing?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32Ln-SpJsy0